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2:    V  -ST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  11580 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliot^raphiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Features  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  the  images  in  the 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


□ 


Coloured  cowers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I      I    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  endommagie 

Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurde  et/ou  pelliculde 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


I      I    Coloured  maps/ 


Cartes  gdographiques  en  couleur 


□    Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noiro) 

I      I    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


n 


Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 


Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relid  avec  d'autres  documents 


r~|    Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 


n 


along  interior  margin/ 

Lareliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 

distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  interieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  6t6  filmdes. 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  6ti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Les  details 
de  cet  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-dtre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mdthode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquis  ci-dessous. 

Q    Coloured  pages/ 
Pages  de  couleur 

Q    Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagdes 

n    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaur^es  et/ou  pelliculdes 

r~~|    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Lkj    Pages  ddcolordes,  tachetdes  ou  piqu^es 

□    Pages  detached/ 
Psges  ddtachdes 


l/ 


Showthrough/ 
Transparence 


I      I    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


Quality  indgale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  materiel  supplementaire 

Only  edition  available/ 
Ssule  Edition  disponible 


n 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partiellement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure. 
etc.,  ont  iti  film^es  i  nouveau  de  facon  A 
obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


I    "1    Additional  comments:/ 


Irregular  pagination  :    [1]  -  455,  458,  [4],  463-606,  609-719,  [2]  p. 


Commentaires  suppldmentaires: 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmd  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqud  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


26X 


30X 


>/ 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


iils 

iu 

difier 

jne 

lage 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

National  Library  of  Canads 


The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


L'exemplaire  f|im6  fut  reproduit  grdce  d  la 
g6n6rosit6  de: 

Bibliothdque  nationale  du  Canada 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  6t6  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netcetd  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprimde  sont  filmds  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  film6s  en  commengant  par  la 
premidre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernidre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED "),  or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END  "). 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  le  symbole  —^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 


Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirety  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  dtre 
filmds  d  des  taux  de  reduction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Stre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  filmd  d  partir 
de  I'angle  sup6rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  n^cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


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IX 


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;/'..  A.IUL\..yr'i!./'U.j,.  'M^Jd^Clj/AAmnunjuiUu  I  MM.lKctollhliarihmiJJutndtflhiSliiU.ofHyork 


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HISTORY 


Of 


ST.  LAWRENCE  AND  FRANKLIN 

COUNTIES.  NEW  YORK, 

FaOH   THE 

EARLIEST  PERIOD  TO  THE  PRESENT  TIME. 

BT 

FRANKLIN  B.  HOUGH,  A.  M.,  M.D., 

CORRESPONmifO  MBHBBR  OF  THE  NEW  TORK  HISTORICAL  SOCISTT. 


ALBANY: 

LITTLE  &  CO.,  53  STATE  STREET. 

1853. 


% 


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Entered  accordinr  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1853,  by 

FRANKLIN  B.  HOUGH, 

rn  the  Clerk's  office  of  the  District  Court  for  the  Northern  District  of  New 


York. 


1/ 


MUNSF.1,1,,  PHINTKU, 
AT,nANY. 


PREFACE. 


<w» 


The  interest  which  was  manifested,  in  a  lecture  delivercrl  in  December, 
1851,  at  Ogdensburgii,on  the  early  history  of  the  county,  led  to  the  belief 
that  the  subject  was  one  that  commended  itself  to  the  attention  of  the  citi- 
zens generally  ,and  induced  the  collection  of  the  materials  herewith  offered 
to  the  public.  To  the  numerous  persona  who  have  expresoed  an  interest 
in  the  work,  and  in  various  ways  aided  in  promoting  it,  our  sincere 
thanks  are  tendered;  but  an  attempt  to  enumerate  those  from  whom 
facts  and  verbal  statements  were  received,  would  be  impossible.  To 
the  Hon.  Henry  S.  Randall,  secretary  of  slate,  and  Mr.  Archibald  Camp- 
bell, his  deputy,  are  we  indebted,  for  access  to  the  voluminous  data 
which  our  state  archives  afford,  and  aid  in  procuring  many  facta  not 
elsewhere  existing.  Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callughan  has  been  of  especial  service, 
in  directing  our  attention  to  various  sources  of  information;  and  Dr.  T. 
Romeyn  Beck,  in  the  loan  of  volumes  relating  to  our  subjects  of  investi- 
gation. To  Messrs.  Jamea  H.  Titua  and  A.  O.  Brodie,  of  New  York, 
and  to  Henry  E.  Pierre[)ont,  Esq.,  of  Brooklyn,  are  our  acknowledg- 
ments due,  for  materials  in  aid  of  the  work ;  as  they  are  also  to  Dr. 
Amasa  Trowbridge,  of  Watertown,  and  P.  S.  Stewart,  Esq.,  of  Carthage. 
The  sketches  from  which  most  of  the  wood  engravings  were  made, 
were,  with  the  exceptions  of  the  views  of  Gouverueur  and  Potsdam, 
drawn  by  Miss  Levantiti  J.  Woolworth,  of  Turin. 

To  Elijah  B.  Allen,  president  of  the  Ontario  and  St.  Lawrence  Steam 
Boat  Company,  and  Mr.  T.  P.  Chandler,  president  of  the  Northern  Rail 
Road  Company,  are  we  especially  indebted,  for  facilities  in  collecting 
materials,  and  to  the  following  citizens,  for  direct  aid,  and  written  me- 
moranda, used  in  these  pages,  viz:  the  Hon.  Messrs.  Henry  Van  Rensse- 
laer, John  Fine,  David  C.  Judaou,  Preston  King,  Jas.  G.  Hopkins,  Smith 
Stilwell  and  Bishop  Perkins;  the  Rev.  Messrs.  L.  M.  Miller,  J.  P.  Jen- 
nings and  H.  R.  Peters;  to  Drs.  S.  N.  Sherman  and  A.  Tyler;  and  to 
Messrs.  A.  B.  James,  James  C.  Barter,  Wm.  E.  Guest,  A.  C.  Brown,  L. 
Ilasln-ouck,  B.  H.  Vary,  H.  F.  Lawrence  and  R.  G.  Pettibone,  of  Og- 
densburgh ;  D.  W.  Church  and  C.  Ford,  of  Morristown ;  D.  W.  Baldwin 
and  A.  M.  Church,  of  Rossie;  II.  D.  Smith,  Ea(i.,  C.  Rich  and  Hon.  E. 
Dodge,  of  Gouverneur;  Dr.  D.  Clark,  Rev.  R.  Pettibone  and  Messrs.  M. 


IV 


PREFACE. 


Thatcher,  J.  L.  Rnssell,  Goo.  S.  Winslow,  F.  Wood  and  I.  R.  Tupper, 
of  Canton ;  E.  A.  Dnyton,  of  Cohiinbia  viilnfjc ;  T.  Ogden,  of  Wadding- 
ton  ;  Hon.  Wm.  A.  Dart,  L.  and  W.  L.  Knowles,  S.  Raymond,  Wm.  H. 
Wallace,  J.  Blaisdcll,  B.  G.  Baldwin,  Rev.  I.  Aden,  E.  W.  Foster,  W. 
M.  Hitchcock,  and  Rev. Andrews,  of  Potsdam;  L.  C.  Yale,  of  Nor- 
folk; Rev.  W.  Whitfield,  of  Pierrepont;  Rev.  O.  M.  Moxley,  of  Parish- 
ville ;  Hon.  H.  Horton,  Col.  Charles  L.  Schlatter,  F.  Pellitier,  S.  C.  F. 
Thorndike,  A.  B.  Parmelee,  G.  Parker,  Dr.  E.  Man,  Dr.  T.  R.  Powell, 
J.  H.  Jackson,  U.  D.  Meeker,  R.  G.  Foote,  G.  C:  Cotton  and  Rev.  A. 
Parmelee,  of  Malone ;  J.  C.  Spencer,  of  Fort  Covington ;  A.  Fulton,  ot 
Hogansburgh;  and  Rev.  F.  Marcoux,of  St.  Regis;  and  not  least  because 
last,  to  the  several  editors  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Republican,  Ogdensburgh 
Sentinel,  The  Laborer,  Canton  Independent,  Potsdam  Courier,  St.  Law- 
rence Journal,  Franklin  Gazette  and  Frontier  Palladium,  arc  our  cordial 
thanks  tendered,  for  the  kind  attention  »they  have  bestowed  upon  the 
enterprise. 

The  indulgence  of  the  reader  is  solicited  towards  the  typographical 
errors,  that  must  unavoidably  occur  among  so  many  names  and  dates; 
and  the  assurance  may  be  received,  that  such  statements  only  are  given, 
as  are  believed  to  be  facts.  It  is  at  all  times  a  delicate  task  to  write 
ui)on  subjects  of  history  relating  to  those  living,  or  about  which  many  of 
the  readers  must  know  more  than  the  writer.  How  nearly  truth  has 
been  attained,  the  reader  must  decide.  It  has  been  our  aim  to  be  strictly 
impartial;  to  injure  the  feelings  or  the  interests  of  none:  to  do  justice 
to  the  resources  of  the  country,  and  to  the  memories  of  those  whoso 
acts  make  up  our  history.  Many  links  in  the  chain  of  events  are  want- 
ing, and  the  data  from  which  history  is  derived,  arc  daily  becoming  lost. 
It  has  been  our  aim  to  rescue  from  oblivion  the  incidents  that  attended 
the  feeble  beginnings  and  early  struggles  of  a  district  of  country  which 
a  combination  of  favoring  causes  is  destined  to  place  high  in  rank  of 
wealth  and  importance ;  and  if  our  efforts  shall  Sn  any  degree  tend  to 
this  end,  by  making  known  our  resources  and  our  advantages,  a  promi- 
nent object  which  has  been  constantly  before  us,  will  have  been  attained. 

FRANKLIN  B.  HOUGH. 

Albany,  February  7,  1853. 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  I. 

ABORIOtNAIi,    FRENCH    AND    KNOLISII    HISTORY. 

Traces  of  ancient  occupancy — Early  discoveries — Journals  of  voyages — Found- 
ing of  mission  at  la  Presentation — Memoir  of  Picquet — Isle  Royal  fortified — 
Its  seige  and  surrender — Account  of  Osvvegatchie  tribe, 17 

CHAPTER  II. 

ST.    REGIS. 

Its  situation — Origin — Labors  of  Father  Gordon,  a  Jesuit — Legend  of  the  bell 
— Capture  of  Decrfield — Their  action  in  the  revolution — Treaties  of  various 
Indian  tribes — Account  of  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada — Their  proceedings 
previous  to  the  treaties — Doings  at  the  first  treaty — Account  of  subsequent 
treaties — Part  taken  in  the  war — Great  mortality — Internal  organization — 
Present  condition — Names  of  places — Lives  of  several  Indian  chiefs, . .     110 

CHAPTER  III. 

ORGANIZATION   OF    THE  COUNTIES,  PUBLIC    BUILDINGS,  ETC. 

Original  petition  for  organization  of  St.  Lawrence  county — Act  of  incorpora- 
tion-=-Acts  relating  to  the  erection  and  removal  of  site  of  public  buildings — 
Act  incorporating  Franklin  county— Memoranda  from  county  records,     204 

CHAPTER  IV. 

HISTORY    OF    THE    LAND    TITLES. 

Tendency  to  spread  of  settlements  after  the  Revolution — Early  action  of  legis- 
lature for  sale  of  lands — Resolutions  of  land  commissioners — Sale  of  "ten 
towns  " — Macomb's  purchase — The  islands — Titles  of  the  several  towns — 
Gospel  and  School  lots — Old  military  purchase — Account  of  first  surveys — 
Incidents, 235 

CHAPTER  V. 

ORGANIZATION  AND  SETTLEMENT  OF  THE  SEVERAL  TOWNS. 

List  of  towns  in  St.  Lawrence  county — Details  and  incidents  relating  to  each — 
Lists  of  supervisors — Memoranda  from  town  records — Religious  societies — 
List  of  towns  in  Franklin  county,  with  details, 260 

CHAPTER  VI. 

SOCIETIES  AND  ASSOCIATIONS — THE  PRESS — HISTORY  OF  ACADEMIES. 

Medical  societies — Benevolent  societies  —  Lyceums — Irish  relief— Religious 
associations — Societies  for  mutual  benefit — Masons — Odd  Fellows — Rechab- 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


ites — Sons  of  Tempernnee  —  Protective  unions  —  Agriciilturnl  gocictirs  — 
Insurance  companies  —  Banks — Account  of  the  local  press — The  several 
academies, 517 

CHAPTER  VII. 

INTEUNAL   IMPR0VEMFNT8,   STATISTICS,   ETC. 

Proposed  improvement  in  navigation  of  St.  Lawrence — Improvements  of  the 
smaller  rivers — Rail  road  history  from  the  begintiinij — Statistics  of  Northern 
rail  road — Potsdan"  and  Watertovvn  rail  road — Telegraphs — Steam  boats — 
State  roads — Plan!  roads — Statistics  of  population — Pensioners  in  iS-tO-- 
Custom  districts — Post  offices — Lists  of  civil  officers, 554 

CHAPTER  VIIL 

BIOGRAPHICAL    NOTICES. 

Russell  Attwater,  Thomas  B.  Benedict,  John  Boyd,  James  Campbell,  D.  W. 
Church,  Thomas  J.  Davies.  John  Fine,  S.  Foote,  D.  Ford,  N.  Ford,  Asa 
Hascall,  Lcais  Hasbro'.ick,  Rosvvell  Hopkins,  H.  Horton,  D.  C.  Judson,  R. 
McChesney,  D.  A.  Ogden,  David  Parish,  George  Parish,  H.  Powell,  B. 
Raymond,  A.  Richards,  J.  Rosseel,  J.  W.  Smith,  G.  Smith,  J.  B.  Spencer, 
R.  Townsend,  W.  11.  Vining,  H.  S.  Waterhouse,  Joseph  York,  Silas 
Wright, , 584 

CHAPTER  IX. 

ETENTS    OF    THE    WAR   OF    1812-1815. 

First  military  organizations — Events  at  Ogdensburgh  in  1812 — Affair  at  Tous- 
sant  island — Atlempt  of  the  enemy  in  October — Descent  upon  Brockville — 
Capture  of  Ogdensburgh — Details  of 'Wilkinson's  expedition, 617 

CHAPTER  X. 

THE    PATRIOT    WAR    OF    1837-1840. 

Causes — Destruction  of  steamer  Caroline — Of  steamer  Sir  Robert  Peel — This 
act  avowed — Affair  at  the  Wind  Mill,  near  Prescott — Official  returns  of 
killed  and  wounded — Outrages  upon  American  steam  boats  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence— Aflair  of  the  schooner  Weeks — Trial  and  sentence  of  prisoners,  with 
lists, 656 

CHAPTER  XI. 

GEOLOOT,    MINERALOGY,   METEOROLOGY,  ETC. 

Extent  of  several  rock  formations — Mines  and  metalic  veins — List  of  mineral 
localities — Meteorological  notes,  and  memoranda  of  natural  history, . .     675 

APPENDIX. 

Proclamation  of  Gov.  Colden,  announcing  the  surrender  of  Fort  Levi — Account 
of,  by  Knox — Superstitions — Note  on  Iroquois  language — Biographical  note 
on  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer — On  Hezekiah  B.  Pierrepont — Additional  notes 
on  Madrid, , 704 

Index, 717 


INTRODUCTION. 


EFORE  entering  upon  the  history  of  St.  Lawrence  and 
tFranklin  Counties,  it  may  not  he  amiss  to  glance  at  the  con- 
'dition  of  the  country  at  the  time  of  its  settlement,  that  the 
difficulties  of  forming  the  first  beginning,  and  the  embarrass- 
ments which  delayed  their  growth,  may  be  duly  appreciated. 
The  details  of  the  minor  events  that  make  up  the  annals  of  rural 
districts,  may  want  the  dignity  of  history,  but  not  the  interest,  especially 
to  the  citizens  of  these  localities. 

At  the  time  when  settlements  began,  here,  the  river  front  of  Canada, 
for  most  of  the  distance  above  Montreal,  had  been  settled  about  twenty 
years,  principally  by  tories,  refugees  from  the  States,  at  the  time  of  the 
revolution.  These  were  known  as  U.  E.  Loyalists,*  and  many  of  them 
suffered  extremely  from  the  privations  incident  to  their  forlorn  condition, 
as  great  numbers  fled  precipitately  irom  their  homes,  leaving  their 
property  to  be  confiscated,  and  although  the  British  government  gave 
them  lands,  and  in  various  ways  assisted  them  in  settling  on  the  St. 
Lawrence,  yet  there  remained  many  inconveniences  which  time  alone 
could  remedy.  In  the  school  of  adversity  they  had  learned  the  bitter- 
ness of  want,  and  were  more  willing  to  extend  aid  to  others,  from  having 
felt  its  need,  and  they  appeared  much  gratified  when  they  learned  that 
the  south  shore  was  to  be  settled. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact,  that  permanent  settlements  were  made  at  an 
early  day  along  the  St.  Lawrence,  at  several  places,  and  the  features  of 
that  majestic  river  were  familiar  to  these  enterprising  explorers,  before 
New  England  had  a  white  inhabitant.  With  an  assiduity  that  does  credit 
to  their  sagacity  and  forethought,  they  began  at  once  the  labor  of  concili- 
ating the  friendship,  and  securing  the  interests  of  the  savages,  that  had 
previously  roamed  through  the  forest  in  quest  of  game,  or  in  stealthy 
midnight  marches  in  search  of  some  unsuspecting  victim  of  revenge. 
The  few  traces  which  we  possess  of  aboriginal  occupation,  bespeak  a 

•  V.  E.-United  EagUab. 


via 


INTRODUCTION. 


military  piirHuit,  nnd  tlieso  prnltnl)))-  DXtund  Imcl:  to  nn  nnto  Cnlumhinn 
period,  nnd  siiow  thiit  whntovor  evil  pninticoH  the  nntives  mny  linvo  do- 
rivod  from  Eiiro|)oanH,  tho  art  of  war  wan  at  loaHt  indigoiious  on  tliin  con- 
tinnnt,  if  it  is  not  inherent  in  nian'H  nature. 

These  wandering  tribeH,  recoff ni/inp  lint  i'aw  objects  as  property,  know- 
ing few  wants  hut  those  of  tho  appetite,  and  liaTing  few  thoughts  or  de- 
sires above  tho  groveling  instincts  of  the  brute  creation,  the  French  In- 
bored  to  locate  in  permanent  villages,  to  teach  them  tho  art  of  cidtivating 
the  earth,  and  of  siuTounding  themselves  with  some  of  the  conveniences 
of  life. 

This  was  first  attempted  near  tho  settlements  at  Montreal  and  Quebec, 
of  which  the  present  missions  of  St.  T.ouis  nnd  Loretto  are  examples, 
but  it  was  fou!id  that  an  atmosphere  of  moral  desolation  hung  around 
tho  white  settlements,  peculiarly  fatal  to  the  nativ(!s,  who  were  more 
easily  corrupted  than  improved  by  associating  with  the  whites.  These 
facts  Ted  to  a  desire  for  tome  other  plan,  which  should  attach  the  natives 
to  the  French,  while  it  nlienatcd  them  from  the  English.  The  result  of 
these  efforts  was  tho  establishment  of  an  Indian  settlement  at  the  present 
village  of  Ogdensbnrgh,  of  the  rise,  jirogress  and  result  of  which,  a  de- 
tailed account  is  given  in  the  following  pages.  In  the  wnr  between  the 
Frencb  nnd  English,  which  resr'  d  in  the  ascendency  of  the  latter,  our 
district  became  the  theatre  of  active  operations,  and  from  the  Indian  set- 
tlement Swefi;atchi,  there  continually  issued  small  wnr  i)arties,  who  fell 
upon  the  feeble  settlements  of  the  Mohuvvk  valley,  nnd  slew,  scalped, 
|)lundered,  and  burned,  without  restraint.  These  cruel  nnd  wanton  out- 
rages, by  the  terror  which  they  excited,  to  a  considerable  degree  depopu- 
lated the  frontier  settlements;  nor  was  the  cause  of  this  annoyance  re- 
moved, until  tho  final  evncuation  of  the  posts  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  either 
with  or  without  resistance,  on  the  expedition  of  General  Amherst  in 
]7fi0.  During  the  American  revolution,  a  similar  series  of  incursions 
were  instigated,  under  the  direction  of  the  British. 

The  French  hntl  for  many  years  ceased  to  be  masters  of  Canada,  but 
a  great  part  of  the  population  of  the  lower  province  was  of  that  nation, 
and  they  long  continued  the  carrying  trade,  by  tho  toilsome  navigation 
of  the  St.  Lawrence,  drngging  their  luiteaux  up  the  rapids  with  incred- 
ible labor.  These  crafts  usually  proceeded  in  small  brigades,  and  the 
fatigue  of  rowing  was  relieved  by  the  rustic  song  of  the  steersman,  in 
which  the  others  joined  in  chorus,  keeping  time  with  the  song  in  the 
measured  dip  of  their  oars.  There  was  a  poetry  in  these  scenes,  which 
impressed  itself  upon  those  who  observed  them,  and  some  of  the  older 
inhabitants,  recall  with  regret  the  memory  of  the  cadence  of  the  simple 


^■m^'. 


INTRODUCTION. 


IX 


i 


1 
1 


Bonglof  tlio  voyngours.ns  it  died  nwny  in  fccMo  ccliocs  nlong  the  aliore  in 
the  still  evening.  These  have  lung  since  given  plueo  tn  the  noisy 
steamer,  tliat  sends  its  swell  to  ripplo  nlong  the  hunks,  and  the  piercing 
note  of  the  stonni  whistle,  denotes  Uin  innrch  of  eivilizntion,  nnd  gives 
proudse  of  other  nnd  greater  benefits,  which  the  future  has  in  store  for 
us. 

At  an  early  day,  the  improvornent  of  the  navigation  of  the  river  had 
been  begun,  by  cutting  canals,  with  locks,  across  some  of  the  more  diffi- 
cult points  in  the  rapids.  The  proprietors  and  agents  of  Northern  New 
York,  were  originally  more  favored  with  facilities  for  introducing  settlers 
upon  their  lands,  than  those  of  the  fertile  plains  and  valleys  of  the  great 
west,  because,  although  both  were  ecpially  destitute  of  roads,  the  former 
liad  the  advantage  of  distance,  and  emigrants  f;om  the  New  England 
states,  could  enter  these  counties,  with  niu'.  .■  less  time  nnd  expense 
than  was  rcquiredj  to  perform  the  journey  to  di o  Genesee  country  and 
Ohio. 

The  raute  to  the  latter  was  through  n)'r>  swnrnj>s,  nnd  nlong  streams 
and  valleys,  which  when  overspread  with  the  decaying  foliage  of  a 
luvi^.iunt  vegetation,  were  infested  with  deadly  rniasnis,  and  offered  to 
the  adventurous  emigrant  but  littlo  iuduceineiit  for  the  exercise  of  in- 
dustry, when  his  little  earnings  were  liable  to  bo  demanded  by  the 
expenses  of  sickness,  and  his  frame  on  alternate  days,  chilled,  parched, 
and  drenched,  with  fever  and  ngue.  Accordingly  wo  find,  that  during 
the  years  between  1802  and  1807,  the  tide  of  emigration  from  that  pro- 
lific hive,  JVeip  England,  poured  into  the  valleys  of  the  Black  and  St. 
Lawrence  rivers,  which  settled  with  n  tapidity,  especially  in  the  former, 
which  has  been  seldom  equaled. 

The  proprietors  seldom  made  their  tracts  their  homes,  but  their  agents 
were  generally  from  the  eastern  states,  and  men  of  influence  in  their 
own  localities,  and  we  find  that  the  first  settlers  in  the  several  towns 
were  often  from  the  same  neighborhoods. 

Winter  was  usually  selected  for  moving,  as  the  streams  and  swamps 
were  then  bridged  by  ice,  and  routes  became  passable  which  at  other 
times  would  bo  wholly  impracticable.  A  few  of  the  first  settlers  entered 
with  their  families  by  the  tedious  and  expensive  navigation  of  the  Mo- 
hawk river,  to  Fort  Stanwix,  and  thence  by  the  canal  at  that  place, 
through  Wood  creek,  Oneida  lake  and  river,  Oswego  river,  lake  Ontario 
and  the  St.  Lawrence  to  their  destination,  and  others  by  the  equally  toil- 
some and  more  dangerous  water  route  from  lake  Champlain,  and  up 
the  St.  Lawrence.  The  rumors  of  war  which  darkened  the  political 
horizon,  stopped  the  growth  of  the  country,  and  at  its  occurrence  the 


INTRODUCTION. 


settlements  diminislied  moro  rapidly  than  they  had  previously  grown. 
The  channel  of  trade  down  tho  St.  Lawrence,  which  was  fast  becoming 
cstablislied  was  broken  up,  and  the  exigencies  of  tho  period,  gave 
origin  to  the  belief,  that  other  avenues  to  market,  independent  of  the 
casualties  of  war  should  be  established,  nor  was  this  abandoned  until 
by  the  most  indefatigable  exertions  under  repeated  discouragements, 
the  great  want  has  been  supplied,  and  there  has  not  been  in  its  history 
a  period,  when  the  future  was  opening  more  pleasantly,  thon  the  present, 
inviting  the  investment  of  capital  and  industry,  with  the  promise  of  rich 
returns. 

In  tracing  the  birth  and  infancy  of  our  settlements,  through  tho  weak- 
ness, and  perhaps  tho  waywardness  of  inexperienced  youth,  up  to  the 
maturity  of  manhood,  it  has  been  our  uniform  desire  to  render  impartial 
justice  to  the  merits  of  those  to  whom  belongs  the  credit  of  having  met 
and  overcome  the  difficulties  of  a  new  country,  and  through  along  course 
of  years,  with  hope  deferred,  have  waited  and  labored  for  the  accomplish- 
ment of  those  objects  which  were  calculated  to  secure  a  lasting  benefit 
to  the  country.  About  1818,  the  first  attempt  was  made  to  establish  the 
dairy  interest,  a  branch  of  agriculture  which  will,  to  a  considerable  de- 
gree, supersede  every  other,  as  the  broken  nature  of  the  surface,  in  towns 
underlaid  by  primary  rock,  renders  pasturage  tho  most  profitable  use  to 
which  much  of  the  land  can  be  applied.  The  direct  access  to  the  mar- 
kets, at  all  times,  which  is  now  enjoyed,  enables  the  farmer  to  avail  him- 
self of  the  calls  of  the  market,  an<l  derive  every  advantage  that  has 
hitherto  been  felt  only  by  those  living  in  the  vicinity  of  large  cities.  Al- 
though butter  and  cheese  are  required  for  consumpv'on  by  millions,  yet 
but  a  comparatively  small  part  of  our  country  is  capable  of  producing 
them.  The  country  that  yields  these  articles  is  mainly  limited  to  the 
northern  border  of  the  Union;  the  climate  of  the  central  and  southern 
portions  not  being  adapted  to  the  purpose.  This  species  of  husbandry 
likewise  jjossesses  the  elements  of  perpetuity  within  itself,  from  the  very 
small  amount  of  the  produce  of  fields  that  are  taken  away.  Of  other 
sources  of  wealth  our  counties  possess  an  enviable  share,  when  these 
resources  come  to  be  known  and  appreciated,  they  can  not  but  be  im- 
proved. 

The  great  and  increasing  amount  of  freight  business  done  on  the 
Northern  railroad,  and  the  corresponding  addition  to  the  commerce  of 
the  river  and  lakes  to  meet  this  road,  bear  evidence  that  the  public  are 
beginning  to  realize  the  advantages  of  the  communication,  and  to  reap 
the  benefits  to  bo  derived  from  it. 

The  Canadian  system  of  rail  roads  in  progress,  is  destined  to  exert  a 


INTRODUCTION. 


XI 


favorable  influence  upon  the  prospects  of  this  section  of  tlie  stntc,  by  di- 
recting the  tide  of  travel  and  business  between  the  seaboard  and  the 
great  west,  tlirongh  our  midst,  and  the  commercial  interests  of  the  coimtry, 
with  wiiom  economy  of  time  end  money  are  leading  questions,  will  not 
be  long  in  finding  this  as  one  of  the  most  direct  and  eligible  avenues. 

There  at  present  exists  a  strong  probability,  that  the  desirable  link 
between  the  Northern  rail  road  and  that  from  Rome  to  Cape  Vincent, 
will  be  shortly  built,  which  must  tend  greatly  to  promote  the  growth  and 
wealth  of  the  district  through  which  it  will  pnss,  by  placing  it  in  com- 
munication with  the  markets.  The  enterprise  which  has  originated  and 
sustained  these  and  other  measures,  tending  to  develop  to  the  extent  of 
their  capacity,  the  resources  of  the  country,  may  perhaps  be  traced  to  the 
restless  progressive  spirit  characteristic  of  New  England,  from  whence 
the  mass  of  our  population  is  derived. 

Had  any  accidental  circumstances  thrown  the  fortunes  of  the  war  ot 
1758-17(50,  into  the  opposite  scale,  giving  to  the  French  the  ascendency, 
this  district  might  have  continued  as  it  begun,  inhabited  by  a  French  ])op- 
ulation,  and  exhibiting  that  stationary  and  neglected  aspect  still  seen  in 
their  settlements  below  Montreal;  unless,  perhaps,  the  commercial 
wants  of  the  country  m)ght  have  called  forth  the  expenditure  of  ex- 
traneous capital,  in  the  opening  of  lines  of  communication.  Thus  the 
events  of  a  retnote  historical  |)eriod  have  modified  the  character  of  all 
that  follow,  and  with  those  who  take  a  pleasure  in  watching  the  relations 
of  cause  and  effect,  there  can  be  nothing  more  instructive  than  obsei-ving 
how  necessarily  dependent  upon  the  past  are  the  events  of  the  future. 

The  claims  of  history  upon  the  attention  of  those  who  seek  probabili- 
ties in  precedents,  is  Uicrefbrc  direct;  and  of  an  importance  proportion- 
ate to  the  proximity  of  time  and  place,  rather  than  the  magnitude  of  the 
events.  The  mighty  changes  in  nations  and  empires,  and  the  re<^ords  of 
the  virtues  and  vices  of  mankind  which  adorn  or  disgrace  the  pages  of 
ancient  history,  are  instructive  as  showing  the  lights  and  shades  of  hu- 
man character,  but  they  have  to  a  great  degree  lost  their  practical  bearing 
from  their  dissimilarity  from  cxistinf  '"^nditions.  Their  consequences 
remain,  but  so  interwoven  in  thefabiii.  of  our  civilization,  as  to  be  in- 
separable. The  nearer  we  approach  the  present,  the  more  obvious  are 
the  effects  of  causes,  and  there  are  few  prominent  events  of  American 
history,  which  have  not  left  their  operation  nixin  existing  conditions,  and 
between  which  may  be  traced  the  direct  relation  of  cause  and  con- 
sequence. 

In  pursuing  the  history  of  any  district,  nothir.g  L- more  obvious  than  the 
fact,  that  cagses  apparently  the  most  trivial,,  often  produce  the  most  last- 


Xll 


INTRODUCTION. 


M 


l|! 


\m 


ing  effects;  niid  liencc  the  minor  details  of  a  settlement,  may  possess 
in  innlity  more  importance  than  was  attached  tothemp.t  tlietime  of  their 
oceiurcnce.  To  borrow  tlic  figm-o  of  Macaiilcy,  "  the  sources  of  the 
noblost  rivers,  that  spread  fertility  over  continents  and  bear  richly  laden 
fleets  to  the  sen,  are  to  bo  song-lit  in  wild  and  barren  mountain  tracts,  in- 
correctly laid  down  in  niai)s,'and  rarely  visited  by  travelers."  To  extend 
this  figure  we  may  add,  that  the  slightest  causes  may  give  direction  to 
the  mountain  rill,  and  thiisinflueuce  the  course  of  the  river,  and  the  con- 
sefinont  fertility  of  the  country  which  it  irrigates.  The  origin  of  our  va- 
rious institutions,  literary,  civil,  religious,  and  social,  are  especially  sus- 
ceptible of  receiving  their  future  direction  from  causes  operating  at  the 
.  time  of  origin ;  and  hence  arises  the  importance  of  knowing  these  data, 
to  bo  able  to  appreciate  in  its  various  bearings  existing  relations  and 
agencies. 

If  this  had  been  done  in  times  past,  an  explanation  would  have  been 
afforded  of  many  events  which  otherwise  appear  obscure.  The  unap- 
preciated facts  of  the  present,  are  too  apt  to  i)ass  unrecorded  and  un- 
heeded, until  at  some  future  time,  their  value  becomes  known  in  their 
want.  The  probabilities  of  the  future,  both  with  individuals  and  com- 
munities, are  derived  froni  the  past.  By  comparing  existing  facts  or  cir- 
cumstances, with  similar  ones  that  preceded  them,  of  which  the  results 
are  known,  wo  infer  the  probable  effects  that  will  ensue  in  the  case  be- 
fore us.  To  enable  us  to  do  this  successfully,  the  jiast  must  be  known, 
and  thus  history  becomes  our  index  to  the  future.  By  it  we  are  enabled 
to  shun  the  errors  of  others  by  knowing  the  consequences  which  ensue 
from  given  causes,  and  to  gain  those  ends  in  which  others  have  failed, 
by  profiting  from  their-  experience.  The  duties  of  the  historian  have 
been  beautifully  summed  up  by  another,  in  the  following  language: 
"To  gather  from  still  living  witnesses, and  preserve  for  tliei  ture  annal- 
ist, the  important  reconl  of  the  teeming  and  romantic  past ;  to  l  -ze  while  . 
yet  warm  and  glowing,  and  inscribe  ujioii  the  page  which  shali  ■  sought 
hereafter,  the  bright  vi>ioiis  of  song,  and  fiiir  images  of  story,  th  i,  gild 
the  gloom  and  lighten  the  sorrows  of  the  ever  present;  to  search  all  his- 
tory with  a  careful  eye;  sound  all  philosophy  with  a  careful  hand;  ques- 
tion all  experience  with  a  fearless  tongue,  and  tlicnre  draw  lessons  to 
fit  us  for,  and  light  to  guide  us  through,  the  shadowy  but  unknown 
future." 

It  has  been  our  endeavor  in  the  following  i)ages,  to  act  with  strict  im- 
partiality in  relation  to  local  interests  and  natural  advantages;  to  avoid 
any  appearance  that  would  lead  to  the  siis[)icion  tiiat  we  wished  to  pro- 
mote any  sectional  or  local  interest,  or  advance  the  personal  sectarian  or 
political  measures  of  any  person  or  class  of  persons. 


INTRODUCTION. 


Kill 


Many  subjects  liavo  been  i)assed  with  a  brief  notice,  that  but  from 
want  of  space,  wouhl  have  been  more  fully  discussed,  and  numerous 
documents  and  data  having  a  direct  relation  to  the  history  of  Nordicrn 
New  Yori<,  liave  been  for  the  same  reason  entirely  omitted.  To  thiy  class 
belongs  much  relating  to  the  events  of  the  war,  consisting  of  original 
letters,  official  despatches,  and  verbal  statements;  but  perhaps  enough 
will  bo  found  to  satisfy  the  reader  that  with  whatever  merit  or  wisdom 
the  measures  of  that  period  were  planned,  their  execution  was  attempted 
in  a  manner  that  shows  either  an  incapacity  or  disinchnation  on  the  part 
of  the  commanding  officers  for  their  successful  accomplishment.  The 
latter  has  been  often  suggested,  but  this  question  belongs  not  to  our 
inquiries. 

In  coming  down  to  a  still  more  recent  period,  and  giving  the  details 
of  a  movement  which  threatened  to  disturb  the  i)eace  of  the  country,  a 
difficulty  was  felt  in  relating  the  events  of  the  affiiir  from  the  different 
and  often  conflicting  statements  of  the  cotemporary  press,  and  the  ver- 
bal accounts  of  parties  who  acted  with,  or  who  discouraged  the  affairs. 
In  our  relation  of  these  events,  by  being  limited  to  an  account  of  a  few 
of  the  many  acts  that  make  up  the  history  of  the  Patriot  war,  an  oppor- 
tunity was  not  affijrded  for  exhibiting  the  movement  in  the  ligli .  that 
v/ould  enable  one  to  form  a  just  estimate  of  its  merits,  and  perhapo  »lie 
time  has  not  yet  elapsed,  when  a  candid  opinion  could  bo  safely  ex- 
pressed, without  encroaching  upon  the  reputation  of  some  of  the  agi- 
tators and  promoters  of  the  scheme  still  living.  The  blood  of  the  be- 
trayed and  unfortunate  youths  who  fell  at  the  wind  mill  at  Prescott,  and 
who  suffered  the  death  penalty  in  consequence  of  that  affair,  is  upon  the 
hands  of  those  who  incited  tli(3m  to  the  enterprise,  but  from  which  they 
kept  Ihemsdves  aloof.  The  tragic  issue  of  this  melancholy  affair,  like 
other  and  more  recent  ones  of  a  similar  class  on  the  southern  border  of 
the  Union,  should  serve  as  a  warning  beacon  to  guard  against  any  move- 
ment having  for  its  object,  die  forcing  of  our  institutions  upon  a  people 
who  manifest  no  wish  to  receive  tiiem,  but  who,  as  in  the  above  instan- 
ces, evinced  a  spirit  of  resistance,  and  a  vindictiveness,wliich  proved  the 
sincerity  of  their  feeling. 

It  would  have  been  pleasant,  to  have  been  able  to  extend  the  last 
chai)ter  of  the  work,  and  especially  to  relate  with  greater  detail  the  me- 
tnlic  and  mineral  resources  of  these  counties,  which  deservedly  enjoy  a 
high  ropntation  for  their  extent  and  value,  and  which  have  only  begun  to 
be  devolt)ped.  An  eimmeration  of  localities  where  metalic  ores  have 
been  found,  or  indications  observed  that  lead  to  the  belief  of  their  ex- 
istence, would  show  that  they  are  widely  scattered  over  the  primitive 


XIV 


INTRODUCTION. 


region,  and  will  without  doubt  hereafter  form  a  branch  of  industry  of 
great  prominence.  This  remark  is  especially  applicable  to  the  ores  of 
iron.  Of  the  minerals  interesting  to  the  man  of  science,  and  of  no 
practical  use,  few  sections  afford  so  great  a  variety,  or  those  of  more 
elegance,  than  the  western  part  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  and  particularly 
the  towns  of  Rossie,  Gouverneur,  Fowler,  Edwards,  and  Hermon.  A 
brief  enumeration  of  these,  with  the  towns  in  which  they  occur,  is  only 
given.  To  have  specified  the  particular  locality  of  each,  would  have  been 
tedious,  except  to  the  collector. 

In  the  chapter  of  biographical  notices,  disappointment  in  not  receiving 
materials  where  they  were  expected  and  had  been  promised,  has  de- 
j)rived  us  of  the  ability  of  inserting  several,  that  would  have  made  a  de- 
sirable acquisition  in  the  history  of  Northern  New  York,  from  the  pro- 
minent and  active  part  they  took  in  its  settlement,  and  in  the  title  and 
transfer  of  lands,  before  purchased  by  actual  settlers.  This  branch  of 
history  is  one  of  great  importance,  because  the  duty  of  the  annalist  is 
to  a  great  degree  but  to  record  the  acts  of  men,  and  the  consequences 
growing  out  from  "them. 

In  collecting  the  details  of  the  settlements  of  several  towns,  a  consid- 
erable amount  of  materials  were  procured,  which  have  not  been  used, 
consisting  mostly  of  the  names  and  short  memoranda  of  the  early  set- 
tlers, and  lists  of  those  who  first  formed  religious  societies. 

There  will  probably  be  found  some  errors  in  what  is  given,  as  from 
necessity  the  statements  were  oi\en  drawn  from  memory,  and  hence 
liable  to  uncertainty.  Written  memoranda,  and  records  made  at  the 
time  of  occurrence,  are  in  all  cases  to  be  preferred  to  the  memory,  how- 
ever definite  this  latter  may  be,  and  this  remark  is  equally  applicable  to 
every  department  of  history. 

lu  a  few  instances,  we  met  with  those  who  have  habitually  made  a 
record  of  passing  events,  and  thus  were  able  to  (ix  with  much  definite- 
ness,  the  dates  and  circumstances  of  events  which  otherwise  would  have 
been  obscure.  This  practice  has  in  it  that  obvious  utility  and  conve- 
nience, that  commends  itself  to  general  adoption,  and  these  memorials 
of  the  past  lose  none  of  their  interest  from  age,  but  rather  acquire  new 
value  in  proportion  as  the  event  becomes  distant. 

The  reliance  to  be  placed  upon  oral  evidence  dc{ieuds  upon  so  many 
contingencies,  that  it  possesses  every  degree  of  probability,  from  absolute 
(!crtainty  t(i  indefinite  fable.  The  greater  part  of  the  following  work  re- 
lates to  a  period  within  the  memory  of  those  living,  or  of  the  generation 
immediately  |)reccding  the  present.  Of  the  occurrences  half  a  century 
ago,  the  surviving  witnesses  who  then  knew  most  of  them,  have  become 


INTRODUCTION. 


XV 


enfeebled  by  age,  and  those  whose  memories  are  most  sound,  were  then 
young,  so  that  between  the  extremes  of  youth  and  age,  verbal  accounts 
have  begun  to  lose  their  reliability,  and  a  few  years  longer  would  place 
them  wholly  beyond  our  reach.  Traditions  extending  back  through  more 
than  two  generations,  may  as  a  general  rule,  be  rejected  by  the  historian 
as  idle  tales,  and  more  liable  to  mislead  than  instruct. 

This  work  is  submitted  to  the  public  with  a  consciousness  of  its  im- 
perfections, and  a  desire  that  the  reader  will  regard  with  indulgence, the 
errors  and  the  faults  which  the  greatest  vigilance  could  not  wholly  ex- 
clude.   If  it  shall  but  serve  to  awaken  an  interest  in  the  community  to 
which  it  applies,  and  lead  to  the  preservation  of  the  data  which  make 
up  the  materials  for  history;  if  it  serves  to  impart  an  interest  to  locali- 
ties, by  their  associations  with  the  events  of  the  olden  time,  and  espe- 
cially if  it  serve,  though  but  in  an  humble  degree,  to  attract  notice  to  the 
resources  and  the  advantages  which  they  possess,  our  object  will  have 
been  attained.    If  it  had  been  possible  to  have  rendered  it  uniform  and 
alike  minute  in  the  details,  it  should  have  been  done;  but  from  the 
omission  of  facts,  of  which  no  record  remain,  many  links  in  the  chain  of 
events  have  been  irrecoverably  lost.    Had  this  labor  been  attempted 
twenty  years  ago,  it  would  have  been  possible  to  have  rendered  the  early 
details  more  perfect.    At  an  equal  period  in  the  future,  much  that  is  here 
related,  would  have  passed  beyond  recovery. 


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or 


ST.  LAWRDNCE  AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


ClIArTKII  X. 

Am)l?l(iI\AI„  FFtKXCII.  AND  ENOrjSlI  IIISTOItY. 


I 


EAIJ  when!  tlui  (?8\vof;ntclii(i  river  niiiiffles  its  waters 
,^,j  Willi  tlic  St.  Liiwroiipo,  in  tlu^  viii;is;(!  of  Oirdoiisliiirjrli, 
may  !)(!  niioii  tlm  truces  of  a  l)roi<(Mi  wall,  tlie  ti>iiii(iatioiis 
of  nn  cflitice  «!rf'ctiMl  inon;  tlinn  a  century  since  by  the 
Siiipitians,  lor  tiie  purpose  of  nttadiing  to  the  interests  of  tlic  French, 
wiio  won'  then  the  uinsterH  of  Canada,  such  of  the  Iroquois  confederacy 
or  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  as  iiii;rht  h((  inckiced  to  coiitbriii  to  their  rcli- 
frion,  and  (;sj)oiise  tiieir  canst;.  ■ 

*  Si'vcral  yfiir.-t  »iiu'i',  ilic  corner  sioiii;  <if  iliu  Imililiiisrs  ropreseiitod  iii  the  lii'ail  i)i'  t'lis  rlinp. 
ter  wiH  iilitniiicil  In  ili-iiuilisliing  tliti  wtills.  11  is  still  preserved  witli  niu(tli  care  by  ^^r.  Louis 
IIiHliroiiik,  iif  till-  villiijfe  dl"  0(;clciisl)urf;li,  aiul  bciirs  llie  fi'llowiiiij  iiisi'riplinii 

//)  nomine  -{-   Dei   oinvipofenfis 
Ifiiic  liahitatinni  initia  dedit 


Fmnx.  Picquct   li41 


Traiislalcd,  lliia  read-i  as  lollows    "  V'runeis  Pi"qi\ci  laid  llic  (oimilHlimi  of  lliis  liul)itulli)ii,  in 
the  natiiK  i>r  llic  Aliiiiffliiv  (ioil,  in  171!).'' 


/ 


■**% 


18 


mSTOUV     OK    ST.   LAWKINCE 


'I'linsn  liiii!(liiii;s,  m- (iiIkts  n-cctcd  on  tlicir  site,  wcit;  si'Iisccjiiciitlv  anil 
for  miiiiy  .yciirs  occnirKMl  l>y  a  Jtrilisli  •rafrison,  and  witliiii  tlio  nu'iiKiry 
of  those  yet  liviiiir,  asa  iMnnt-lidiisc,  jail,  stoio,  dwcdiiiifj;.  niiil  hannoks  for 
tn)0|)s;  and  \\\\\\  tlicni  pninMicnccis  tin;  i-ailiost  antlicntic  hi.story  wr.  poH- 
sesH  of"  Pt.  liawrtMicc  county. 

'Piit;  Aborii^ina!  inliahitanis  of  tli(^  country,  liav<!  loll  n  ftiw  traces  of 
their  oircupancy,  in  tlic  icniains  ot  sevi'ial  ancient  ticncli  enclosures  nn<l 
pninlinfis,  of  wliidi  wv,  will  ^'ive  as  lull  an  account  as  can  at  present  lie 
obtained.  In  tin;  adjoiuini;  comity  oi'  .letllM'soii,  not  less  than  tifteen 
trench  enclosures  have  been  oliservt;d;  how  many  more  may  have  be»!n 
levelled  hy  the  plow  without  «;,\citin)j;  a  suspicion  of  tJKiir  true  nature, 
cnn  not  b(>  known.  In  Ht.  i^awrence  county,  at  least  six  are  known  to 
liuve  existed,  and  perhaps  more,  besides  localities  which  appear  to  have 
been  u  most  liivorite  haunt  ol"  the  red  man,  as  eviuciMl  by  the  remains 
of  his  rude  implements  and  ornaments  scattei'ed  through  the  soil.  It 
may  be  well  to  remark,  that  tin;  observation  made  by  l)e  Witt  (Clinton,* 
that  none  of  these  remains  occur  below  the  h'vcd  of  the  lake  rid^'es,  fails 
to  be  sustained  in  the  instances  which  occur  in  St.  Lawrence, and  in  sine- 
ral  whic/i  occur  in  Jefferson  counties,  lie  attempted  by  this  argument 
to  prove  the  recent  sid)sidence  of  the  great  lakes,  and  the  modern  origin 
of  the  Lake  Uidircs,  which  iorm  so  striking  u  fi-aturc  counecteu  with 
the  geological  structure  of  their  borders. 

Nothing  is  more  common  than  to  tind  along  the  landf>  thnt  skirt  the 
fertile  meadow  bottoms  which  form  the  shores  of  sevenil  of  the  tributa 
ries  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  broken  remains  of 
rude  pottery,  seldom  siiflicieiitly  entires  to  enable 
cue  to  determine  tic  original  form,  and  usually 
scidptiired  or  rather  imjiressed  while  in  a  soft 
and  yielding  state  with  various  tancitiil  ligures, 
always  differing  from  <?ach  other  in  Ihigments 
belonging  to  different  utensils,  but  possessing  n 
general  resemblance,  which  is  often  much  like 
that  of  the  annexed  figme.  I'lie  cut  here  insert 
ed  represents  an  entire  vessel  of  earthen  ware 
dug  up  many  years  since  in  Jefferson  county. 

Wot  unfrequently  a  rude  resemblance  to  the  human  face  is  noticed  on 
these  fragments.  The  material  of  this  terra  cotla,  or  baked  ei.rth,  is 
usually  "Jay  and  coarse  sand,  generally  well  tempered  and  baked. 

Stone  gouges  for  tai)piug  maple  trees;  stone  chisels  for  skinning  deer; 

•See  tlic  memoir  ol'  Mr,  Cliijluii  on  ihissiilijecl,  reuil  l)e!()retli  .  •  Literary  inid  I'liilosopliicul 
Sticiely  or'  New  Vork,"  mul  piihlislieil  in  n  pi-mphlet  form  ii'  AUmiiy,  in  1818. 


...J^ 


AND    TRANKFJN    COUNTIKS. 


19 


leer ; 

Ipliicul 


lUTOwIieiuis  oC  (lint,  jasper,  clinlcedony,  siiale  (iiid  otlier  Ktoiie;  nmiilets 
uikI  heixIsof'Htcatilo,  and  other  personal  ornnnienis;  iinplenuMiH  olbonK 
apparently  nsnd  as  netMllos,  and  as  tools  for  niarkini;  inii)r<!ssions  upon 
the  pottery;  and  fnifrnients  oi"  hones  and  hroktMi  shells,  the  remains  of 
Jiiicient  feasts,  indirate  in  hroken  and  diseonnected  lint  inlei!igii)le  lan- 
jrnnf^e  tiie  pursuits  of  our  predecessors  n|)on  our  s(iil. 

We  will  here  mention  thosi-  pla(!cs  wluire  rude  traces  of  eud)ankinent8 
indicate  the  sit(!  of  ancient  stronjj-holds,  illy  adapted  to  tiie  pur|)oses  of 
modern  dt^fensc!,  hut  adniirahly  fitted  for  resistinj^  iIm!  modes  of  attack 
as  then  practised.  As  n  K<-"<"'nl  rule,  those  |)oints  were  <-hosen  which 
afforded  naturally  a  protection  upon  one  or  more  sides,  as  the  Imnk  of  a 
stream,  or  the  brow  of  a  hill,  lenvin;^  only  defenses  to  he  ctrected  on  the 
unprotected  sides,  'J'Ik;  tracers  observed  usually  consistiid,  when  fu'St 
noticed,  of  a  mound  or  baidi  of  earth,  sinrouiided  by  a  ditch  of  propor- 
tiou;i?e  extent,  which  evidently  liunished  the  materials  lor  the  bank. 
There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  bank  originally  formed  the  foot  of  a 
jialisaue  of  timber,  set  uprif;ht  in  tiie  ground,  which,  having  entirely 
decayed,  has  lefl  nothing  but  the  earth  remaining.  In  u  few  of  the  trench 
enclosiu'es  of  western  New  York,  the  evidences  of  this  arts  not  wanting, 
'or  the  holes  which  were  lell  by  the  decaying  ol  the  [)iekets  may  stdl  be 
traced.  'I'liis  is  »!specially  true  of  a  work  near  Geneva,  in  Ontario  county, 
which  formed  the  lust  stronghold  of  the  Senecas  in  the  expedition  of 
General  Sullivan  during  the  revolutionary  war,  and  which  owes  its 
preservation  entirely  to  the  circumstance  that  the  premises  were  expressly 
reserved  at  the  time  of  tlie  cession  of  their  lands  to  the  state,  with  the 
cx])licit  understanding  t.iat  it  should  never  be  brought  under  cultivation. 
"Here,"  said  they,  "  sleei)  our  fathei*,  and  they  can  not  lest  well  if  they 
hear  the  plow  of  the  white  man  above  them." 

In  the  town  of  Macomb,  St.  Lawrence  comity,  are  found  the  traces  of 
three  trench  enclosures,  and  several  places  where  beds  of  ashes  marie  the 
site  of  ancient  hearths;  the  habitations  and  defences  of  a  race,  of  whose 
[)eriod  or  history  we  liuvo  nothing  to  conjecture,  i^ne  of  these  was  on 
the  farm  of  William  Houghton,  on  the  bank  of  Birch  creek,  and  enclosed 
the  premises  now  used  as  a  mill-yard.  It  was  somewhat  in  the  form  of 
a  semicircle,  the  two  ends  resting  on  the  creek,  and  might  have  enclosed 
half  an  acre.  Every  trace  of  the  work  has  been  long  since  erased  by 
cultivation  ;  but  the  line  which  formed  die  bank,  and  the  opace  within 
and  wiinout,  still  occasionally  afford  fragments  of  pottery,  ashes,  shells, 
and  stone  implements.  Great  numbers  of  these  Jiave  been  picked  up 
and  carried  off  by  the  curious;  and  among  other  articles,  numbers  of 
etono  and  earthen-ware  pipes,  with  a  thprt  clumsy  stem  two  or  three 


20 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWR'CNCE 


inches  lon<r,  nml  n  lionvy  innsslvo  bowl  with  n  siiiiill  cavity,  havo  hnen 
foiiiul.  On  r.u  a.'joi'iinj;  Iiiil,  now  yiarlly  o('rn|)ic(l  hy  an  orciiard,  traces 
of  an  ancient  work  ic  rrnerly  existed,  but  this  iia«  nl-so  been  ol)liteiateH. 
This  locality  is  the  or:e  mentioned  in  most  state  gazetteers  as  occnirinfj; 
on  the  promises  of  Captain  Washburn  in  fionvernenr  (the  fornifn-  occ  • 
pant  of  tlie  fin'ni  wluMi  tlie  adjacent  conntry  formed  a  part  of  that  town); 
but  tlie  statement  that  "traces  of  rnde  sculptnre  exist  within  tlie  enclo- 
sure," which  has  been  often  copied,  is  incorrect. 

In  the  pond  adjoininn:.  there  was  found,  many  years  since,  a  skeleton, 
said  to  have  been  of  jrreat  size. 

About  half  a  mile  northeast  of  this,  is  the  Mace  of  another  enclosme, 
on  the  farms  of  William  P.  lIoni;hton  and  .losiah  Sweet;  but  the  outlines 
are  so  indistinct,  that  they  could  not  lie  trai  ed  with  any  degree  of  cer- 
tainty. From  what  little  remains,  it  appears  to  have  consistiid  of  .i  deep 
ditch,  outside  of  a  high  bank;  and  it  is  said  to  have  l)een  irveguinrly 
semi-oval,  with  passages  or  gateways  where  the  work  was  interrupted  ; 
and  that  its  ends  came  up  to  a  small  stream,  th(;  jiresent  ontic^t  <if  i  '.a- 
marack  swamp,  but  the  former  «ite  of  a  h(!av(!r  meadow.  The  evidt:.  -.s 
of  the  latter  were  found  in  digging  a  ditch  for  druinage  some  time  since, 
when  the  sticks  still  bearing  the  marks  of  the  teeth  of  beavers  were  found 
several  feet  below  the  surface. 

This  trench  and  hank  could,  at  the  author's  visit,  he  traced  about  UIO 
paces,  which  ajjpeared  to  be  about  half  of  its  original  circuit.  Its  longest 
direction  was  from  N.N.E.  to  S.S.W.  Numerous  fire  beds  occurred  within 
it,  and  in  one  instance  a  (piantily  of  ashes  and  charcoal  was  found  Jive 
feet  below  the  surffico. 

In  a  field  a  few  rods  distant,  in  the  direction  of  the  work  last  descrilied, 
the  vestiges  which  abound  in  the  soil  seem  to  indicate  tiiat  there  was 
once  an  Indian  village  on  the  site. 

On  the  premises  of  the  Ft.  Lawrence  Lead  Mining  Company,  and  the 
farm  of  Robert  Wilson,  about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  from  the  first  de- 
scribed spot,  is  still  another  trace,  which  can  still  be  easily  made  out,  as 
the  premises  have  never  been  plowed.  In  this  instance  the  worl;  was 
crescent-shaped,  the  open  side  being  ])rotected  liy  a  \o\\  lidiro  of  lime- 
stone rock,  and  a  branch  which  led  down  to  a  small  stream,  which  mav 
have  served  as  a  covered  way  to  allow  the  inmates  of  the  stockade  to 
have  access  to  the  water.  Not  luiving  been  cultivated,  tlie  soil  of  this 
locality  has  not  hitherto  furnished  any  relics  of  interest,  although  ';  .nn 
scarcely  fail  to  do  so  when  |)lowed. 

This  is  the  only  v.ork  of  the  three  in  the  town  of  JMacomb,  which  can 
still  be  seen  entire. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


21 


1(1  tlie 

|lllt,  IIS 

was 
lirno- 
|i  limy 
|(1(>  to 
If  this 
|i  lun 

1 1  vnn 


On  tlic  farm  of  Ileiiiy  IC.  Ilolbrook,  in  the  iioitlieastcrn  part  of  Pots- 
rlaiii,  on  or  m^ar  iiiilc  lot  No.  10,  was  a  rcmaikable  trench  enclosure  in 
early  times,  hut  wiiicii  iw  now  entirely  destroyed,  except  u  very  small 
]ioitioii  ill  tli<'  piihiie  higlivay.    It  is  on  the  road  between  Norfolk  village 
and  lia(iiietleville,  west  of  the  river,  and  half  a  mile  from  the  railroad 
bridge  at  the  latter  place:  and  is  situated  on  an  elevated  ridge  of  drift,  in 
H  comiiiandiiig  jiosition,  and  at  a  point  uiiich  aflbrds  a  tine  prospect  of 
the  siirroundiiif^'  conntiy.     'J'he  iiirin  of  this  work  was  said  to  have  been 
Beiiiiciicular,  tiie  open  side  resting  on  a  swamp  lo  the  west,  and  several 
spaces  or  gateways  are  said  to  have  occurred  at  irregular  intervals.   The 
<lilch,  which  was  exterior  to  ihe  bank,  apjieais  to  have  (iirnished  the  earth 
for  the  bank,  which  was  on  the  inside  of  the  trench,  and  enclosed  about 
two  acrt.'s.     Pine  stuiniis  still  stand  on  the  bank,  ibiir  iijet  in  diameter, 
whicii  iiiiist  have  grown  since  the  place  was  occiqiied,  as  beds  of  ashes 
have  been  found  under  their  roots,  mingled  with  broken  earthen,  flint 
arrows,  and  other  relies  of  the  builders.     Within  and  without,  scattered 
at  irregular  intervals,  were  tbund  fireplaces,  with  charcoal,  ashes,  fresh- 
water t:!!';lls,  hones,  and  oroken  pottery,  which  differed  in  no  respect 
from  tlii.t  Ibund  in  othdr  trench  enclosures  in  the  state.    On  an  island  in 
the  vicinity,  Indian  graves  were  found. 

In  the  town  of  RIassena,  about  half  a  mile  west  of  Raquette  river 
bridge,  and  on  the  western  declivity  of  a  slope  near  the  summit  of  a 
dividing  ridge  which  separates  this  river  from  Grass  river,  and  in  an  open 
field  which  has  long  been  cleared  but  never  plowed,  ."ve  plainly  to  be 
traced  the  outlines  of  a  work  whicli  differs  considerably  from  any  above 
described,  and  whicli  is  by  far  the  best  preserved.  Its  form  is  irregular, 
being  somewhat  shaped  like  an  ox-bow,  with  its  open  side  towards  Ra- 
quette riv';r,  and  with  numerous  spaces  or  openings  more  especially  on 
the  southern  side.  The  open  side  is  in  part  protected  by  a  ditch,  which 
is  not  connected  witli  the  main  work,  being  separated  from  it  by  a  con- 
siderable interval  on  each  side.  The  relics  furnished  by  the  soil  in  this 
vicinity  do  not  differ  essentially  from  those  of  other  places,  being  mostly 
of  earthen-ware  and  SL'one. 

The  summit  of  the  ridge  at  this  place  commands  an  extensive  and 
delightful  prospect,  and  this  vicinity  must  have  formed  a  favorite  haunt 
for  the  rude  Indians  who  once  made  it  their  home.  At  no  great  distance 
on  '  iilier  side  was  a  river  abounding  in  fish, and  afiording  a  long  nnviga- 
tion  with  an  occasional  carrying  place,  by  w  liich  they  could  penetrate  far 
into  the  interior;  while  a  few  miles  below  them,  the  mighty  St.Lawrence, 
with  its  bays  and  islands,  alforded  eipial  facilities  lor  hunting,  and  equal 
prospects  for  repaying  the  labors  of  the  chase  and  the  hazards  of  the 
fisheries. 


22 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


1 


ir  the  intervening  woods  were  cleared  away,  tlie  locality  in  Potsdam, 
some  eighteen  or  twenty  miles  distant,  conld  he  seen  from  this  place ;  and 
perhaps  the  two  may  have  been  occnjjied  hy  parties  of  the  same  trihe, 
who  cotdd  exchange  signalu  hy  night,  as  the  fires  gleaming  upon  one 
summit  might  he  easily  distingnislied  tiom  the  other. 

The  description  ol'this  enclosure,  published  in  the  third  annual  report 
of  the  Regents  of  the  University  on  the  condition  of  the  State  Cabinet 
is  somewhat  erroneous,  as  neither  of  the  two  works  last  mentioned  are 
furnished  with  bastions  find  angles;  and  accordingly  the  inferences  there 
drawn,  that  it  must  belong  to  a  different  historical  period,  are  without 
foundation.  The  stumps  of  immense  trees,  standing  on  the  bank  and  in 
the  ditch,  indicate  at  least  an  ante-Columbian  age,  and  probably  many 
centuries  have  elapsed  since  these  stations  have  witnessed  the  events  for 
which  they  were  formed.  Within  this  enclosure  are  one  or  two  slight 
eminei  s  'vhioh  may  in  their  day  have  been  sufficiently  high  to  over- 
look the  i>  iy  which  they  were  probably  surrounded. 

In  the  to\Sj       Massena,  not  far  from  this  work,  there  was  found  seve- 
ral years  since, a  pipe,  formed  of  whitish  steatite,  or  Boapstone,  having 
on  its  bowl  and  stem  curiously  wrought,  the  figure  cf  a  serpent,  with  its 
head  rising  a  little  above  the  level  of  the  bowl.     The  figure  of  the  serpent 
has  been  used  by  savages  of  all  nations,  apparently  without  the  know- 
ledge of  each  other,  and  this  has  given  rise  to  the  opinion  that  it  origin- 
ated in  some  religious  notion,  and  that  it  is  symbolical  of  soine  idea  inhe- 
rent in  the  human  mind.    The  Egyptians  represented  (he  recurring  cycle 
of  the  year,  by  a  sori)ent  with  its  tail  in  its  mouth,  and  among  the  mounds 
of  the  south-west  there  is  one  which,  when  traced  in  its  immense  pro- 
portions <ilong  the  ground,  represents  an  enormous  serpent.     In  the  in- 
stance of  the  pipe  found  in  iMassena,  there  tnight,  or  might  not,  have  been 
something  rrore  than  the  amusement  of  a  leisure  hour  on  its  formation. 
A  semicircular  trench,  and  bank,  formerly  existed  in  the  town  of  Oswe- 
gatchie,  near  its  western  edge,  and  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  Benjamin 
Pope.     A  small  portion  of  the  present  highway  passes  over  it,  at  the 
only  part  which  is  now  visible,  cidtivaticn  having  obliterated  every  trace 
of  it  elsewhere.     It  was  somewhat  semicircular,  and  no  natural  barrier 
can  be  noticed  as  forming,  with  the  aid  of  the  bank  and  ditch,  a  complete 
enclosure. 

In  this  respect  it  differs  from  others,  bitt  we  are  not  to  infer  from  the 
non-existence  of  the  bank  that  no  defensive  work  existed.  The  outline 
of  this  bank  may  be  traced  in  the  spring  by  the  unusual  verdme  of  the 
grass  along  its  line,  and  similar  s[)ots  indicate  the  sites  of  lire  places, 
both  within  and  without.  An  innisual  abundance  of  stone  and  earthen- 
ware fragments  occurred  here  in  former  limes. 


^1 


M 


AM)    FRANKIJN"    COUMIES. 


25 


W\ 


V 


V 


::     1 


On  St.  Regis  Island,  directly  opposite  tlie  Indian  village  of  that  name, 
mid  at  a  point  where  the  boinidary  of  1818  crossed  the  river,  there  still 
exists  u  l)i;rro\v  or  sepnlrhra!  inonnd.  "It  was  excavated  by  Colonel 
Hawkins  of  the  United  States  honndary  connnission,  in  1818,  and  fonnd 
tu  contain  near  the  snrtace  hinnan  hones  in  considerable  numbers,  and 
in  a  yood  state  of  preservation,  b\it  at  the  base  were  founil  traces  of  fire, 
charcoal,  burned  bones,  and  fragments  of  pottery,  together  with  stone 
implements  and  ornaments."* 

Directly  opposite  to  the  church,  on  the  east  bank  of  St.  Regis  river, 
in  the  same  neighborhood  as  the  preceding,  is  another  barrow  or  mound 
of  somewhat  similar  character,  which  has  at  some  period  apparently 
been  ex[)lored  with  the  view  of  ascertaining  the  nature  of  its  contents. 
'I'licre  is  no  tradition  in  the  village  relating  to  either  of  tlann,  and  no 
probal)ility  that  they  were  made  by  the  existing  race  of  Indians. 

They  doubtless  date  back  to  the  era  of  the  other  eartli-works  above 
described,  and  belong  to  u  remote  period  of  our  history,  which  has  lieen 
lost.  In  making  a  canal  around  the  rapids  on  the  Canada  shore  of  the 
St.  Lawrence,  many  years  since,  a  singular  mound  was  dug  through, 
which  disclosed  relics  of  copper  and  various  ornaments,  and  among 
others  a  mask  of  the  human  face,  in  terra-cotta  or  earthen  ware,  which 
seemed  to  have  belonged  to  some  imace. 

Opposite  the  village  of  Oak  j 
Point,  in  Elizabeth  township, 
C.W.,  is  a  painting  on  the  rock,  I 

representing  a  canoe  with  thirty-five  men  and  a  cross,  evidently  intended 
to    commemo- 
rate some  event,  — 


and  done  since 

the        Catholic 

^ 

iTiissionaries 

•$ 

first    came    to 

5 

5 

Canada.    From 

the  direction  of 

the  boat,  it  ap- 

pears that   the 

5 

party  was  pass- 
ing   down   the 
river. 

Opposite  the 
village  of  Mor- 

•  Aboriginal  Mom 

Is  of  New  York,  hy  E,  G.  Squiur.    Smitlisoiiiaii  ContriOuiioiis  to 
Knowle<!gp      V.>\.  '■!.  Art  (i,  page  10, 

2 


,«s 


2<i 


HISTOKY    OF   SI'.   LAWRENCE 


ristowii,  niuljiiNt  below 
tlic  town  of  J{iockvillo, 
are  two  |mii)tiiigs,  ol" 
wliicli  ciifiravinga  uro 
lieie  inserted. 

Tlieri;  is  iiiiicli  \no- 
liiihilitv  that  liit.-se  paiiit- 
injis  aro  of  coiiii)ura- 
tively  iiiodcrii  orij,'in. 
Indeed  the  Indians  at 
St.  lU'gi.s  viihii^e  jiob- 
scss  a  vugue  tiaditijn 
concerning  them,  whieli 
they  related  hrielly  as  tbilows: 

"  A  long  time  ago  the  Cawghuawaga  Indians  were  going  west  on  a  war- 
like expedition,  and  made  tjiese  paintings  on  their  way  np,  I'iiey  were 
all  killed.    The  number  of  marks  denote  the  nimiher  of  the  jiarty." 

The  cross,  the  emblem  of  the  Christian  faith,  and  especially  held  in 
reverence  by  the  Catholics,  'iidicates  with  sufhcient  clearness,  the  modern 
origin  of  the  sketches.  Perhaps  they  may  form  u  connecting  link  in  the 
chain  of  events  that  occtnred  under  the  French  dynasty,  or  jjcrhapsthey 
were  ti'aced  from  mere  idle  curiosity,  or  to  pass  away  the  tedium  of  a 
leisure  hour.  In  either  event  they  are  interesting  as  exainj)les  of  the 
symbolical  records  used  by  savages,  to  preserve  the  memory  of  events 
or  of  the  pastimes  and  tastes  of  a  race  which  is  last  passing  away.  The 
sketch  near  Oak  point  was  apparently  done  in  vermillion,  while  the 
others  appear  to  have  been  made  with  ochre.  All  of  these  are  less 
brilliant  than  when  lirst  observed  by  the  whites,  and  will  in  a  few  years 
be  entirely  obliterated. 

The  shores  of  Black  lake,  in  the  town  of  Morristown,  between  the 
village  of  Hammond,  and  The  T.  arrows,  contain  traces  of  paintings 
of  an  obscure  character.  A  deer  drawn  very  rudely,  about  eight  inches 
high ;  and  seven  figures  in  two  groups,  was  at  a  short  distance  from  the 
former. 

The  deer  was  the  emblem  or  mark  in  use  among  the  Iror-uoisto  desig- 
nate one  of  their  bands,  and  from  the  figures  we  give  in  o.ir  chapter  on 
titles,  it  will  be  seen  that  it  was  in  use  among  the  Oswegatchies.  It  is 
therefore  quite  probable  that  this  may  bo  verj'  modern,  and  its  origin 
may  doubtless  be  ascribed  to  some  incident  connected  with  that  clan. 

The  block  on  which  the  deer  was  drawn,  is  preserved  in  the  col- 
lections of  the  state,  at  their  historical  and  antiipiarian  nniseiitn  at 
Albany. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


27 


J%  •  XX^' 


The 
the 


tlie 
iting3 
iches 
m  the 

esig- 
ter  on 
It  is 
ligiii 
an. 

col- 
rn    at 


The  followingskotch  roprcsonts  the  groii|)s 
of  hiiiiiuii  heiiigs  on  the  rocks  at  this  piarp, 
drawn  in  tlie  conventional  form  adopted 
amoii!.'  tiie  savages. 

Near  the  village  of  Edwardsville,  or  Tlio  Narrows,  in  the  town  of 
INforristown,  on  a  hill  n  little  east  of  that  place,  tliere  was  formerly  found 
nnon  plowing,  traces  of  an  Indian  \illago,  as  evinced  liy  a  row  of  hearths 
with  huriied  stones,  ashes,  charcoal,  shells,  and  fragments  el'  hones. 
These  \ver(!  some  lltle  distance  helow  the  sm-liice,  and  extended  lor  a 
(piarter  of  a  mile. 

The  land  here  was  excellent  for  the  raising  of  corn,  and  the  lake  then, 
donhtless  as  now,  ahoumled  in  lish,  which  wonld  have-  made  this  nn 
eiigihle  I'esidence  for  the  rude  Indiiin.  Who?  ^^■hen.^  and  in  what 
nnmhers?  are  (piestions  which  echo  only  can  answer. 

\Vith  these  exceptions  wo  have  nt>  knowledge  that  any  part  of  these 
cotmties  had  been  inh!d)itcd,  or  the  lands  cultivated  hy  imy  except  the 
nomadic  class,  which  still  occasionally  visits  the  himling  ground  of  his 
ftithers. 

There  are  no  Indian  fields,  no  traces  of  ancient  occui)uncy  by  a  foreign 
people,  or  evidence  that  tin;  soil  has  ever  been  trod  by  the  loot  of  man, 
except  by  a  rude  hunter  in  pintuit  of  bis  game.  In  some  of  the  central 
and  western  pm'ts  of  the  state,  in  the  fields  of  Iroquois,  where  that  sta|)le 
article  of  food  had  been  cultivated  from  time  immemorial,  the  hillocks 
on  which  it  had  been  planted  were  distinctly  to  be  traced  at  the  time 
when  possession  was  taken  by  the  whites,  but  nothing  of  this  litis  been 
observed  in  the  northern  ])art  of  the  state. 

The  traces  of  ancient  defensive  works  of  whi(;fi  we  have  given  an 
accomit,  extend  into  Canada,  and  several  of  them  occur  in  the  townships 
of  Augusta,  Williamsbiirgh,  Osnabruck,  &c. 

One  of  these  is  about  seven  and  a  half  iifiles  northwest  of  Prescott, 
C.  W.,  on  a  farm  occupied  by  Mr.  Tarp.  It  is  situated  on  a  ])eninstda 
of  elevated  land,  in  the  midst  of  a  swainj),  and  accessible  only  by  a  nar- 
row neck  which  bears  the  trace  of  an  ancient  defensive  work.  The 
land  within  this,  is  eighteen  or  twenty  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sm*- 
rounding  swamp,  and  in  two  or  three  places  tue  the  traces  of  mounds 
of  slight  elevation,  but  which  might  have  overlooked  the  surrounding 
country  to  a  considerable  distance.  Within  the  breastwork  at  the  isth- 
nuis,  are  lines  of  slight  elevation,  which  mark  the  places  of  tiirmer 
dwelling  (?);  and  in  the  soil  has  been  found  great  quantities  of  the  re- 
mains of  rude  pottery,  which  indicate  the  attainments  which  the  tenants 
of  this  strong  hold  had  acquired  in  this  indispensihie  and  i»riniitive  art. 

The  greatest  quantity  was  found  from  lifteen  to  eighteen  inches  below 


28 


HISTORY    (IK    ST.    I.AWKKNCK 


tl»5  siirliici.',  and  wiis  accoinpanifd  liy  iiii|ilcinniits  of  bone,  (lint,  giTen- 
Mlonc,  tlio  hones  of  animals,  timt  liad  dotibtlcHS  been  taken  in  the  cliase, 
und  shells  of  fresh  wnlor  niolnsca. 

AnioMfr  odier  relics  was  a  llattciicd  boiddor  of  hornl)lpnde  or  gneiss, 
botli  sides  of  which  had  been  rendered  smooth  and  concave  by  the  rub- 
liing  of  stone  implements,  and  which  might  have  served  tiie  pnrpose  of 
u  tnortar  for  grinding  corn.  IJonlders  of  immense  size  are  otlen  fonnd 
in  .letlerson  connty,  and  (elsewhere,  iiaving  shallow  depressions  npon 
their  smiiice,  apparently  liaving  been  used  as  grindstones  for  sharpening 
and  forming  the  rnde  stone  implements  of  tiie  rude  people  who  oncu 
occn|)ied  the  coimtry. 

The  breastwork  at  the  entrance  of  the  enclosiu'o  aiiove  described,  had 
nt  two  jilact's, openings  abont (eighteen  leet  wide,  whicii  probalily  served  as 
n  jtassage  way  lor  the  inmates,  and  the  bank  is  evidently  the  foot  of  a  pa- 
lisade of  timber,  set  upright  in  the  groinid.  The  whole  nnist  have  formed 
ill  its  day  a  strong  liold,  easy  of  defense  against  any  mode  of  attack  then 
possessed. 

Near  Speiiccrvillc,  is  another  trace  of  an  ancient  defensive  work,  and 
in  the  township  of  Augusta,  in  the  second  concession,  still  another. 

At  the  latter  is  said  to  have  been  Ibiind  an  ornament  of  gold,  but  the 
account  of  this  is  so  uncertain  and  obscure,  that  it  is  worthy  of  but  little 
credit. 

Several  of  the  above  works  have  been  surveyed  and  examined,  by 
William  E.  Guest,  Es(|.,  of  Ogdensburgh,  who  has  transmitted  an  account 
of  them  to  the  Smithsonian  Institution  at  Washington,  (or  publication. 

At  one  of  these  works  was  tbund  the  i»roken  portion  of  an  ijiunense 
tooth,  supposed  to  have  been  that  of  a  walrus.  Both  ends  were  broken, 
and  it  had  been  j)erforated  as  if  to  be  worn  as  an  annilet.  This,  with 
the  copper  implements  found  in  this  section,  indicate  that  the  commerce 
or  travels  of  this  i)eople,  whoever  they  were,  must  have  extended  from 
the  seaboard  to  the  copper  regions  of  Lake  Superior,  which  was  dotibt- 
less  the  source  from  which  our  aboriginal  jiredecessors  derived  that 
metal. 

To  leave  the  period  of  the  buried  past,  through  which  the  stream  of 
time  has  coursed  its  way,  without  leaving  more  to  mark  its  path  than 
the  scattered  relics  and  obscure  traces,  which  tell  oi"  nothing,  but 
that  something  w-is,  and  is  not,  we  approach  the  period  of  authentic 
history;  and  here  we  find  many  links  wanting  in  the  chain  of  events, 
which  might  !iave  enabled  us  to  trace  the  progress  of  the  discovery,  and 
the  settlement  and  the  changes  of  donfinion,  which  our  country  has 
undergone.  Tradition  relates,  that  the  Adirondacs,  and  the  Iroquois,  or 
the  nations  of  Canada,  and  those  of  New  York,  in  ancient  times,  waged 


i 


3 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


29 


Iwdged 


ji  loiifT  (111(1  bloody  warn  for  the  Hiipreinncy  of  tlin  soil,  and  doidnloss  many 

*!  a  Mtcallliy  iimrcli  iind  midnight  niHHNacrc,hnd  tliey  lint  had  their  historian, 

wonld  have  made  our  district  claNNic  to  those  who  dwell  with  interest 
upon  the  recital  of  scenes  of  blood.  It  has  iieeii  aptly  said,  that  "that 
rountry  is  the  lia|)|)iest  which  fnrnislies  the  fewest  materials  for  history," 
vet,  if  rri.'litly  considered,  the  dnty  of  the  historian  will  be  found  not 
limited  to  the  narration  of  the  dramatic  events  of  war,  but  e(]nally  ap|)li- 
cable  to  the  arts  of  peace,  and  that  the  true  licroes  of  maidcind,  are  those 
who  have  manfidly  encountered  and  overcome  the  ditlicnlties  which 
mi^ht  liuve  hindered  tliem  from  arriving  at  honorable  (uids  by  honest 
means.  Viewed  in  this  li;,dit,  the  pioneer  who  has  sidxlned  the  wildness 
of  nature,  and  surromidt'd  bis  home  with  the  hixiu'ies  of  a  well  directed 
husbandry,  is  socially  far  above  the  victorious  warrior,  and  bis  toils, 
privations  and  successes  arc  more  worthy  of  record. 

Helore  giving  an  account  of  the  missions  established  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence by  the  French  missionaries,  it  may  bo  interesting  to  glance  at 
the  earlier  discoveries  of  Canada,  and  note  in  a  rapid  manner,  sev- 
eral of  the  ))rimitive  attempts  to  establish  EiU'opean  colonies  in  this 
((uarter. 

Two  years  after  the  discoveries  of  Columbus  became  known  in 
England,  Henry  VII  engaged  John  Cabot,  a  Venetian  merchant,  to 
sail  in  quest  of  discoveries  in  the  west,  and  this  navigator  in  145,(7 
reached  the  coast  of  Labrador,  which  he  named  Prima-vista.  This 
was  doubtless  the  first  visit  of  Emopeana  to  this  coast  since  the  days  of 
the  Scandinavians, 

This  voyage  was  succeeded  by  others  under  Sebastian  Cabot,  son  of 
the  preceding,  in  I4U8;  and  by  (Jas|)ar  Cortereal  in  la'JO,  to  whom  the 
discovery  of  the  Gulf  of  St.  Lawrence  is  said  to  be  due.*  This  adven- 
turer returned  to  Lisbon  in  the  month  of  October  of  that  year,  laden 
with  tind)er  and  slaves,  seized  from  among  the  natives  of  the  coasts  lie 
visited. 

On  a  second  voyage  Cortereal  perished  at  sea.  In  1504,  the  French 
first  attempted  a  voyage  to  the  New  World;  and  in  that  year,  some 
Basque  and  Breton  fishermen  began  to  ply  their  calling  on  the  bank 
of  Newfoundland  and  along  its  adjacent  coasts.  From  these  the  island 
of  Cape  Breton  derived  its  name.  The  dreary  picture  of  these  b'ea'i 
and  foggy  coasts,  and  the  mystery  which  hung  upon  the  fate  die 
second  expedition  of  Verazzano,  who  had  been  sent  out  by  Francis  l. 
from  France,  deterred  for  a  time  all  efforts  of  the  French  to  colonize 

•This discovery  lius  been  also  ascribed  lo  JacyuuiCailier,  win)  entered  the  gulf  on  tlie  lOlli 
of  August,  Ii335.*and  gave  it  llie  name  of  the  saint  whose  feslivul  was  celebrated  on  that  day. — 
Charlevoiz. 


1 


30 


I11.S10KY  ((K  ST.  l,A^VJ{fc:^cJ: 


V.' 


l)^^' 


tliiM  region.  In  15^5,  Stotimo  (idiiil'z  Hiiilod  fioiii  ^<|iiiiii,  aiitl  \«  HU|ipo8(<(l 
to  hnvu  untcred  tliu  Ciult'  ol'  St.  Lawrciicc,  mul  to  liuvo  trmltil  n|)iiii  ii.s 
chores.  A  Ciifitiliiiii  tradiiioii  iclati^,  tliat  liiidiii;.'  iioitlifi-  ){old  iiur 
Hilvcr  U|K)M  tilt'  (■oastf,  nor  any  tliirijr  wliirli  conveyed  to  tlle^'l!  sordid 
adventuriTH  an  iilea  of  miners  or  weaitii  ul  an)  kind,  tln^y  lieiiuenlly 
exclniniud  "  tlcii-niidit ; "  («i^'nityini;  "liere  is  iiotliing")  and  ilial  the 
natives caULdit  ii|i  the  sound,  Nviiicli  was  rejican-d  wlien  oilier  llniuiieans 
jurived,  and  tlin.-.  }.'ave  oiijiin  to  ilie  (lesii^imlion  ol' r((a«(('(/.  'J'liis  ori- 
gin of  tliu  word  is  also  eonrn-nied  liy  I'atlar  ll(;nne|iin. 

A.  Uuo.  do  lioriinier,  an  iiitidligent  liali'  iireed,  r<;sidin<j(  at  tlin  Hunt 
8t.  T.onis,  and  wlio  is  well  ae(|naiiited  wilii  the  native  lan^Mui^ze,  statt^d 
to  the  author  thai  the  word  Canada  wnti  derivi.'d  lioin  the  Indian  won! 
Ka-iiu  tu,  wliicli  Nignilies,  a  villa<,'e. 

In  15.'i4,  Francis  I,  king  (d'  riani-e,  litttoiiin^  to  the  urgent  advice  of 
I'irdi|i  Ciiahot,  admiral  ol' Trance,  who  |ioi'tray<!d  to  him  in  glowing 
colors  the  riches  and  growing  [lower  of  .Spain,  derived  from  her  trans- 
atlantic colonies,  despatched  Jacipies  Carlier,  an  able  navigator  of  St- 
Malmo,  who  sailed  on  tho  yOtli  of  April,  15U4,  with  two  ships  of  only 
gixty  tons  each,  and  a  linndred  and  twenty  men,  and  reached  New- 
foundland in  May.  Alter  coasting  along  l()r  some  time,  witiiont  know- 
ing that  it  was  an  island,  lie  at  length  passed  the  straits  of  Belleisle,  and 
traversed  the  (iiilf  of  St.  Lawrence.  Having  spent  n  part  of  the  siiinr  -r 
on  these  coasts,  he  sailed  on  the  Q.ltli  of  July,  highly  pleased  wit' 
liospilahle  receiition  lie  had  received  trom  the  natives,  with  who 
traded  for  fins  and  provisions. 

His  report  induced  the  French  king  to  attempt  a  colony  in  the 
newly  discovered  regions;  and  in  ftlay,  lUli'},  Cartier  again  sailed  with 
three  small  ships,  with  a  numerous  company  of  advontnrers,  vvhicli 
arrived  on  the  coast  of  Newfoundland  much  scattered  and  weakened  by 
a  disastrous  storm  on  the  2(ith  of  July. 

Having  taken  in  wood  and  water,  they  proceeded  to  explore  the  gnlf 
but  were  overtaken  on  the  1st  of  August  by  a  storm,  wiiicdi  obliged  them 
to  seek  a  jiort,  ditlicnit  of  access,  but  with  a  safe  anchorage,  near  the 
month  of  the  Great  river.  They  left  this  harbor  on  the  7th,  and  on 
the  lOtli  came  to  a  gull  fdled  with  numerous  and  beautiful  islands 
Cartier  gave  this  gulf  the  name  of  .SV.  Lawrence,  having  discovered  it  on 
that  saint's  festival  day.*  From  this,  the  Great  river  and  our  county  de- 
rive their  name. 

*"  Cartier  donna  nii  golphe  le  iiom  de  St.  l.niireiu.  on  plulol  jl  le  doiiiiu  n  une  l)nye  (|iii  est 
eiiire  I'islc  d'Aiilicosli  ct  In  cote  .septeiiiriimalo,  d'ou  ce  iioni  c'esi  eti-iidii,  u  lout  lu  golphe 
dout  celte  biiye  mil  parlie. — Hist,  tie  la  .VoHi'eWe  France.  3'ome  i.p.Mi. 

Ai  wording  to  CulJKilii!  account",  Suim  li.-iwrence,  or  Saint  Lorenzo,  wiis  a  deiicon  lo  Pope 
Xyslus.,  or  Sislus  II,  wlio  snileicd  inurlyrd'jni  for  llie  failli  of  Clinsi,  \>\  lieiiig  lioilcd  on  a 


■'') 
H 


■J0 


AND    KHANKMN    COUNTII'.S. 


31 


III    tlie 

(I  with 

wliicli 

jiicil  by 

lie  gulf 
>(l  tlieiii 
lenr  tlie 
tiiid  on 
ihlaiuls 
Gci  it  on 
iity  de- 


ye  qui  est 
le  yolphe 

111  lo  I'lipe 
liluil  oa  a 


4 


I'rncPf'dinp  "•>  \hv\r  voyn<,'P,  tlicy  r<'nrln!(l  nti  tlio  15tli,  the  islo  since 
rnlh'il  Aiilicosti,  niul  oxploriiiff  liotli  slior«!H  of  tho  Sf.  Tinwrriioo,  nt 
lotiiftli  tlK'V  (liscovcrcd  aimtluT  isliiiid  ol  "icnt  t«\fiMif,  ffitilily  mid  liciiiity, 
cnvorrd  with  woods  mid  ladiMi  witli  thick  chistrriiif.'  vines,  which  thi-y 
nnincd  tho  Isin  (hi  Hiirchiis,  now  riiHod  Oiiciiiis.  I'lcascd  with  thn 
friendly  dispoHition  of  tlio  unlives  mid  the  eoinfoitniile  piospeets  lor  ii 
winter  sojourn,  Cartier  iiioori'd  his  vessels  wiierc!  a  little  river  (Io\M'd 
into  a  "'.'ooilly  mid  jdeasaiit  sound,"  which  stremii  ho  iiained  the  St. 
Croiv,  near  tlie  Indian  villa^ie  ol  Sladaeona,  thesito  of  the  inoderii  city 
of  <iiiehcc.  ('artier  siihsetpiontly  during;  the  aiitiiinn  ascended  the  river 
to  tho  jiopnloiis  vilhiirn  of  llochelaira,  and  was  every  where  received  in 
tin'  kindest  maiinei'  iiy  the  natives.  To  a  hill,  three  miles  from  the  viMaire, 
from  whose  siimniit  the  river  and  coniitry  for  thirty  lenirnes  around  \\as 
spread  out  in  prent  heniity,  ho  pnve  the  nane  of  Mont  Royal,  which  has 
fiinee  been  applied  to  the  |io])nltins  city  on  that  island. — the  modern 
IVIontrral.  wliiidi  lies  nt  its  foot 

'Ihn  diradfid  severity  of  the  winter,  with  the  scurvy,  redncerl  the 
nninher  of  (^artier's  conipmiions  considerably.  In  May,  he  sailed  for 
France,  with  the  Indian  chief  as  a  prisoner,  w  ho  had  treated  him  with 
iniiform  kindness.  Diirinji  each  sncceedinfi  ye.i  .  for  some  time  al'ier, 
expeditions  were  sent  out  to  the  newly  discovered  river,  but  misfortune 
nttended  them  nil,  and  no  efticicnt  nttenipt  nt  colonizing  the  country  was 
made  till  1<)08,  when  I)e  Monts,  a  Calvinist,  who  had  obtained  (iom  the 
kiiijr  tlie  (i-eedfim  of  reli^'ioiis  lidth  for  himself  ami  followers  in  America, 
but  imder  tlu;  (iiigauenient  that  the  (/'atholie  worship  should  be  eslalilished 
amonj?  tho  natives;  after  several  perilous  voyaieres,  and  much  ojiposition, 
desiiatchcd  (-'hamiilnin  mid  Pontirrave,  two  experienced  adventnrerH,  to 
estal.'lisli  the  f;:r  trade  and  beirin  a  settlement.  Cliamplain  leacluMl 
'I'adonsac  on  the  Md  of  June,  and  on  the  .'hi  of  July  he  reached  (■Itiehrr, 
wliei'e,  nearly  three  (pmrters  of  n  century  before,  Cartier  had  s|ient  the 
winter.  This  niairnificent  site  wns  nt  once  chosen  na  the  place  ihr  a 
future  city;  and  centuries  of  experience  Iinve  confirmed  the  wisdom  of 
his  choi(!e. 

During  the  first  winter,  the  settlers  endured  the  extremities  of  famine. 
On  the  18tli  of  April,  IGOO,  Samuel  Cliamplain,  with  two  Frenchmen, 
ascended  the  Great  river;  ami  after  a  time,  turning  southward  up  a 
tributary,  entered  the  beautiful  lake  whiidi  bears  his  name,  and  near  its 
southern  extremity,  overcoming  a  rapid,  they  entered  another  lake,  after- 
wards named  .S^  Sacrament,  now  Lalce  Hnricon,  or  Lahe  Gcori^e, 

In  1G14,  Cliamplain    by  his   entreaties,   procured   four  Recollects  to 

gridiron,  .\.  11.  2.i;i.     riis  festival  i«  relelirnted  on  tin;  tdlli  of  Aii<;iisl,  mid  lii*  iianio  occurs  in 
the  litiiiiy  m'  llie  miint-i  in  ilir  I'Hiliolio  rilnnl. 


sa 


32 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


1 


I. 
\ 

it 


iiiideitukr  a  tiiissioii  to  convert  to  tlie  Catholic  fuitli  tlie  Iixliuns  of  the 
coiintiy;  these  were  tlie  first  missionaries  wlio  visited  Acadia.  To  gain 
a  knowledge  oftlie  country  and  language  of  the  natives,  C!ian)j)lain  and 
a  father  Joseph  Lo  Cayon,  united  with  them  in  an  expetlition  against 
the  Iroquois,  or  confederates  of  New  York,  hut  the  enterprise  proverl 
unsuccessful,  and  Chtiuiplain  was  Mounded.* 

He  was  obliged  fo  spend  the  winter  with  his  savage  allies,  but  im- 
proved the  opportunity  by  informing  himself  of  the  resources  and  geo- 
grai)hy  of  the  country,  to  th(!  greatest  advantage. 

In  lOij,  llonri  do  Levi,  duke  do  V^entadour,  who  had  purchased  the 
vice-royalty  of  New  France,  sent  over  the  exemplary  Father  Lallemant, 
am!  four  othe'*  priests  and  laymen  of  the  ordei*  of  the  Jesuits,  who  were 
rocel ved  by  the  Recollects  with  kindness,  and  admitted  under  their  roof 
ox  tlnir  first  arrival.  The  next  year,  three  otiier  Jesuits  arrived,  with 
artizans  and  settlers,  when  the  setdement  began  to  assume  the  appear- 
ance of  a  town.  In  1629,  the  colony  was  seized  by  the  English,  but 
restored  by  treaty  in  1()3'2;  ar.d  in  thu  year  following,  Cliamplain  was 
again  installed  as  gdvernor  of  New  France.  His  deatii  occinred  in 
December,  IG35.  Fro  ii  this  time  forward  the  Jesuit  missionaries  con- 
tinued to  explore  the  country,  and  labor  with  a  zeal  which  has  known 
no  parallel,  to  convert  the  roving  savages  to  the  Catholic  faith.  To 
acquire  their  language  and  confidence,  th.t^'y  adopted  tiicir  dresses  and 
mode  of  life,  assisted  them  in  fishnig  and  hunting,  and  joined  in  distant 
and  arduous  marches  for  warlike  pu.  poses. 

Every  canton  or  tribe  of  the  Loquois  of  New  York,  and  nearly  every 
nation  throughout  the  range  of  the  iireat  lakes  and  the  Mis»issippi  valley 
had  its  missionary,  and  Inany  of  them  a  depot  for  the  purchase  of  furs 
and  sale  of  merchandise.  To  protect  this  trade,  and  especially  to  deprive 
the  English  settlements  of  its  benefits,  military  posts  were  narly  estab- 
lished at  important  points,  and  as  Quebec  was  the  principal  port  from 
which  exports  were  made,  the  St.  Lawrence  river  became  the  highway 
of  the  French  to  their  distant  stations. 

The  first  military  post  of  any  note  above  Montreal  was  erected  at 
Cataraqui,  now  Kingston,  of  the  founding  of  which  a  minute  account  is 
pieserved  in  the  form  of  a  journal  of  Count  de  Frontenac,  a  portion  of 
which  describes  the  wild  scenery  of  the  St.  Lawrence  nearly  two  centu- 
ries ago,  before  the  woodman's  axe  had  echoed  in  the  primeval  forests, 
which  then  shaJed  its  ^waters.     From  it  an  idea  may  be  formed  of  the 

*  The  forcijoiii't  facU  are  mostly  derived  from  tlic  first  volume  of  Warbnrton's  roiiqiicBl 
of  Canada;  where  original  aulliorilies  are  cited.  The  exiiedilioii  of  Cliamplain  is  given  in 
full  ill  the  Documontary  History  of  New  York,  Vol.  III. 


AND    FRANKLIN    TOUNTIES. 


33 


led  at 
int  is 
Ion  of 
lentu- 
li'ests> 
If  the 

linqucst 
liven  in 


f 


perils  wliic;i  tliese  inoii  eiicoiiiitered  in  tlio  prosecution  of  tlieir  designs. 
The  following  extract  from  the  jonrnal  of  (^onnt  dss  IVontenac's  voy- 
age to  Lake  Ontario  in  1078,  was  translated  from  the  second  volume  of 
the  collection  of  Mie  Paris  Documents  in  the  ofHce  of  the  Secretary  of 
State,  by  Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callagiiau,  editor  of  the  Documentary  History 
of  New  York,  who  has  kindly  pernfitted  this  manuscript  to  be  used 
for  this  work.  It  gives  nn  interesting  i)icture  of  tliu  scenery  and 
physical  features  of  the  St,  Lawrence  at  that  early  period. 

The  object  of  this  journey  was  to  prevent  the  ratification  of  a  treaty 
between  Jndian  tribes,  which  he  conceived  would  o|)erate  injuriously  to 
the  interests  of  the  French,  lie  proposed  to  effect  this  by  the  establish- 
ment of  a  military  post  on  Lake  Ontario,  and  this  was  the  first  beginning 
made  at  what  is  now  the  city  of  Kingston,  C  W.  He  could  thus  prevent 
intercourse  between  the  south  and  the  north, and  monopolize  the  fur  trade 
of  tiie  Indians.  He  was  still  further  induced  to  this,  from  the  re[)resent- 
ations  of  the  Jesuit  missionaries,  who  had  lor  some  time  labored  among 
tlie  Irocpiois,  and  v\  ere  over  anxious  that  a  station  should  he  made  in 
the  country  of  the  Indians,  as  well  to  promote  their  religion,  as  their 
commercial  enterinises. 

To  impress  the  natives  with  a  belief  that  cascades  and  rai)ids  were  no 
barrier  against  the  French,  Count  de  Frontenac  resolved  to  take  with 
him  two  flat  bateaux,  similar  to  that  M,  de  Coiircelles  had  two  years  pre- 
vious carried  to  the  head  of  the  ra|)ids,  and  even  to  mount  them  with 
small  cannon,  to  inspire  savages  with  awe.  With  these  two  boats,  built 
after  a  particular  model,  holding  sixteen  men,  and  painted  imlike  any 
thing  seen  before,  and  with  about  one  hundred  and  twenty  bark  canoes, 
he  at  length  left  Montreal  on  the  28th  of  .Tune,  having  made  all  nec(;3- 
sary  arrangements  lor  the  govermnent  of  the  colony  in  his  absence.  On 
the  3d  of  July  they  had  reached  the  islands  at  the  head  of  Lake  St. 
Francis,  where  they  repaired  their  bateaux,  which  had  been  injured  in 
the  i)assing  of  rapids.     We  will  quou^  the  words  of  the  journal : 

"On  the  4th,  the  route  jmssed  through  the  most  delightful  country 
in  the  world.  The  entire  river  was  s|)angled  with  islands,  on  which 
were  oidy  oaks  and  hard  wood;  the  soil  is  adnnrab'e,  and  the  Itanks  of 
the  jnainland  on  the  north  and  south  shores  are  et  ;ally  handsome,  the 
tind)er  being  very  clean  and  lofty,  forming  a  fb.ost  etpial  to  the  most 
beautiful  in  France.  Both  banks  of  the  river  ;  'e  lined  with  prairies, 
full  of  excellent  grass,  interspersed  with  an  infinity  of  beantifid  flowers; 
so  that  it  may  be  asserted,  there  would  not  be  a  more  lovely  country  in 
the  world  than  that  from  Lake  St.  Francis  to  the  head  of  the  rapida, 
were  it  cleared. 

"Made  three  leagues  up  to  noon,  and  halted  at  a  spot  more  delightful 
than  any  we  had  yet  seen.  It  was  close  to  the  little  channel  which 
stretches  along  the  saiiit  on  the  north  side,  and  op|)osite  the  mouth  of  a 


34 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


river  Ity  wliieli  people  go  to  tlio  Molmwk.*  Sieiir  Le  iMoiiie  vviis  sent 
to  e.xaiiiine  that  wliicli  goes  to  tin;  3l<)lia\vks,  jukI  n-portc;!  ;liat  it  Ibrined 
n  large,  rirciilar,  deep,  and  pleasant  basin,  heliiid  tim  j)()iiit  wlien;  we 
had  halted,  and  that  the  lro<piois  whom  he  had  found  there,  had  informed 
him  that  there  was  five  days' easy  navigation  in  that  river,  and  three  when 
the  waters  were  lower.  After  having  dined  and  rested  awhile,  the  march 
was  resumed  and  it  was  resolved'  to  take  the  south  ehannel,  with  the 
design  to  cam|)  above  the  long  saiit,  and  eross  over  to  that  side  at  three 
(piarters  of  a  league  above  it,  hut  the  rain  wiiich  supervened  obliged 
Count  do  Fronti'uar  to  cause  the  (Mitire  fleet  to  come  to  anchor  on  the 
nor.'li  side,  at  the  place  where  we  inttwuled  to  traverse,  ami  he  had  tiine 
oidy  to  iret  the  bateaux  to  do  this,  and  to  encamp  himself  with  the 
'i'lpet!  Rivers'  brigade,  and  his  stalf  on  the  south  shore  opposite  the 
pi. ice  wbi-re  the  other  sections  had  anchored.  We  ibund  in  the  western 
i'arcst,  in  the  camp,  a  whit(;  tlowcr,  as  btnmtiful  as  can  be  se(!n,  with  an 
odor  similar  to  tiiat  of  the  lily  of  the  valley,  but  much  iiner.  It  was 
sketched  through  curiosity. 

"  The  ;")th,  liie  rain  threatening,  wo  contented  ourselves  in  despatching 
the  bateaux  at  the  break  of  day  to  get  them  past  the  rapids  of  the  Long 
Saut,  and  the  order  \\*as  sent  to  the  fleet  at  the  north  side  not  to  traverse, 
unlil  the  wesitiier  was  settled. 

"  'I'herelbre  it  having  cleared  about  ten  o'clock,  the  fleet  traversed  and 
n<lvaiic(Mi  to  the  foot  of  the  t1rst  rapid  of  the  Long  Saut,  but  one  half 
having  |)assed.  a  storm  sprang  uj),  which  obliged  the  comit  to  go  by  land 
as  tin-  as  the  rapid,  to  hasten  on  those  who  were  in  the  middle,  and  to 
prevent  the  last  going  I'mther  on;  so  that  four  only  were  able  to  pass, 
and  these  cami)ed  half  a  league  above.  He  sent  the  others  into  a  cove, 
nft(!r  he  had  remaiiKid  more  than  two  hours  under  the  rain,  without  a 
cloak;  very  un(;a«y  about  the  batijanx,  which  experienced  much  difliculty 
in  ascendinu'  the  rapid,  one  of  them  had  rim  adril't  in  the  current,  had 
not  the  pi'ople  behind,  thrown  themselves  into  the  stream  with  incredi- 
ble |)romptness  and  bravery. 

It  is  impossihl(!  to  conceive  without  witnessing,  the  fatigue  of  those 
w\ui  dragge'l  the  bateaux,  They  were  lor  the  most  part  of  the  time  in 
the  wat(M-  up  to  the  arm-pits,  walking  on  I'ock  so  shar[)  that  many  had 
their  feet  and  legs  covered  with  blood,  yet  their  gaiety  never  liiiled,  and 
they  niiide  such  a  point  of  honor  of  taking  these  bateaux  up,  that  as 
soon  as  they  .rrivc  '  in  the  camp,  souk;  among  them  commenced  jump- 
ing, playing  -prison  bars,"  {Joucr  nur  Inirrcs.)  and  other  games  of  like 
nature.  The  night  of  the  .^th  and  (ith  inst.  was  so  wet,  that  the  Comit 
coidd  not  sleep,  so  ali-aid  was  he  of  the  biscuit  glutting  wet,  that  he  or- 
dtM-ed  Sieur  de  Chandjiy,  not  to  allow  the  canoes  to  start  until  he  saw 
settled  weather,  and  to  push  on  the  bateaux  with  experienced  hands  in 
them  as  th(!y  did  not  carry  any  provisions  capable  of  spoiling.  He 
waited  till  noon  to  s(!t  out,  the  weather  liavitig  cleared  up  with  ap|)ear- 
nnces  of  no  mort;  rain;  but  a  league  bad  not  been  travelled,  nor  the  ba- 
teaux overtaken,  belcire  a  t(!nipest  burst  so  lin-iously,  that  all  thought  that 
the  provisions  would  be  wet.  W'itii  care  however,  very  little  harm  hap- 
pened, and  after  halting  about  tin-ee  hours,  we  jiroceeded  on  with  some 
five  or  six  canoes,  to  find  out  a  place  to  camp;  to  give  time  to  the  people 
in  the  canoes  to  tijiiow  them,  with  all  the?  troops,  and  though  there  were 
three  or  finn- very  ugly  rapids  to  be  passc'd;  they  did  not  fiiil  to  surmount 
nil  thesv!  dini(!ulties,  and  to  arrive  biitiire  sundown  at  the  head  of  the 
Long  Haut,  where  Count  de  iVonlenac,  had  traced  out  the  camp,  oppo- 

"  HllCJlIKlK!    RiviT  ' 


AND    FRANKIJN    COUNTIES. 


35 


site  a  little  Islniid,  at  the  end  of  '.vliich  the  northern  channel  unites  with 
that  on  the  soiali. 

Tiio  7tii.  star\e"l  tlie  canoes,  (bateaux?)  very  early,  with  orders  to  cross 
from  the  north  si<le  at  tiie  place  where  they  shouhJ  find  tiie  river  nar- 
rower and  less  rapid,  and  lie  left  with  all  the  canoes  two  hours  aft  jr, 
and  |)rocpeded  until  eleven  o'clock,  in  better  order  than  during?  the  pre- 
ceding days,  because  the  navigation  was  easier.  W-i  stopped  three  or 
lour  hours  about  a  (piartcr  of  a  league  from  the  rapid  called  the  Rapide 
Plat* 

The  weather  apjieared  the  finest  in  the  world.  This  induced  ua  to 
determine  on  passing  the  rapid,  which  is  very  ditiicult,  on  accoutitof  the 
trees  on  the  water  side  tumbling  into  tiic  river,  winch  obliged  the  cames 
to  take  outside,  and  so  go  into  the  strongest  of  the  current.  He  detached 
six  canoes  in  consecpience,  which  he  sent  along  to  take  axes  to  cut  all 
the  trees  that  might  obstruct  the  passage  of  the  batteaux,  and  took  with 
him  the  Tia-ee  Kivers'  brigade  and  Ids  staiT,  to  lay  out  the  caitip,  having 
left  two  brigades  with  the  bateaux,  and  others  for  a  rear  guard.  But  on 
landing  at  5  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  tiiere  came  a  storm  accompanied 
by  thuruler  and  lighttung,  more  furious  than  all  the  others  that  preceded 
it,  so  that  it  was  necessary  to  despatch  orders  in  all  baste  to  the  bateaux, 
and  to  ail  the  fleet  to  cast  anchor,  wherever  they  happened  to  bo,  which 
it  was  very  diflicult  to  cir'ct,  in  consequence  of  some  of  the  bateaux 
being  in  the  midst  of  the  ra|»id.  The  rain  lasted  nearly  the  whole  night, 
(luring  which  the  Count  was  extremely  uneasy,  lest  precautions  may 
not  have  been  taken  to  prevent  the  ))rovisions  getting  wet. 

Next  morning  at  break  of  day  sent  for  intelligence,  and  news  was 
brought,  about  7  o'clock  in  the  mortung,  that  then?  was  not  much  harm 
done,  through  the  care  every  one  took  to  preserve  his  provisions,  and  the 
bateaux  arrived  a  quarter  ot"  an  hour  afterwards  at  the  camp.  As  every 
one  had  suffered  considerably  from  the  fatigue  of  the  night,  it  was  re- 
solved not  to  leave  tlie  camp  b(?fbre  ten  or  eleven  o'clock  in  order  to 
collect  all  the  people  and  give  them  time  to  rest. 

The  weather  was  so  unsettled,  that,  through  fear  of  rain,  they  waited 
until  noon,  and  tiiough  a  |)reity  strong  south-west  wind  arose,  and  the 
river  was  very  rough,  we  failed  not  to  make  consi  '  able  headway,  and 
to  camp  at  the  foot  ot'  the  last  rapid. 

J  he  9th.  we  had  |)roceeded  scarcely  an  hour,  when  the  Montreal  brig- 
ade, dis|iatched  by  Count  Frontenac  liom  our  'id  encampimnt,  b  Sieni- 
Lieut,  de  la  Valtrie,  luuler  the  direction  of  Sieur  Morel,  ensign  .»  make 
a  second  convoy,  and  carry  provisions  beyond  the  rapids,  was  Ibuirl  in 
a  )»lace  which  he  had  been  ordered  to  occupy  as  a  dejtot.  As  soon  as 
our  fleet  was  perceived,  he  crossed  over  from  the  south  to  the  north,  and 
came  on  board  the  admiral. 

The  Count  wrote  by  him  to  M.  Perrot,  Governor  of  Montreal,  to  whom 
he  sent  orders  to  have  new  canoes  furnished  to  Lieut.  I^ebert,  to  join  this 
fleet,  and  endeavor  to  bring,  in  one  voyagi;,  wjiat  he  had  at  first  resolved 
t(,  have  brought  in  two.  li\  two  horns  afterwards,  we  arrived  at  the 
'dace  Sieur  tie  la  Valtrie  had  selected  to  build  a  storehouse.     It  was  a 


»  This  rapid  is  on  llie  north  side  of  Ogden's  Isliiiid,  at  the  present  village  of  Waddinglon,  in 
Mudrlil. 

The  Islund  was  iniknown  to  tlie  early  Trench  voyngeurs  us  the  Isle  an  Ilapide  Plat,  or 
island  ut  the  flul  rapid. 

The  river  here  is  underlaid  by  a  liineslonB  forma,tion  of  very  nnil'orm  surface,  and  has  a 
dofceni  of  eleven  feet  in  tliree  miles. 


^^ 


36 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


rt'  ^ 


1 


point  at  tlio  head  of  all  tlie  rapids,  and  at  tlic  entrance  of  the  smootli 
navigation.* 

Tiie  Count  stronj^Iy  approved  Sieur  fic  la  Valtrio's  selection,  and  re- 
solved to  sojourn  tiiiMC  tiie  whole  day,  to  allow  the  troo|)s  to  refresh, 
and  to  have  leisure  to  send  a  second  canoe  to  Montreal,  witli  new  orders 
and  to  hasten  the  return  of  the  canoes,  which  were  sent  to  hrinp  pro- 
visions. At  six  o'clock  in  the  eveiiinj:,  two  Iro(|uois  canoes  arrived, 
briniiing  letters  from  Sieur  de  la  Salle,  who,  having  been  sent  into  their 
country  two  months  before,  advised  the  Count,  that,  afler  somediHiculty, 
founded  on  the  apprehensions  the  savages  entertained  of  his  approach, 
they  had,  in  fnie  resolved  to  come  to  assm-e  liim  of  their  obedience,  and 
tiiat  they  awaited  him  at  Kente,  to  the  number  of  more  than  two  hund- 
red of  the  most  ancient  and  influential,  though  they  had  considerable 
objection  to  repair  thither,  in  conserpience  of  the  jealous^  they  felt  on 
seeing  Onontio  going  to  Kente,  as  it  implied  a  preference  lor  that  nation 
to  the  others.  This  obliged  him  to  request  the  Abbes  de  Fenelonf  and 
D'Urft',  to  go  in  all  haste  to  Kente,  which  it  had  been  resolved  to  visit, 
having  judged  by  the  map,  after  considerable  consultation  and  different 
o|)inions,  that  it  would  be  a  very  suitable  place  on  which  to  erect  tho 
proposed  establishment. 

Though  Count  de  Frontenac  had  appointed  this  interview  witli  the 
savages,  only  with  that  view,  he  did  not  onfit  however  taking  advantage 
of  the  jealousy  they  entertained  in  their  minds,  and  requested  those 
gentlemen  to  assure  them,  that  he  expected  them  in  that  place  only  to 
let  them  know  that  he  did  not  prefer  the  one  to  the  other,  and  that  he 
should  be  always  their  common  liither,  so  long  as  they  remained  in  the 
obedience  and  respect  they  owed  the  king. 

The  10th,  left  the  camp  abor.t  5  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  though 
Comit  de  Frontenac  had  ddtv.rmined  on  the  preceding  day,  and  before 
he  received  the  news  of  the  approach  of  the  Iroquois,  to  leave  the  bat- 
eaux with  the  greater  portion  of  the  troops  behind,  and  to  take  with 
him  only  two  or  three  briga<ies,  to  reconnoitre  as  cpfickly  as  possible  the 
outlet  ot"  the  Creat  Lakv,  and  tin;  post  he  was  about  to  fortily  at  tho 
mouth  of  the  Katarakoui,  he  changed  his  design  and  concluded  he 
ought  to  proceed  ^v■ith  more  precaution,  until  he  should  be  better  infortned 
of  the  intention  of  the  Iroquois. 

We  therefore  |)roeeeded  in  a  body,  and  in  closer  colimm  than  htre- 
tofore.  The  weather  was  so  serene,  and  the  navigation  so  smooth,  that 
we  made  more  than  ten  leagues,  and  went  to  canqi  at  a  cove  about  a 
league  and  a  hall"  from  Otondiata,  where  the  eel  fishery  begins.  We 
had  tl.e  [ileasure  on  the  maich,  to  catch  a  small  loon,  a  bird  about  as 
large  as  a  European  bustard  (  OH/«(v/e),  of  the  most  beautiful  ))lumage, 
but  so  difficult  to  be  caught  alive,  as  it  phmges  constantly  under  \\ater, 
that  it  is  no  small  rarity  to  be  able  to  take  one.  A  cage  was  made  for  it, 
and  orders  were  given  Xf>  iMideavi  i  to  raise  it,  in  order  to  be  able  to  send 
it  to  the  king. 


•  Protmbly,  Indian  Point,  in  Lisbon,  u  sliorl  ilistnncc  above  Gallop  Rapids. 


tFenelon,  the  Archbishop  of  Cambray,  and  author  ol' tlie  celebrated  allegorical  romancs 
txiMeA,  Les  Adventures  de  Telemaque,  vraa  from  1067  till  1071  a  missionary  of  the  Sulpi. 
cian  order  among  the  Iroquois,  on  the  north  shore  of  Lalic  Ontario.  He  was  born,  Aug.  Glh, 
1051;  early  engaged  with  zeal  in  i:celesinstical  .studios,  became  eminent  as  u  missionary, 
author,  and  preceptor  to  the  Duke  of  Burgundy,  the  heir  apparent  to  the  ilirone  of  France; 
w«»  railed  to  the  Arcbbiahopric  of  Cambray  in  1007,  and  ditd  in  17J5 


^ 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


37 


with 

HO  tllO 

at  tlio 

ed   lie 

fonned 

h.rt- 

tli,  tliat 

joiit  a 

We 

)Oiit  as 

iiiiaire, 

\\nlcr, 

for  it, 

;o  send 


The  llth,  the  weatliei-continniiif;  fine,  n  good  day's  journey  was  made, 
liavin-r  ))assed  all  that  vast  Jiionp  of  islands  with  which  the  river  is 
spanjiled,  and  camped  at  a  point  ahove  the  river  called  hy  the  Indians 
Oiinoudakoui,*  up  which  many  of  them  go  himting.  It  hasa  very  consider- 
ahle  chainiel.  Two  more  loons  were  caught  alive,  and  a  scnnoutou,  wh'.vh 
is  a  kind  of  deer,  hut  the  head  and  branches  of  which  are  Jiandsonier  than 
that  of  the  i\wv  of'  France." 

Tiie  narrative  continues  with  an  account  of  the  stately  and  regal  man- 
ner with  which  the  Count  do  Frontenac  entered  the  lake,  and  the  inter- 
views which  he  had  with  the  natives.  The  pomp  and  ceremony  with 
which  he  received  the  deputation  of  the  savages,  the  glittering  armor  and 
polished  steel  which  flashed  and  gleamed  in  the  sun,  the  waving  banners 
gayest  colors  fliat  floated  in  the  gentle  breeze,  and  above  all  the  roar  of 
cannon  and  the  destructive  effect  of  shot,  bewildered  the  minds  of  the 
simple-hearted  natives,  and  impressed  them  with  awe  and  astonishment. 
The  Count  then  related  to  them  in  glowing  colors  tiie  grandeur  and  im- 
portance of  the  King  his  master,  whose  liundtle  servant  lie  was,  ami  thus 
conveyed  a  vague  but  overvvhehning  impression  of  the  omnipotence  of 
the  French. 

This  speech  is  interesting,  as  an  illustration  of  the  motives  which  wore 
held  out  to  the  natives  by  the  French,  and  the  manner  in  which  they 
appealed  to  their  passions  and  their  interests  in  securing  their  adherence 
to  their  cause. 

Count  de  Frontenac,  having  had  a  fire  lighted  near  the  place  where 

they  were  seated,  answered  thein  in  terms  adapted  to  their  manner  of 

speaking,  as  follows  : 

" !\Iy  ('hildreu :  Oniiontagues,  Mohawks,  Oneidis,  Cayugas  and  Se- 
necas.  I  am  ))leased  to  see  you  come  hither,  where  I  have  had  a  fire 
lighted  for  you  to  smoke  by,  and  for  me  to  talk  to  yon.  It  is  well  done, 
my  children,  to  have  followed  the  orders  and  commands  of  yoiu'  Father. 
Take  coin-age,  then,  my  children:  you  will  hear  his  word,  which  is  full 
of  tenderni'>sand  peace;  a  word  which  will  fill  your  cabins  witli  joy  and 
happiness,  for  think  not  that  war  is  the  oliject  of  my  voyage.  iMy  spirit 
i  s  full  of  peace,  whicii  accompanies  me.  Courage,  then,  my  children,  and 
rest  yoiu'selves." 

The  Count  then  presented  them  with  six  fathoms  of  tobacco,  and 

added  : 

"  My  Children  :  You  have  taken  great  pains  to  come  to  see  me,  and  I 
regret  to  have  given  you  the  troubh.'  of  so  long  a  voyage,  which  I,  liow- 
ever,  tried  to  abridge,  by  not  obliging  you  to  go  to  Kente,  and  by  lighting 
the  fire  for  you  at  Katarokoiii. 

Fear  not  :  close  your  eai-s,  nor  distrust  your  minds.  I  am  aware  that 
there  have  been  many  evil  disposed,  who  were  desirous  to  persuade  you 
that  Onontio  was  coining  into  the  cantons  only  to  devoin  your  villages; 
but,  my  children,  that  is  not  true.  Those  are  busy  bodies  who  would 
break  the  peace  and  union  that  exists  betw  een  us ;  and  you  will  never  find 

*  Gaimonoqui?  from  llie  Huron,  Oush-seanoto,  a  deer.    Or.  0'Callaoua:i. 


pi 


I'f: 


3^ 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


in  nie  any  otiior  tlmn  the  fc-pliiigs  of  si  retil  fatlier,  so  long  ns  you  will  net 
like  true  eliildren,  and  continue  obedient. 

Ciicei-  up  then  your  spirits,  and  he  jiersimded  that  I  had  no  other 
desi>rn  in  tliis  voyage,  than  to  visit  yon ;  as  it  was  very  reasonable  a  iiither 
s'lould  he  acquainted  with  his  children,  and  the  children  with  their 
lather. 

I  can  not,  however,  sufficiently  testify  to  you  the  joy  I  feel  to  see  that 
you  not  only  fidly  obey  my  orders  with  jironiptness,  and  come  in  great 
numbers  to  meet  me,  but  that  you  have  also  brought  your  wives  and 
children  with  you,  because  this  is  a  certain  mark  of  the  confidence  you 
l)lace  in  my  words. 

One  regret  only  remains,  that  I  can  not  s[)cak  your  language,  or  that 
you  do  not  miderstand  unine,  so  that  there  might  be  no  necessity  for  in- 
terpreter or  spokesman. 

JJut  in  order  that  you  may  bo  fully  informed  all  I  have  said  to  you,  I 
have  selected  Sieur  Lemoine,  to  whom  1  .shall  commimicate  in  writing 
what  I  have  to  state  to  you,  so  that  you  may  not  lose  any  of  my  reniarks. 
Listen,  then,  attentively  to  him.  There  is  something  to  open  yoin*  ears, 
in  order  that  you  may  be  disposed  in  a  day  or  two  to  hear  the  thoughts 
of  Onontio." 

The  Count  then  handed  the  i)aper  he  held  to  Sieur  Lemoine,  and 
presented  to  each  nation  a  gun,  a  quantity  of  prunes  and  raisins  for  the 
women,  with  some  wine,  brandy  and  biscuit. 

The  Indians  apr)eared  highly  pleased  with  the  speech  which  M. 
Ijcmoine  explained  to  them  in  the  conmiencement,  and  which  ap|)eared 
according  to  their  fiishion  considerable,  causc-d  theui  fo  hope  tiiat  mag- 
nificent ones  would  be  made  them  at  the  close,  when  Onontio  would 
communicate  his  intentions  to  them. 

It  was  remarked  that  their  countenances  were  much  changed,  and 
that  Toronteshati,  tluiir  orator,  the  id)lest,  most  spiritual,  and  most  influ- 
entiid  man  among  them,  from  being  sad  and  pensive  before,  assumed  a 
gaiety  not  usual  to  him.  lie  has  been  always  an  enemy  to  the  French, 
and  greatly  in  the  interest  of  the  Dutch.  Count  Frontenac  was  oljliged 
in  consequence,  to  i)ay  bun  particular  attention,  and  to  keep  him  to  din- 
ner with  him. 

Sieur  llendieu  was  busy  meanwhile,  tracing  out  the  fort  at  the  place 
designated  by  the  Count,  and  according  to  the  plan  which  had  been  ap- 
proved of  by  him,  and  as  soon  as  they  had  dined,  men  were  ordered  to 
work  at  the  trench,  wli(;re  pickets  were  to  be  set,  until  it  was  determined 
in  what  manner  the  troojis  shoidd  be  employed,  and  until  the  tools  were 
[)ut  in  order.  lie  then  end)arked  in  a  canoe  to  visit  the  baidvs  of  the 
river,  or  harbor  and  was  delighted  to  fiiul  at  the  head  of  the  hay,  a 
prairie  more  than  a  league  in  l(;ngth,  as  bandsouK!  and  level  as  any  in 
France,  and  to  see  the  river  winding  through  its  ctmtre,  very  wide,  and 
cajiable  of  admitting  barks  and  vessels  for  over  three;  hiagues  continually. 

He  returned  to  the  camp  in  great  joy,  on  perceiving  that  he  had  found 
«^verything  according  to  his  wishes,  and  that  God  bad  seeminglj'  blessed 
his  enterprise,  but  what  increased  it  still  more,  was  to  find  that  every 
body  was  so  impatient  for  woik,  and  so  anxious  to  advance  the  under- 
taking, which  he  hoped  to  bring  soon  to  an  end.  This  ardor  thus  ex- 
iiibited  by  them,  caused  him  to  alter  his  resolution,  to  divide  the  troops 
into  four  brigades,  and  to  have  them  relieved  every  two  hours,  in  order 
that  the  work  should  not  int(!rmit,  and  he  accepted  their  proposal  to  di- 
vide the  labor  among  them,  (!ach  undertaking  what  may  be  allotttjd  to 
him.  This  had  so  good  an  effect,  that  early  in  the  evening,  they  began 
to  make  a  clearing  with  such  energy,  that  the  officers  found  difficulty  in 


M 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES 


39 


dinwiiisr  the  people  ofl"  to  rest  and  sleep,  so  as  to  bo  able  to  work  the 
iii!.xt  morniiifr. 

The  J4th  day  had  scarcely  broken,  when  the  entire  brif^ade  tell^o 
work,  according,'  to  the  allotment  that  had  been  made, and  all  theotticers 
and  sohUers  applied  tiieinselves  to  it  with  such  heartiness  and  zeal,  that 
tlie  site  ot"  the  tort  was  nearly  cleared. 

ttiuur  Lanioint'  liad  orders  ti'oin  the  Count,  to  bring  him  at  each  meal 
two  or  tiiree  of  the  principal  Iroquois,  whom  he  entertained  at  his  table. 
Hetbndled  their  children  every  time  he  met  them,  and  had  prunes,  raisins. 
&c.,  distributed  amoii^'  them,  which  so  gratified  the  Indians  that  they 
would  not  leave  his  tent,  no  more  than  the  women,  whom  he  treated,  to 
induce  tiieni  to  dance  in  the  evening. 

The  15tli,  the  work  was  continued  with  the  same  zeal;  but  the  rain 
which  fell  throughout  the  morning  of  the  KJtli,  ju'evented  operations  until 
noon,  when  every  effort  was  made  to  recover  lost  time.  'I'he  Indians 
were  astonished  to  see  th^  large  clearance  that  had  been  made;  sonie 
squiuing  timber  in  one  place;  others  fetching  pickets;  others  cutting 
trenches;  and  that  diti'erent  operations  advanced  at  the  same  time.  In 
the  evening  he  caused  notice  to  be  given  to  the  captain  of  the  Five  Na- 
tions, that  he  would  give  them  an  audience,  on  the  next  day,  at  eight 
o'clock  in  the  morning. 

On  the  17th,  everything  being  prepared  to  receive  them,  they  came  to 
the  Count  in  the  same  manner  as  the  first  time,  when  he  submitted  to 
them  in  his  speech  alltlio  conditions  he  desired  of  them,  as  may  be  seen 
from  the  copy  annexed  of  his  address,  which  was  accompanied  by  mag- 
iiilicent  presents  in  Indian  fashion. 


(;(l  a 
iicli, 
igcd 
din- 

lliU'O 

I  a]>- 
(1  to 
ined 
w('re 
■  the 
ay,  a 
ly  ill 
,  and 
lally. 
found 
essed 
every 
ndor- 
s  ox- 
•oops 
order 
to  di- 
d  to 
liegan 
Itv  in 


Count  de  Frontenac's  speech  to  the  Iroquois, 

FIRST    WORD. 

"  My  children !  Onnontagues,  Mohawks,  Oneidas,  Cayugas,  and  Senecas 
I  signified  to  you  the  other  day,  the  joy  I  felt  to  see  you  arrive  liere  with 
all  your  proofs  of  submission  that  children  owe  their  father,  and  with 
such  confidence  that  you  have  brought  your  wives  and  little  ones. 

You  alleviate  in  truth  thereby,  all  the  trouble  and  liitigues  I  encoun- 
tered on  my  voyage,  and  oblige  me  by  the  respect  you  have  for  my  com- 
mands to  give  you  every  assurance  that  you  can  desire  of  my  friendship, 
and  the  king,  my  majesty's  protection,  if  you  continue  to  observe  faith- 
fully his  will,  of  which  I  am  interpreter,  and  executor.  I  have  even 
reason  to  persuade  myself  that  you  will  not  fail  therein  alter  the  protest- 
ations you  have  given  me,  and  the  knowledge  you  have  afi'orded  me  ot 
the  good  understanding  in  which  all  the  nations  now  live,  inasmuch  as 
you  have  informed  me,  that  they  were  all  of  the  same  spirit,  and  had  but 
one  opinion.  But  as  it  is  the  duty  of  children  to  be  obedient  to  their 
father,  'tis  likewise  the  duty  of  a  good  father  to  communicate  to  his 
children,  instructions  and  information,  the  most  useful  and  necessary  for 
them. 

Children!  Oiiontagues,  Jlohawks,  Oneidas,  Cayugas,  and  Senecas! 
I  can  not  give  you  any  advice  more  important  or  more  profitable  to  you, 
than  to  exhort  you  to  become  Christiiuis,  and  to  adore  the  same  God 
that  1  adore.  He  is  the  sovereign  Lord  of  Heaven  and  b^arth ;  the  absolute 
master  of  your  lives  and  properues;  who  hath  created  you;  who  |)re- 
servesyou;  who  f\uiiishesyou  with  food  and  driidi;  who  can  send  death 
amongst  you  in  a  moment,  inasmuch  as  he  is  Almighty,  and  acts  as  he 
willeth,  not  like  men,  who  require  time,  but  in  an  instant  and  at  a  word. 


il 


40 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


In  fine,  lie  it  is  who  cnn  render  you  linppy  or  niisernlile,  iia  lio  |i|pnse{|i. 
TJjis  (Jroi)  is  called  Jesls;  and  the  Binpit  Gowns  here, 'who  are  his  mi- 
nivers and  interpreters,  will  teach  you  to  know  Uiin,  wlicneveryou  are  so 
disposed.  I  leave  tlieni  among  you,  and  in  your  villages,  only  to  teach 
you. 

1  therefore  desire,  that  you  respect  them,  and  prevent  any  ot'  your 
yoim,?  Iiraves  daring  or  presinning  to  injure  them  in  the  smallest  dejiree, 
as  I  shall  consider  the  injuries  ilone  them  as  personal  to  myself,  and  such 
I  will  piuiish  with  like  severity.  Iloarkrn  well  then  to  the  advice  1  give 
you, and  forget  it  not,  as  it  is  of  great  importance;  and  you  ought  to  ho 
nware  that,  in  giviiig  it,  I  lahor  more  for  you  than  for  mysel(|  and  1  slmly 
only  your  liappiness  The  Hurons,  here  presetit  in  gieat  nund)ers,  rmfst 
incline  you  tiiereto,  since  you  see  with  your  own  eyes  that  they  have 
learned  to  honor  and  serve  the  God  of  whom  1  speak  to  you. 

Ancients!  give  herein  the  exiunplo  toyoiu'  children,  as  your  judgment 
must  he  soiunler  than  theirs;  or  at  least,  if  you  he  not  disposed  to  hc- 
como  Christians,  at  least  do  not  prevent  them  hecoming  such,  and  Earn- 
ing the  ]»rnyer  of  that  great  Gou  whom  the  Black  Gowns  will  willingly 
teach  them,  and  his  commandments.  These  consist  of  only  two  points, 
easy  of  ohservance.  The  first  is,  to  love  Him  with  yonr  whole  heart, 
and  whole  soul,  and  your  whole  strength.  Ancients!  Is  there  any  thing 
more  easy  than  to  love  what  is  j)crfectly  heautilid,  what  is  sovereignly 
nnnahle,  and  what  can  constitute  all  our  happiness? 

The  second  thing  he  requires  of  us  is,  to  love  our  hrother  as  we  love 
ourselves;  that  is  to  say,  that  we  assist  them  in  their  necessities,  and 
furnish  them  drink,  and  meat  anil  clothing,  when  they  are  in  need  of 
them,  as  we  woidd  wish  should  he  done  to  ourselves. 

Again,  Ancients — lor  to  you  1  address  myseli;  believing  your  minds  to 
be  sufficiently  endowed  to  comjirehend  it — tell  me  frankly,  if  there  is 
any  thing  more  reasonable  than  this  commandment  r  You  ought  to  ho 
more  easily  persuaded  that  1  came  not  here  save  with  a  heart  filled  with 
gentleness  and  peace,  to  comnumicate  these  to  my  children,  to  assist 
them  in  all  things,  and  to  give  them  a  proof  of  a  true  and  sincere 
friendship. 

Take  courage,  then,  my  children,  Onontagiies,  Mohawks,  Oneidas, 
Cayugas,  and  Senccas.  Lend  not  an  ear  to  the  coiuicils  of  certain  busy 
bodies,  who  at  my  approach  desire  to  excite  distrust  and  suspicions, 
and  who,  assuming  to  be  your  friends,  meditate  only  your  ruin  and 
destruction. 

Listen  to  me,  and  trust  my  words.  I  am  frank  and  sincere,  and  shall 
promise  you  nothing  but  what  I  shall  exactly  j)erfbrm,  desiring  that  you 
may  on  your  side  do  likewi:ie. 

*  *  *  I  content  myself  by  telling  you  only  to  reflect  on 

t'le  past  and  on  the  j)resent;  consider  well  tlm  greatness  and  power  of 
Onontio;  behold  the  number  of  [)ersons  accompanying  and  surrounding 
him;  the  ease  and  celerity  with  which  he  has;  .  "uinounted  all  your  sau/s 
and  rajtids,  and  passed  bateaux,  mounted  with  cannon,  over  them,  which 
you  liever  thought  could  be  steered  through  the  smoothest  and  most  tran- 
quil of  rivers,  and  that  in  a  voyage  made  oidy  through  |)leasure,  and  with- 
out necessity.  Infer  from  this  what  he  could  efiect  if  lie  desired  to  wage 
war  and  crush  any  of  his  enemies.  If  you  reflect  seriously  on  all  of  these 
things,  you  will  acknowledge  he  is  a  good  fiither,  who  is  not  cruel,  and 
that  he  is  absolute  arbiter  of'  War  and  Peace." 

When  we  come  to  give  an  account  of  the  founding  of  the  mission  on 
the  St.  Lawruuce,  nearly  three  quartersof  a  century  after,  it  may  be  well 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


41 


>n  oil 
well 


to  renieinber  tlie  nntiire  of  tliu  motives  wliicli  were  brought  to  bear  upon 
tiic,  iniiuls  of  till!  Kiivngcs,  when  we  sliall  sue  tliat  tliey  were  essentially 
tiie  same  as  tliot ;  cTered  by  the  Count  ile  Froutenuc. 

From  this  tiuie  for^vard,  the  St.  Lawrence  was  frequently  traversed 
bv  French  voyagers,  and  a  post  was  established  at  Lu  fVa/c//f,  (meaning  in 
tiie  French  language  u  cake,  or  nntjftn,)  which  is  supposed  to  be  near  the 
site  of  Johnstown  in  Canada,  u  short  distance  below  Prescott,  or  on 
Chimney  Island, 

J II  the  ctdcbrated  expedition  of  Do  la  Bane,  the  governor  of  Canada, 
uguiiist  tlio  Iroquois,  in  1684,*  La  Galette  is  mentioned  as  one  of  hia 
stopping  places. 

In  laying  a  plan  for  the  conquest  of  the  Five  Nations,  de  la  Barre  in- 
dicates the  necessity  of  posting  troops  in  Forts  Fronteiiac  and  La  Galette, 
to  escort  provisions,  and  keep  the  head  of  the  country  guarded  and 
furnished. 

This  celebrated,  and  singularly  unfortunate  expedition,  left  Quebec  on 
the  ninth  of  July,  1G84,  and  on  the  first  of  August  arrived  at  Lake  St. 
Francis,  with  about  two  hundred  canoes,  and  fifteen  bateaux,  where  he 
was  joined  by  the  Rev.  Father  Lamberville,  junior,  coining  on  behalf  of 
his  brother  at  Onondaga,  and  by  the  Kev.  Father  Millet,  from  the 
Oneidas. 

On  the  second  they  reached  the  portage  of  the  Long  Saut,  which  was 
found  very  difficult,  notwithstanding  the  care  taken  to  send  forward  fifty 
men  with  axes  to  cut  away  the  trees  that  projecterl  from  the  bank,  and 
prevented  those  passing  who  were  dragging  up  tlio  canoes  and  bateaux; 
because  the  trees  being  voluminous  and  the  bank  precipitous,  the  people 
were  in  the  water  the  moment  they  abandoned  the  shore.  During  this 
delay,  they  were  joined  by  the  Christian  Iroquois  of  the  Saut  St.  Louis 
and  of  Montreal,  who  undertook  for  a  few  presents  of  brandy  and 

•  See  tlic  Documenlary  History  of  New  York,  by  E.  II.  O'Cullaglinn,  Vol.  I,  p  93-143 
wliere  a  full  liistory  of  this  iveiit  is  given  in  the  original  documents.  La  Famine,  which  wa» 
111  the  work  cited,  located  in  Jefferson  county,  must  doubtless  hnve  been  .Salmon  river  in  Os. 
wego  county.  In  the  Journal  oi' Charlevoix,  (13mo  edition,  vol.  o,  p.  302-3)  the  following 
distances  are  given: 

"  From  I'Isle  aux  Gallois,  to  I'lsle  aux  Cheve.'?,  (Goat  Island)  three  leagues  to  a  point,  which 
is  forty-three  degrees  thirty  minutes;  thence  to  ta  jioiiite  <le  la  JVaccrje,  (Stoney  Point,)  a 
\league  and  a  hall".  The  river  de  Aisoinptivn  is  a  league  from  point  de  la  Travers*. ;  that  det 
Sables,  (Sandy  Creek  ?  tliree  leagues  further;  tiiat  de  la  Plnnclte,  (Little  Sandy  Creek?)  two 
leagues  beyond;  that  </<;  la  Grande  Famine,  (Salmon  river.')  two  oilier  leagues;  that  de  la 
Petite  Famine,  a  league,  that  of  de  la  Cirofse  Ecoree,  (Thick  Hark.)  a  leaciie. 

Colden  in  his  history  of  the  I'ive  Nations  inKiilions  La  Famine  river,  called  by  the  Indians, 
Kaihahage,  us  falling  into  the  south  side  of  Cadaracui  lake,  about  thirty  miles  from  Onondago, 
(probably  the  mouth  of  Oswego  river.)  .See  vol.  11.  p.  Gl,  of  third  London  edition  of  Colden's 
History,  I  Too. 

This  correction  is  made  with  the  knowledge  and  by  the  consent  of  Dr.  O  Callaghan, 


42 


lUSTOUY    OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


1% 


tolmcco,  to  jmHS  the  battcaiix  and  larjjcst  i'unoeM,a  feat  which  wusnccoiii- 
(ilished  ill  two  liayH,  unii  witiiutit  accident. 

On  the  iiioiniiiji  of  the  fifth,  the  governor  hud  reached  La  Galctte, 
where  the  provisioiiis  were  taken  from  the  cunoeH,  which  were  sent  hucU 
to  La  Chine  tor  a  new  load. 

'I'he  Htioiifj;  winds  tVoiii  the  sontliwest  which  constantly  prevailed,  and 
which  continued  throufjli  the  month,  delayed  the  return  of  the  cunoes 
some  time,  and  pieveiited  the  chance  of  his  arriving  at  the  fort  at 
Cataratini,  until  the  ninth.  After  his  arrival  he  despatched  eight  oj'  his 
largest  canoes  to  La  Galette,  for  ten  thousand  weight  of  flour,  provisions 
beginning  to  liiil  in  the  camp,  which  caused  him  much  uneasiness,  and 
which  eventually  contributed  largely  to  his  diwisters. 

'This  supply  of  flour  was  to  be  immediately  baked  into  biscuit,  and 
forwarded  to  the  troops  who  had  gone  forward  and  encam|ied  at  La 
Famine,  a  post  favorable  for  liunting  and  fishing,  and  which  was  four 
leagues  from  Onontague, 

The  canoes  despatched  to  Galette  returned  with  far  less  flour  than 
was  expected,  and  was  immediately  baked  and  sent  to  the  troops. 

Tiie  unfortunate  result  of  this  expedition  is  well  known.  Famine  and 
eickness  overtook  the  French  army,  and  the  governor  was  driven  to  the 
humiliating  extremity  of  asking  peace  of  those  be  bad  come  to  conquer. 
The  ever  memorable  speech  of  Garangula,  the  Onondaga  orator,  has 
oflen  been  quoted,  and  has  ever  been  admired  as  a  master-piece  of 
eloquence. 

Mortified  and  ashamed  he  returned  to  Montreal  in  September,  having 
been  to  much  pains  to  prove  to  the  savages,  that  the  P>ench  were  not 
altogether  invincible,  hut  were,  like  themselves,  liable  to  suffer  from  sick- 
ness and  hunger,  and  doubtless  did  much  towards  weakening  the  confi- 
dence ibrmerly  reposed  in  their  prowess. 

In  a  letter  from  Futlier  Lamherville  to  M.  de  la  Bane,  dated  July  11, 
1G84,  the  establishment  of  a  fort  at  La  Galette,  is  alluded  to  as  one  of 
the  best  measures  calculated  to  attain  their  ends  with  the  natives.  It 
was  against  the  advice  of  this  missionary,  that  the  expedition  was  under- 
taken.    In  the  same  letter  he  wrote  as  follows: 

"  I  do  not  believe  you  will  derive  any  advantage  this  year  from  war,  if 
you  should  wage  it,  for  not  only  will  the  whole  of  the  Iroquois  prosecute 
the  war  in  Canada,  but  you  will  not  find  the  Senecas  in  their  villages,  in 
which  they  give  out  they  will  not  shut  themselves  up,  but  conceal  them- 
selves in  the  grass  and  prepare  ambuscaders  for  you  everywliere.  *  • 
The  warriors  are  to  prowl  everywhere,  killing,  without  if  possible  being 
killed. 


I' 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


43 


If  tlicir  Indian  com  Imj  cut,  it  will  cost  miicli  blood  and  men.  You 
must  nisoiewolvo  to  lose  tlio  linrvcst  ot  the  French  gcai*^,  V'  whicli  the 
Irofjuois  will  net  fire." 

CaimeH  of  dilliculty  continued  to  exiHt  between  the  iro(|uoitf  and  tiio 
Frencli,  |»riiici|mliy  due  to  the  jealouttieH  which  the  English  HUcceeded 
in  dirtseniiniiting  uinong  the  tbnnur.  TIiIh  led  to  the  expedition  of  tin; 
Martinis  Denonvilie  in  the  snnniior  of  Itiri?  aj;ain«t  the  Senecas.and  that 
of  the  Count  de  Fiontenuc  against  the  Onondagas  in  Uitifi.  In  neither 
of  these  did  the  French  succeed  in  conquering  their  eneniies,  although 
in  the  former  they  succeeded  in  overrunning  the  country,  and  making  u 
great  many  ca|)tures.  Their  prisonere  were  distributed  among  friendly 
tribes  on  the  north  shore  of  the  lake, 

Denonvilie  tbimded  the  military  post  ut  Niagara,  on  the  occasion  of 
his  expedition,  and  this  formed  one  of  the  most  important  stations  of  the 
French,  as  it  was  at  a  portage  between  two  navigable  waters  of  great 
extent,  and  commanded  the  trade  of  an  immense  region  of  country. 

The  French  were  not  always  the  aggressive  party,  for  in  l(i88,  the 
savages  laid  waste  their  country  to  the  very  gates  of  Montreal,  and  no- 
thing but  ignorance  of  the  modes  of  attack  practiced  by  civilized  soldiers, 
prevented  the  entire  destruction  of  their  settlements. 

The  enemy  disappeared  as  quickly  as  they  came,  and  before  tliey  had 
recovered  from  the  shock,  and  made  preparations  lor  defence,  the  assail- 
ants had  vanished. 

These  vindictive  wars  were  conducted  along  the  valley  of  the  St 
Lawrence  lor  several  years.* 

In  1720  -  21,  Father  Charlevoir,  a  Jesuit,  undertook,  by  command  of 
the  King  of  France,  a  journey  to  Canada.  His  observations;,  in  an  epi- 
stolary Ibrm,  addressed  to  the  Duchess  de  Lesdiguieres,  were  pidilished 
at  Paris  in  1744;  from  the  tilth  volume  of  which  we  translate  the  fol- 
lowing extracts  from  a  letter  dated  "  CnUtrocoui,  14th  May,  1721 : 

"Above  the  Buisson,  the  river  is  a  mile  wide,  and  lands  on  both  sides 
are  very  good  t;nd  well  wooded.  They  begin  to  clear  those  which  are 
on  the  north  side;  and  it  would  be  very  easy  to  make  a  road  from  the 
point  which  is  over  against  the  island  of  Montreal,  to  a  bay  which  they 
call  la  Galelte.  They  will  slum  by  this  foriv  lea^'ues  of  navigation,  whicji 
the  falls  render  almost  inq)racticable  and  very  tedious.  A  tort  wouhl  be 
much  better  situated  and  more  n(!cessary  ut  la  Calette  than  atCataroeoui, 
because  a  single  canoe  can  not  |)ass  here  without  being  seen,  whereas  at 
"Catarocoui  they  may  slip  behind  the  islands  without  being  observed. 

*  III  January.  1851,  ii  Mr.  W.  Merrill  a  wlieelwriglit  ut  Miiloiie,  wlim  diessins  out  wagon 
gpokts,  of  o«k  timber,  fouihl  a  leaden  l)\illel,  which  nl  some  ancient  period  liad  been  sliot  into 
the  tree.  It  had  been  cut  in  Urasher,  and  the  tree  was  eighteen  inelic*  in  dianieler,  and  the 
bail  lay  wnliinaii  inch  oi'  the  lieart  ul'  tlie  tree.  It  mudt  I'runi  the  appearance  ut'  tlie  coiicen. 
trie  lines  oC  growili  liave  hud  in  tliis  siluauon  iiljonl  one  hundred  und  sevenly-five  years,  anJ 
may  have  teen  discharged  by  the.*e  early  belligerents  » 


'^ 


44 


HISTORY    or   ST.    LAWHKNl'K 


1 


'f 


Moroovrr  llio  Innds  nbout  fJnlottt!  nro  very  Jfood,  ami  they  rniplit  in  rnn- 
H(!(|ii(!ii('<>  Iwivc  always  provi.sioiiH  in  ploniy,  wliicli  wonid  savt;  many 
clinr^'itH.  Itfsidi's  tliis, a  liaik  nii^rlit  ^'o  in  two  dayH  wiili  a  v'<><>d  wind  to 
Niagara.  t)n(!  oltlio  i)l)j«(ct«  wliicli  tlioy  had  in  vi(!W  in  hnilding  the  fort 
(.'atarocoin,  wan  th(!  tivulc  with  tli(!  li()(|noin;  l)nt  tlirso  navufrcM  wonid 
cunic  as  willingly  to  la  (ialcttc  as  to  ( 'atarnconi.  'i'liey  wonid  havi^  indeed 
somelhing  I'lirther  to  go,  lint  they  wonid  avoid  a  |>assage  ot'eight  or  nine* 
leagues  whieh  they  mnst  make'  ov(M'  the  liuke  Ontario.  In  short,  a  li»rt 
at  la  lialette  wonid  rov«!r  the  whole  coimtry  which  is  hetween  the  gnmt 
river  of  the  Ontnonais  ami  the  river  St.  Lawrence;  l\>v  they  (Mil  not  cohih 
into  this  country  on  tln!  side  of  tlu;  river  St.  Lawrence,  liecanse  of  thelidls, 
and  nothing  is  more  easy  than  to  guard  the  hankn  of  the  river  of  the  <hi- 
taonais.  I  have  tiies«'  remarks  from  a  commissary  of  the  .Marine  {  iM.  do 
Cleramhant  d'Aigremoni),  who  was  sent  hy  tlu;  King  to  visit  all  tlie  dis- 
tant posts  of  Canada.  *  *  *  From  (.'otean  dii  l.ac  to  Lake  St.  FrancoiH 
is  lull  a  good  liiilf  league.  This  lake,  which  I  passcfd  rin  the  fifth,  is  .se- 
ven leagues  long  and  three  at  the  widest  place.  'J'lu!  land  on  holli  sides 
is  low,  hilt  api);'ars  to  he  goctd.  The  coiirsi;  from  ISlontieal  to  this  i.s  a 
little  to  the  southwest^  and  tin;  lake  S.  rrancois  rims  west-soiilhw(!st  and 
east-northcacit.  I  encamped  just  atmvc  it,  and  in  tin;  night  was  aroused 
by  piercing  cries  ns  of  persons  in  distress.  1  was  at  (list  alarmed,  lint 
soon  recov(!red  myself,  when  they  told  me  they  were  hurirs,  n  kind  of 
cormorants.  'I'hey  added  that  these  cries  prognosticated  winds  on  tlie 
morrow,  which  proved  true. 

The  sixth  I  passetl  the  Chesnaux  dn  I-ac,  thus  called  from  some  chan- 
nels which  tbrin  a  great  mimher  of  islands  which  almost  cover  the  river 
in  this  place.  I  never  saw  a  country  more  charming,  and  the  lands 
a[)|)ear  good.  The  rest  of  the  day  was  spent  in  passing  the  rapids,  the 
lirincipal  one  of  which  they  call  le  Moulinet  [the  vortex]  :  it  is  tHglitfid 
to  behold,  and  we  had  mncii  trouble  in  jiassiiig  it.  I  went,  howevtjr,  that 
day  seven  leagues,  and  encamped  at  the  foot  of  the  Lo»i^  Sintt,  which  is 
a  rapid  half  a  league  long,  which  canoes  can  not  ascend  with  more  than 
half  a  load.  We  passed  it  at  seven  in  the  morning,  and  saileil  at  three 
o'clock  i>.  M. ;  hut  the  rain  obliged  ns  to  encamp,  and  detained  ns  the  fol- 
lowing day.  There  fell  on  the  eighili  [  May]  a  little  snow,  and  at  nigiit 
it  froze  as  it  does  in  I'' ranee  in  the  moiitli  of  January.  We  were  never- 
theless under  the  same  paialleis  as  Langnedoc.  On  the  ninth  we  passed 
the  Jiapide  Pint  [opposite  the  village  of  Waddington],  distant  from  the 
Saiit  about  .'ovcn  leagues,  and  five  liom  des  Galots,  which  is  the  lust  of 
the  rapids.  La  Galette  is  a  league  and  a  half  further,  and  we  arrived 
then;  on  the  tenth.  J  could  not  sntficiently  admire  tin?  beauty  of  the 
country  between  this  bay  and  les  tJalots.  It  is  im|»os,sible  to  see  finer 
forests,  and  I  especially  notice  some  oaks  of  extraordinary  height. 

Five  or  six  leagues  irom  la  flalette  is  an  island  called  Tonihata,  where 
the  soil  ajjpenrs  fertile,  and  which  is  about  half  a  league  long.  An  Iro- 
<piois,  whom  they  call  the  Quaker,  I  know  not  why,  a  very  sensible  man, 
and  very  art'ectionate  to  the  French,  obtained  the  dominion  of  it  from  the 
late  Count  de  Frontenac,  and  shows  his  patent  of  concession  to  whoever 
wishes  to  see  it.  He  has  nevertheless  sold  the  lordshi[i  for  lour  pots  of 
brandy,  but  has  reserved  to  himself  all  other  profits  of  the  land,  and  lias 
assembled  here  eighteen  or  twenty  families  of  his  nation.  I  arrived  on 
the  twelfth  at  his  island,  and  paid  him  a  visit.  I  tbimd  him  laboring  in 
his  garden,  which  is  not  the  custom  of  savages;  but  he  afi'ects  all  the 
customs  of  the  French.  Ho  receiveil  me  very  kindly,  and  wished  to 
regjile  me,  but  the  beunty  of  the  weather  invited  me  to  prosecute  my 


m 


■f 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


40 


i 


j()iii-iH-v.   I  took  my  leiivn  of  liiiii,mi(l  went  to  jinsH  tlio  night  two  len;;ii(!ii 
lioMi  liiciiro  ill  II  vtny  liiii'  pliici', 

I  liail  Blill  tliiiU't'ii  l«!ii).'iiL'H  to  Catiirocoiii:  iIm?  wcatlicr  wiih  line,  iiiid 
tin)  iii^'lit  very  cli'iir,  wliicli  iiMliiccd  mi!  to  cmlmrk  iit  iliico  o'clock  in  tlio 
inoriiiii^.  \V<;  |iaMscil  iIii-oiikIi  tin;  iiiidist  ol'a  kind  ormrliiiitda^o,  wliirli 
tlit-y  call  Milk  l.ilcs  ['riioiiHund  Icic,  |.  I  liclicvo  tlicio  iin-  alioiii  liv<!  iiiin- 
drcd.  Wlicn  \\r  had  pasHcd  tliCHc,  wi;  had  a  l(>a<^'ui;  and  a  hail' to  rcacli 
Ciitaniconi.  The  river  is  more  o|m'ii,  and  at  lcii«t  hall"  a  Iciifrni' with;:  / 
then  wi'  Icavi!  upon  the  ri^dit  tlirei;  ;,'reat  hays,  very  deeji,  and  llie  fort  \h  \ 
built  in  the  third.  'I'liis  I'ort  in  t4i|nare,  with  )onr  ImHtioiiH  linilt  vv.ili  .sione;  1 
and  the  ^'loimd  it  occiipies  i.s  a  iiiiartcM'  ol  a  lea^'iio  in  circiiii,  and  ilH  / 
situation  has  really  something,'  very  di'lif;hilnl.  '1  lie  hunks  ai'  tins  river 
prchient  in  every  way  a  varied  KC(!iu;ry,aiid  it  is  the  hiiiiio  at  liie  «!ntninco 
of  linke  Ontario,  which  is  hut  ii  siiort  leaf,'iic!  distant:  it  is  .xtiidded  with 
islands  of  diifereiitsi/i's,  all  well  wooded, and  nothing'  hounds  the  horizon 
on  that  side.  This  lakt?  for  soiih!  time  liore  tlio  name  ot'.SVtui/  Aoi(i'.»,  after- 
wards that  of  Fiontaiiic,  as  well  as  the  lort  of  Cataroi-oni,  of  which  the 
Count  lie  l''roiitenac  w:is  tliu  tbiimler;  lint  in-^ensiiily  the  lake  has  ^'iiined 
itsaiK'ieiit  name,  which  is  Huron  or  Iroipiois,  in  d  the  lint  that  of  the  place 
vvlieic  it  is  hiiilt.  'I'iie  soil  iiom  this  |iliice  to  la  (iaiette  appears  rather 
barren ;  hm  it  is  only  on  the  edfres,  it  heiiijx  veCy  •rood  (arllier  hack.  Op- 
jiosite  the  fort  is  a  very  tine  island,  in  the  midst  <d  the  river.  They  placed 
some  swine  upon  it,  wiiicli  liave  multiplied  and  <;iven  it  the  :!:<ine  ot'/s/e 
dts  Pores  [  llo;r  Island,  now  Grand  Island  J.  There  are  two  otliiM'  islands 
somi-what  smaller,  which  are  lower,  and  half  a  league  apart:  mie  is 
named  risk  nur  Cidres,  und  the  other  T/s/e  out  Cerfs  [Cedar  Island  and 
tetaj;  Island,  neither  of  which  names  arc  now  retained]. 

The  hay  oi'  Oitarocoui  is  iloiihle;  that  is  to  say,  that  almost  in  the  midst 
of  it  is  a  point  which  runs  out  a  fjrciit  way,  under  which  there  is  pood 
anclioraffc  for  large  harks.  J\l.  de  la  SaUe,  so  liimons  tor  his  discoveries 
und  his  mislbrtnnes,  who  was  lord  of  Catarocoiii  and  f;overnorof  the  Ibrt, 
had  two  or  three  vessels  here  which  were  sunk  in  this  placc,aiid  remain 
there  still.  Behind  tlu;  tiirt  is  a  marsh,  where  u  great  variety  of  wild 
game  gives  jileasunt  o(;cupatioii  (or  the  garrison. 

There  was  Ibrmerly  a  great  trade  here,  especially  with  the  Iroquois; 
and  it  was  to  entice  them  to  us,  as  well  as  to  liinder  their  carrying  their 
skins  to  the  Knglish,  and  to  keep  these  savages  in  awe,  that  the  tort  was 
built,  liiu  this  trade  did  not  last  lung,  and  the  fort  has  not  hindered  the 
barbarians  from  doing  us  u  great  deal  of  mischief  They  have  still  some 
taniilies  here,  on  the  outskirts  of  the  |)iace;  und  also  some  .VmiVag-j/ez, 
nil  Algonquin  nation,  which  still  have  u  village  on  the  west  side  of  Lake 
Ontario,  another  at  Niuguru,  and  a  third  at  Detroit." 

An  English  writer  (Jeftreyj  has  written  a  book,  entitled,  "The  French 
Dominion  in  America"  (London,  1760,  folio),  in  which  he  has  freely 
quoted,  without  acknowledgment,  from  Charlevoix  and  other  French 
writers,  statements  of  facts  and  descriptions  of  |)la'!es,  of  which  he 
evidently  had  no  knowledge  beyond  what  he  derived  from  these  works. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  this  writer  (\).  15),  which  may  be 

compared  with  the  translation  trom  Charlevoix  which  we  have  given. 

"A  fourth  rift,  two  leagues  and  a  half  hence,  is  called  the  rift  of  St 
Francis,  from  whence  to  Lake  tit.  Francis,  you  have  only  half  a  league. 
This  lake  is  several   leagues  in  length,  and  almost  three  in  breadth 


46 


HISTO'.vY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


I 


where  brondost.  The  iaixl  on  both  sides  is  low,  but  appears  to  be  of 
uii  ('xcfilent  soil.  Tiio  route  from  Montreiii  iiitiier  lies  a  little  towards 
tiie  soiitli-west,  and  the  Lake  iSt.  Francis  runs  west-south-west  and  east- 
uortli-east, 

Frotn  lience  you  come  to  tlie  chesnennr  du  lac,  ior  thus  are  called  those 
channels  lorrned  by  a  cluster  of  islands,  which  take  up  almost  the 
■whole  breadth  of  the  river  at  this  place.  The  soil  seems  here  extraordi- 
narily flood,  and  never  was  prospect  more  charminj^  than  that  of  the 
country  about  it.  The;  most  remarkabl(>  fidls  Ikmh;  arc,  that  of  the  Mouli- 
nel,  which  is  even  friirhtful  to  behold,*  and  exceediiifr  ditlicult  to  f^et 
throujili,  and  that  called  the  Long  Fall,  ha\l' n  league  in  length,  and  jiass- 
able  only  tf>  canoes  half  loaded. 

The  next  yon  come  to,  is  called  the  Flat  Uift  [Ifapide  du  Plat,  opposite 
Ogden's  L«land  and  the  village  of  Waddinglon],  about  seven  leagues 
above  the  Lo.v:  Fall,  and  five  below  that  called  Les  Galois,  which  is  the 
last  of  the  fhiis.  La  Galette  lies  a  league  further,  and  no  one  can  be 
weary  of  admiiing  tiie  extraordinary  beauty  of  the  country,  and  of  the 
noble  forests,  which  overspread  all  the  lands  about  this  bay  and  La  Ga- 
lette, particularly  the  vast  woods  of  oak  of  a  prodigious  height.  A  fort 
would  |)erhaits  hi;  bett(!r  situated,  and  nnich  more  necessary  at  La  Ga- 
lette, than  at  Cadnraqx'i,  lor  this  .reason,  that  not  so  much  as  a  single 
canoe  could  pass  witjiout  being  seen;  whereas  at  Cadaraqui  they  may 
easily  sail  behiiul  the  isles  without  being  ])erceived  at  all.  'J'he  lands 
moreover  about  La  Galette  are  excellent,  whence  there  would  always  be 
plenty  of  provisions,  which  would  be  no  small  saving. 

And,  besides,  a  vessel  could  very  well  go  from  La  Galette  to  Aiagara, 
in  two  days,  with  a  tiiir  wind.  One  motive  ibr  building  the  fort  at  Cada- 
raqui was,  the  conveuiency  of  trading  with  the  Iroquois.  Hut  those 
Indians  vould  as  willingly  go  to  La  Galette  as  to  the  other  place.  Their 
way,  indeed,  would  be  much  longer,  but  then  it  woidd  save  them  a  tra- 
verse of  eiglit  or  nine  leagues  on  Lake  Ontario;  not  to  mention  that  a 
fort  at  la  Galette  would  secure  all  the  country  lying  between  the  great 
river  of  the  Outawals  and  the  river  Si.  Jjowrence:  lor  this  country  is 
inaccessible  on  the  side  of  the  river,  on  account  of  the  rifts,  and  nothing 
is  m<)r<!  practicable  than  to  defend  the  banks  of  the  great  river;  at  least, 
these  are  tlie  sentimeii's  of  those  sent  by  the  court  of  France  to  visit  all 
the  different  posts  of  Canada. 

One  league  and  a  half  fi'om  La  Galette,  on  the  opposite  shore,  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Osweirairhi  river,  the  French  have  lately  built  the  fort  La 
Presentation,  which  conuuands  that  river,  and  keeps  open  u  conmumi- 
cation,  by  la'ul.  between  Lake  Champlain  and  this  place. 

Fom-  leagues  /.hove  La  Prcsenlation,  is  the  isle  calU  d  Tnnihata,  about 
hiill  a  Itiague  in  length,  and  of  a  very  good  soil.  An  Iro(iuois,  calleil  by 
the  French  writers,  for  what  reason  we  are  not  told,  the  (Quaker,  a  man 
of  good  natural  sense,  aiul  rmich  attached  to  the  Fren.h  naiion,  had,  as 
they  say,  got  the  dominion  of  this  island  ol  a  count  of  J'hmtenac,  tho 
patent  of  which,  it  seems,  he  was  jtrond  of  showing  to  any  body. 

He  sold  his  lordship  for  a  gallon  of  brandy;  reserving,  however,  the 
profits  to  himself,  and  taking  can-  to  settle  eighteen  or  twenty  llunilics 
of  his  own  nation  upon  this  island. 

It  is  ten  leagues  hence"  to  Cadaraqui,  and  on  yom*  way  to  this  place, 
yon  pass  through  a  sort  of  Archipel,  called  the  Thousand  Isles,  and  there 

^Tlii-'  is  prulialily  whnl  is  kimwji  iil  prestiit  u»  tliu  l.osl  L'liuuuel.  on  the  liorlli  oide  of 
l.ohji:  Siim  islmitl.  It  Ij.is  wiiliiii  II  yc;ir  or  two  Itecii  (lesceiidtd  liy  stfiiniei-.^,  1111(1  louml  sniV, 
iilllimiqli  lliu  war  of  wulcis  is  lYighllii! 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


47 


niny  possibly  he  iil)oiit  five  linndred.     From  Iierice  to   Cadaraqui,  tfiey 
reckon  four  Icngiios. 

Tlio  ri-.or  liore  is  freer  and  opener,  and  tlie  breadth,  half  a  leapne. 
On  tlie  rij:iit  are  three  dee[)  bays,  in  the  tiiird  of  which  stands  Fort 
Cndarmiui  or  iyo7ttenac" 

From  tlie  earliest  period  of  tlieir  settlement,  the  French  appear  to 
have  been  solicitous  to  withdraw  the  Irotpiois  from  the  interests  of  the 
English,  and  to  establish  them  near  their  own  borders,  as  well  to  secnro 
their  religious,  as  their  political  adheience  to  their  interests.  To  efl'oct 
their  conversion,  Father  Ilagneneaii  was  sent  to  Onondaga,  in  1057-8; 
Isaac  .Toques  to  the  MohawUs  (among  whom  he  had  been  a  captive,  ])re- 
viously),  in  1640;  Frs.  Jos.  Lemcrcier  to  Onondaga,  in  Ifi.in-S;  Frs.  Dupe- 
ron  to  Onondaga,  in  lf)57-8;  Simon  Le  lAFoyne  to  Onondaga,  in  l(Ji)4, 
.•md  subsccpiently  tu  the  3Iohawks  and  Senecas;  and  many  others,  but 
none  'vith  more  success  than  Jac(pies  de  Laiidjerville,  who  was  among 
the  Mohawks  in  ]$75-8,  subsecpiently  at  Onondaga,  which  place  he  letl 
in  UiSn,  and  again  in  ]7(K5  to  170!l,  he  was  engaged  most  zealousy  in  bis 
work  of  proselyting  to  his  faith  the  Indians  of  New  York. 

The  residt  of  the  labors  of  these  missionaries,  was  the  emigration  of 
a  part  of  the  Mohawk  tribe,  in  1G75-G,  to  the  saut  St.  Loins,  in  the  vicini- 
ty of  Montreal. 

Some  account  of  this  emigration  is  given  by  Charlevoix  which  will 
here  be  given,  as  a  specimen  of  the  zealous  devotion  and  religious  strain 
in  which  the  Catholic  writers  of  that  period  were  accustomed  to  speak 
and  write,  rather  than  for  its  importance  as  u  historical  docmnent. 

The  success  of  tlieir  enterprise  was  proportioned  to  the  zeal  and 
energy  with  which  it  was  prosecuted.  The  room  in  wliicrh  Charlevoix 
dwelt  while  at  this  mission  of  the  saut  St.  Louis  is  still  pointed  out  to 
visitors,  and  the  table  on  which  he  wrote  forms  a  part  of  the  furniture  of 
the  priest's  house  at  that  mission. 

From  vol.  v  of  Charlevoix's  Journal  of  Travels  in  North  America, 
imgc  S.'SS,  and  subsequently.     Letter  to  the  Dutchess  de  Lesdiguieres: 


Of  the  Iroquois  Village  of  the  Saul  St.  Louis,  and  of  the  different  People 
who  inhabit  Canada. 

"  Saut  St.  Louis,  May  1,  172!. 

IMadamf.  :  I  have  come  to  this  jilaci^  to  spend  a  part  of  Easter.  It  is 
a  jieriod  of  lievotion,  and  every  thing  in  this  village  is  suggestive  of 
pious  ('motions.  All  the  religious  exercises  an;  perlormed  in  a  very 
edifying  maimer,  and  leave  an  impression  of  (ervor  on  the  minds  of  the 
Habitants;  li)r  it  is  certain  that  it  has  long  been  the  case  in  Canada,  that 
we  may  witness  the  brightest  examples  of  heroic  virtue,  with  which 
God  has  been  wont  to  adorn  the  growing  church.  The  manner  itself  in 
which  It  has  been  formed  is  very  marvelous.    . 


48 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


The  M'ssionnries,  nfter  liavinj^  for  a  lonj?  timi  moistened  the  cnntons 
of  the  Iroquois  vvitii  their  sweat,  and  some  even  witii  their  blood,  lost,  at 
len<;tl',all  iio|ie  of  estahiishiiifr  there  the  Christian  relijrion,  upon  a  solid 
basis,  but  not  of  drawin;,^  a  irreat  nmnber  of  savapes  under  the  joke 
of  the  Faith.  They  lelt  that  Cod  had  among  these  barbarians  his  eleet, 
as  ii.  all  nations,  bnt  they  were  ronvineed  that  to  asxure  their  callins;  and 
their  election,  it  was  necessary  to  separate  them  from  their  eon)patriots, 
and  they  formed  the  resolution  of  estal)lisiiing  in  the  colony,  all  those 
whom  they  fomid  disposed  to  endjraee  Christianity.  They  opened  their 
design  to  the  Governor  fJeneral  and  the  Intendant,  vvlio  carried  their 
views  still  fmther,  not  only  approving  them,  bnt  conceiving  that  this 
establishment  would  be  very  serviceable  to  New  France,  as  in  fact  it  has 
been,  as  well  as  another,  much  like  it,  which  had  been  established  in  the 
Isle  of  Montreal,  nmler  the  name  of  la  .Montnirne,  of  which  the  members 
of  the  .Seminary  of  St.  Hulpice  have  always  had  the  direction. 

To  relnrn  to  that  which  served  as  a  model  for  the  others,  one  of  the 
Missionaries  of  the  Iroquois  opened  his  design  to  some  of  the  IMohawks. 
They  apjiroved  it,  and  esjiecially  that  canton  which  had  always  most 
strongly  opposed  the  ministers  of  the  gos|>el,  and  where  they  had  often 
been  most  cruelly  treated.  Thus,  to  the  great  wonder  of  F/encli  and 
Savages,  were  seen  these  inveterate  enemies  of  God,  an*:',  of  our  nation, 
touched  with  his  victorious  Grace,  which  thus  deigned  to  triumph  in  the 
hardest  and  most  rebellioiis  heaits,  abandoning  all  that  they  held  most 
dear  in  tin;  world  to  receive  nothing,  that  they  may  serve  the  Lord  wiih 
niore  freedou).  A  sacrifice  more  h(;roic  still  tor  savages  than  other  i)eo- 
ple,  because  none  are  more  attached  than  them  to  their  families,  and 
their  natal  land. 

The  number  was  much  augmented  in  a  short  time:  in  part,  from  the 
zeal  of  the  first  [troselytes  who  composed  this  chosen  band." 

This  measure  led  to  much  persecution,  and  the  converts  were  of^eu 
tortured  to  <!otupel  them  to  renounce  the  faith.  Others  were  confined 
in  miserable  dungeons  in  New  York,  from  which  they  could  be  liberated 
only  by  abjuring  their  new  religion,  or  at  least  by  [jromisiug  to  leave  the 
French. 

M.  de  Saint  Valier  thus  wrote  in  1G88:  "The  ordinary  life  of  all  the 
Christians  at  this  mission,  has  nothing  usual,  and  one  would  take  the 
whole  village  to  be  a  Monastery.  As  they  only  left  the  goods  of  their 
country  to  seek  safety,  they  practice  on  all  sides  the  most  perfect  disen- 
gagement, and  pres'jrve  among  each  other, so  perfect  order  for  their 
sanctification,  that  it  would  be  difficult  to  add  any  thing  to  it." 

These  savages  of  course  carried  with  them  their  language  and  customs, 
but  the  latter  gradually  became  adapted  to  those  of  the  French,  who 
labored  to  abolish  those  national  ceremonies,  and  substitute  in  their  place 
an  observance  of  the  ritual  and  requiretnents  of  the  catholic  religion. 
This  measure  succeeded  so  well,  that,  at  the  present  day,  the  oldest  In- 
dians at  the  missions  have  lost  all  rcjcollection  of  the  existence  of  their 
ancient  customs,  and  do  not  preserve  the  memory  of  national  ceremo- 
nies of  the  oldeu  time. 


"^ 


V 


AND    FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


49 


nil  the 
ko  the 
f  their 
tlisen- 
)!•  their 


The  emigration  to  Canada  from  among  the  Indians  continued  through 
munv  years,  and  at  iengtii,  in  1740,  led  to  tlio  establishment  of  a  mis- 
sionary station  and  fort  at  the  inoutii  of  the  river  la  Presentation  [Oswe- 
gatchie],  by  Francis  Picijuet,  a  Sulpitian.  An  account  of  this  is  given  in 
the  Docimientary  History  of  New-York,  which  was  taken  from  the  Paris 
documents  collecteil  by  an  agent  sent  to  Europe  by  this  state  for  th« 
pui'pose  of  olitaining  historical  materials. 

"A  large  number  of  Iro(|uois  savages  having  declared  their  willingness 
to  embrace  Christianity,  it  has  been  proposed  to  establish  a  mission  in 
the  neighborhood  of  I'ort  Frontenac.  Abbe  Picquet,  a  zealous  mission- 
ary in  whom  the  natiouB  liav(j  evinced  nuich  confidence  has  taken  charge 
of  it,  and  of  testing,  us  nuich  as  jjossible  what  reliance  is  to  be  placed 
on  tlie  dispositions  of  the  Indians.* 

Nevertiieless,  as  Mr.  do  la  (lallisonifiere  had  remarked  in  the  month  of 
Octoi)er,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  forty-eight,  that  too  nnicli 
dei)en(L  -ce  ought  not  to  be  placed  on  them,  Mr.  do  la  Jontpiiere  was 
written  to  on  the  ii:)urth  of  May  one  thousand  seven  hundred  aiul  forty- 
:ime,  tliat  he  should  neglect  nothing  for  the  formation  of  this  estiihlish- 
juent,  because  il"  it  at  all  sucf^eeded  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  give  the 
Indians  to  imderstand  tint  the  only  means  they  had  to  relieve  themselves 
of  the  jjretensions  of"  the  English  to  their  lands,  is  the  destrturtion  of 
Choueguen  which  they  I'ounded  solely  with  a  view  to  bridle  these  Na- 
tions; hut  it  was  necessary  to  be  prudent  and  circums|iect  to  induce  the 
savages  to  undertake  it. 

31»i  S^"^^  1749.  Mr.  do  la  .Tonquiere  sends  a  plan  drawn  by  Sieur  de 
Lcry  of  the  ground  selected  by  the  Aijbi'  I'ic(|uet  lor  his  mission  and  a 
letter  from  that  Ahbc  containing  a  relation  of  his  voyage  and  the  situa- 
tion of  the  place. 

He  says  he  left  the  fourth  of  May  of  last  year  with  twenty-five  French- 
men and  t'.)ur  Jrocpiois  Indians;  he  arrived  the  thirtieth  at  the  lUvav  de 
la  Prescniation,  called  So(!gatzy.  'J'he  land  there  is  the  finest  in  Canada. 
There  is  oak  timber  in  abundance,  and  trees  of  a  jn'odigious  size  and 
height,  but  it  will  be  neeessiiy,  for  the  defence  of  tin;  settlement,  to  fiill 
them  without  |)ernfissiou.  Picque*^  reserved  sufficient  on  the  land  he 
had  cleared  to  build  a  bark.      , 

He  then  set  about  building  a  store  house  to  secure  his  effects:  he  next 
had  erected  a  small  fort  of  pickets  and  he  will  have  a  small  house  con- 
structed which  will  servo  as  a  bastion. 

yieur  I'icquet  had  a  special  iiUcrview  with  the  Indians;  they  were 
satisfied  with  ail  he  had  done;  and  assured  him  they  were  willing 
to  follow  his  ailvice  antl  to  immediately  establisii  their  village.  To 
accomplish  this,  they  are  gone  to  regulate  their  affairs  and  have  j)ro- 
mised  to  return  with  their  provisions. 

The  situation  cf  this  i)ost  is  very  advantageous;  it  is  on  the  borders 
of  the  River  de  la  Presentation,  at  the  head  of  all  the  rapids,  on  the  west 
side  of  a  beautifid  basin  formed  by  that  river,  capable  of  easily  holding 
forty  or  fifty  barks. 


•Thefollowiiijjextrnct  from  Paris  Doc.  X.,  fiiniislios  llie  dale  ol'ilic  Abbe  Picqiiet's  depart, 
ure  to  e?liil)li*li  hU  colony  on  the  O.swegntchie  river ;—  '•  'JO  .Sept.  17  H.  The  Abbe  Picquet'g 
departs  from  Quebec  ior  Fort  Fron'tiiac;  he  is  to  look  in  the  neighborhood  of  t.ml  tort  for  a 
location  best  adapted  for  a  village  for  the  Iroquois  of  the  Five  Nations,  who  propose  to  em. 
brace  CliriMianity. 


■^ 


50 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


:SS 


III  all  parts  of  it  there  hns  been  found  ut  least  two  fatiioms  and  a  half 
of  Wiit(;r  and  often  fonr  fathoms.  This  basin  is  so  located  that  no  wind 
scarcely  can  prevent  its  b(;in>j  entered.  'J1ie  bank  is  very  low,  in  a  level 
conntry,  the  point  of  vvhicii  runs  far  out.  The  passaj^o  across  is  hardly 
a  quarter  of  a  league,  and  all  the  canoes  going  u|)  or  down,  can  not  pass 
elsinvhere.  A  fort  on  this  point  >vould  be  impregnable;  it  would  be  im- 
j)ossilile  to  a|)proach,  and  nothing  commands  it.  The  east  side  is  nioro 
elevated,  and  rinis  by  a  gradual  inclination  into  an  amphitlieatre.  A 
beautittd  town  could  hereafter  be  built  there. 

This  |)ost  is  moreover  so  nuich  the  more  advantageous,  as  the  English 
and  Irocpiois  can  easily  descend  to  Montreal  by  the  river  de  la  Pres(nta- 
Hon,  vhich  has  its  source  in  a  lake  bordering  on  the  iMohawks  and  Cor- 
lar.  If  they  take  possession  of  this  Kiver  they  will  block  the  |)assage  to 
Fort  I'rontenac,  and  more  easily  assist  Choneguen.  Whereas  by  means 
of  a  fort  at  the  point,  it  would  be  easy  to  have  a  force  there  in  case  of 
need  to  dispatch  to  Chouegiien,  and  to  intercept  the  English  and  Indians 
who  may  want  to  j»enetrate  into  the  Colony,  and  the  voyage  to 
Missilimakinac  could  be  made  in  safety. 

Moreover,  this  establishment  is  only  thirty-five  leagues  from  Montreal ; 
twenty-five  tioni  Fort  Frontenac,  and  thirty-three  li'om  Chouegnen;*  a 
distance  sufficient  to  remove  the  Indians  from  the  disorders  which  the 
proximity  of  forts  and  towns  ordinarily  engenders  among  them.  It  is 
convenient  lor  the  reception  of  the  Lake  Ontario,  and  more  distant 
Indians. 

Abbe  Picrpiet's  views  are  to  accustom  these  Indians  to  raise  cows, 
hogs  and  ])oultry;  there  are  beautiful  prairies,  acorns  and  wild  oats. 

On  the  other  hand  it  can  be  so  regulated  that  the  bateaux  carrying 
goods  to  the  posts,  may  stop  at  La  Presedalion.  The  cost  of  Ireight 
woidd  becouii.  smaller;  men  could  be  found  to  convey  those  bateaux  at 
fifteen  to  twenty  livres  instead  of  forty-five  and  fifty  livres  which  are 
given  for  the  whole  voyage.  Othcir  bateaux  oi  La  Presentation  s\ou\{\ 
convey  them  farther  on,  and  tlie  fir.st  would  take  in  n.'turn  plank,  boards 
and  other  timber,  abimdant  there.  This  timber  would  not  come  to  morn 
than  twelve  or  fifteen  livres,  whilst  they  are  purchased  at  sixty-eight 
livers  at  Montreal,  aiul  sometimes  more.  Eventually  this  |)ost  will  be 
able  to  su|)|)ly  Fort  Frontenac  with  provisions,  which  will  save  the  kiint 
consideraltle  expense. 

The  A1)Im'' I'icquet  adds  in  his  letter,  that  he  examined  in  his  voyage 
the  nature  of  the  rapids  of  the  Fort  Frontenac  river,  very  important  to 
secure  to  us  the  possession  of  Lake  Ontario  on  which  the  English  have 
an  eye.  The  most  dangerous  of  those  rapids,  in  number  tijurteen,  are 
the  Trou  (the  Hole)  ancl  the  Biiisson  (the  Thicket).  Abbe  Picquet  points 
out  a  mode  of  rentlering  this  river  navigable;  and  to  tneet  tha  expense 
he  proposes  a  tax  of  ten  livres  on  each  canoe  sent  up,  and  an  ecu  (fifty 
cents)  on  each  of  the  crew,  which  according  to  him  will  produce  three 
thousand  livres,  a  suin  sutficient  for  the  workmen. 

Mess"  de  la  Jonquiere  and  Bigot  remark  that  they  find  tins  estahli.sh- 
meni  necessary  as  well  as  the  erection  of  a  saw-mill,  as  it  will  dinnnish 
the  expense  in  the  purchase  of  tind)er;  but  as  regards  the  rapids, 
they  will  verify  them  in  order  to  ascertain  if  in  fact  the  river  can  he  ren- 
dered navigable,  and  they  will  send  an  estimate  of  the  works. 

•  OgdensliirKli  is  103  miles  from  Monireol ;  (JO  Irom  Kingsloii,  Can.,  and  uboiil  U)  I'rom  Oa. 
wego.  The  ilislances  liiitl  down  in  Ihe  lexl  are  very  uccuralc,  considering  llie  lime  and  the 
tJrcumslBiice*!. 


11 
% 

t( 
li 

ta 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


51 


voyage 

illlt    to 

have 

,  are 

points 

perise 

(fifty 

three 

iihlish- 
iiiiiisli 
i|)i(lH, 
)e  reii- 


■oiii  Os. 
and  tlie 


They  have  caused  five  cannon  of  two  ponnd  calibre  to  ho  sent  to  tlie 
Ahhe  Picqnet  for  iiis  little  fort  so  as  to  f,'ive  contidenco  to  iiis  Indiana, 
and  to  persuade  tiiem  that  they  will  he  in  sccinity  th(Me. 

M.  de  la  Jonqiiiere  in  particidar  says,  he  will  sec  if  the  proprietors  of 
batteanx  woidd  contrihntc  to  the  expense  necessary  to  he  incnrred  for 
the  rapids;  but  he  asks  that  convicts  fioni  the  galleys  or  people  out  of 
work  (gens  inuliles)  he  sent  every  year  to  him  to  cultivate  the  ground. 
He  is  in  want  of  men,  and  the  few  he  has  exact  higii  wages. 

1st  81)er,  174!).  Mr.  liigot  also  seids  a  special  memoir  of  the  expense 
incurred  by  Ai)lie  Piccpiet  lor  improvements  (defrichemens)  amounting  to 
three  thousand  ibm*  himdred  and  eighty-live  livres  ten  sous.*  Provisions 
were  also  furnished  him  for  himself  and  workmen,  and  this  settlement 
is  only  commenced.  M.  dc  !;i  Jonquiere  can  not  disjiense  witli  sending 
an  officer  there  and  some  soldiers.  Sieur  de  la  IMorandiere,  engineer, 
is  to  be  sent  there  this  winter  to  draw  out  a  plan  of  quarters  for  these 
soldiers  and  a  store  for  provisions.  If  there  he  not  a  gairisou  at  that 
post,  a  considerable  foreign   trade  will  be  carried  on  tlier<!. 

7iii  !ti)er  174!>.  Sincp  nil  these  letters  IM.  (h;  la  Jcmcpiiere  has  written 
another  in  which  he  states  that  i\I.  de  Longireuil  informed  him  that  a 
band  of  savages  believed  to  be  Mohawks  had  attaaked  Sieur  Picquet's 
mission  on  the  twenty-sixth  of  October  last— that  Sieur  de  Vassau, 
commandant  of  Fort  Fronienac,  bad  sent  a  detachment  thither  which 
could  not  prevent  the  burning  of  two  vessels  loaded  with  hay  and 
the  palisades  of  the  fort.     Abbe  Picquet's  house  alone  was  saved. 

The  loss  by  this  fire  is  considerable.  It  would  have  been  greater  were 
it  not  for  four  Ai)eiiakis  who  furnished  on  this  occasion  a  proof  of  there 
fidelity.  The  man  named  Perdreaux  had  half  the  hand  carried  away. 
His  arm  had  to  he  cut  off.  One  of  the  Ahenakis  received  the  discharge 
of  a  gun  tlie  ball  of  which  remained  in  his  blanket. 

31.  de  Longueil  Ins  jaovided  everylhmg  necessary.  M.  de  la  Jon- 
quiere gave  him  orders  to  have  a  detachment  of  ten  soldiers  sent  there, 
and  he  will  take  measures,  next  spring,  to  secure  that  post.  31.  de  lu 
Jonquiere  adds  that  the  savages  were  instigated  to  this  attack  by  the 
English.  The  Irocpiois  who  were  on  a  complimentary  visit  at  Montreal 
were  surprized  at  it,  and  assured  31.  de  Longueuil  that  it  could  only  be 
Colonel  Anison  [Johnsoi;  rj  who  could  have  induced  tliem.  He  omitted 
nothing  to  persuade  those  same  Iroquois  to  undertake  tfiis  exjiedition, 
and  to  prevent  theiri  going  to  compliment  the  governor,  having  offered 
them  belts  which  they  refused. 

To  induce  the  natives  to  settle  here,  the  governor  is  said  to  have  placcil 
a  large  magazine  of  all  kinds  of  clothing  fitted  for  Indians,  as  also  arms, 
piovisions  and  ammunition,  which  were  distributed  very  liberally  among 
them. 

Father  Picquet  having  fortified  his  position  in  the  year  1751,  com- 
menced the  erection  of  a  saw  mill  for  the  use  of  his  settlement  and  tho 
government. 

In  a  docume  it  entitled  "  Titles  and  documents  relating  to  the  seignorial 
tenure,"  made  'o  the  Legisiitive  Assembly  of  Canada  in  1851,  and  pub- 
lished at  Quebei'.  in  185Q,  is  a  copy  of  the  French  grant  to  him.  It  ia 
taken  from  pag(  s  2Ut)  and  300,  and  runs  as  follows  : 

•  Equal  to  $(}33-a3 

4 


62 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


u 


"Le    I\IaRQUF3    I...     liAJOXQlIERE,    &P. 

Francois  Bigot,  &c. 

On  the  rci)i('sciitatioii  inado  to  iis  hy  IMons'uMir  l'Al)ln'  Piqiirt,  priest, 
missionary  r-^'  'lie  Indians  of  La  Pirseiitation,  that  in  virtue  of  tlic  pt-r- 
inission  wliicli  wo  pavt;  liini  last  yoai,  lie  is  linildin^  a  saw-mill  on  tlio 
river  called  La  Prt'sentalion  or  Soiiegat/y,  witli  the  view  of  coiitrihiitiiif^ 
to  the  estaldishinent  of  that  new  mission;  Itiit  that  lor  the  Msefnlness  of 
the  said  mill,  it  is'iiccessary  that  tluM'o  should  he  atlacliod  thereto  a  tract 
of  land  in  the  iiei^'iiborhood,oii  which  to  receive  the  saw-lo;.'s,  as  well  as 
till!  boards  an<l  other  lumber  :  wherelbn^  he  prays  that  we  would  frraiit 
liim  a  concession  en  ccnsivc  of  oiw  arpcnf^  and  a  half  in  front  on  the  said 
river,  that  is  to  say,  three-fourths  of  an  arpent  on  each  side  of  the  said 
mill,  by  one  arpent  ami  ii  half  in  depth,  lia\  in<;  rejiard  to  the  premises. 

We,  in  virtue  of  the  power  jointly  entrusted  to  us  by  His  i\lajesty,  have 
given,  granted  and  conceded,  and  liy  these  presents  do  give,  grant  and 
concede  tmto  the  Abbe  Piipiet  the  said  extent  of  land  of  one  .arpent  and 
n  half  in  li'ont,  by  the  same  depth,  as  herein  above  described  :  to  have 
and  to  hold  the  said  unto  him  and  his  assigns  in  full  pro|)erty  for  ever, 
on  condition  that  the  said  tract  of  land,  and  the  mill  erected  thereon,  can 
not  be  sold  or  given  to  any  |)ei'son  holding  in  mortmain  {s;i'ns  dc  main 
viorle),  in  wliich  case  His  Majesty  shall  rc'ritlQi-  plf)w  jure  into  the  posses- 
sion of  the  said  tract  of  land  and  mill;  also  on  condition  of  the  yearly 
jiaynient  of  fiveso/.f  of" /'c/i^e  and  six  denicis  of  cofs,  payable  to  His  Majesty's 
domain,  on  the  festival  day  of  Sf.  Hemy,  the  tiist  ol"  October  each  year, 
th(!  first  payment  of  which  shall  be  due  on  the  1st  October  of  next  year, 
1752;  the  said  ccks  bearing  profit  oi' loJs  el  veiiles,  saisine  et  amende,  agree- 
ably to  the  custom  of  Paris  ibllowed  in  this  country;  and  that  he  shall 
have  these  i)resents  confirmed  within  one  year. 

In  testimony  whereof",  &c. 

At  Quebec,  the  10th  of  October  175L 


Siirncd,    LAJONQUIERE, 

mcoT. 


and 


True  Copy. 


lUGOT. 


It  is  rendered  probable,  from  a  cotriparison  of  dates,  that  Picqiiet  on  this 
occasion  of  his  visit,  took  along  with  him  a  deputation  of  his  neoi)hites> 
to  present  them  to  the|govcrnor,  as  is  shown  by  the  following  docinnents, 
which  explains  the  object  of  their  journey  (Paris  Doc.  X,  p.  2()4,e<  seq.). 

Speech  of  the  Iroquois  of  the  Five  .Yations,  established  at  la  Presentation, 
at  f^uehec,  September  20,  1751. 

SPEECH    OF  T.IE  SAVAGES.  REPLY  OF  MONSIEUR  THE  GENERAL. 

J.  1. 

God  has  favored    us   with  good         I  am  pleased,  my  children,  to  see 
weather  yesterday,  to  enable  iis  to    yon.     1  thank  you  for  the  interest 
arrive  saf(['ly  to  see  you ;  we  are  a    you  express  lor  my  lieahh. 
peo|)le  who  come  from  the  loot  of 
tiie  islands ;  we  rejoice  to  find  you 
in  good  health.     'I'Jiese  are  chiefs 
and    warriors,  who  have  come  to 
wish  you  much  liai)piness. 

*  All  arpent  i»  a  hundred  perclies  of  land,  eighteen  feet  to  (he  perch,  or  about  three  quarter* 
of  ou  acre-    ThU  i»  an  old  French  loud  measure. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


53 


Wc  linvp  not  tlio  talent  of  Froncli- 
nieii.  We  are  saviifies;  titid  we 
\m\\  yon  to  jjurdon  ns,  if  onr  ex- 
pressions are  :iut  couclicd  in  n|)|)ro- 
piiate  lan;,'nagc. 


3. 

We  are  like  new-born  cliildren. 
Wo  iiave  lieard  speak  of  tiie  attack 
\vlii(;li  lias  been  made  upon  tiie 
people' of  tlie  Sant,  and  wo  have 
made  every  effort  tliat  was  possible 
to  ascertain  who  were  the  authors 
of  the  attack. 

4. 

We  Iiave  heard  that  it  was  the 
Clierafpiis  ;  and  we  ask  if  it  is 
join-  will  that  wc  raise  the  hatchet 
to  attack  them :  tiioy  have  destroyed 
those  of  onr  own  blood;  onr  l>ro- 
tliers,  the  ]ioo|tl(!  of  the  Pant,  of 
the  lake,  and  ail  who  are  luider 
your  wings,  will  unite  with  us. 

As  you  desire  us  to  do,  so  we 
will  act;  wo  are,  as  it  were,  horn 
but  to  day,  and  have  embraced  the 
faith.  Otn-  yonnsr  warrioj-s  who 
have  taken  refii;,'e  amongst  us,  are 
at  leisure,  and  desirous  to  strike,  if 
you  pnunote  onr  Mission. 

We  mustavenge  the  death  of  our 
brethren,  after  wliicli,  our  Mission 
will  increase  more  and  more,  Onr 
father  who  instructs  us,  is  ns  em- 
barrassed as  ourselves,  lie  wit- 
nesses the  arrival  of  young  warriors 
who  are  anxious  to'  set  out  on  the 
war  path  the  next  morning. 

By  a  Belt. 

G. 
We  beg  you  to  be  assured,  that 
we  think  like  the  French;  wc  exe- 
cute our  projects;  ami  wo  assure 
you  by  this  belt,  that  we  will  set 
off  at  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice, 
liatchet  in  baud,  to  strike  the  blow. 


I  know  tliat  you  are  still  young, 
and  not  yet  able  to  be  great  orators. 
I  am  meanwhile  \ery  well  satisfied 
with  your  baranjiue.  It  is  very  well 
spoken.  You  can  not  fail  to  ac- 
(juire  greater  abilities  by  becoming 
identified  with  our  interests,  and 
in  doing  whatever  M.  I'Abbe  I'ic- 
quet  shall  direct  you,  tor  the  service 
of  the  king,  my  master. 

;{. 

You  can  not  but  bewail  the  fate 
of  your  brethren  at  the  Saut  Ht. 
Louis,  who  have  experienced  a 
melancholy  fate.  I  mourn  for  them 
equally  with  you. 


I  can  not  disapprove  of  your 
raising  the  hatchet,  to  go  and  smite 
the  Cheracpies,  who  ibave  stained 
their  hands  with  the  blood  of  your 
brethriMi ;  your  brothers  of  the  saut, 
of  the  lake,  and  all  those  who  arc 
imder  my  wings,  will  afford  me  a 
pleasure  by  uniting  with  you. 
5. 

I  agree  th.it  you  ought  not  to 
defer  striking  this  blow,  and  I  re- 
peat, that  1  consent  to  it.  And  you 
ought  not  to  omit  any  thing  that 
will  tend  to  increase  your  village, 
and  afford  me  |)roofs  of  the  zeal 
whi(;h  you  evince  in  favor  of*  reli- 
gion. 


:  quarters 


6. 
I  am  very  glad  that  you  exhibit  a 
constan;y  in  your  project,  and  that 
you  will  execute  it.  I  receive  your 
belt  with  pleasure,  and  I  return  you 
one,  to  assure  you  that  at  the 
breaking  up  of  the  ice,  I  will  have 
the  powder  and  lead  furnished  you 
which  you  require. 


I 


54 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


m 


I  ^ 


You  now  know  the  sentiments 
of  your  children,  of  La  Presentn- 
tion.  Yoti  know  we  possess  no- 
thing. We  tlirow  ourselves  into 
your  arms.  You  know  we  are 
without  weapons ;  yet  we  ask  you 
for  nothiuir.  We  leave  you  to  in- 
fer what  wo  recjuire  for  tiie  expe- 
dition which  we  are  about  to  luider- 
toke. 

Our  skin  is  tender ;  we  see  tiie 
snows  which  will  not  delay  to  fall 
upon  the  mountains;  if  we  iiave 
not  mittens,  we  shall  freeze  witii 
the  cold,  and  our  nails  will  fall  off. 

e. 

I  do  not  wish  to  weary  you.  I 
wish  to  depart  in  two  days. 

You  know  that  tiie  Five  Nations 
nre  numerous.  I  wish  to  make  an 
effort  to  assemble  all  those  that  it 
may  be  possible,  to  augment  our 
village. 

I  cast  my  body  into  your  hand. 
I  wish  to  die  for  my  dear  Onontio 
Gwa. 

9. 

We  have  spoken  to  you,  upon 
your  word,  and  tipon  that  of  Mon- 
sieur the  Bishop,  to  engage  to  in- 
crease our  Mission.  All  those  who 
have  come  to  join  our  village,  are 
under  the  hoj)e  that  you  will  give 
us  some  utensils  to  assist  us. 

10. 

If  we  were  in  a  more  comfort- 
able situation,  our  village  would 
sensibly  increase.  We  want  37 
brass  kettles  ;  our  womeu  make 
this  request 


/;//  a  Bell. 

I  give  you  also  this  belt,  by  which 
I  wish  to  l)ind  myself  to  you ;  pre- 
sent it  to  the  i)eoi)lo  of  the  saiU,  to 
the  Irocpiois  of  the  Five  Aations, 
and  to  all  those  wiio  arc;  under  my 
wings.  I  bind  them  to  you,  that 
they  may  not  sejiarate  themselves 
from  it,  until  you  shall  have  avenged 
the  blood  of  your  brethren. 

7. 

I  open  my  arms  to  receive  you. 
I  repeat  from  the  feeling  of  my 
heart,  that  i  will  provide  tor  ail 
your  necessities.  You  see  froui 
others  who  are  present,  that  I  have 
done  to  tlietn  all  you  solicit  for 
yourselves. 


8. 

You  do  well  to  resolve  to  induce 
your  brothers  of  the  Five  Nations 
to  join  you,  and  settle  in  your  vil- 
lage. 


9. 

There  are  quantities  of  these  in 
the  arsenals  of  the  king  at  La  Pre- 
sentation. Monsieur  the  A'  be  Pic- 
quet  will  take  care  of  your  brothers, 
when  they  arrive  at  your  mission. 


10. 

I  will  not  forget  your  women; 
there  are  the  kettles  which  they 
ask. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


85 


thev 


The  nttenipt  ot  the  Frencli  to  ostabli.sh  a  mission  at  Oswegatchic  na- 
turally excitod  tlif  jealousicH  of  tin;  English,  wiiose  relations  witii  tiicir 
Canadian  noifrhhors  were  every  day  tending  to  open  hostilities.  Tiie 
indnstry  of  the  Frencii  in  founding  estahlishnientH  among  the  Indian 
tribes  at  this  |>friod,  sufficiently  evinces  the  anxiety  they  felt  to  secure  the 
interest  and  iidluencc  of  the  savages,  to  tiie  [irejudice  of  the  English 
colonies.  The  following  comnnmication  from  Lieut.  Lindesay  to  Col. 
Johnson  relates  to  the  station  at  Swegage,  or  La  Presentation,  shortly 

before  founded. 

Oswego,  l.>th  Jidy,  1751. 

"This  day  came  herefrom  Niagra  the  Bunt  and  the  Black  Prince's  son, 
with  their  fighters.  He  first  gave  me  an  account  how  it  had  fared  with 
them  :  told  me  he  found  two  forts  built  by  the  Frencli  since  he  went 
out;  one  at  iNigra,  carrying  place,  and  the  other  by  John  Cair  on  the 
river  Ohieo.  lie  said  he  licard  a  liird  sing  that  a  great  many  Indians 
from  his  castle,  and  others  from  the  five  nations,  were  gone  to  Swegage: 
all  this,  he  said,  grived  him,  and  he  saw  things  going  very  wrong;  and 
if  a  stop  was  not  put  to  it,  the  five  nations  woii'd  be  riuned  soon.  He 
said  he  was  come  home,  for  he  lookton  this  place  as  such:  that  ho  was 
both  hungry  and  ))oor;  and  hoped,  as  I  represented  the  Governor  and 
Coll.  Johnson  here,  1  would  assist  him  in  a  little  provisions  and  clothing 
to  his  fighlers.  I  told  him  was  sorrey  for  the  loss  lie  had  sustained,  hut 
was  glad  to  find  his  thoughts  and  mine  the  same  as  to  the  French's 
building  forts,  and  the  Indians  going  to  Swegage;  and  told  him  how 
wrong  it  was  in  our  Indjans  going  to  Cannada,  ancl  the  consequencess  that 
would  attend  it,  in  the  best  light  I  could,  lie  agreed  with  me  in  all  I 
said,  and  jtromised  to  do  everything  in  his  jjower  to  have  things  better 
managed,  and  likewise  promised  in  the  strongest  terms  to  all  Coll.  John- 
son would  desire  of  liim.  1  gave  him  provisions  and  cloathing,  &c.  for 
his  jjcople,  to  the  ualue  of  five  pounds  above  what  he  gave  me  when  he 
spoke,  which  was  three  bevers. 

27tli.  This  day  came  the  Cousc,  and  some  other  Sinaka  sacham,  in 
order  to  go  to  Cannada.  He  came  to  see  me,  and  told  me  he  was  sent 
by  the  consentof  the  five  nations  to  go  to  theGovn.  of  Cannada  about  the 
building  the  above  said  two  forts,  &c.  I  told  him  the  consequence  of 
Indjans  going  there;  but  as  he  is  intirely  Frencli,  all  I  said  was  to  no 
])urpose,  though  he  scem'd  to  own  the  force  of  what  I  said,  as  all  the  other 
Indjans  did,  and  I  belive  all  but  him  might  have  been  stopt;  but  as  things 
are,  1  could  do  no  more. 

By  all  the  Indjans  that  have  been  liere,  I  find  the  French  army  landed 
at  Nigra  about  the  ^tith  July,  in  20  large  cano»;s,  to  the  number  of  250  or 
300  French,  with  200  Arondaks  and  Annogongers  :  they  are  to  gather 
all  the  Indians  as  they  pase,and  allso  Frencli,  and  will  at  least  amount  to 
1000  or  1200  Frencli  and  Indjans.  Their  designs  is  to  drive  the  English 
of  that  are  at  or  near  Ohieo,  and  oblidge  the  Meomies  to  come  and  live 
where  they  shall  order  them.  All  the  Indjans  who  have  been  here,  say 
they  and  all  Indians  are  to  join  them.  Wliile  the  Bunt  was  here,  I  had 
liim  always  with  me,  and  did  all  lay  in  my  powar  to  oblidge  him.  He 
showed  the  greatisl  sence  of  it,  and  said  he  would  allways  do  what  I 
asked,  as  he  allways  had  done.  He  is  much  inclined  to  us;  and  am 
convinced  that  if  Coll,  Johnson  sends  for  him,  he  will  come  and  take 
our  affairs  in  hand  hertily ;  and  I  think  ho  hath  it  more  in  his  powar  then 
any  to  bring  things  to  rights,  nor  is  it  to  be  done  without  him.     This  is 


I 


66 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRKNCK 


^^' 


my  HPiitimpnts,  mid  1  liopn  joii  will  pnnioii  my  iiltPity  in  pivi'iiiff  tliem. 
ir'voii  ii|i|)i()vo  ot"  wli.it  I  lijivr  hiiiil,  iiinl  (l('f<in!  iiic  to  Itiin^r  liiiii  down 
wilii  nil'.  III!  do  my  mkIi'iivoimn,  iiimI  Im'  iicvrr  yi'l  lintli  nriiscd  wliat  I 
n^ikcd  of  liiiii.  TIkt*'  arc  moiiic  I'itiicIi  liiTf,  wlio  melt  tlic  iiiiiiy  alioiit 
liiiiidrcd  mih's  to  llir  west  of  .\i;,'ni.  JOHN    Id.NDIlt^AY. 

Ti)  tlio  llonoiimlilt;  roll.  Wm.  JonNsoN."* 

On  tlio  I'JtIi  of  Jniu)  I?.!!,  tlit-n!  nssi'iid)li'd  nt  Allmny  tlio  CL-lebrntcd 
Coii;,'ri'ss  of  I{('|iirsuntiilivcs  from  I  he  st^vfral  F.nfjlisli  colonics,  to  agrro 
upon  a  plan  of  union,'.  '<'  ilipcomiuon  dofciicf  a;^ainst  the  cncroarlimenls 
of  llu!  rrfiicii.and  tlic  hostilities  of  ilic  Iiidiiuis  who  wcrcjiicitcd  hy  llirm 
to  niaki;  inioads  upon  the  hack  settlements  of  the  Iln^'lish.  Amon^'  the 
connni8sion(!ri<  iVoiii  the  several  ooloiiicH,ap|ietn°ed  those  who  allcrwardH 
flionc  with  distin^Miishcd  reputation  in  the  rcvolntionai-y  war;  and  none 
more  so  than  Henjainin  Franklin. 

The  measure  which  was  tiie  great  ohject  of  this  congress  ultimately, 
failed,  from  its  stron;,'  repulilican  temlency,  which  alarmed  the  ndnions 
of  royalty  then  in  jiower;  hnt  severid  points  of  interest  were  discussed, 
which  have  a  direct  relation  with  our  suhject.  In  the  representation  of 
the  ad'airs  of  the  colonies  vviiieli  was  agreed  upon,  were  the  Ibllowing 
statements  : 

"That  the  Lake  Chainidain,  fornn  called  Lakt?  Irorpiois,  and  the 
country  soudiward  of  it  as  liu-  as  the  !»  ich  or  Fjiglish  setthuients,  the 
Likes  Ontario,  Frie,  tuid  all  the  conntru'-t  adjacent,  have,  hy  all  ancient 
luitliors,  French  and  llnglish,  heeii  allowed  to  heloufr  to  the  Five  ('antons 
or  Nations;  and  the  whole  of  these  countries,  long  helbre  the  treaty  of 
I'trecht,  were  hy  said  nations  [lut  under  the  protection  of  the  Crown  of 
Great  Hritain.     *  *  * 

"  That  they  [the  Frencli]  are  continually  diawingotl"  the  Indians  from 
the  British  interest,  ami  have;  lately  |)ersnaded  one  half  of  the  Onondaga 
trihe,  with  many  liom  the  other  natiins  along  with  them,  to  remove  to  u 
]  lace  called  Oswegatchit!,on  the  Hiver  Cadaracpii,  wliert;  they  have  hiiilt 
them  (I  church  and  Ibrt;  ami  many  of  the  Senecas,  the  most  numerous 
nation  appear  wavering,  and  rather  inclini'd  to  the  Fn-ncli;  and  it  is  a 
melancholy  consideration  that  not  more  than  150  men  (»f  all  the  several 
nations  have  attended  tliis  treaty,  although  they  had  notice  that  all  the 
governments  woidd  he  here  hy  their  comniission(>rs,  and  that  a  largo 
present  would  be  given."! 

Ilendrick  the  Mohawk  chief,  the  warrior  and  urator,and  ever  the  tlrm 
friend  of  the  English,  endeavored  to  tlissuade  the  confederates  of  New 
York  from  joining  the  settlement  at  Oswegatchie;  and  at  a  conlerence 
of  the  Indian  tribes  with  Hir  William  Johnson,  held  at  Mount  Johnson, 
Septeiid)er  24tli,  l?.!.'],  la;  thus  addressed  them  in  a  speech  replete  with 
native  eloquence  and  rhetorical  ornament: 

•  See  Doe   Ilisl.  New  York,  V.il   9,  p.  Ct>3. 

t  A  lull  account  of  ihe  proceed iiigj  of  ilii*  coinfress  will  be  fcuiid  in  ilie  2il  vyl.  Doc.  Hint. 
of  New  Vork,  pp.  S4S  •  C17. 


m 


,.* 


';%■ 


AND    FRANKLIN    (  OUNTIKS. 


57 


"  It  priovf'H  mo  son-ly  to  find  lln-  iikkI  liillicr  so  proun  up  with  wcrtls 
for  wiinl  oC  lifiiij.'  msimI,  iiikI  yonr  lire  aliiinHt  r\|iiiiii'r  iit  Oiioinlnpii, 
wlicri'  it  uah  iiu'rii'd  liy  llit)  wisdom  oroiir  jhht'sIuis  that  if  slioidd  Mrv(rr 
111'  i'\liii<'nislii'd.  Voii  know  it  was  a  .sayiii^Miinoiii;  liicin,  tiiat  wlicn  tlio 
liro  was  out  Ik  if,  yoii  would  !"•  no  loii^rn-  a  |u'0|>ir, 

I  am  now  M!iil  hy  yoin"  l>r<ttlirr,  tin?  (iovcrnftr,  to  i'l<;ar  tlK?  roarl,  and 
make  n|t  iIk;  lin*  witli  rincli  wood  an  will  ni-vcr  burn  out;  and  I  <);iiiii!Slly 
lif'siri;  voii  will  take;  raif  to  keep  it  iij),  soas  t(»  lie  linnid  always  tin-  «anio 
w  iicn  ill'  >li'dl  send  nin  .n;:  you. — A  l»ilt. 

I  lia\«'  ii'W  rcncwiil  tlic  lire,  swept  and  clcaird  all  yoin*  rooms  witli 
a  ni'W  whit>'  win;',  and  l<av<!  it  liauf.'in;.''  noar  tin;  liicplai-c,  that  you  may 
iiMi!  it  liir  cli-anin^'  all  dust,  dirt,  «.Vc.  which  may  have  lircii  liroufflit  in  liy 
Btraiij.'1'rs,  no  iVionds  to  \ou  or  us. — A  strinj,'  ol'  wampum. 

I  am  sorry  to  rnid.  on  my  arrival  amonj,'  you,  that  iho  luu;  shady  tree 
wliich  was  pl.uitcd  liy  your  lorctiithcrs  for  your  (■•m  ;  ami  slu-ltor,  should 
he  now  It'aniufr,  iK'inir  almost  hlown  ilowii  l»y  iiorlln'rly  winds.  I  shall 
now  (;nilca\()r  to  si't  it  upri^rht,  that  it  may  llourisli  as  lormiMly,  wliili;  it.s 
roots  spnad  ahroad,  so  that  whrn  we  sit  nr  stand  on  ihcui,  you  will  li-el 
tlicni  shakf:  :  should  an\  storm  blow,  then  slioilld  you  ho  ready  to  sticuro 
it.— A  belt. 

^"our  (ire  now  burns  cloarly  at  the  old  ])Iarc.  Thf  Uvc.  ol" shelter  and 
protection  is  set  up  and  tloiu-ishcs.  I  nnist  now  insist  upon  your  (piencb- 
in;,'  that  lirr  made  with  braudilrs  at  Swcfiaclicy,  and  recall  tlio.s(^  to  tbeir 
proper  lioiiie  who  have  d('si;rled  thither.  I  can  not  b'av!!  dissuading 
you  I'rom  iroinfi  to  (Janada;  the  Fremdi  are  a  didu-iive  [iiiople,  always 
oudeavorin:,'  to  divide  you  as  nmch  as  tliey  can,  nor  will  tliey  let  slip 
any  oppo'.timity  of  m:ikin;.'  ailvantaj,'c  rd"  it.  ''I'is  lormidable  news  wo 
hear  that  the  French  are  makinj;  a  desc(M)t  upon  the  Ohio:  "  Is  it  with 
vour  consent  or  leave  that  they  proceed  in  this  extraordinary  manner, 
endeavoring;  iiv  liirco  of  arms  tf»  dispossess  your  own  nutivfj  allies,  as 
well  as  your  bretbercu,  the  Kn^rlish,  and  establishitig  themselves?" 
*     *     *     A  larf(t!  b(.'ll. 

At  a  general  meetinj,'  of  the  Six  Xntionf,  licid  at  Onondngn,  they  re- 
plied to  the  li^regoing  speech  nnd  that  of  the  governor,  throngli  their 
speaker  Red  Head,  iis  follows: 

"  We  acknowledge  with  etpinl  concern  with  yon  that  the  road  between 
us  has  been  obslrncted,  and  almost  grown  up  with  weeds;  that  oin*  fire 
is  scattered  and  almost  extinct.  W'e  ri'turn  you  our  most  hearty  thankg 
lor  recruiting  the  fn-e  with  such  wood  as  will  burn  clear,  and  not  go  out; 
and  w'(!  promise  that  we  shall,  with  the  utmost  care,  dress  and  keep  it 
up,  as  we  are  sensible!  from  what  has  licen  saiii  hy  our  forefathers,  thai: 
tli«  negleci  of  it  would  be  our  ruin.     A  belt. 

"We  know  very  well  tin;  use  of  the  whitt;  wing  you  rc^cotnmended, 
nnd  arr;  determincMl  to  use  it  to  sweep  out  whatever  may  hinder  the  firo 
from  burrung  with  a  pure  Hame.     A  string. 

■'You  may  depend  upon  our  care  in  defending  the  tree  which  yon 
have  rei)lanted  Irom  the  inclemency  of  the  high  winds  from  Canada. 
Wt!  are  full  of  acknowledgments  for  your  care  ami  admonitions,  and 
he  assured  we  shall  watch  every  threatening  eloinl  from  thence,  that 
we  may  be  ready  to  prop  it  up.     A  belt. 

"We  rejoice  that  we  see  the  fire  burn  pun;  where  it  should  do;  the 
tree  of  slndter  look  strong  and  Jlourishing.  And  you  may  depend  upon 
our  (pieucbing  that  false  lire  at  Swt^gachey,  and  tloing  all  we  can  to  re- 
call our  brothere,  too  often  seduced  that  way.    Tlio'  we  did  not  conceive 


i    » 


«8 


HISTORY    OF   ST.   LAWRFNTK 


r^-i 


wn  Imd  (Inno  bo  iiiiirh  ninii'S  in  ;{niii|r  tliitlii;r,  when  >vo  ol)8(>rvo  tiint 
voii  wliifo  pcoplti  priiy,  niiil  we  IiikI  no  nciiicr  |ilafr  t<i  luiirii  to  |ii'ii\,iiii(l 
liavc  our  I'liilili'cM  liapti/.cd  lliiiii  lliat.  IIowcmt,  us  voii  iiisir«t  iipoii  it, 
W(!  will  not  ;ro  that  way  nor  lio  any  inon-  divided.  I  iiiiiHt  now  .say  it  in 
not  with  oiir  consent  that  the  i'reneh  have  eoinniilted  any  lio.Hliliiies  in 
Ohio.  We  know  what  yon  t'Ini.stians,  |'!nj.'iish  and  I'reneh  together, 
intend.  We  aio  »*>  hemmed  in  hy  itoiii  that  we  liavo  liai'dly  a  hiiniin^r 
place  left.  In  a  little  while,  if  we  lind  a  hear  in  a  tree,  there  will  im- 
mediately appear  an  owner  of  tlu!  land  to  challeii^'i!  tlu;  properly  and 
liinder  lis  Irom  killing,'  it,  which  is  onr  livelihood.  We  are  so  perplexed 
luftween  hoih  tiiat  wu  hardly  know  what  to  say  or  think."     A  hilt. 

'I'iiu  sentiment  expressed  at  the  close  of  this  last  adtlress,  is  no  true 
and  so  melancholy,  that  it  can  not  fail  to  excite  our  sympnlhy  at  the  fate 
of  the  unfortunate  race  of  which,  and  liy  wiiicli,  it  vvna  H|)okon.  Tlie 
uiiiettorcd  snvnf^es,  in  tiio  simplicity  of  artless  nature,  and  prompted  hy 
n  sentiment  of  henevolence  w  hich  has  heeii  hut  illy  reipiited,  admitted 
the  Eiiropeun  settlers  to  their  lands,  and  protl'ered  the  hand  of  fricndsiiip. 
When  once  estahlishcd,  the  whites  finding  themselves  superior  to  tlieir 
rude  nci;;lihor8  in  tin;  arts  of  trade,  failed  not  in  most  instances,  to  avail 
tliem.sclves  of  this  advantage,  and  overreach  them  in  tratlic,  corrupt  their 
morals,  and  impart  to  them  the  vices,  without  the  lienetits  of  civilization. 

Under  these  intliiences,  the  presage  of  the  orator  just  quoted  has  been 
80011  and  sadly  realized,  and  the  red  man  has  retreated  before  the  nuircii 
of  that  civilization  which  he  could  not  adopt,  and  those  habits  of  indus- 
try which  are  at  variance  with  bis  nature. 

Like  tlie  wild  llower  that  flourishes  only  in  the  slmdc,  and  withers  in 
the  Sim  as  soon  as  its  primitive  thicket  is  gone,  the  race  has  vanished, 
leaving  the  homes  and  the  graves  of  their  ancestors  for  the  wildnees  of 
the  western  forests,  whence  in  a  few  years  they  must  again  retreat,  until 
the  last  of  the  race  has  disappeared. 

In  nn  account  of  a  military  expedition  consisting  of  a  French  regimer.i» 
under  de  Ik-arre,  which  ascended  the  St.  Lawrence  in  iirto,  for  the  pur- 
])ose  of  promoting  the  niililary  o|)erations  wliich  the  French  were  carry- 
ing on  at  that  time  along  the  great  lakes  and  western  rivers,  we  find  the 
following  descri|)tioii  of  the  works  at  la  Presentation.  [See  Paris  Docu- 
ments, vol.  X,  p.  2\',\.] 

"On  the  28th  [of  July,  175.'>,]  ascended  the  two  Galos  rapids  which 
are  dangerous,  doubled  the  point  k  Livrogne,  and  crossed  from  the  north 
to  the  south,  to  encamp  under  Fort  Presentation,  which  is  six  [?]  leagues 
from  the  end  of  the  rapids.  This  fort  consisl.i  of  four  battlements,  in 
the  I'orm  of  bastions,  of  which  the  curtains  are  jialisades.  It  is  suffi- 
cient to  resist  savages,  but  could  be  but  poorly  defended  against  troops 
who  might  attack  it,  and  who  could  easily  succeed.  On  the  2Uth, 
doubled  two  points,  notwithstanduig  the  wind  blew  with  violence  against 


1 

n 


t 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


d9 


<\S 


lin,  nnd  rtirnmprd  upon  jioiiit  mix  Itarlls,  lit  tliien  leii;;ii(<H.  On  the  HOtli, 
])n;«.Hi'il  tii'i  'riionHninl  iNliiiiiiH,  llio  Kivtn-  'roiiiata,  and  caiiipcd  on  an 
iHlaiid  very  poorly  ada|itt>d  lor  llio  purpose,  opjioMitit  a  Hinall  Ktrait  a  iIIh- 
taiice  of  seven  leagues.  On  tlio  Mist,  crossed  two  larj,'c  bays.  Met  in 
the  Ibrnier  two  eaiioes  eoiiiiii^'  I'loiii  Detroit,  iIk;  coiiductora  of  whom 
said  that  the  Kiijilish  had  heeii  del'cated  on  the  Ohio." 

The  Ahim  I'ieipiet  joined  this  expedition  with  thirty-eight  oi  his  wnr- 
rioi':^,  on  tho  lt2tli  of  S^epteniber,  who  desired  to  accoinpuny  the  expedi- 
tion to  make  prisoners  nt  Chouaf;cii.  He  let\  on  the  Ititli,  and  rejoined 
at  the  Isle  of  Tout  i. 

On  tliu  35tli,  his  savages  brou(^lit  in  two  prisoners,  having  slain  three 
who  resisted  tlieni.  Tiicse  prisoners  informed  them  that  the  fort  at 
Oswego  had  been  largely  reinfoired.  Pic(|uet  left  on  the  5J()tli  to  tako 
bis  savages  and  his  prinoncrs  to  IMontreal  to  M.  de  Vaiidrcnil. 

At  the  attack  upon  1 'ort  Oeorge,  which  reftiilted  in  its  capitulation, 
under  Lt.  Col.  Munro,  Aug.  I),  1757,  a  company  of  Irorpiois  warriors 
were  present,  under  the  command  of  De  Longucil  Sabervois.  The  Abbo 
Piccpict,  Sulpician  missionary,  is  also  enumerated  as  among  tho  Frencli 
force. 

The  savages  were  cunning  politicians,  and  proved  themselves  often- 
times very  willing  to  take  sides  with  the  strongest  party,  os  is  shown  by 
the  .bllowing  address,  which  was  returned  to  them  by  the  governor- 
general  of  Canada,  on  an  occasion  in  which  they  had  sent  him  an  ad- 
dress, by  the  hands  of  their  friends  the  Oswegatchics;  having,  for  some 
reason  not  related,  chosen  this  indirect  method  of  tendering  their  alle- 
giance to  the  French,  probably  in  consequence  of  ti:e  advantages  which 
the  latter  bad  gained  over  the  English,  by  the  defeat  of  Bradock. 

The  address  of  the  natives  is  not  preserved,  but  that  of  the  governor 
in  reply  to  it,  is  given  below,  from  which  its  nature  and  tenor  may  be 
ascertained. 

We  translate  it  from  the  eleventh  volume  of  tho  Paris  Documents, 
page  247,  in  the  department  of  the  Secretary  of  Stole,  at  Albany. 


which 
north 

jagues 

Its,  in 
sufR- 

troopa 
2'Jth, 

gainst 


"i?e/>/i/  of  M.  the  .Marquis  de  VaudreuU,  to  the  toords  which  the  Five 
JVations,  sent  hitn  by  their  Deputies  of  tlie  JMiasion  of  La  Preaenlctionj 
Oct.  22,  1755: 

My  Children  of  the  Five  Nations, 

I  have  listened  attentively  to  the  words  you  have  addressed  me  by 
my  children  of  la  Presentation.  You  can  not  have  better  orators  than 
those  of  this  village,  who  knowing  my  sentiments  to  you,  have  had  the 
goodness  to  bring  me  your  belts,  and  to  inlbrm  me  of  all  which  you 
have  said. 
I  am  now  about  to  reply  to  your  three  worda 


60 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


4 


FIRST    WORD. 

Yoli  iissnic  me,  my  ciiildrcn,  by  yotir  first  belt,  not  only  ot'  your  neii- 
tnility,  l>iit  (!vcii  tliat  yon  liavc  emlirui-cd  tlio  jjood  ciinsc,  imd  llint  n<  tiling 
jsliall  occur  ti»  .soparnte  yon  from  it.  Yon  rcjily  10  me,  coiicerninf;  your 
yoiiii^r  men,  l)nt  yon  pray  me  not  to  ensangnine  tlui  land  which  yon 
inluil)it. 

Br  A  BKLT. 

It  ajipenrs,  my  children,  that  yon  know  all  the  extent  of  my  core  for 
yon,  and  that  yon  are  persnaded  that  it  will  he  easy  lor  yon  to  influence 
me.  Yon  are  riuht.  If  1  shonld  treat  yon  as  yon  deservr,  1  shon'ld  re- 
ject yonr  belt.  :iiid  in  place  ot'  beinjr  so  coni|)laisant  as  to  answer  yon,  I 
should  prove  to  yon  the  force  ol'  my  resentment,  which  your  treachery 
has  deser\  <"d.  IJnt  I  sec;  yon  arc  well  convinced  thnt  my  cara  exceeds 
all  \nn  had  a  riiilit  to  expect. 

If  yonr  sentinn-nts  towards  me  were  as  sincere;  as  those  of  mine  for 
you,  yon  woidd  blush  at  having.'  a  sinirle  thonjrht  of  aimoimciiin'  yonr 
nentralily.  Should  children  be  neutral  in  what  concerns  their  lather? 
Sinely  yon  do  not  s|)eak  fnnn  the  bottom  of  yonr  hearts,  and  I  ought  to 
be  jUM'suaded  tiiat  yon  really  are  beside  yourselves;  no  matter  —  you 
wish  to  h'  neutral  —  he  so. 

I  can  not  believe  you  have  (jspoiised  the  hihh]  cause.  Oiiifht  yon  ever 
to  have  abandoned  itr  Have  yon  not  had,  on  the  contrary,  t;very  reason 
to  occupy  yoiu'selves  on  the  part  of  the  French?  Ilavt;  they  ever  in- 
duced yon  to  commit  the  least  {hiiif;  a<.'ainst  any  one? 

Have  I  not  always  assisted  yon  in  yonr  wants,  and  by  my  coimcils  in 
all  your  alliiirs? 

In  what  ha\ey((n  profiled  ther;'l)y?  Yon  are  imjrrateful  children,  and 
it  is  with  difliculty  that  I  can  restore  yon  to  yonr  senses.  Von  have 
been  orrinir  too  far,  and  I  can  truly  say,  that  yon  are  no  longer  in  the 
possession  ot' yoin*  senses,  for  you  have  oeiMi  robbed  of  these  by  the 
most  cruel  of  yonr  eneniies. 

Yon  beg  me  not  to  ensangnine  the  land  that  .on  inhabit.  What  cause 
have  yon  to  make  such  a  prater?  Have  I  any  other  business,  than  the 
preservation  of  it  lor  von?  Hiid  it  not  been  on  account  of  kindness  to 
yon,  I  should  have  driven  yon  away. 

If  yon  have  not  lost  ymr  senses,  yon  should  hav(!  thanked  me  t<>r  all 
I  have  done  for  yon.  in  short,  I  retain  yonr  belt,  not  to  recall  to  my 
mind  the  subject  which  induced  yon  tn  send  it,  but  because  it  comes 
from  yon,  ami  yon  have  still  a  place  in  my  heart.  I  give  you  one  that 
yon  may  carry  into  all  yonr  sillaijcs,  to  maki;  knownto  all  my  children, 
that  I  cease  not  to  be  theii  tiither,  i-.nd  expect  that  they  will  not  delay  to 
give  me  proof  that  they  contimie  to  be  my  children. 

SECOND    WORD. 

Yon  acknowledge,  my  chihlren,  that  yon  have  accepted  the  hatchet  of 
the  l''nglish,  but  that,  having  considered  the  alliance  made  with  the 
French  ti'om  time  immemorial,  yon  have  rejected  it,  tor  no  other  reason, 
than  to  attach  yourselves  to  the  good  cause,  Yon  pray  me  not  to  impute 
any  thing  to  yon  of  present  atiiiirs,  and  that  nothing  can  induce  you  to 
conceal  the  belt  which  you  have  accept(!d. 

BY  A  BF.M". 

Of  all  the  proofs  which  you  have  received  of  my  care,  1  desire,  to- 
day, to  give  you  one  greater  than  you  could  liave  desired,  in  the  accept' 


by  the 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


61 


nnce  of  your  hiilt,  with  tin;  only  view  of  recallinn;  on  nil  occnsions,  tlint 
yon  liavf!  hccii  iiimaliinil  cliihirfii,  mid  that  yon  have;  takf.'ii  ii|)  the 
hatchet  a{,'aiiist  yotir  fiithcr,  and  that,  tioiii  pily  towards  jon,  I  have  not 
visited  yon  with  tlic  imiiishniont  which  yoin'  hiack  condnct  deserved. 

In  vain  yon  recall  yonr  alliance  with  the  l''rcncli,  if  I  were  not  dis- 
posed towards  yon  as  a  tiithe.  fnll  of  ;;oodn(\ss.  Yon  wonid  have  for- 
feited all  the  aclvantajres  which  this  alliance  ohtaiiied  ff)r  yon  on  ev(!ry 
occasion,  ti-oin  the  iiioincMt  that  yon  reiiomiced  it  by  the  most  criminal 
treason:  and  scarcely  had  yon  taken  the  hatchet  against  me,  than  my 
children  wonld  ha\e  eiittMi  and  torn  yon  with  their  teeth,  even  to  the 
marrow  of  the  hones,  had  I  not  restrained  them;  (or  it  wonld  haves  heeii 
ol'  no  nse  for  yon  to  tell  them,  that  yon  had  thrown  away  the  hatchet, 
not  wishing  to  be  long(;r  occnpied  in  the  gf)od  atlidrs. 

How  can  yon  pray  mo  to  imi)nte  nothing  to  yon  of  present  affairs? 
Have  yo!i  forgotten  all  that  yon  have  done,  "nd  do  yon  thiid\  that  I  am 
ignorant  of  it? 

,N'o.  Trtdy  yon  are  well  pcrsnaded  that  1  iiave  been  a  witness  to  yonr 
conilnct,  and  that  I  have  iidiowed  yon  in  all  yonr  steps:  that  1  have  seen 
von ;  that  I  have  h(;ar(!  yon.  Do  yon  donl)t  that  I  have  in  my  |)ower  the 
papers  of  general  IJradock  r  1  liavt;  the  very  words  yon  have  given  :  I 
iiave  also  yonr  solenni  conncil  with  colonel  Jolmrion.  I\Iy  children  of 
tiie  n])per  CDimtry  ha\e  always  reported  to  me  their  words  and  their 
belts,  which  yon,  instea!,  have  carried  to  yom*  enemies  and  mine ;  but 
I  l()rhear  to  n.'peat  them. 

Yon  say  that  nothing  could  induce  yen  to  sully  the  belt  whi(rh  you 
have  reninved.  Ought  I  to  believe  it?  Mow  many  times  havi!  yon  not 
deceived  me r  And  how  many  times  have  you  not  obtained  your 
[jai'don  ? 

Tne  hjlt  which  you  have  renewed  is  the  ordiiii.ry  means  for  recalling 
my  goodness.  Yon  have  too  often  tarnished  it  by  Vour  repeated  trea- 
sons. I  desire  to  establish  it  i)y  that  which  I  giv(;  you.  Take  good  care 
of  it,  together.  Make  (easts  (rom  village  to  village,  and  Irom  cabin  to 
cal)in,  and  (iroclaim  daily,  that  ^on  hav(^  iiad  the  misfortune  to  betray  the 
best  of  fiitiiers;  that  yon  deserved  death,  but  (bund  grace. 

THIRD  woun. 
Yon  offer  a  condolence  on   the  death  of  the  officers  who  have  been 
killed  at  the  Ohio  river,  and  at  the  portage  of  Lake  St.  Sacrament,  par- 
ticularly M.  tie  Longueuil.     Jn  the  mean  time  you  say  that  you  will  be 
able  to  <xo  down  to  avenge  them  yourselves. 

HV    A    BKI.T, 

How  ought  I  to  receive  yonr  belt?  Will  it  not  he  with  reason  aa  an 
acknowledgment  on  yonr  part,  that  it  was  yourselves,  the  live  nations, 
who  have  killed  these  olficers?  Will  I  not  be  right  to  make  pass  from 
nation  to  nation,  this  belt,  to  arouse  the  vengeance  of  my  children?  Can 
you  reasonably  think  that  1  have  not  seen  tiie  :u-nis  in  hand  against  me? 
Have  I  not  lieen  n  witness  of  all  yonr  actions;  and  that  none  of  you 
would  have  Iteen  acinally  alive,  if  F  lia<.  not  e\eici.-ed  all  my  authority 
to  arrest  my  children,  who  in  their  (my  wonld  have  sliuightered  yon, 
yonr  wives  and  children,  and  havt!  mined  the  land  which  yon  inhabit? 

Ought  yon  not  to  he  overwhelmed  at  my  great  generosity!  I  receive 
yonr  belt;  but  it  is  for  yon  to  exhibit  upon  ail  oecasiens  tiiat  the  rrench 
blood  which  you  have  shed  unjustly,  cries  for  vengeance  upon  yon,  and 
that  at  the  (irst  transgression  yon  will  be  brouglit  to  submit  to  the  lot 
which  you  have  lor  so  loii;j  a  time  desorvod. 


mfp^w^w^g^T^iM 


62 


HISTORY  OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


I  give  yoii  this  belt,  in  onler  thnt  tiint  which  I  have  said  may  be  in- 
delible in  your  memories?.  Repent  it  tlniiy  to  yonr  old  men  and  your 
warriors,  to  your  women  and  to  yom-  eliiidren,  that  they  may  never  forget 
it;  that  they  may  one  and  all  bewail  their  transgressions,  and  endeavor 
equally  to  repaii  them. 

As  regards  IM,  the  Baron  de  TiOngueuil,  is  this  the  time  to  do  honor  to 
his  death?  If  your  grief  and  regrets  at  his  death  had  been  sincere,  would 
you  have  delayed  till  the  present  moment  to  come  and  give  j)roofs  of  it? 
How  ol'ten  hn\e  you  entised  to  be  announred  yourde|»arture  to  come  and 
condole  tiie  dealli  of  this  governor'-  Wliy  do  you  ilitlisr? 

If  you  wish  to  tell  the  truth,  it  is  the  evil  spirit  that  prevents  you,  You 
have  been  too  slow  in  coming  to  see  me.  You  have  been  ashamed,  and 
too  negligent.  You  dared  not  to  appear,  he(.'aiise  you  knew  yourselves 
to  be  guilty.  Never  minii  :  I  receive  you;  and  if  you  give  nie  perfect 
proofs  ot"  your  re|»entance  of  your  crimes,  and  you  avenge  them  u(>on 
those  who  have  been  at  their  n.ot,  and  their  true  authors,  yoiu"  brothers 
and  the  domiciliated  races,  and  the  nations  of  the  upper  c<  uitry,  will 
continue  to  be  yom-  brothers  and  liiends.     *  *  * 

Recall  the  memory  of  yom' ancestors,  who  possessed  coiu'age,  and  wlie 
gave  on  all  occasions  |)roofs  of  their  good  conduct.  Lear",  liom  the  jjj 
men  of  the  age  in  which  you  live,  concerning  the  times  of  my  father, 
Avhom  you  loved  as  myself.  Hear  my  word,  t.s  I  hey  heard  his,  and  you 
will  enjoy  the  most  profound  peace  and  tranquility. 

Father  Rigaud,  >lan)uis  de  Vaudreuil,  Connnander  of  the  Roynl  and 
IMilitary  Order  of  St.  Louis,  (iovernor  and  Lieutenant  CJencral  for  the 
King  in  all  New  I'rance  and  the  land  and  countrj  of  Louisiana. 

We  certify  that  the  prese»:t  co[)y  is  its  conformity  with  the  original 
remaining  in  our  ottice  :  in  testimony  of  which,  we  have  signed  these 
])resents,  and  have  sealed  it  with  the  sealof  our  arms,  and  countersigned 
by  our  secretary. 
'Done  at  Montreal,  the  13tli  of  February  1758. 

Signed  :    VAUDREUIL." 


*     .i 


I  '4 


An  embassy  of  the  Five  Nations,  held  an  interview  with  M.  de  Mont- 
calm, on  the  24th  of  Ajnil,  1757,  to  which  measure  they  were  inclined 
from  the  successes  of  the  French  in  the  last  campaign,  which  resulted 
in  the  capture  of  Oswego.  This  coimcil  \vas  addressed  by  orators  from 
each  of  the  Indian  tribes,  but  a  passage  occurs  in  the  original  account  of 
this  council,*  which  is  important  as  shov^ing  the  standing  of  the  Oswe- 
gatchies  among  their  Indian  neighbors  at  that  period: 

"There  were  also  in  attendance,  tin;  Irorpiois  of  la  Presentation,  who 
were  present  at  idl  the  deliberations,  but  spoke  not  separately  and  in 
their  own  name.  The  reason  was  that  they  had  been  domiciled  but  a 
short  time;  tiiey  regarded  themselves  still  as  the  "/aff  e«(/»,"  [natlc]  of 
the  Iro(pioi,<i,  who  call  the  village  of  la  Presentation  the  tail  of  the  Five 
Nations."  In  a  note  to  this  in  the  original,  this  mission  is  mentioned  as 
having  been  founded  by  the  zeal  of  the  Abb'  Picquet,  a  Sulpician,  and 
as  equally  inq)oriaiit  for  religion  as  fur  the  state. 

*  Parili  Documents,  vol.  XIIJ,  r<.  IU4. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


63 


An  interesting  picture  of  the  domestic  lifo  of  the  Oawegatchies,  is 
friven  in  tiie  foliowinjjf  extract  from  n  narrative  of  a  residence  among 
them ,  wiiicii  may  be  foiuul  entire  in  Drake's  Indian  Captivities. 

Robert  Eastburn,  a  tradesman,  while  in  company  with  others,  on  their 
way  to  Oswego,  in  March,  175(5,  while  stopping  at  Ca])tain  Williams's 
fort,  at  the  carrying  place,  near  the  present  village  of  Rome,  was  taken 
captive  by  the  Oswegatcliie  Indians,  and  kept  for  sometime  at  their  vil- 
lage near  Fort  Presentation,  the  site  of  Ogdensbnrgh. 

The  attacking  party  consisted  of  four  hnndrcd  French,  and  three 
hundred  Indians,  commanded  !iv  one  of  the  principal  gentlemen  of 
Quebec,  and  accompanied  by  a  priest,  probably  Father  i'icquet. 

The  prisoners  nmnbered  eighteen  or  twenty,  and  their  route  led 
through  Lewis  and  Jefferson  counties,  to  Lake  Ontario,  and  thence  to 
the  post  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatcliie. 

They  were  seven  days  in  reaching  the  lake,  and  suffered  greatly  from 
want  of  provisions.  On  the  4th  of  April,  they  were  met  by  several 
French  bateaux,  with  a  supply  of  provisions,  and  having  crossed  the 
mouth  of  a  river  where  it  empties  into  the  east  end  of  Lake  Ontario,  a 
great  part  of  the  com[)any  set  off  on  foot  towards  Oswegatcliie,  whih) 
the  rest  proceeded  by  bateaux  down  the  St,  Lawrence.  The  adventures 
with  which  the  party  met,  are  best  given  in  the  language  of  the  original 
narrative : 

"By  reason  of  bad  weather,  wind,  rain,  and  snow,  whereby  the  waters 
of  the  lake  were  troubled,  we  nerc  obliged  to  lay  by,  and  hnnl  our  bat- 
toaux  on  shore.  Here  I  lay  on  the  cold  shore  two  day.s.  'I'uesday,  set 
off  and  entered  the  head  of  St.  Lawrence  in  the  afternoon;  came  too, 
late  at  night,  made  lires,  but  did  not  lie  down  to  sleep.  Embarking  long 
before  day,  and  after  some  mile's  progress  down  the  river,  saw  many 
fires  on  our  right  iiand,  which  were  made  by  the  men  who  left  us,  and 
went  by  land.  With  them  we  staid  till  day,  and  then  einbarked  in  our 
batteaux.  The  weather  was  very  bad,  (it  snov  ed  fast  all  day) ;  near  night 
we  arrived  at  Osvvegatcliy.  I  was  almost  starved  to  death,  but  ho|)cii  to 
stay  in  this  Indian  town  till  warm  weather;  slept  in  an  Indian  wigwam, 
rose  early  in  the  morning,  (being  Thursday,)  and  foon  to  my  grief  dis- 
covered my  disappointment. 

Several  of  the  prisoners  liad  leave  to  tarry  here,  but  I  must  go  two 
hundred  miles  further  down  stream,  to  another  Indii-n  town.  The 
morning  being  extremely  cold,  1  applied  to  a  French  merciiant  or  trader 
for  some  old  rags  of  clothing,  for  ]  was  almost  naked,  but  to  no  pur[)ose. 
About  ten  o'clock,  I  was  ordered  into  a  l)oat,  to  go  down  the  river,  with 
eight  or  nine  Indians,  one  of  whom  was  the  man  wounded  in  the  skir- 
mish above  mentioned.* 

At  night  we  went  on  shore;  the  snow  being  much  deeper  than  before, 
we  cleared  it  away  and  made  a  large  fire.  Here,  when  the  wounded 
Indian  cast  his  eyes  upon  me,  his  old  grudge  revived,  he  took  my 
blanket  from  me,  and  commanded  me  to  dance  around  the  fire  barefoot, 


>  Referring  to  u  portion  of  the  narrative  not  quoted. 


't 
4 


64 


HISTORY    OF    ST.   LAWRENCE 


nnd  siiiff  tlie  prisoner's  song,  which  I  utterly  rofnscrl.  Tliis  surprised 
one  of  my  (Mlow  prisoners,  who  tohl  nie  they  would  |)iit  nie  to  denih, 
for  he  .inderftood  wlint  they  said.  He  tiierefor(\  trifid  to  persinde  nic 
to  comply,  hilt  I  desired  i)im  to  lot  iiic  alone,  Jind  was  through  great 
mercy,  ennhled  to  reject  his  importunity  with  ahhorrence. 

'J'Jiis  Indian  also  coniimied  iirjiiiijr,  saying,  'you  shall  dance  and  sing;' 
hut  apprehending  my  compliance  sinful,  I  determined  to  persist  in  de- 
clining it  at  all  adventures,  and  leave;  the  issue  to  the  divine  disposal. 
The  Indian  perceiving  his  orders  disoheyed,  was  lired  with  indignation, 
and  en(lea\ored  to  push  me  into  the  (ire,  which  1  leaped  over,  and  he, 
heing  weak  with  his  wounds,  and  not  heing  assisted  hy  any  >of  his 
hrelliren,  was  ohiiged  to  desist.  I'or  this  gracious  interposure  of  Provi- 
dence, in  preserving  me  hotli  from  sin  and  danger,  1  desire  to  bless  God 
while  I  live. 

I'riday  morning,  I  was  almost  perished  with  cold.  Sntinday,  we  pro- 
ceeded on  our  way,  ami  soon  came  in  sight  of  the  up[)er  i)art  of  the 
settlements  of  Canada.'' 

The  party  continued  their  journey  towards  Canasadosega,  and  on  the 
route  the  wounded  Indian,  assisted  by  a  French  inhabitant,  endeavored 
again  to  conijiel  Easthmn  to  dance  and  sing,  hut  with  no  better  success 
than  i)efore.  On  arriving  at  the  town  which  was  thirty  miles  northwest 
of  Montreal,  he  was  ci  in|.ellcd  to  run  the  gauntlet,  and  was  saved  from 
destruction  only  through  the  interposition  of  the  women.  Heing  assigned 
to  an  Inoian  family  at  Oswegatchy,  in  which  lie  was  adopted,  he  set  off 
on  his  return,  and  alter  a  tedious  and  miserable  voyage  of  several  days, 
arrived  within  three  miles  of  the  town,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 
The  Os\vegat('hies  inhabited  the  site  of  Johnstown  until  renioved  to 
Indian  Point,  in  Lisbon,  by  Lord  Dorcdiester,  as  stated  elsewhere  in  tlie 
le'iters  of  Judge  Ford. 

The  language  of  the  narrative  will  be  here  resumed: 

"Here  1  was  to  be  adopted.  IMy  father  and  mother  whom  I  had  never 
seen  beliirc,  were  wailing,  and  ordered  me  into  an  Indian  house,  where 
we  were  directed  to  sit  down  silent  lor  a  consiilerahle  time.  The  Indiai.s 
appeared  very  sad,  and  my  mother  began  to  cry,  and  continued  to  cry 
aloud  i'or  some  time,  and  then  dried  up  her  tears,  and  received  me  ibr 
lier  son,  and  look  me  over  the  river  to  the  Indian  town.  The  next  day 
1  was  ordered  to  go  t<j  mass  with  ihem,  but  I  reluseil  once  aMd  again; 
y<;t  they  coutiniied  their  importunities  several  days,  [feeing  they  could 
not  prevail  with  me  they  seemed  miK.'li  displeasi'd  with  their  new  son. 
1  was  then  sent  o\er  the  river  to  be  cMiiployed  in  hard  labor,  as  a  punish- 
ment I'or  not  going  to  mass,  and  not  allowed  a  sight  of,  or  any  conversa- 
tion with,  my  lellow  prisoners.  The  old  Imlian  man  with  whom  1  was 
ordered  to  work,  had  a  wili?  and  children,  lie  took  me  into  the  woods 
with  him,  and  mad<^  signs  lor  me  to  elio)),  and  he  soon  saw  that  I  could 
handle  the  axe.  Here  I  tried  to  reconcile  myself  to  ibis  etnploy,  that 
thi'y  might  have  no  ocea-iion  against  me,  except  concerning  the  law  of 
my  (iO(l.  Tilt!  old  man  began  to  appear  liiiid,  and  his  wife  gave  me 
milk  ami  bread  when  we  came  liome,  and  when  she  got  lish.  gave  me 
the  gills  to  eat,  out  of  real  kindness;  but  perceiving  I  did  not  like  them, 
gave  me  my  own  choice,  and  beiiaved  lovingly.     \Vhen  we  hud  finished 


^ 


•4 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


65 


our  lencp,  wliidi  liiid  tDiployed  us  ttliout  a  week,  I  sliowpd  the  old 
Pfjuaw  my  sliiit,  {luiviiifr  worn  it  Troiu  tlio  tiuin  wlion  1  wns  fust  taken 
Iirisoiicr,"  whicli  was  aliout  seven  weeks,)  all  rajrs,  dirt,  anil  vermin. 
She  Ijroufriit  me  a  new  one,  with  rntih'd  sleeves,  siiyiufj  'that  is  <:oo(l,' 
v/hich  I  thankfully  accepted.  The  next  day  they  carried  me  hack  to 
the  Indian  town,  and  permitted  me  to  converse  with  my  I'ellow  [)risoners. 
Thev  tuld  nie  we  wore  all  to  ho  scut  to  Montreal,  which  nccordinjily 
came  to  pass.'' 

At  a  grand  council  held  at  Montreal,  Eas'l)iun  mentions  a  noted  [iriest 
called  ricrpiet,  "who  understood  the  Indian  tongue  well,  and  did  more 
liarni  to  the  English  than  any  otiier  of  his  order  in  Canada.  His  dwell- 
ing was  at  Oswegatcliy.'' 

A  plan  of  oi)crations against  Oswesro  was  in  progress;  and  great  num- 
bers of  soldiers  were  in  motion  towards  Lake  Ontario,  with  hateaux 
laden  with  provisions  and  munitions  of  war.  After  a  painful  journey, 
Easthurn  arrived  again  at  Oswegatchie ;  having  received  from  his  adopted 
mother  the  choice  of  remaining  at  iMontreal,  or  rettuiiing  w ith  her,  and 
having  chosen  the  latter  alternative  as  alibrding  the  best  chance  of  escape. 
While  here,  he  daily  saw  many  bateaux,  with  provisions  and  soldiers, 
l)assing  up  to  I'ort  I'rontenac ;  which  gre:itly  distressed  him  for  the  sal'ety 
of  Oswego,  and  led  him  to  form  a  plan  for  notifying  tho  English  of  the 
designs  of  their  eneufies. 

"  '''o  this  end,  I  told  two  of  my  fellow-prisoners  that  it  was  not  a  time 
to  slcej),  and  asked  them  to  go  with  me;  to  which  they  heartily  agreed. 
But  we  had  no  jtrovisions,  and  were  closely  eyed  by  the  enen)y,  so  that 
we  could  not  lay  up  a  stock  out  of  our  allowance. 

However,  at  this  time.  Mr. Picket  had  concluded  to  dig  a  large  trench 
rourul  the  town.  J  therelbre  went  to  a  negro,  the  principal  manager  of 
this  work  (who  couid  speiik  English,  I'rench,  and  Indian  well),  and  asked 
hitn  if  Ik;  could  get  employment  for  two  others  and  myself;  which  he 
soon  did.  For  this  service  we  were  to  have  meat  [  board  ],  and  wages. 
Here  we  had  a  prospect  of  procuring  provision  for  our  flight.  This, 
after  sime  time,  ]  obtained  for  myself,  and  then  asked  my  brethren  if 
they  were  ready.  They  said  'they  were  not  yet,  but  that  Aim  IJowman 
(our  fellow-prisoner)  had  brought  one  huinlre<l  and  thirty  dollars  from 
Bull's  fort  [when  it  was  destroyed  as  lias  been  related],  and  would  give 
them  all  they  needed.'  I  told  them  it  was  not  safe  to  disclose  such  a 
secret  to  her;  luit  they  blamed  tne  tor  entertaining  such  fo;us, andajiplied 
to  her  tor  provisions,  letting  her  know  our  intention.  She  immediately 
informed  the  priest  of  it!  Wn  were  forthwith  apprehended,  th(>  Indians 
informed  of  it,  ami  a  court  called.  Four  of  us  were  ordered  by  this  court 
to  be  confined  in  a  room,  under  a  strong  guard,  within  the  fort,  for  se-.e- 
lal  days.    From  hence,  anotlier  and  myself  were  sent  to  Cohnewago, 


rSt-' 


66 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


,  ,,^ 


under  a  strong  giinid  of  sixty  Indians,  to  i)ievont  my  plotting  any  more 
against  the  French,  and  to  hanisii  all  hope  of  my  cscajje!"  Here  he  met 
with  nnexpccted  kindness,  and  lodged  at  the  liouse  of  the  mother  of  a 
Froni'h  smith,  whose  name  was  Mary  Harris,  and  had  been  taken  captive 
while  a  child  at  Deerficld  in  New  England. 

He  soon  after  went  to  Montreal;  and  wliile  there,  saw  the  English 
cai)t'ves  and  standards,  tiie  trophies  of  tiie  French  victory  at  Oswego  of 
July  15th,  ITSf),  brought  into  town.  Among  the  prisoners,  1400  in  num- 
ber, he  recognized  his  own  son.  He  remained  a  prisoner  al)oiit  a  year 
after,  and  was  at  length  |)ermitted  to  leave  for  England  witii  other  pri- 
soners, and  finally  returned  home. 

Tiio  memoirs  of  Father  Picquet  have  been  written  by  M.  do  la  Lande, 
of  the  Arademie  des  Jrcienees,  and  an;  ])ublished  in  the  fourteenth  vol- 
ume of  a  work  entitled,  " Lellres  EiliJ'iantcs  el  Ctirieuxes"  (Lyons  edition, 
1810, />.  '^G2,  f/  seq.),  from  which  an  abridged  translation  is  pid)lished  in 
the  Docimientary  History  of  New  York,  from  which,  and  from  the 
original  essay,  we  derive  the  following. 

"A  missionary  remarkahhs  for  bis  zeal,  and  the  services  which  he  has 
rendered  to  the  ciuuch  and  the  state,  born  in  the  same  village  as  myself, 
and  with  whom  I  have  enjoyed  terms  of  particular  intimacy,  has  given 
to  me  a  relation  of  his  lal)()rs,  and  I  have  thought  that  this  notice  de- 
served to  tintl  a  i)lace  in  the  Lettres  Kd'tfianles,  having  exactly  the  same 
object  ns  the  other  articles  in  that  collection,  and  !  flatter  myself  that  I 
shall  be  able  to  render  an  honorable  testimony  to  the  memory  of  a  com- 
patriot, and  of  a  frii'iid  so  amiable  as  M.  Tabbt'  Piccpiet. 

Francois  Piccpiet,  doctor  of  the  Sorborne,  Kuig'  i~»lissionary  and  Pre- 
fect A|)oslolic  to  Canada,  was  born  at  Bourg,  in  Bresse,  on  the  t)tli  Dec, 
1708,  The  ceremonial;!  of  the  church,  from  his  infancy,  were  to  him  so 
engaging,  that  they  seemed  to  announce  his  vocation. 

'i'he  good  instruction  which  he  received  fiom  an  estimable  father, 
seconded  by  a  haf)py  disposition,  enabled  him  to  accomplish  his  earlier 
studies  with  the  approbation  of  all  his  superiors,  and  of  bis  professors, 
althouL'h  in  the  dissipation  and  folly  of  youth,  he  was  relieved  by  occu- 
pations altogether  foreign  to  his  studies.  M.  Picquet,  in  fiict,  loved  to 
test  his  abilities  in  various  ways,  and  in  this  he  succeeded;  but  his  first 
pastimes  had  aniioimced  his  first  preferences,  and  the  church  was  his 
l»rincipal  delight. 

As  early  as  the  seventeenth  year  of  his  age,  lie  successfully  com- 
menced tli(!  functions  of  a  missionary  in  his  country;  and  at  twenty 
years,  the  Bislu>p  of  Sinope,  Suffragan  of  the  Diocese  of  Lyon,  gave 
liim,  by  a  flattering  exception,  permission  to  preach  in  all  the  parishes  of 
Bresse  and  Franche-Comte  which  depended  on  iiis  diocese.  The 
enthusiasm  of  his  new  state  rendered  him  desirous  to  go  to  Home,  but 
the  Archbishop  of  I<yons  advised  hiui  to  study  theology  at  Paris.  He 
followed  this  aiUice.  and  entered  the  congiegation  of  St.  Sulpice.  The 
direciion  of  the  new  converts  was  soon  proposed  to  him;  but  the  activity 
of  his  zeal  indu<-e(l  liini  to  seek  a  wider  field,  and  h'd  him  beyond  the 
nens  in  I7;3:f,  to  the  missions  of  North  America,  where  he  remained 
thirty  years,  and  where  his  constitution,  debilitated  by  labor,  acquired  a 


/ 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


67 


force  and  vigor,  wliicli  secured  for  liirn  a  robust  lienlth  to  the  end  of  his 
lifo. 

After  linviiif?  for  some  time  laliorcd  nt  Montreal,  in  coninion  witli  other 
missionaries,  lie  (ji-sired  to  iindortaiie  some  new  enterprise,  by  whiclj 
Francis  rniirht  profit  by  restorinjr  peace  to  onr  vast  rolonios. 

About  1740,  lie  established  biniself  at  the  L(tke  of  Tivo  Mountains*  to 
the  Norib  of  Montreal,  to  draw  the  Aljionquins,  tbe  \i|)i8sin{:s,  and  tiio 
savajics  of  tbe  lake  Teniiscainiu^'  to  tbe  iiead  of  the  colony,  and  upon 
the  rjutc!  of  all  the  nations  of  the  north,  whicii  descend  by  the  great 
river  of  MicbiiiniaUina,  to  Lake  Huron. 

Tliere  had  been  an  anciiMit  mission  upon  the  Lake  of  Two  Mountains, 
but  it  had  been  abandoned.  iM.  I'icfjuct  took  ailvanta^re  ot  die  peace 
wliicli  tbe  country  then  enjoyed,  in  constructinjr  a  stone  ibrt.  This  Ibrt 
coiiunandeil  the  villajres  of  the  lour  nations,  whicli  (composed  tbe  mission 
of  tiie  lake.  Ho  next  caused  a  palisade  to  be  built  around  I'jicb  of  tiie 
villajres,  of  cedar  [losts,  flanked  by  <:ood  redoubts.  The  Kin<,'  defrayed 
Jialf  of  this  expense;  the  missionaries  incurred  tbe  rest  l)y  labor. 

He  tlievt;  fixed  the  two  nomadic  nations  of  the  Alironquins  and  the 
Nipissintrs,  and  caused  them  to  build  a  tine  villajre,  and  to  sow  and  reap; 
a  tiling  before  ref^arded  as  next  to  impossible.  These  two  nations,  in  the 
eve:it,  were  first  to  ;rive  succor  to  the  rreiich,  Tiie  pleasure  which  they 
experienced  in  this  establisbnnMit  attached  them  to  France,  and  tbe 
kiiijf,  111  whose  name  M.  Picquet  procured  tiiem  assistance  in  money,  hi 
provisions,  and  all  tliat  the  wants  of  these  two  nations  reijuired. 

He  there  erected  a  Calvary,  wbieii  was  the  iuiest  monunient  of  religion 
in  Canada,  by  tlie  iirandtiur  of  tiie  crosses  which  were  planted  ujion  the 
Shiiiniil  of  one  of  the  two  niountaiiis,  by  the  different  cba|»els  and  tbe 
diffLrent  oratories,  nl!  alike  built  of  stone,  arched,  ornamented  with 
pictures,  and  distributed  in  stations  for  the  space  of  three  quarters  of  a 
Jeagiie, 

He  here  endeavored  to  gain  an  exact  understanding  with  all  the 
nortliorii  tribes,  by  means  of  tbe  Algoiiquins  and  tbeNipissings,  and  with 
those  of  the  south  and  west,  by  means  nf  the  Iroipiois  and  the  Hurons. 
His  negotiations  resultiul  so  well,  that  he  annually,  .at  the  feast  of  ilio 
Passover  and  the  PiMtecost,  baptized  to  the  luith  thirty  to  forty 
adiills. 

When  the  savage  Iiunters  liad  passed  eight  mntrths  in  tbe  woods,  they 
remained  a  month  in  the  village,  which  made  it  a  kind  of  mission,  re- 
ceiving many  each  day  with  the  two  catechisms  and  with  spiritual  con- 
ferences. He  taught  them  the  prayers  and  tbe  chants  of  the  clnircb,  and 
be  imposed  penances  upon  tiiose  who  created  any  disorder,  A  portion 
were  settle<l  and  domiciled, 

III  short,  be  succeeded  beyond  all  bo|>c  in  pc'.siiadiiig  these  nations  to 
submit  entirely  to  tlui  King,  and  to  render  him  the  master  of  their  na- 
tional assemblies,  with  full  liberty  to  luakc  known  his  intentions  and  to 
nominate  all  their  chiefs.  From  the  c&mmcncemetkt  of  the  war  of  1742, 
his  savages  showed  their  attachment  to  Fiance  and  to  the  King,  whose 
paternal  character  M.  Picquet  had  announced  to  them,  and  wiio  was 
regarded  as  the  beloved  anil  the  idol  o4'  the  nation. 

The  fblJowiiig  is  a  letter  which  a  s,'ivage  warrior  of  the  Lake  of  Two 
Mountains  addressed  to  tbe  King,  in  bis  enthusiasm,  and  which  the  three 
nations  bogged  the  governor  to  send  to.  the  King,at  the  beginning  of  the 
war,  I  will  insert  it  to  give  an  idea  of  their  style,  and  of  their  oratorical 
figures,     Il°  it  is  not,  word  tor  word,  tiie  discourse  of  a  savage,  it  is  at 

*  Aboul  3S  ini'es  N  \V.  of  .Moiureal.— ili«/tor  ' 


?ty  aj 


68 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


least  roportcd  I)y  those  wlio  knew  llie  best,  tlieir  style  and  their  (lis|)OMi- 
tioiis. 

"  IMy  Fatiikk: 

Pay  less  attention  tn  the  fashion  of  my  si>e(M!h,  than  to  the  scMitinitMita 
of  my  iieart:  no  nation  is  capable  of  Miiluhiin;;  me,  or  worthy  of  eoni- 
man(liii<.'  me. 

Tiiou  art  the  only  one  in  the  world  nlio  is  able  to  vi'.\<i\\  over  me,  and 
I  preti-r  to  all  the  aiivanta<<e8  wliieli  the  i'lniilish  ean  offer  me  to  live*  \vith 
him,  the  f;lory  of  di(!in<(  in  tiiy  si'rvice. 

'I'lioii  art  irreat  in  tiiy  name;  I  know  it:  Onmmtio  (the  ^uv'<!rnr)r)  who 
l)rin<.'s  me  thy  word,  and  the  JJIaek  (Jown  (tlic  missionary)  who  announ- 
ces lo  me  that  ot  the  irreat  spirit,'  Kirliniinnilon,  have  told  me  that  tlion 
nrt  the  ehiet"  eldest  son  of  tiie  bridt;  of  .Irsns,  who  is  the  ixreat  maswr 
of  life;  that  tlioii  i!onnnandest  tin;  world  in  wars,  that  thy  nation  is  imm- 
merai)lt!:  that  thou  art  the  most  absolnl*!  master  of  all  the  chit't's  wjio 
connnand  nxMi,  and  <;overn  the  rest  of  the  world. 

Meanwhili!,  the  noise  of  liiv  trcuul  strikes  my  two  ears;  ami  I  learn 
from  tliy  enemies  themselves,  tliat  ihon  lia.-^t  only  to  appear,  and  forts 
lidl  to  ilnst,  and  thy  enemies  are  vanipiisluMl;  that  the  ipiiel  of  ni<;iit  ami 
the  pleasures  of  the;  day  yield  to  the  ^lory  which  thon  brinf;(\st;  and  the 
eye  is  wearied  in  ibllowinir  the  eom'ses  and  the  labors  of  thy  victories. 
1  say  that  thon  art  jxreat  in  thy  name,  and  irreater  by  thy  heart  that 
animates  thee,  tunl  that  thy  warlikt;  virtues  sMr|)ass  evini  rtiine.  'I'lio 
nations  know  me:  I  was  born  in  the  nfidst  of  wars,  and  nourished  with 
the  blood  of  my  enennes. 

Ah  my  liither,  what  joy  for  me,  could  I  be  able  in  thy  service  to  assist 
thy  arm,  and  behold  myself  the  Jin;  which  war  kindles  in  thy  eyes! 

J5ut  if  it  should  be  that  my  blood  should  be  shed  for  thy  filory,  under 
this  sun,  rely  upon  my  fidelity,  rind  the  dcjatii  of  the  ['iU^lish,  and  upon 
my  bravery. 

I  have  the  war  hatchet  in  my  hand,  and  my  eye  fixed  upon  Onnonlio, 
who  governs  me  here  in  thy  name, 

I  wait,  upon  one  foot,  oidy,  and  the  hand  raised,  the  signal  which  liids 
me  strike  thy  enemy  and  mini;. 

Such,  my  lather,  is  thy  warrior  of  the  Lake  of  Two  iMountains." 

The  savages  held  their  word,  and  the  fh-st  blows  that  were  struck  upon 
tiie  English  in  Canada,  were  by  their  hands. 

M.  Picfpiet  was  among  the  first  to  foresee  the  war  which  spriuig  u|) 
about  l74'-i  betwc(!n  the  English  and  the  French.  He  |)re|)ared  himself 
for  it  a.  long  time  beforehand.  Me  began  by  drawing  to  his  iMission  (at 
the  Lake  of  the  Two  Mountains)  all  the  French  scattered  in  the  vicinity, 
to  strengthen  themselves  and  afford  nuire  liberty  to  the  savages.  These 
furnished  all  the  necessary  iletachments;  they  were  continually  on  the 
frontiers  to  si)y  the  enemy's  ia|vements.     IVI.  Pic»iuet  learned,  by  one  of 

were  making  preparations  at  Sarasto 

'ir  si^ttlements  up   to   Lake   Ht.  Hacra- 

•Jil  of  tli<;  circumstance  and   [)ro|iose(l  to 

here,  at  least  to  intimi<late  the  enemv,  if 


these  detachments,  that  the 
[Saratoga?],  and  were  jjush 
ment.f     He  informed  the 
him  to  send  a  body  of  t 


•Tliey  cull   Matcliimaiiiloii,  ilie  l)ail 
(f  Ifa, — A'ofc  in  the  original 


s 


spirit,  or  lliu  devil.     'I'liey  call  the  l<iiig  OiiiiontlD 


n 


t  '  I  am  building  a  fort  at  iliii  lake,  wliicli  ilie  Freiicli  call  Luke  St.  .Sncrnment,  l)ut  I  have 
given  it  the  name  01"  liuke  (jKOHiii:,  not  only  in  lioNor  lo  his  Majesty,  liiit  to  ascertain  his  iiii- 
douliled  dominion  here.'' — Sir  M'ni.  Johnson  lo  tite  Hoard  of  TnuU.  Sep.  !1,  177.').  Luiul.  Doc. 
xxxii.,  ITi. 


^ 


f 


AND   FRANKf.IN    COUNTIES. 


G9 


,  l.iit  1  have 

l:UII     his    IIM- 
Jj'iul.  J)OC. 


WO  could  do  no  iiinn!.  Tlu!  <'X|ic(litioM  was  formed.  I\I.  Pic<|ii('t  nccorn- 
litiniod  iM.  .Marin  wlio  coMiinaiidiMl  tliis  dntacliiiicnt.  'I'li<-y  Ixiint  llio 
litil,  tlic  Lydiiis  cstalilisliiiHMils,*  Hiivcral  saw  niillH,  tin;  plaidvs,  hoards 
and  oilit'i-  Imildin).'  liiiilpcr,  tlit^  stock  of  sM|i|)lics,  provisions,  tlio  liitrdsof 
calllc  aloiif.'  nearly  liliccn  lca>,'nrs  of  si'lllcnicnt,  and  niadt;  on<!  Iiniidied 
and  tortv-fiV(!  inisoners,  witliont  liavin-,'  lost  a  siii;.dc  l-'renclnnan  or 
williont  iiavin^;' any  even  wonndcd.f  Tliis  (ixpiMJilion  aloni;  privtintcd 
llic  lln^rlisli  nndcrtakiii!:  any  tliinu  at  tliat  side  during'  tlu;  war. 

I'('a<'e  liavinj,'  hi'cn  re  esialilislied  in  I7IH,  onr  missionary  occnpiod 
liimself  with  llio  means  of  remedyinfr,  for  the  liilnre,  iIm;  inconvenienccH 
which  he  had  wiIn(^ssed.  The  road  he  saw  taken  hy  the  savaj.M^s  and 
othei-  |)arties  of  the  enemy  sent  liy  the  l",n};lish  aj,'ainst  ns,  canscd  Mm  to 
select  a  post  which  conld,  hereafter,  intercejit  lh((  passaf.'(!  of  the  lOnfilisli. 
He  proposed  to  !\l.  de  la  (ialissoificre  lo  make  a  setilcnKMit  <tf  the  mis- 
sion of  /jti  J'rcmiilnllon,  Wiw  liakt;  Ontario,  an  estahhshnK  nt  which 
succeeded  heyoini  his  hupcs,  ami  has  lieun  the  most  iisi;lnl  ol°  all  thoHi; 
of  C.inada. 

Mr.  Ronille,  Minister  of  the  Marine,  wrote  on  tin;  Ith  May,  171!>:  "  A 
lin-;.^!  i.innher  of  Iroipiois  havinjf  dcjclareii  that  tliey  W(!re  desirons  of 
endiracinj;  (.'hristiamty,  it  has  jx'en  propos(;d  to  estahlish  a  mission 
towards  I'ort  I'rontenac,  in  order  to  attract  the  f.ni.'atest  nmnlier  possihle 
thither.  It  is  Ahlte  J'icipiet,  a  zealons  missionary  and  in  whom  thcHO 
nations  seem  to  have  confidence,  who  has  heen  entrnsled  with  this 
n<!j;otiation.  He  was  to  have  jroiie  last  year,  to  sohii-t  a  sult,d)le  siti;  lor 
the  ('stahlishment  of  the  mission,  and  v(!rity,as  pnicisidy  as  was  possible, 
what  can  he  depended  ui)on  relative  to  the  dispositions  of  th(;s<.'  samo 
nations.  Jn  a  letter  ol' the  5th  Octoher  last,  M.  de  la  (jJalisonniere  stated, 
that,  tliouuh  im  (tntiro  contidenco  can  not  he  plac(Ml  in  those  tla^y  hiivo 
manili'sted,  it  is  nr)twitlistandinfi:  of  much  im])nrtaiice,  to  succeed  in 
dividinjr  them,  that  notliing  must  hi;  ne<,de(rted  tiiat  can  contribute  to  if. 
It  is  t(»r  this  reason  that  His  iMajesty  desires  yon  shall  prosecute  tlio 
di'si^rn  ot' the  proposed  settlement.  If  it  could  attain  a  certain  success, 
it  would  not  he  (lilli(;ult  th(Mi  to  make  the  savafi'cs  nmlerstand  that  the 
<tnly  m<!aiis  of  extricating  tliemselviis  Irom  the  pretensions  of  the  Eiij?- 
lish,  to  thtMii  and  their  lamis,  is  to  destroy  Chone<;n(Mi,|  so  as  to  deprive 
them  th(.'rel>y  of  a  post  which  they  estahlisluul  cliiefly  with  a  view  to 
control  their  trihcis.  This  destruction  is  of  such  f^reat  ini])ortaiice,  hotli 
as  re<:ards  our  possessions  and  the  attachment  of  the  sa\ai;os  and  their 
trade,  that  it  is  |)ropor  to  use  every  meatis  to  (!n<rafre  tlu;  Irrxpiois  to 
imdertiJce  il.  This  is  actually  the  only  means  that  can  he  employed,  hut 
^'ou  nnisJ:  lisel  that  it  requires  much  prudence  and  circumsi)ection.''' 

Mr.  l*ic(piet  eminently  i)ossesseil  the  (pialities  recpiisite  to  effect  tlio 
removal  of  the  Enj;lish  from  our  neifjhhorliood.  Therefore  the  (General, 
the  Intendant,  anil  the  IJishop  deferred  absolutely  to  him  in  the  selection 
of  the  settlement  fortius  new  mission;  and  dt.'spite  the  eiforts  of  those 
who  had  opposite  interests,  be  was  entrusted  with   llic  undertaking. 

♦  Now  Fort  Edward,  Wiishiiigton  couny. 

t  '•  I  received  an  account  on  the  loth  iust.,  h;  Express  from  Albany,  tliat  a  parly  of  Trench 
nnii  tlieir  Indians  liad  cut  oft'  a  settlement  in  this  province,  called  .Saraghloge,  abont  fifiy  miles 
from  Al'uany,  and  that  abnut  twenty  houses  with  a  fori  (wliich  Ihe  public  wnuUI  not  repisir) 
were  burned  lo  ashes,  thirty  )iersons  kiUei'  and  scalped,  and  about  sixty  taken  prisoners.  — 
>GoL\  Clmtoa  to  the  Board,  m\\i  IS'or   ITlo.     Z-cnrf.  Doc.xxvii..  187.  2o5. 

i  O^weiTu. 


70 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


.•J«. 


TIic  fort  of  Ln  Presentnlion  is  situated  at  002  clo<j.  40  min.  Innffitiiflp, 
1111(1  at  44  (Ii;{X.  .lO  miit.  latilinlc,  on  tlic  PrcHcniatidii  river,  wliieli  tiio 
Indians  iiatne  Soffiffts/i;  thirty  leagues  al)ov<!  Mont-Real ;  filU'en  leajjiies 
fioin  Lai\e  Ontario  or  F^aiie  Fnniteune,  wliirli  with  ImUv  ("iinin|iiain 
pivcs  rise  to  th(^  River  St,  Lawrence:  til'teen  leairnos  west  of  tlie  sonrcc 
of  tiie  River  llndson  wiiieli  fulls  into  (lie  sea  at  ISew  Vork.  l-'ort  I'ron- 
tcnnr  had  been  built  near  there  in  K!"!,  to  arrest  the  ineinsions  of  tlic 
En;;lish  and  tiic  Iroquois;  the  bay  served  as  a  jiort  for  tlie  niereantilo 
and  military  marine  which  had  been  foiined  thert;  on  that  sort  of  sea 
where  the  temjiests  are  as  frequent  and  as  dangerous  as  on  the  ocean. 
But  the  post  of  La  Prescnttttion  appeared  still  more  inqiortant,  because) 
tiic  harbor  is  very  ;;ood,  the  river  Iree/es  there  rarely,  the  barks  can 
leave  with  northern,  eastern  and  southern  winds,  the  lands  are  excellent, 
nnd  that  quarter  can  be  tbrtiticd  most  advantaiieously. 

HcsidifS,  that  mission  was  adapted  by  its  situation  to  reconcile  to  us  the 
Iroquois  savajjcs  of  the;  Five  Nations  who  inhabit  between  Vir^'inia  and 
Lake  Ontario.  'J'he  iManpiis  of  lieaniiarnois  and  afterwards  JM.  de  In 
Joiiqui»";re,  Governnr-Cieneral  of  New  France,  were;  very  desirous  tlint 
Ave  should  oecuj))' it, espcjcially  at  n  time  when  English  jealousy,  irritated 
by  n  war  of  niauy  years,  sought  to  idienate  tiom  us  the  tribes  ot  Canada. 

This  establishment  was  .-is  it"  the  key  of  the  colony,  because  the 
English,  French  and  Upper  ('anada  savages  could  not  jiass  elsewhere 
than  nniler  the  cannon  ot"  Fort  I'resentatiou  when  confuig  down  from 
the  south,  the  Iro(]uois  to  the  somh,  and  the  iNlicissagues  to  the  north, 
were  within  its  reach.  Thus  it  eventually  succei ded  in  collecting  them 
together  Irom  over  a  distance  of  one  hundred  leauues.  'I'iie  otlicers, 
interpreters  and  traders,  notwithstaiidiuir,  then  regarded  that  establish- 
ment as  chimerical.  Envy  aiul  opposition  had  cfi'eeted  its  failure,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  firmness  of  th(!  Abbe  I'icqnet,  suiiported  by  that  of 
the  administration.  This  establishment  served  to  protect,  aid  and  com- 
fort the  posts  aire  idy  erected  on  Lake  Ontario.  The  barks  and  canoes, 
for  the  transportation  of  the  king's  effects,  could  be  (constructed  there  at 
n  third  less  expense  than  elsewherr,-,  because  tind)er  is  in  greater  quan- 
tity nnd  more  accessible,  cs|)ecially  when  3L  Picipiet  had  had  a  sawmill 
erected  there  for  preparing  and  manufacturing  the  tind)er.  In  fine,  ho 
could  establish  a  very  iinportant  settlement  for  the  French  colonisis,  nnd 
a  point  of  reunion  lor  Europeans  and  savages,  where  they  would  find 
themselves  very  cotivenient  to  the  hunting  and  fishing  iji  tiie  upper  part 
of  Canada. 

M.  Picquet  left  with  a  detachment  of  .soldiers,  mechanics  and  some 
Bavages.  He  placed  himself  at  first  in  as  great  security  as  possible 
ngaiiist  the  insults  of  the  enemy,  which  availed  him  ever  since.  On  the 
2Gth  Oi;to!ier,  1749,  he  had  built  a  fort  of  palisades,  a  house,  n  barn, 
a  stable,  a  redoubt,  and  an  oven.  He  had  lands  cleared  for  the  savages. 
His  improvements  were  estimated  at  thirty  to  forty  thousand  h'vres,  but 
lie  introduced  as  much  judgment  as  economy.  He  animated  the  work- 
men, and  they  labored  from  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  nine  nt 
jiight.  As  for  himsellj  liis  disinterestedness  was  extreme.  He  received 
nt  that  time  neither  allowatK-e  nor  |)rescnts;  he  sup|)ortcd  himself"  by  his 
industry  nnd  credit.  From  the  king  he  had  but  one  ration  of  two  poundsi 
of  bread  and  one  half  pound  of  pork,  which  made  the  savages  say, 
when  they  brought  hirn  a  bu^'k  and  some  partridges:  "  We  doubt  not, 
father,  but  that  there  hnve  been  disagreeable  ex[)ostulations  in  your 
stomach,  because  you  have  had  nothing  but  pork  to  eat.  Here's  some- 
thing to  put  your  afiairs  in  order."  The  hmuers  furnished  him  where- 
withal to  support  the  Frenchmen,  nnd  to  treat  the  generals  occasionally. 
Tue  BavngcH  brought  bi|u  trout  weighing  eh  many  hs  eighty  pouuds. 


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chose  the  mo-r  intltieii  _^ .,,...,,..0,  »iui.j;iji  mem  10 

Moiit-Renl,  nlnie,  n  the  linntisof  the  Marquis  du  Qiiesiie,  tliey  took  the 
oatli  of  allegi  nice  to  the  Khifr,  to  the  great  astonisliiiient  of  the  whole 
colony,  where  mi  pei  son  dared  to  hope  ibr  siicli  an  event. 
Attentive  as  well  to  tbe  good  of  tke  adininistratiou,  as  to  th«  cause  of 


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70 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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I:: 


>;::!■:  ^ 


Tlie  fort  of  La  Presentation  is  situated  nt  302  dep.  40  min.  kmgfitude, 
niul  nt  44  dug.  50  iiiin.  latitude,  on  the  Presenlntioii  river,  which  the 
Indians  name  Soef^asti;  thirty  leagues  above  Mont-Real ;  firteen  leapies 
from  Lake  Ontario  or  Lake  Frontennc,  which  with  Lake  Chani|)lain 
pives  rise  to  the  River  St.  Lawrence:  fifteen  leajfues  west  of  the  source 
of  the  River  Hudson  which  liills  into  the  sea  at  New  York.  Fort  Fron- 
tennc had  been  built  near  there  in  1G71,  to  arrest  the  incursions  of  the 
English  and  the  Iroquois;  the  bay  served  as  a  port  for  the  mercantile 
and  military  marine  which  had  been  formed  there  on  that  sort  of  sea 
where  the  tempests  are  as  frequent  and  as  dangerous  as  on  the  ocean. 
liiit  the  post  of  La  Presentation  a|)peared  still  more  important,  because 
the  harbor  is  very  good,  the  river  (reezes  there  rarely,  the  barks  can 
leave  with  northern,  eastern  and  southern  winds,  the  lands  ore  excellent, 
and  that  quarter  can  be  fortified  most  advantageously. 

Itesides,  that  mission  was  adapted  by  its  situation  to  reconcile  to  us  the 
Iroquois  savages  of  the  Five  Nations  who  inhabit  between  Virginia  and 
Lake  Ontario.  The  Marquis  of  Heauharnois  and  afterwards  M.  de  la 
Jonquit^re,  Governor-General  of  New  France,  were  very  desi/ous  that 
we  should  occupy  it,  especially  at  a  time  when  English  jealousy,  irritated 
by  n  war  of  many  years,  sought  to  alienate  from  us  the  tribes  of  Canada. 

This  establishment  was  as  if  the  key  of  the  colony,  because  the 
English,  French  and  Upper  Canada  savages  could  not  pass  elsewhere 
than  under  the  cannon  of  Fort  Presentation  when  coming  down  from 
the  bouth,  the  Iroquois  to  the  south,  and  the  Alicissagues  to  the  north, 
were  within  its  reach.  Thus  it  eventually  succof  ded  in  collecting  them 
together  from  over  a  distance  of  one  hundred  leagues.  The  officers, 
interpreters  and  traders,  notwithstanding,  then  regarded  that  establish- 
ment as  chimerical.  Envy  and  o|tposition  had  effected  its  failure,  had 
it  not  been  for  the  firmness  of  the  Ablxi  Picquet,  su[)ported  by  that  of 
the  administration.  This  estal)lishinent  served  to  protect,  aid  and  com- 
fort the  posts  alre.idy  erected  on  Lake  Ontario.  The  barks  and  canoes, 
fort!)  transportation  of  the  king's  efi^ects,  could  be  constructetl  there  at 
0  third  less  exjiense  than  elsewhere,  because  timber  is  in  greater  quan- 
tity and  more  accessible,  especially  when  M.  Picquet  bad  had  a  sawmill 
erected  there  for  preparing  and  manufacturing  the  timber.  In  fine,  ho 
could  establish  a  very  important  settlement  ibrthe  French  colonisis,  and 
a  point  of  reunion  lor  Europeans  and  savages,  where  they  would  fin<l 
themselves  very  convenient  to  the  hunting  and  fishing  in  tiie  upper  part 
of  Canada. 

M.  Picquet  left  with  a  detachment  of  soldiers,  mechanics  and  some 
savages.  He  i)laced  himself  nt  first  in  as  great  security  as  possible 
against  the  insidts  of  the  enemy,  which  availed  him  ever  since.  On  the 
20tli  October,  1749,  he  had  built  a  Ibrt  of  palisades,  a  house,  a  barn, 
a  stable,  a  redoubt,  and  an  oven.  He  had  lands  cli;arcd  tor  the  savages. 
His  improvements  were  estimated  at  thirty  to  forty  thousand  livres,  but 
he  introduced  as  much  judgment  a?  economy.  He  animated  the  work- 
men, and  they  labored  from  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  until  nine  at 
night.  As  for  himself,  his  disinterestedness  was  extreme.  He  received 
at  that  time  neither  allowance  nor  presents;  he  supi)orted  himself  by  his 
industry  and  credit.  From  the  king  he  had  but  one  ration  of  two  pounds 
of  bread  and  one  halt  pound  of  {)ork,  which  made  the  savages  say, 
when  they  brought  him  a  bui'k  and  some  jmrtridges:  "  We  doubt  not, 
father,  but  that  there  have  been  disagreeable  expostulations  in  your 
stomach,  because  you  have  had  nothing  but  pork  to  eat.  Here's  some- 
thing to  put  your  affairs  in  order."  The  hunters  furnislu  1  him  wiiere- 
withal  to  support  the  Frenchmen,  and  to  treat  the  generals  occasionally. 
Tl^e  savages  brought  hUu  trout  wei^rhing  bh  many  ns  eighty  pounds. 


1-J  K  Gilvii  All..- 


chose  the  most  influential  among  the  Five  JNiitions;  tjrougnt  loem  lo 
Mont-Real,  where,  at  the  hands  of  the  Murquis  du  Quesne,  they  took  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King,  to  the  great  astonishment  of  the  wliole 
colony,  where  no  person  dared  to  hope  Ibr  such  nn  event. 

Attentive  as  well  to  the  good  of  tbe  adtaiuistratiou,  m  t«  tb«  sause  of 


S't 


I'll'. 


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auc  lilt:  suvugeti  say, 
when  they  liroupin  him  a  bui'K  and  some  |iariiidges:  "  We  doubt  not, 
father,  but  that  there  have  been  disagroeable  expostuhitions  in  your 
Btomuch,  because  yon  have  hnd  nothing  but  pork  to  eat.  Here's  some- 
thing to  put  your  afTuirs  in  order."  The  hunters  furnished  liim  where- 
withal to  support  tlie  Frenchmen,  and  to  treat  the  generals  occasionally. 
Ti^e  aavagea  brougi:t  biiu  trout  weighing  aa  maay  hs  eighty  pounds. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


71 


When  the  court  had  grnnted  him  a  pension,  he  employed  it  only  for 
the  hciinfit  of  his  establishment.  At  Urst,  he  had  nix  iietids  of  fumilies 
in  1749,  eighty-seven  tiie  year  foliowipg,  and  three  hundred  and  ninety- 
six  in  1731.  All  ttiese  were  of  the  most  antient  and  most  influential 
families,  sotliat  tiiia  mission  was,  from  that  time,  sufficiently  powerful  to 
attach  tiie  Five  Nations  to  us,  amounting  to  twenty-iive  thousand  inimbit- 
ants,  and  he  recokned  as  many  as  tjjreethoiigand  in  his  colony.  Uy 
attaching  the  Iroquois  cantons  to  Frnnc^^SmT  establishsng  them  fully  in 
our  interest,  we  were  certain  of  having  nothing  to  fear  from  the  other 
savage  tribps,  and  thus  a  limit  could  l)e  put  to  the  airibition  of  the 
English.  Mr.  Picquet  took  consideraltle  advantage  of  the  peace  to  in- 
crease that  Eettlement,  and  he  carried  it  in  less  than  four  years  to  the 
most  desirable  perfection,  desftite  of  the  contradictions  that  he  had  to 
c  .  >'  t  against;  the  obstacles  he  had  to  snrtnount;  the  jibes  and  unbe- 
ct  lu-r  jokes  whi>'h  he  was  obliged  to  bear;  hut  his  happiness  and  glory 
siiL  .ed  nothing  therefrom.  I'eopio  saw  with  astonishment  several 
villages  start  up  almost  at  once;  a  convenient,  habitable  and  pleasantly 
situated  fort;  vast  clearances,  covered  almost  at  the  same  time  with  the 
finest  maize.  More  than  five  hundred  families,  still  all  infidels,  who 
congregated  there,  soon  rendered  this  settlement  the  most  beautiful,  t!ie 
most  charming  and  the  most  abundant  of  tlie  colony.  Depending  on  it 
were  La  Presentation,  La  Galette,  Suegatzi,  L'isle  au  Galop,  and  L'isle 
Picquet  in  the  River  St.  Lawrence.  There  were  in  the  fort  seven  small 
Btone  guns  and  eleven  four  to  six  pounders. 

The  most  distinguished  of  the  Iroquois  families  were  distributed  at 
La  Presentation  in  three  villages:  tiiat  which  adjoined  the  French  fort 
contained,  in  1754,  forty-nine  bark  cabins,  some  of  which  were  from 
sixty  to  eigiity  feet  long,  and  accommodated  three  to  four  families.  The 
place  pleased  them  on  account  of  the  abundance  of  hunting  auU  fishing. 
This  mission  could  no  doubt  be  increased,  but  cleared  laud  sufficient  to 
allow  all  the  fumilies  to  plant  and  to  aid  them  to  subsist  would  be  neces- 
sary, and  each  tribe  should  have  a  separate  location. 

M.  Picquet  had  desired  that  in  order  to  draw  a  large  number,  that 
they  should  clear  during  a  certain  time  a  hundred  arpents  of  land  each 
year,  and  build  permanent  cabins,  and  to  surround  their  village  with  a 
palisade;  that  they  should  construct  u  church,  and  a  house  for  se\cn  or 
eight  missionaries.  The  nations  desired  it,  and  it  was  an  effectual  means 
to  establish  them  permanently.  All  this  he  could  do  with  fifteen  thousand 
livres  a  year,  and  he  proposed  to  assign  them  a  benefice,  as  tending  to 
promote  religion.  Meanwhile  our  missionary  applied  himself  to  the 
instruciion  of  the  savages,  and  baptized  great  numbers. 

The  Bishop  of  Quebec,  wishing  to  witness  and  assure  himself  person- 
ally of  the  wonders  ntlated  to  him  of  the  establishment  at  La  PresentO' 
tion,  went  thither  in  1749,  accompanied  by  some  officers,  royal  interpre- 
ters, priests  from  other  missions  and  several  other  clergymen,  and  spent 
ten  days  examining  and  causing  the  catechumens  to  be  examined.  He 
himself  baptized  one  hundred  and  thirty-two,  and  did  not  cease  during 
his  sojourn,  blessing  Heaven  for  the  progress  of  religion  among  these 
infidels. 

Scurf^ely  were  they  baptized,  when  M.  Picquet  determined  to  give  them 
a  form  of  government.  He  established  a  council  of  twelve  ancients; 
chose  the  most  influential  among  the  Five  Nations;  brought  them  to 
Mont-Real,  where,  at  the  hands  of  the  Marquis  du  Quesne,  they  took  the 
oath  of  allegiance  to  the  King,  to  the  great  astonishment  of  the  whole 
colony,  where  no  person  dared  to  hope  for  such  an  event. 

Attentive  as  well  to  the  good  of  the  adininistratiou,  as  to  the  MUse  of 


^ 


72 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


■i; 


I'-  ■ ,  ? 


m 
\i-m 


,,    I'll' 


religion,  M.  Picquet  notified  the  cliield  of  the  colony  oftiie  uliiisos  wliicli 
tie  witnessed,  lie  made  for  example,  a  rctnonstrnnce  uguinst  the  t-stali- 
lishnient  of  traders  who  had  come  to  locate  at  the  Lon^  Saiit,  and  at 
Carillon,  to  hold  traffic  and  commerce,  who  cheated  the  savaj^cs,  and 
Kold  tlieni  worth  ess  things,  at  u  dear  jirice,  and  hindered  them  from 
coming  to  the  mission,  whore  they  were  undeceived,  instructed  in  reli- 
gion, and  attached  to  Franc*'. 

The  garrisons  which  were  estnl)lished  in  the  missions,  endmrrnsscd 
very  much  the  |)roject8  of  our  missionary.  "1  have  already  seen,"  said 
he,' in  a  memoir,  "with  gratification,  the  snpitression  of  those  of  the 
Saut  St.  Louis,  and  at  the  lake  of  Two  Mountains,  and  think  that  the 
government,  informed  by  others  as  well  as  by  myself,  of  the  wrong  they 
do  to  religion,  as  well  as  to  the  state,  woidd  withdraw  that  which  is  rt 
la  Presentation,  where  it  is  as  useless,  and  even  more  pernicious  than  ai 
the  e.hcr  missions. 

No  one  knows  better  than  myself,  the  disorders,  which  increase  in 
proportion  as  the  garrison  becomes  more  numerous;  the  fervor  of  om- 
first  Christians  is  impaired  by  degrees  by  their  bad  example  and  bad 
councils;  their  docility  towards  the  king  is  sensibly  din)inished;  difii- 
culties  multiply  almost  continually  between  nations  whose  customs,  and 
character,  and  interests,  are  so  different;  and  in  short,  the  commanders 
and  guards  of  the  magazines  oppose  habitually,  a  thousand  obstacles  to 
the  fruits  of  the  zeal  of  the  missionaries. 

During  the  twenty-eight  years  that  I  have  had  the  charge  and  manage- 
ment of  savages,  I  have  always  found  with  those  who  have  studied  their 
customs,  and  their  character,  that  by  free  and  frequent  intercourse  [fre- 
quentation]  with  the  French,  they  become  corrupt  entirely,  and  that  the 
bad  examples,  the  bad  councils,  and  the  mercenary  spirit  and  interests 
of  the  inhabitants  ol  European  nations  who  frequent  their  villages,  arc 
the  principal  causes  why  they  make  so  little  progress  in  religion. 

Hence  comes  sometimes  their  indocility  to  the  orders  of  governors, 
their  infidelity  to  the  king  himself,  and  their  apostacies. 

It  is  a  thing  of  public  notoriety,  that  at  the  Saut  St.  Louis,  and  at  the 
Lake  of  Two  Mountains,  missions  formerly  so  lervent,  and  which  for 
almost  a  hundred  years  have  rendered  important  services  to  the  colony, 
they  have  there  been  the  principal  causes  of  these  almost  irreparable 
disorders;  that  they  have  not  only  introduced  libertinism,  and  all  kinds 
of  debauchery,  but  even  revolution  and  revolt." 

M.  Picquet  feared  above  all,  the  introduction  of  crimes  of  the  whites, 

happily  unknown  among  savages.* 

"The  commandants  were  not  then  occupied  in  the  missions  which 
diminished  the  confidence  of  the  savages  in  their  missionaries.  It 
seemed  as  if  it  were  a  victory  gained,  if  they  could  detach  some  one,  or 
even  when  they  had  adroitly  prejudiced  an  officer  against  the  mission- 
aries, and  wounded  his  fieelings. 

A  devoutly  religious  missionary  as  indefatigable  in  the  service  of  the 
king,  as  he  was  in  that  of  his  God,  yielded  himself  at  the  foot  of  authori- 
ty to  the  detriment  of  the  mission  of  Sant  St.  Louis,  under  the  force  of 
accusations  which  the  commandant  of  the  fort  fabricated  against  him. 
Then  irreligion,  libertinism,  infidelity  towards  the  king,  and  the  insolence 
of  the  savages,  immediately  took  the  place  of  piety,  of  attachment,  of 
submission,  and  of  obedience,  of  which  for  a  long  period  previous,  they 
hud  given  proofs  under  the  guidance  of  the  missionaries.    At  length,  to 


T: 


'  A  literal  tiausluliuu  can  uul  prudently  be  given. 


h 


-vv 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


73 


remedy  ho  ninny  evils,  tJiey  withdrew  the  gnrrisonH  which  had  placed 
two  niissionnries  in  the  {greatest  danger;  but  the  Jesuits  were  compelled 
to  remove  their  mission  from  the  Sant  Saint  Louis,  below  Lake  St. 
Francis,  to  separate  the  savages  from  the  frequent  intercourse  of  the 
Frencli. 

Experience  has  always  proved,  that  it  was  by  religion,  that  we  have 
succeeded  best  in  attaching  to  us  the  savages,  and  that  the  missionaries 
forinetl  and  consolidated  the  union.  In  fact  our  missions  have  been 
always  jMesorved  in  the  same  fidelity,  when  the  missionaries  have  ex- 
ercised liberally  their  ministry.  But  instead  of  which  we  see  deserted 
the  fine  villages  whioh  were  established  at  Fort  Frontenac,  at  Niagara, 
below  the  portage,  and  nearly  all  the  other  posts  of  Upper  Canada. 

The  commandants  of  these  very  posts,  with  their  garrisons,  have  so 
dispersed  and  destroyed  these  establishments,  that  there  remained  no 
trace  of  Miem  at  the  time  of  M.  Picquet.  These  savages  were  without 
niissionnries,  without  councils,  and  without  sympathies,  having  all  aban- 
doned the  French  posts,  to  array  themselves  for  the  most  part  on  the 
sitle  of  the  English ;  and  these  kind  of  refugees  are  more  dangerous  to 
us  than  savages  whom  we  have  never  known. 

Before  the  missionaries  had  conciliated  to  us  the  people  of  Upper 
Canada,  they  conspired  in  all  their  posts  against  the  French,  and  sought 
occasion  to  butcher  them.  Those  who  were  on  our  side  were  of  no 
assistance  in  time  of  war. 

There  were  in  all  not  more  than  forty  in  the  expeditions  of  the  first 
years  of  the  war  of  175.5;  and  even  except  the  domiciliated  Christians, 
wc  saw  almost  none  of  the  savages  of  the  upper  country,  during  more 
than  three-quarters  of  a  year,  notwithstanding  continual  invitations  and 
negociations;  but  the  domesticated  Christians,  while  they  Vt'ere  quietly 
at  home  in  their  villages,  with  their  missionaries,  were  always  ready  at 
the  first  "signal  to  fly  to  the  governor  general. 

We  have  seen  them  arrange  themselves  under  their  proper  nations 
when  the  necessity  came,  and  even  not  sparing  their  families;  for  in 
the  affair  of  M.  Diskau,  they  slew  all  the  parents  that  they  had  made 
prisoners. 

Instead  of  this,  in  the  war  of  1745,  whilst  they  had  garrisons  in  their 
villages,  sometimes  they  refused  to  take  up  arms,  and  wished  to  remain 
neutral,  and  sometimes  they  betrayed  us,  and  served  our  enemies,  and 
could  not  be  induced  to  undertake  expeditions  by  the  influence  of  en- 
treaties, nor  caresses,  nor  presents,  and  withstood  until  missionaries 
were  sent  to  march  with  them. 

But  what  is  more  strange,  the  governors  general  M.  de  Beauharnais, 
dc  la  Galissonniere,  de  la  Jonquiere,  and  du  Quesne,  have  themselves 
many  times  discovered  that  the  savages  have  been  persuaded  by  the 
commandants  of  forts  to  go  contrary  to  the  orders  of  the  generals,  to  the 
end,  without  doubt,  that  such  faults  would  recoil  upon  the  missionaries, 
and  diminish  the  confidence  which  the  generals  reposed  in  them. 
When  once  got  rid  of,  there  was  nothing  to  oppose  the  fire  of  age,  the 
violence  of  the  passions,  and  the  inveterate  habits  of  a  great  part  of  the 
soldiery. 

The  connnanders  of  the  magazine  guards,  were  still  more  dangerous 
than  the  soldiers,  the  one  by  their  authority,  or  their  independence,  as 
they  had  the  disposal  of  the  effects  of  the  king;  the  other  by  the  facilities 
which  they  equally  had  to  make  presents,  and  all  the  facilities  which 
they  enjoyed  of  corrupting  the  morals  of  th';  people.  This  has  intro- 
duced confusion  into  the  villages,  to  the  contempt  of  the  nation,  and  as 
a  consequence  the  general  alienation  of  these  [leuple  from  the  French 


ei."' 


74 


HISTORY   OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


m 

iwi'.,' 


wliich  lios  rendered  it  difHcult  for  the  missionnries  to  inspire  tlittn  with 
courage,  to  cngn^c  on  onr  side. 

There  might  perhnp^,  ineniiwhilc,  be  fenr  of  withdrnwinff  the  gnrricon 
in  time  of  wnr,  l-nt  M.  Picquet  wjis  ()en<iiuded  that  this  wonid  he  utill  h>H 
hnzRrdous  tiian  to  allow  thciri  to  rcinnin;  hecnnHe,  snid  he,  the  Knglisli 
think  lesH  of  attacking  n  village  in  which  (here  were  only  suvagts,  thoii 
one  in  which  is  a  garrison.    Tlicy  well  know — 

Ist.  T.^nt  they  have  nothing  to  gain  from  the  savage?,  whom  it  is  diffi- 
ctdt  to  surprise,  and  that  one  of  their  villages  is  like  a  nest  of  hornets, 
that  take  wing  the  moment  they  are  distnrbed,  hut  who  fall  suddenly 
npon  their  aggressors  from  every  quarter,  and  abandon  them  only  on  the 
last  extremity. 

2d.  Tlie  English  would  have  no  longer  to  excuse  themselves  by  the 
pretext  of  saying  that  they  wished  only  to  injure  the  French.  He  would 
set  npon  liim  all  the  nations,  and  irritate  them  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
render  them  irreconcilable.  It  would  be  a  happy  blow  for  the  French, 
but  the  Englit>h  would  be  too  much  on  his  guard  to  undertake  it. 

Ill  the  month  of  June  1751,  IM.  Picquet  made  a  voyage  around  Lake 
Ontario,  with  a  king's  canoe  and  one  of  bark,  in  which  he  had  five  trusty 
savages,  with  the  design  of  attracting  some  Indian  families  to  the  new 
settlement  of  La  Presentation.  There  is  a  memoir  among  his  papers  on 
the  subject,- from  which  it  is  pro|)osed  to  give  an  extract 

He  visited  Fort  Frontenao  or  Catarocoui,  situate  twelve  leagues  west 
of  La  Presentation.  He  ibund  no  Indians  there,  though  it  was  formerly 
the  rendezvous  of  the  Five  Nations.  The  bread  and  milk,  there,  were 
bad:  they  had  not  even  brandy  there  to  staunch  a  wound.  Arrived  at  a 
jioint  of  Lake  Ontario  called  Kaoi,  he  found  a  negro  fugitive  front  Vir- 
ginia. He  assured  him  on  this  occasion  that  there  would  be  no  difficulty 
to  obtain  a  great  part  of  the  negroes  of  New  England,  who  were  received 
well  in  Canada,  and  supported  the  first  year,  and  that  lands  were  con- 
ceded to  them  as  to  habitants.  The  savages  served  them  voluntarily  as 
gui<les. 

The  negroes  would  be  the  most  terrible  enemies  of  the  English,  be- 
cause they  have  no  hope  of  pardon  if  the  English  become  masters  of 
Canada,  and  they  contribute  much  to  build  up  this  colony  by  their  labor. 
The  same  is  the  case  with  natives  of  Flanders,  Lorraine  and  Switzerland, 
who  have  followed  their  example,  because  they  wek  j  ill  at  ease  with  the 
English  who  loved  them  not. 

At  the  Bay  of  Quinte,  he  visited  the  Kite  of  the  ancient  mission  which 
M.  DollidV'es  de  Klens  and  Abb^  D'Urii^,  priests  of  the  Saint  Sulpico 
Setninary,  had  established  there.  The  quarter  is  beautiful,  but  the  land 
is  not  good.  He  visited  Fort  Toronto,  seventy  leagues  from  Fort  Fronte- 
Moc,  at  the  west  end  of  Lake  Ontario.  He  found  good  bread  and  good 
wine  there,  and  every  thing  requisite  for  the  trade,  whilst  they  were  in 
want  of  these  at  all  the  other  posts.  He  found  IVIissis^agues  there  who 
flocked  around  him:  they  spoke  first  of  the  happiness  their  young  people, 
the  women  and  child.''en,  would  feel,  if  the  King  would  be  as  good  to 
them  as  to  the  Iroquois  lor  whom  he  procured  missionaries.  They  com- 
plained that  instead  of  building  a  church,  they  had  constructed  only  a 
canton  for  them.  M.  Picquet  did  not  allow  them  to  finish,  and  answered 
them  ihat  they  had  been  treated  according  to  their  fancy;  that  they  had 
never  evinced  the  least  zeal  for  religion;  that  their  conduct  was  much 
opposed  to  it;  ihat  the  Iroquois,  on  the  contrary,  had  manifested  their 
love  to  Christianity,  hut  as  he  had  no  order  to  attract  them  to  his  mission, 
lie  avoided  a  more  lengthy  explanation. 


<\ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


94 


He  pnsscd  thence  to  Niu^nni.  He  cxniniiied  the  sitiintion  of  that  fort, 
not  having;  any  savn^es  to  whom  lie  could  Mficuk.  It  ia  well  located  for 
delcnce,  not  heing  commanded  from  uny  point.  The  view  extendi  to  a 
great  distance:  tliey  huve  the  ndvantajje  of  the  landinij;  of  all  the  conoes 
and  harks  which  luntl,  and  arc  in  !«atety  there;  but  the  rain  was  washing 
the  soil  away  hy  dejrrees,  notwithstanding  iho  vast  expense  which  tlio 
Kin^'  incurred  to  sustain  it.  M.  Picquet  was  of  oftinion  that  the  spaco 
between  the  land  and  the  whorf  might  be  tilled  in  so  os  to  support  it,  and 
make  a  glacis  there.  This  place  was  important  as  a  trading  post,  and  as 
securing  possession  of  the  carrying  j)lace  of  Niagara  and  Lake  Ontario. 

From  Niagara,  Mr.  Picqnet  went  to  the  carrying  place,  which  is  six 
leagues  from  that  ])ost.  He  visited  on  the  same  day  the  famous  Fall  of 
Niagara,  by  which  the  four  great  Canada  lakes  discharge  themselves  into 
Lake  Ontario.  This  cascade  i3  as  prodigious  by  its  height  and  the  quan- 
tity of  water  which  falls  there,  as  hy  the  variety  of  its  falls,  which  are  to 
the  number  of  six  principal  ones  divided  by  a  small  island,  leaving  three 
to  the  north  and  three  to  the  soutl.  They  produce  of  themselves  a  sin- 
gular symmetry  and  wonderful  effect.  He  measured  the  height  of  one  of 
those  falls  from  the  south  side,  and  he  found  it  about  one  hundred  and 
forty  feet.''*  The  establishment  at  this  carrying  place,  the  most  important 
in  a  commercial  point  of  view,  was  the  worst  stocked.  The  Indians, 
who  cume  there  in  great  nundiers,  were  in  the  best  disposition  to  trade; 
but  not  finding  what  they  wanted,  they  went  toChouegucn  orChoeguenn 
[Oswego],  at  the  mouth  of  the  river  of  the  saene  name.  M.  Picquet 
counted  tliere  as  many  as  fifty  canoes.  There  was  notwithstanding  at 
Niagara  a  trading  house,  where  the  commandant  and  trader  lodged;  but 
it  was  too  small,  and  the  King's  property  was  not  safe  there. 

M.  Picquet  negotiated  with  the  Senecas,  who  promised  to  repair  to  liia 
mission,  and  gave  him  twelve  children  m:  hostages;  saying  to  him  that 
their  parents  had  nothing  dearer  to  them  and  followed  him  immediately, 
as  well  as  the  chief  of  the  Little  Rapid  with  all  his  family. 

The  young  Indians  who  accompanied  Picquet  had  spoken  of  this  old 
man  as  a  veritable  apostle.  M.  Picquet  withdrew  with  inm  to  say  his 
breviary ;  and  the  savages  and  the  Sonnotoans,  without  losing  time,  as- 
sembled themselves  to  hold  council  with  M.  de  Touraine,  who  addressed 
them  lor  some  time  at  length,  and  said: 

"You  savages  and  the  Sonnotoans  know  your  firmness  in  your  re- 
solutions, and  know  that  you  have  designed  »o  pass  hy  Choeguen  [Os- 
wego] in  returning.  Let  me  request  you  at  once  that  yoti  attentpt  to  do 
nothing.  They  are  informed  of  the  bad  disposition  of  the  English,  whom 
you  regard  as  the  formidable  enemy  of  their  colony,  and  as  the  one  that 
has  done  them  the  most  harm.  They  are  disposed  to  destroy  themselves, 
rather  than  that  you  should  sufifer  the  least  harm ;  but  all  this  amounts  to 
nothing,  and  the  savages  will  always  lose  by  the  appro:iches  of  this  people 
who  hate  you.  As  lor  myself,  added  M.  de  Touraine,  I  entreat  you  ear- 
nestly not  to  pass  that  way.  The  Indians  have  told  me  nothing  more." 
W.  Picquet  immediately  replied:  Ethondaouin  (that^s,  as  you  desire, 
my  children). 

He  set  out  with  all  those  savages  to  return  to  Fort  Niagara.  M.  Cha- 
bert  de  Joncaire  would  not  abandon  him.  At  each  place  where  they 
encountered  camps,  cabins  and  entrejjots,  they  were  saluted  with  mus- 
quetry  by  the  Indians,  who  never  ceased  testilyiiig  their  consideration 
ibr  the  missionary.    M.  Picquet  took  the  lead  with  the  savages  of  the 


•  These  nre  French  feet. 
Imiod.  p.  31. 


The  fulU  oil  the  American  side  are  194  feet  bigh—-Burr'i  Allaa 


,:':(- 


76 


HISTORY    OK    ST.   LAWRKNCE 


'V  ;'r 


liills:  Messrs.  Joiicniro  iind  Ri^oiiillo  followiti);  with  tlio  rccmitP.  lie 
eiiihiiikril  .villi  tliii'ty-iiin<;  tinvii4;eH  in  Ii'ih  liir^'t*  ciiiioc,  and  whn  rcceivMMl 
on  arriving  ut  the  fort  witli  tlu;  jfroatost  et'ii'mony,  even  witli  tlie  dw- 
t'liarfio  of  eiunion,  wliicli  greatly  pleiiwed  the  Indiinm.  On  tlie  morrow 
III'  a»<scnililed  the  Setiecau,  for  tiie  firat  time,  in  the  ehapel  ul'  the  ibrt 
lor  reliffioiis  services. 

M.  Pie(|iiet  returned  aloii}:,  the  hoiiiIi  const  ol*  Lake  Ontario.  Alon;;- 
(siiie  of  Cliot'j,'nen,  a  young  Seneca  met  her  uncle  wlio  wiih  coming  h'oni 
his  viilnge  with  his  wife  and  children.  Thin  yonng  girl  wpoke  ko  vvtill 
to  her  uncle,  though  she  had  hut  litt'.o  knowledge  of  religion,  that  ho 
liromised  to  rejiair  to  La  Presentation  curly  the  following  spring,  and 
that  he  hoped  to  gain  over  also  seven  other  cal)iiis  of  Senecas  of  which 
he  was  chief.  Twenty-five  leagues  from  Niagara  he  visited  the  river 
(iasc')uchagon,*  where  he  met  a  luimher  of  rattlesnakes.  The  young 
Indians  jumped  into  the  midst  of  them  and  killed  ibrty-two  without 
having  been  bitten  by  any. 

lie  next  visited  the  fails  of  this  river.  The  first  which  appear  in  sight 
in  ascending,  resemble  much  the  grjat  cascade  at  Saint  Cloi  d,  except 
that  tliey  have  tiot  been  ornamented  und  do  not  seem  so  high,  but  they 
possess  natural  beauties  which  render  them  very  curious.  The  second, 
a  quarter  of  u  mile  higher,  are  less  considerable,  yet  arc  remarkalile. 
The  third,  also  a  quarter  of  a  league  higher,  has  beauties  truly  admirable 
by  its  curtains  anil  falls  which  ibrin  also,  as  at  Niagara,  u  charming  |)ro- 
portion  and  variety.  They  may  be  one  liunilred  and  some  feet  high.f 
in  the  intervals  between  the  liills,  there  are  a  liimdred  little  coscitdes, 
which  present  likewise  a  curious  sjiectacle;  and  if  the  altitudes  of  each 
chute  were  joined  together,  und  they  made  but  one  as  at  Niagara,  the 
height  would,  perhaps,  be  four  hundred  feet;  but  there  is  four  times  less 
water  than  at  the  Niagara  Fall,  which  will  cause  the  latter  to  puss,  tor 
ever,  as  a  wonder  perhaps  unique  in  the  world. 

The  English,  to  throw  disorder  into  this  new  levy,  sent  a  good  deal 
of  brandy.  Some  savages  did,  in  fact,  get  drunk,  vvliom  M.  Picquet 
could  not  bring  along,  lie  therelbrc  desired  much  that  Choeguen  were 
destroyed  and  the  English  prevented  rebuilding  it;  and  in  order  that 
we  should  be  absolutely  masters  of  the  south  side  of  Lake  Ontario,  he 
proposed  electing  a  fort  near  there  ut  the  bay  of  the  Cayugas,|  which 
would  make  a  very  good  harbor  und  furnish  very  fine  unchoruge.  No 
place  is  iietter  adapted  for  a  fort. 

He  examined  attentively  the  fort  of  Choeguen,  a  post  the  most  per- 
nicious to  France  that  the  English  could  erect.  It  was  commanded 
uhiiost  from  all  sides  and  could  be  very  easily  approached  in  time  of 
war.  It  was  a  two  story  very  low  building;  decked  like  a  ship  and  sur- 
mounted on  the  top  by  a  gallery;  the  whole  was  surroumlcd  by  a  stone 
wall,  flanked  only  with  two  bastions  at  the  side  towards  the  nearest  hill. 
Two  batteries,  each  of  three  twelve  pounders,  would  have  been  more 
than  suflicicnt  to  reduce  that  establishment  to  ashes.  It  was  prejudicial 
to  us  by  the  facility  it  afforded  the  English  of  communicating  with  all 
the  tribes  of  Canada,  still  more  than  by  the  trade  ciMred  on  there  as 
well  by  the  French  of  the  colony  as  by  the  savages:  for  <'iioegucn  was 
supplied  with  merchandize  adapted  only  to  the  French,  a:^  least  as  much 

*Tlie  lieiiesee  river.  In  Beliii's  map  of  Pcartie  Oceidentnle  de  la  NouveUe  France.  1755, 
(No.  !l!|-2.  W  •;.  Sl.'ile  Lib.)  it  is  descrilicU  us  a  "  llivcr  ujikiiowii  to  Guogrupliers,  filleil  witli 
Kapiils  ami  Waion'ulls  " 

t  The  liiglie.^t  fall  on  the  river  is  105  fuel. 

t  SoUiis  bay. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


77 


nH  with  wliut  Niiitiul  to  tlic  t^av.'if^cM,  ii  ciiriiiiiNtaiico  thut  iiidicatod  nil 
illicit  tiadt!.  Had  tliu  iiiiiiiMter'H  ordiiis  hL-oii  cxih-iiIimI,  tliu  Ciior'^iuMi 
tiadi',  at  Icawt  witii  tlin  .sava;;t\s  of  [Jpper  Canada,  wmilrl  lioaliiioMt  iiiiiu'd. 
JJiit  it  waM  iiecfH.sary  to  Bii|i|ily  Nia^rani,  especially  tin;  I'oitago,  rather 
than  ToroiiUt.  'J'iie  ditlorence  iH-tweeii  the  two  liiwt  of  these  poHtM  and 
till'  la.st.  is,  tliat  till!  (;  or  ronr  hinidi(^<l  caiioeN  cnnld  (!oine  loaded  with 
tins  to  the  I'oilane,  and  that  no  canoes  coii.d  fio  to  'J'oronto,  except  those 
whirli  fan  not  paM.s  helore  Niagara  and  to  l''orl  I'loiiteiiiii',  Hiieli  as  tho 
Otaoisof  the  iiead  of  the  lake  (Fond  da  Lac)  and  tlie  I\lississajiiies;  so 
tiiat  'roronto  could  not  hut  diminish  the  trade  o|°  these  two  aiiticnt  posts, 
which  would  have  been  snthcient  to  stop  all  the  sava<!es  liad  the  stores 
li(;eii  (Miiished  witii  floods  to  their  liking.  'J'here  was  a  wisii  to  imitate 
the  Kiifilish  in  liie  tritli-s  they  sold  the  savages,  siicli  as  silver  bracelets, 
etc.  Tlic  [ndiaiis  compared  and  weigiied  them,  as  the  storeki-eper  ut 
Niagara  stated,  and  tiie  Choegnen  bracelets  which  were  toiinii  as  lieavy, 
of  a  purer  silver,  and  more  elegant,  did  not  cost  them  two  beavers,  whilst 
those  at  the  king's  posts  wanted  to  sell  them  for  ten  heavers,  'i'lnis  wo 
were  discredited,  and  this  silver  ware  remained  a  |)iire  loss  in  tho  king's 
stores.  French  brandy  was  preferred  to  the  English,  but  that  did  not 
prevent  tiio  Inilians  going  to  Choegiien.  'J'o  destroy  the  trade  the  king's 
posts  ought  to  have  been  supplied  with  tho  same  goods  as  Choegiieii 
niid  at  the  same  price.  The  French  ought  also  liave  been  tbrbiddeii  to 
send  the  domiciliated  Indiuns  thither:  but  tliut  would  have  been  very 
ditiieult. 

Mr.  Piccpiet  next  returned  to  Frontennc.  Never  was  a  reception  more 
imposing.  Tlie  Nipissings  and  Algoiicpiins  who  were  going  to  war  with 
I\I.  de  Bellestre,  drew  up  in  a  line,  of  their  own  accord,  above  Fort 
Frontenac,  where  three  standards  were  Jioisled.  They  fire«J  several 
volleys  of  musketry  and  cheered  incessantly.  They  were  answered  in 
the  same  style  from  all  the  little  craft  of  bark.  M.  de  Vercliere  rnd  M. 
do  la  Valtrie  caused  tlic  guns  of  tlie  fort  to  be  discliargcd  at  tlie  same 
time,  and  the  Indians  transported  witli  joy  at  the  honors  paid  them  also 
kept  up  n  continual  fire  with  shouts  and  acclamations  which  made  every 
one  rejoice.  The  cominnndants  and  officers  received  our  missionary  at 
the  landing.  No  sooner  had  he  debarked  than  all  the  Algonqiiins  and 
Nipissings  of  the  lake  came  to  embrace  him,  saying  that  they  had  been 
told  that  the  English  bad  arrested  him,  and  had  that  news  been  con- 
firmed they  would  soon  have  themselves  relieved  him.  Finally,  when 
ho  returned  to  La  Presentation,  he  was  received  with  that  aflectioii,  that 
tenderness  which  children  would  ex{)erieiicc  in  recovering  a  father 
whom  they  bad  lost. 

In  1753,  M.  Picqiiet  repaired  to  France  to  render  an  account  of  bis 
labors,  and  solicit  assistance  for  the  benefit  of  the  colony.  He  took  with 
him  three  natives,  the  apiicarance  of  whom  might  create  an  interest  in 
the  success  of  his  establishments,  and  who,  in  the  quality  of  hostages, 
might  serve  to  control  the  mission  during  his  absence.  'I'lie  nations 
there  assembled  consented  to  it,  and  even  appeared  to  desire  it,  as  well 
ns  the  cliieli*  of  the  colony.  Ho  conducted  his  savages  to  Paris,  and  to 
the  court,  where  they  were  received  with  so  much  kindness  aiuLutteii- 
tioii  that  they  said  without  ceasing,  that  could  their  nations  know  as  well 
as  themselves,  the  character  and  the  goodness  of  the  French,  they  would 
not  fail  to  be  otherwise  than  of  the  same  heart  and  interests  with  that  of 
France. 

While  M.  Picquet  was  in  Paris,  in  1754,  M.  Ronille,  then  minister  of 
the  marine,  caused  him  to  draw  up  sundry  memoirs,  especially  a  general 
memoir  upon  Canada,  in  which  lie  suggested  inlullible  means  lor  pie^ 


78 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


%  i 


i  1 


IFJ 


serviiif;  this  roloiiy  to  Franco,  llo  uIho  iiiiule  olmcrvntioiis  upon  the  dis- 
tiirl)i||iroN  wliirli*^ci<i-tniii  iiKjiiirt  M|iiriis,  \ns\\  iiikI  l)niNtci'oii$<,  liiid  occn- 
Hionod  in  Ciiniuiit.  'I'lic  niinistor  lii^'lily  ii|)|)I'om;(I  of  tiictn,  and  iiHsnrcd 
Idii)  tliftt  ho  wonKI  writo  to  tho  ffonciid,  to  pn-vont  in  tiitnro  tho  rociir- 
rcnco  ot'liko  disoidorn,  whicii  conid  n'lt  tail  to  ho  ptnnii'ioiiM  in  a  colony 
still  weak,  and  too  di.stant  from  sncroi-ii  slmnld  tlioy  ho  nooossai y. 

Tho  niinistor  wi^hoil  to  ftivi^  liini  a  ponsion  of  n  thonsand  crowns,  but 
AT.  do  Laport,  the  fnst  steward,  oonlorrod  it  upon  tht;  AIiIh'  Maillard. 
'J'iic  minister  was  disploasod,  whilo  IM.  I'icqnot  had  only  tho  picasnro  of 
receiving;  a  thousand  crowns,  ot'  which  in  truth  tlio  onlinnnco  was  con- 
ceived in  terms  tho  most  honorahio.  'J'lio  kin;;  prescntod  him  some 
liooks,  and  when  he  took  his  hinve,  the  minister  suid  to  him,  ^^Your  ma- 
jesti/  slill  fiives  you  new  marks  of  bis  pkaaure." 

The  kiny  always  evinced  tho  same  sentiments  towards  liim  whenever 
he  took  occasion  to  mention  him  at  Versailles  or  at  Hellevno. 

IMeanwhilo  Rl.  do  Ln|iortc  was  displeased  with  this  journey  of  the 
Abho  I'icqnet,  because  it  was  lenvinj;  tho  other  ecclesiastic  jealous  of  the 
impression  which  this  abbe  was  ninkinjf  with  the  court  and  the  city. 
lie  restrained  him  from  continually  exhibiting  his  savagcH,  ond  attcn)]Ued 
to  justify  himself  in  what  ho  had  done. 

At  lenffth  ho  departL'd  at  the  close  of  April,  1754,  and  returned  to  In 
Presentation  with  two  missioiwiries. 

The  sojourn  of  tho  throe  natives  in  Franco  produced  a  VC17  good 
effect  among  the  nations  of  Canada. 

War  was  no  sooner  declaroc^  in  1754,  than  tho  new  cliihb'en  of  God, 
of  the  kiutf,  and  of  M.  Pic(pie(,  thought  only  of  giving  fi'o^h  proofs  of 
their  fidelity  and  valor,  as  those  of  the  Lake  of  tho  Two  Motmtains  had 
done  in  tho  war  ]»recodiug.  The  generals  were  indebted  to  M.  Picqiiet 
for  the  destruction  of  all  the  forts  as  well  on  the  river  Co  '  (Corleur) 
us  on  that  of  Chopguen.  His  Indians  distinguished  themselves  espe- 
cially at  Fort  George  on  Luke  Ontario,  where  the  warriors  of  La  I're- 
sentation  alone,  with  their  baik  canoes,  destroyed  the  F'-nglish  fleet, 
commanded  by  Copt.  Beccan,  who  was  made  prisoner  with  a  number 
of  others,  and  thut  in  sight  of^  the  French  army,  commanded  by  M.  do 
Viiliers,  who  was  at  the  Isle  Galop.  1  he  war  parties  wliich  de|)arted 
and  returned  continually,  filled  the  mission  with  so  many  prisoners  that 
their  numbers  frequently  surpassed  that  of  the  warriors,  rendering  it 
necessary  to  empty  the  villages  and  send  them  to  Headquarters.  In  fine 
a  number  of  other  expeditions  of  which  M.  Picquet  was  tiie  principal 
author,  have  procured  the  promotion  of  several  officers,  notwithstanding 
some  have  declared  that  tiicro  were  neither  honors,  nor  pensions,  nor 
favors,  nor  promotions,  nor  marks  of  distinction,  conferroil  l»y  the  king 
ii|)on  those  who  had  seiTcd  in  Canada,  who  were  prevented  from  re- 
ceiving these  by  M.  Picquet. 

M.  du  Quesnc,  on  the  occasion  of  tho  nrmy  of  General  Braddock,  re- 
commended liim  to  send  as  large  a  detachment  of  savages  as  was  possi- 
ble, and  gave  liim  on  this  occasion  full  powers.  In  fact,  the  exliorfations 
which  M.  Picquet  made  them  to  give  an  example  of  zeal  and  courage 
for  the  king  their  father,  and  the  instructions  which  he  gave  them  pro- 
duced, in  short,  the  entire  defeat  of  this  general  of  the  enemy,  in  the 
summer  of  175.5,  near  F'ort  Du  Quesne,  upon  the  Ohio, 

This  event,  which  conferred  more  honor  u|)oii  the  arms  of  the  king 
than  all  the  rest  of  the  war,  is  due  principally  to  the  care  whicli  M. 
Picquet  bestowed  upon  the  execution  of  the  commands  of  M.  the  Mar- 
quis du  Quesne  in  this  expedition,  and  by  the  choice  which  he  made  of 
warriors  eijiially  faithful  and  intrapid. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


n 


The  nMiirnnro  wliirli  lie  pnvo  tlicni,  tdiit  tliey  slioiild  ronqnnr  tho 
enemy,  co  wnrmcd  llM-ir  imnj,'iiintioii8,  tlint  tlioy  tlioii;;lit  in  tin;  comlmt 
that  tlioy  Miiw  llir*  iniMsionnry  iit  tlusir  jipiul,  rliceiiiif;  iliein  on  nnd  pio- 
inisin^'  tlirrn  virtory,  altlioHKli  lin  wan  diHtuiit  from  tliciii  altnost  n  linn- 
dred  and  lilty  Ica^uos;  it  wan  one  of  tlicir  HuperHtitionM,  wiiicii  he  had 
taken  painN  to  iniixnt  to  thcni. 

He  tV('(|ncntly  tixnid  hiniHcIf  in  tiiv  vnn^nrtrd  when  the  kind's  ti-oo|iB 
were  ordered  to  attack  the  enemy.  He  di«tinj(uiHhed  iiiniHelf  |»artien- 
larly  in  tiie  expeditions  of  Sarnstti  (Haratojja),  Lake  Cliamplnin,  I'ointo 
n  la  Chevehn-e  (Crown  Point),  tiie  L'nscades,  Carillon  ('riconderojra), 
Clioe^'ncn  (Oswego),  River  Corlac  (iMohawk),  Isle  an  (lalo|),  etc.  The 
posts  he  eHtal)li»<lied  for  the  kin},'  protected  the  colony  pending  the  entire 
war.  ^1.  (hi  (lne»«ne  said  that  the  Ahlx-  I'icrpiet  was  worth  more  than 
ten  regiments. 

He  wrote  to  him  on  the  23d  of  September,  I7.'i4: 

"I  wliull  never  forget  ns  a  good  c'lizen,  I  Hliall  remember  ns  long  ns  I 
live,  the  proofs  which  yon  have  given  me  of  yonr  generosity,  and  lor 
yom-  niupienchahle  Z'lal  for  nil  that  concerns  the  pnhlic  good." 

On  the  i»th  of  June,  17.')."»,  iNI.  HnQuesne,  npon  the  point  of  dejinrting, 
Kent  word  to  him  that  the   English  thonght  of  almndoning  Niagara.     Ii 
added, "  the  preenniions  to  he  taken  must  ail  emanate  from  your  zeu', 
j»rndence  nnd  foresight." 

Tlie  English  then  entU-nvored,  ns  well  by  menaces  ns  by  protnises,  to 
gain  the  savages,  esptfcially  after  the  lesson  which  I)u  Quesne  had  given 
them  at  the  Helle  riviere  (of  the  Ohio). 

In  the  month  of  IVIii',  i7.">»i,  M.  de  Vandrenil  got  M.  Picqnet  to  dcpnte 
the  chiefs  of  ills  Uii  ^ii<n  to  the  Five  Nations  of  .Senecns,  Cayngas,  Onon- 
tnqnes,  TiHcnroras,  and  Oneidas  to  attach  them  more  ntid  more  to  the 
French,  i  lie  English  had  snr[)rised  and  killed  their  ntiphews  in  tho 
three  villages  of  the  Loups  (Mohegnns?)  M.  de  Vaiuirenil  requested 
him  to  form  parties  which  could  succeed  each  other  in  dis(pfieting  and 
harassing  the  Eiii^lish.  He  asked  of  him  his  projects  in  forming  a 
comp;  he  prayed  him  to  give  a  free  exftression  to  his  itieas,  attd  exhibited 
on  his  side  the  greatest  confidence,  omi  ma(fe  liiin  a  part  of  all  the  o|tera- 
tions  which  he  proposed  to  undertake;  uiid  declared  that  the  success 
of  his  measures  was  the  work  of  M.  I'icquet. 

The  letters  of  M.  do  Vaudreifil  from  175()  to  17i'>J>,  which  are  among 
the  papers  of  our  missionary,  are  filled  with  these  evidences  of  his  confi- 
dence and  satisfaction ;  but  as  those  of  M.  Pic(|uet  ore  not  to  be  found,  it 
would  be  dilficult  to  find  wherewith  to  make  a  history  of  these  events, 
of  which  alone  M.  Ficquet  has  the  createst  part. 

In  proportion  as  our  circumstances  became  more  embarrassing,  the 
zeal  of  M.  Picquet  became  more  precious  and  more  active. 

In  ]7.')S,  he  destroyed  the  English  forts  on  the  binks  of  Corinc, 
hut  at  length  the  battle  of  the  i:Jtli  of  September,  1 751t,  in  which  the 
Marquis  f»f  IMontcalm  was  killed,  brought  rtiin  on  Quebec,  and  that  of 
Canada  followed.  When  he  saw  all  thus  lost,  M.  Picquet  terminated  his 
long  and  laborious  career  by  his  retreat  on  tlie  8th  May,  17G0,  with  the 
advice  and  consent  of  the  General,  the  Bishop  and  Intendant,  in  order 
not  to  fall  into  tin;  hands  of  the  English, 

The  esteem  which  lie  had  gained  by  his  mer't,  the  praises  which  in 
an  especial  manner  he  had  received,  might  have  induced  him  to  remain 
there,  but  he  had  resolved  never  to  sweLV  allegiance  to  another  power. 
Inducements  were  held  out  as  motives  by  tnnny  French,  by  missionaries 
and  by  the  savages  themselves,  who  proposed  to  engage  him,  and  labored 
to  make  hiin  see  the  advantages  that  would  result. 


I  '^ 


80 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


\i 


llo  still  liopcd  to  tnke  with  him  in  his  rcticMt  tiio  j^ii'iinHicrs  of  onrh 
Imttaiion,  iicconhiii,'  t<>  fhi!  luivico  of  M.  Ilio  l\lnn|iiis  dt;  l.cvis,  to  ihiiH 
preserve  tiuj  colors  aii.i  tlu;  honor  of  their  corps,  hiit  of  this  ho  was  not 
llic  iniiJilcr. 

lie  had  tlu!  inntorials  of  sid)sist('ii(M'  al)Mndanlly,  hut  was  olilifjcd  to 
ro/itfiit  hinist'lf  with  twcniy-livc  |<'r(Mi<'hMM>ii  who  accompanied  him  as 
liir  as  I,()iiir-iana,  and  hi-  thus  c.-icapcd  with  them  from  \\tv  J'lnjilish, 
allhoii;;!)  he  had  hern  the  most  evposed  dnrin;:  the  war,  an<l  nlthon^di 
he  did  not  receive  the  least  help  in  so  lon<;  a  jonrney:  hot  lie  had  with 
him  two  little  detachments  ol'sava^'cs,  one  of  whii'li  preceded  him  sev<'- 
ral  leajr;!cs  and  tin?  other  ai'companied  him.  >vho  were  successively  re- 
lievcid  hy  similar  tietachments,  as  he  passed  throiiiih  dilferent  trihcs. 

These  whom  he  left  he  sent  each  to  his  own  nation,  and  advised  theiii 
as  a  liither.  I'lvery  where  they  received  him  ."uhnirahly,  notwithstandinyf 
the  deplor;i|)le  I'ii'cmmstances  in  which  he  was  in;  cvimt  whei-e  he  linnnl 
the  natives  with  the  liest  dispositions,  and  h'e  received  their  protestations 
of  zeal  and  inviol;il)l(>  attachment  to  tiie  kinu  their  liither. 

Me  passed  to  JVIichilimachina,  hetwoen  Lake  llnron  and  Lako  Rliclii- 
<;an,  hnt  the  savajjes,  consistiiijj  of  lro(|nois  or  AljioiMpiins,  hero  left  him, 
that  iM.  l*ic(piet  mitiht  not  ho  endiarrassed  from  this  canse;*  procoodiMl 
thus  hy  way  of  Upper  Canada  to  tin;  Illinois  country  and  Louisiiina,  and 
sojomned  twonty-two  months  at  New  (Jrloans. 

lloro  ho  occiijiiod  himsolf  in  recovering  his  spirits,  in  qnellinsi  a  sort 
of  civil  war  which  had  s|)riinu  n|i  h»!tween  tlu^  j^overnor  and  tho  iidiahit- 
ants,  and  in  preachinir  peace,  hoth  in  pnldii;  and  in  |irivate. 

lie  had  tho  saiisliiction  of  sooing  tliis  iiajtpily  restored,  during  his  bo- 
jourii. 

General  Andierst  in  taking  possession  of  Canada,  innnediately  informed 
himself  of  tho  place  whore  i\L  I'iccpiet  had  taken  rt^fngo.  ami  upon  tins 
assuranc(!  which  was  giviMi  him  that  ho  had  departed  on  his  return  to 
Franco  hy  tliti  west,  ho  said  haughtily;  "1  am  mistaken  in  him,  if  thin 
Ahhe  hid  not  he(-ii  less  tiiithlid  totlu;  King  of  ilngland,  had  ho  taken  tho 
oath  of  allogian(;e  to  him, as  had  heen  to  tlu;  Kingot'  I'ranci!,  Wo  would 
then  have  given  him  all  our  contidence,  and  gained  him  to  oursolv(^s.  " 

This  (jJenoral  was  nfistaken.  iM.  I'icipiot  had  an  ardent  love;  for  his 
countiy,  and  he  could  not  have  adopted  another. 

Soon  the  lOnglish  would  have  tinishod  hy  jtroscrihiiig  him  and  ofToring 
a  reward  ti)r  his  head,  as  a  dangerous  enemy. 

Meanwhile  tho  lOnglish  thomselvos,  have  contrihuted  to  estahlish  the 
glory  and  tho  services  of  this  useful  nfissionary:  wo  rtiad  in  one  of  tln!ir 
(Jazeitos:  "  The  Jrsuit  of  the  west  has  detached  (ill  the  md'ions J'rom  us,  and 
placed  them  in  the  interests  of  thtnce,  "  They  called  him  a  Jesnit  hecauso 
tiiey  had  not  thon  seen  his  girdle,  nor  tho  huttons  of  his  cassock,  as  INI. 
Do  (lalissormiero  wrote  to  him  jocosely,  in  sending  him  tho  extract  of 
their  Ga/ette;  or  to  speak  seriously,  llie  zeal  of  tho  Jesuits  so  well  known 
in  tho  now  world,  makos  thorn  holievo  that  out  of  so  great  a  nnmhor  of 
missionaries,  there  can  ho  none  hut  .lesuits.  They  ar»)  n^prosonted  as  the 
authors  of  all  tin;  loss(!s  of  tho  English,  and  tlu;  advantages  which  the 
rroiich  have  gained  over  them.  Some  even  insinuate  that  tlu'y  jiossess 
supernatiu'al  pow<'rs.  In  short,  our  enemies  helievod  thomselvos  lost, 
when  they  were  in  the  army,  on  account  of  the  horde  of  suvuges  that  al- 
ways attendoii  thorn. 


I! 


'  I  liave  much  desired  toliiid  in  lii.s  papers,  liis  memdirs  upon  llie  customs  of  Caiindii;  liui  I 
Jinvo  heard  M.  Picqiie*  say,  itiiit  this  suliject  was  well  treated  of  in  the  works  of  Fiither  Ln- 
/ii:ai.  who  liud  dwelt  five  yours  ut  the  Sunt  St    I.ouis,  near  Montreal  —Note  in  tlu  Ori^iivii. 


If  I 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


81 


llJH 


Tlioy  sjmko  of  nothiiifjf  but  of  P'miucl,  and  of  his  f^nodluck;  nnd  this 
licc.'iini;  vw.u  a  provcrl)  tlironfilioiit  tlu'  colony. 

All  J'-ii^lisli  oflim^r,  liaviiifj  wislied  i<'  inakf!  Iiiiiisclf  coii.spicMioiitt,  onco 
oflJ-rctl  a  hoimty  lor  liis  Ix^ad,  wlierciipon  tlio  savii^ies  coiispiriMl  to  seizo 
tliis  Kii;;lisli  cliicC;  lio  was  led  into  tlicir  prosfincc.and  tlioy  danced  around 
liini  \\\\\\  tli(;ir  tonialiawks,  awaiiin;^  tlie  Kij,'nal  ol'  tlie  missionary,  who 
made  it  not,  in  his  courtesy  to  an  enemy. 

Thus  did  he  endeavor,  by  every  possible  means,  to  act  neutral,  at  least 
between  the  English  am;  the  French. 

Th(!y  iind  recoinse  to  the  mediation  of  the  savajres,  and  oflercid  to  allow 
him  freely  to  |)n!ach  the  calhojie  faith  to  the  nations,  and  <;ven  to  domi- 
ciliated lluropi  ans, — to  |)ay  him  two  thousand  crowns  pension,  with  all 
the  assistance  necessary  l<)r  establishing  himstdf; — to  ratify  the  concession 
of  Lak(!  Ganenia  and  its  imvirons;  acharnnns,'  place  which  the  six  can 
tons  of  Ihi!  Irocpiois  had  presiiited  to  i\l.  l'ir"(|uet,  in  a  most  illustrious 
council,  which  they  had  held  at  the  Chateau  of  (iuebec.  'J'he  belts,  which 
are  the  (contracts  of  these  nations,  were  deposited  at  his  anci(;nt  mission, 
the  Lake  of  Two  Mountains;  but  he  constantly  tleclared  that  he  prelerred 
the  stip(Mid  which  the  King  {,'ave  him,  and  that  all  the  overturtjs  that  cotdd 
be  made,  and  all  the  advantages  that  could  be  offered  by  a  foreign  power, 
were  viiin;  that  tin;  idea  of  neutndity,  under  the  circunistanc(.'s,  was  idle, 
ami  an  outrage  upon  his  fidelity;  in  a  word,  that  the  thought  itself  was 
horrible.  That  he  could  make  bis  fortunes  without  them,  and  that  Ifis 
cliarat  ti;r  was  very  remote  from  this  species  of  cn])idity.  The  services, 
the  fidelity,  and  the  disinterestedness  of  fiither  I'icijuet,  merited  for  him 
a  higher  destiny. 

Likewise  the  generals,  counuandants,  and  the  troops,  failed  not  by  mili- 
tary honors,  to  evince  their  esteem  and  their  respect  for  him,  in  a 
decisive  manner,  and  worthy  of  the  nature  of  his  services,  lie  received 
thc'sc  honors  as  well  fiom  the  army  as  at  (iueb(!c,  Montreal,  Three  l{ivors, 
and  at  all  the  forts  which  he  passetl,  an<l  even  at  the  Cedars,  notwith- 
standing the  jealousy  of  certain  meidal  sid)j(!Cts,  such  as  M.  De  *  *  *, 
who  had  sought  to  tarnish  the  glory  of  the  missionaiy;  but  he  had  been 
too  vindictive  in  his  assaults,  to  eflect  his  object. 

We  have  seen  him  at  IJomg  even,  a  long  time  after,  receive  tokens  of 
veneration  and  regard  ti'om  the  ollicers  of  regiments  who  had  seen  him 
in  Canada. 

We  see  ren<lered  in  many  letters  of  the  miidsters,  similar  testimonials 
rendered  to  bis  zeal  and  success.  They  give  him  the  more  credit, 
becaiis*'  they  saw  his  anxieties  of  heart,  umler  tlu;  obstacles  be  bad  to 
siuniouut,  and  upon  the  ancient  hostility  of  these  nations,  who  bad  been 
almost  piiri»etually  at  war,  hut  tluiir  ex[)erience  with  the  l]nglisli  had 
led  them  to  bestow  their  attachment  upon  the  French,  in  proof  of  which 
the  coniluct  t)f  these  peojih;  ti)r  a  long  linu!  after  the  war  was  cited. 

We  see  in  the  work  of  T.  Kaytud  (vol.  vii,  p.  2!»'i),  that  the  sav.-n  es  had 
a  marked  [jredileclion  lor  the  French;  that  the  missionarie  ,vere  the 
principal  cause  of  this;  ami  that  he  says  that  this  fact  is  especially  appli- 
cable to  the  Abbe  l'ic(;uet. 

To  giv(!  probability  to  what  he  says  of  bis  services,  allow  mc  to  quote 
the  testimony  which  he  rendered  in  I7(!!>,  to  the  governor-general,  after 
his  n.'turn  to  France,  .•nd  tin;  loss  of  Canada. 

"We,  Maniuis  du  tliujsne,  conunander  of  the  royal  nnd  military  order 
of  Saint  Louis,  chief  of  the  scpiadron  of  tiio  naval  arm,  ancient  lieutenant- 
general,  commandent  of  New  France,  and  the  govermnents  of  Louis- 
burgh  and  l^ouisiana:  • 

Certify,  that  upon  the  (iivorublc  testimony  which  w<^  have  received  in 


■0J. 


m 


82 


HISTORY    OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


I.  ■■ 


y  ■ 

I     ■ 


I  ?  't  •■; 


:.4 
If! 


Canada,  of  the  services  of  the  Abbu  Picqiiet,  missionary  of  the  king 
nmon;;  siivape  nations;  upon  tiie  ronfidence  which  our  firedecessors  in 
this  colony  have  bestowed  upon  bini;  and  the  great  reputation  wiiich  lie 
lins  acquired  by  tlie  fine  establishments  wiiicii  he  lias  formed  for  the 
kiiifr,  tlie  niUMerous  an(i  i-upernutural  conversions  of  infide/s,  which  lie 
has  attached  not  less  to  the  state  than  to  religion,  by  liis  zeal,  ids  disin- 
terestedness, his  talents,  and  his  activity,  for  tlic  good  of  the  service  of 
His  Majesty;  that  we  have  eTi|)ioyed  him  on  ilifferent  objects  of  tho 
□ame  service,  during  tiio  whole  period  of  our  administration  as  governor- 
general,  and  that  he  has  always  acted  equal  to  our  expectations,  and  ever 
beyond  our  hope. 

He  hns  equally  served  religion  and  the  state,  with  incredible  success, 
during  nearly  thirty  years. 

He  bad  directly  rendered  the  king  absolute  master  of  the  national 
nssenddes  of  four  nations  who  composed  iiis  first  mission  to  the  Lake  of 
Two  Mountains,  with  liberty  to  nominate  all  theii  chiefs  at  his  will.  He 
had  caused  all  the  cinefsofthe  nations  which  conqiosed  his  last  mission, 
at  la  Presentation,  to  swear  allegiance  and  fidelity  to  His  Majesty;  and 
at  these  places  he  created  tiiost  uilmirable  establisliments;  in  a  word,  he 
has  rendered  himself  so  much  more  worthy  of  our  notice,  that  he  would 
rather  return  to  Canada,  and  continue  his  labors,  than  to  live  in  his 
country,  and  recover  the  heritage  of  his  parents,  who  liave  disowned 
him,  us  we  have  learned,  for  his  not  wishing  to  live  in  France,  ten  years 
since,  when  he  was  accompanied  by  three  savages. 

We  woidd  detail  the  imimrtant  services  which  this  abbe  has  rendered, 
if  Flis  Majesty  or  his  ministers  require  it,  and  render  justice  to  whom  it 
is  due,  to  obtain  of  the  king  those  marks  of  approlmtion  which  are 
deserved ;  in  the  faith  of  which  we  have  signed  the  present  certificate, 
and  sealed  it  with  our  arms.  / 

Signed,  The  Marqcis  du  Quesne.     / 

M.  de  Vaudrcui!,  governor  and  lieutenant-general  for  tho  king  in  all 
of  New  France,  certified  the  same  in  17G5,  that  M.  Picquet  had  served 
iiearly  thirty  years  in  this  colony,  with  all  the  zeal  and  distinction  jiossi- 
iile,  as  well  in  relation  to  the  direct  interests  of  tiie  state,  as  relatively  to 
those  of  religion ;  that  his  talents  for  gaining  the  good  will  of  the  savages, 
his  resources  in  critical  moments,  and  his  activity,  have  uinforndy  entitled 
him  to  the  |»raises  and  the  confidence  of  the  governors  and  the  bishops: 
that  above  all,  he  had  proved  useful  by  his  services  in  the  late  war,  by 
sundry  negotiations  with  the  Iroquois,  and  the  domiciliated  nations;  by 
the  establishments  which  he  had  formed,  and  which  hud  been  of  great 
service,  by  the  indefatigable  and  incessant  care  which  he  had  taken  to 
keep  the  savages  fbrtifie<l  in  tlieir  attachment  to  the  French,  and  at  the 
same  time  confirmed  in  their  Christianity. 

M.  de  Hougainville,  celebrated  by  his  maritime  expeditions,  and  who 
participated  in  the  first  a<;ts  of  the  war  in  Cana<ia,  certified  in  17G0,  that 
M.  Picquet,  king's  missionary,  known  by  the  establishments  which  he 
had  mad(;  alike  serviceable  to  religion  and  the  state,  in  all  the  campaigns 
in  which  he  had  been  with  him,  bad  contributetl  by  his  zeal,  his  activity, 
and  his  talents,  to  tiie  good  of  the  service  of  the  king,  and  to  the  glory 
of  his  arms;  and  his  standing  among  savage  tribes,  and  liis  personal 
services  had  been  of  the  greatest  service,  us  well  in  military  as  political 
afTitirs. 

All  those  who  had  returned  from  Canada,  labored  to  make  apprecioted 
the  services  so  long  and  so  constantly  rendered  to  France  during  neurly 
tliirty  yeare,  and  to  inuke  known  the  merit  of  a  citizen,  who  had  expu- 


m 


\W^ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


83 


triated  himsnif  to  gratify  the  inclinations  of  his  heart,  who  had  sacrificed 
his  youth,  his  heritage,  and  all  the  flattering  hopes  of  France,  wlio  had  i 
exi)osed  a  thousand  and  a  thousand  times  his  life,  preserving  often  the 
suhjects  of  the  king,  and  the  glory  of  iiis  arms,  and  who  could  himself 
say  that  he  had  nothing  In  his  actions,  but  the  glory  of  France,  during 
his  residence  in  Canada,  in  which  he  had  spent  much  of  his  life. 

His  services  had  not  the  same  result  in  the  last  war  for  the  preservation 
of  Canada,  but  the  brilliant  and  almost  incredible  actions  by  which  he 
contributed  to  it,  have  not  the  less  preserved,  with  the  savages,  the  notion 
and  the  high  idea  ol'  French  valor,  and  possible  tliis  feeling  may  here 
after  result  to  our  advantage. 

I  would  wish  to  bo  able  to  report  all  of  the  letters  of  ministers,  gover 
nors-general  and  private  persons,  of  bisiiops,  of  intendants,  and  of  othei 
])ersons  in  authority,  who  witnessed  with  surprise  the  projects,  the  nego- 
tiations, and  the  operations  o'  which  this  missionary  had  the  charge,  the 
congratulations  which  he  received  on  hi^  successes,  as  prompt  as  they 
were  inspiring,  upon  his  resources,  upon  the  expedients  which  he  sug- 
gested, his  zeal  and  his  experience  in  critical  situations,  and  which  liia 
activity  always  put  into  execution. 

I  have  often  asked  him  to  make  a  history  of  tliem,  that  should  be  alike 
curious  and  honornlilp  ihr  France. 

We  tind  u  part  of  these  letters  among  his  papers;  I  have  there  seen 
among  others,  those  of  M.  do  Montcalm,  who  called  him  '^.My  dear  and 
very  worihi/  patriarch  of  the.  Five  nations." 

l\l.  the,  mnrrpiis  de  Lt'nis, desired  es|)ecially  to  make  known  the  labors 
and  the  successes  ol  M.  Pictpiet,  of  which  lie  had  been  a  witness,  and 
which  he  had  admired  both  for  their  disinterestedness,  ae  well  for 
regard  to  France  as  against  the  English,  after  the  conquest  of  Canada^ 
and  I  have  witnessed  the  solicitations  whicdi  M.  de  Levis  made  to  excite 
his  ambition,  or  direct  towards  some  important  place,  a  zeal  which 
was  worthy  of  a  bishopric. 

The  evidence  of  liis  ecclesiastical  superiors,  was  not  less  favorable  to 
tlie  zeal  oCour  missionary.  The  bishop  of  Quebec  in  1700,  departing  for  " 
FiUrope,  after  having  visited  the  new  mission  which  M.  Picquet  had 
founded  among  the  [rorpiois,  and  where  he  had  baptized  more  than  a  ' 
hundred  adidts,  eiijoinc<l  upon  all  the  priests  of  his  diocese,  to  aid  him  as 
much  as  they  might  bt;  able;  he  conferred  upon  him  all  his  powers, 
even  those  ot"  approving  the  other  priests,  and  of  absolving  from  cen- 
sures, reserved  to  the  .sovereign  Poiitifl". 

AI.  Pictjuet  after  returning  fronj  France,  passed  several  years  in  Paris, 
but  a  portion  of  his  tinie  was  engaged  in  exercising  the  ministry  of  all 
the  suburbs,  where  the  archbishop  of  Paris  deemed  that  he  could  be 
most  useful.  His  alacrity  for  laiior  fixed  him  a  long  time  at  Mount 
Vallerien,  where  he  erected  a  parish  church. 

He  had  been  compelled  to  make  a  journey  to  sell  books,  which  the 
king  had  ))resented  him  in  17.')4,  which  had  survived  the  treatment  he 
had  ex|)erienced  in  Canada,  and  although  he  was  retluced  to  a  very 
small  patrimony,  he  failed  to  employ  his  activity  in  obta-ning  the 
recompenses  be  had  so  well  merited. 

Meanwhile  the  general  assembly  of  the  clergy  of  1765,  ofTeretl  him  a 
gratuity  of  twelve  hundred  livrcs,  and  charged  M.  the  archbishop  of 
Kheitns,  and  M.  the  archbishop  of  Aries,  to  solicit  for  hijn  a  recom- 
pense from  the  king. 

The  assembly  next  ensuing  in  1770,  gave  him  also  a  similar  gratiuty, 
but  his  departure  from  Paris  interrupted  the  success  of  the  hopes  whici( 
his  friends  had  entertained  of  the  recompenses  from  the  court. 

(i 


m 


.I'.i  ■ 


84 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


b 


In  1772,  he  wished  to  retire  to  Bresse,  wliere  a  numerous  family  de- 
aired  it,  and  urged  it  with  much  earnestiicss. 

He  afterwards  went  to  Verjon,  where  he  caused  to  be  built  a  house, 
witli  the  view  of  making  an  establishment  for  the  education  of  young 
people.  He  preached,  ho  catechised,  he  confessed,  and  his  zeal  was 
never  so  much  maniferted. 

The  chapter  of  Bourg,  decreed  him  the  title  ef  honorary  canon.  The 
ladies  de  la  Visitation,  asked  him  to  become  their  director,  and  they 
thus  attracted  him  to  the  capital  of  the  province. 

In  1777  he  made  a  journey  to  Rome,  where  his  reputation  had  preced- 
ed him,  and  where  the  Holy  Father  received  him  as  a  missionary  worthy 
of  being  held  dear  by  the  church,  and  presented  him  with  a  gratuity  of 
five  thoudand  livres  for  his  journey. 

They  there  made  the  ineffectual  endeavors  to  detain  him ;  he  returned 
to  Bresse,  and  carried  thither  relics  which  he  displayed  for  the  venera- 
tion of  the  tuithful,  in  the  collegiate  church  at  Bourg. 

The  reputation  of  the  Abbey  of  Cluny,  and  the  friendship  which  M. 
Picquet  felt  towards  one  of  his  nephews,  established  at  Cluny,  brought 
him  to  this  habitation,  so  celebrated  in  Christianity.  He  pinchased  for 
himself,  about  1779,  a  house  and  plat  of  land,  which  he  wished  to  im- 
prove, but  in  1781,  he  repaired  with  a  sister  to  Verjon,  for  the  settlement 
of  aftairs,  where  he  was  repeatedly  attacked  by  a;>  obstinate  cold,  and 
by  a  hemorrage,  which  reduced  him  considerably ;  and  also  by  a  kind  of 
dropsy;  lastly  a  hernior,  which  had  existed  a  long  time,  became  aggra- 
vated and  caused  his  death,  on  the  l.'ith  of  July,  1781. 

M.  Picquet  had  a  very  prepossessing  and  commanding  figure,  and  a 
countenance  open  and  engaging.  He  possestiied  a  gay  and  cheerful 
humor.  Notwithstanding  the  austerity  of  his  manners,  lie  exhibited 
nothing  but  gaiety,  which  he  turned  to  account  in  his  designs.  He  was 
a  theologian,  an  orator,  and  a  poet,  be  sung  and  composed  songs  in 
French,  as  well  as  in  Iroquois,  with  which  he  interested  and  annised  the 
savages.  He  was  a  child  with  one,  and  a  hero  with  others.  His  me- 
chanical ingenuity  was  often  admired  by  the  natives.  In  short,  he  re- 
sorted to  every  means  to  attract  proselytes,  and  to  attach  them  to  him, 
and  he  accordingly  had  all  the  success  which  can  reward  industry, 
talents,  and  zeal. 

It  is  thus  I  havc  thought  best  to  make  known  a  compatriot  and  a 
friend,  '\orthy  of  being  offered,  as  an  example  to  incite  those  who  are 
burning  with  zeal  for  religion  and  for  their  country. 

Picquet  was  as  much  an  object  of  nbhorronc  by  tile  Knglish,  as  he  was 
of  esteem  by  the  French,  a  very  natural  result  from  the  active  partizan 
spirit  which  he  evinced,  and  the  zeal  and  success  with  which  he  j)rose- 
cnted  his  plans  for  the  aggrandizement  of  his  faith,  and  his  allegiance, 
which  appear  to  Imve  been  equally  the  object  of  his  ambition,  and  the  aim 
and  end  of  his  life.  Having  given  in  the  above  biographical  notice  his 
memoirs  drawn  u[)  in  that  florid  style  of  paneygric,  so  common  with  the 
people  and  the  age  in  which  it  wis  written,  we  will  (juote  from  an  Eng- 
lish historian  of  the  French  war.  fThos.  Mante,  in  a  work  entitled  The 
History  of  the  Late  War  in  America,  London,  1772,  quarto,  page  231. \ 
It  is  probably  as  much  biased  by  prejudice,  as  the  other  by  partiality. 

"As  to  the  Abb^  Picquet,  who  distinguished  himself  so  much  by  his 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


85 


liriital  zeal,  ns  ho  did  not  expose  fiitnseir  to  nny  danger,  lie  received  no 
injury;  und  he  yrt  lives,  justly  despised  to  such  a  degree  by  every  one 
who  knows  nny  thing  of  his  past  conduct  in  America,  that  scarce  any 
officer  will  admit  him  to  his  table. 

However  repugnant  it  must  be  to  every  idea  of  honor  and  humanity, 
not  to  give  quarter  to  an  enemy  when  subdued,  it  must  be  infinitely  more 
so,  not  to  Sparc  women  and  children.  Yet  such  had  often  been  the  ob- 
jects of  the  AIiIm*  Picquet's  cruel  advice,  enforced  by  the  most  barbarous 
examples,  especially  in  the  Englisli  settlements  on  the  back  of  Virginia 
and  Pennsylvania." 

To  adopt  either  of  these  as  a  true  account  of  the  character  of  Picquet, 
would  be  equally  unjust.  Now  that  the  times  and  circumstances  in  which 
ho  lived,  have  both  passed  away,  and  even  the  consequences  resulting  from 
his  actions,  have  ceased  to  exist,  we  may  perhaps  from  the  data  before  us, 
in  view  of  the  times  and  the  circumstances  in  which  he  acted,  deduce  the 
following  conclusion : 

That  he  was  actuated  by  a  controlling  belief  of  the  importance  and 
the  truth  of  the  religion  which  belabored  with  such  zeal  to  establish,  and 
that  this  was  the  ruling  passion  of  his  life.  That  his  energy  and  ability 
for  tiie  promotion  of  this  object,  at  times  led  liim  to  disregard  the  common 
claims  of  hutnanity,  and  to  the  perfortnauce  of  acts  derogatory  to  our 
natine,  and  abhorred  by  civilized  man. 

That  he  evinced  a  capacity  for  the  transaction  of  business  and  the  pro- 
motion of  tiie  interests  of  his  government,  highly  creditable  to  his  charac- 
ter, and  such  ns  to  entitle  him  to  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held  by 
tiiose  in  authority;  and  tluit  especially  in  the  selection  of  a  loccttion  for  a 
ne ,'/  settlement,  which  was  the  great  act  of  his  life,  he  proved  himself  the 
jtosscssor  of  a  sound  mind,  and  a  capacity  for  judiciously  combining  and 
comparing,  the  [nobable  eflfects  of  causes,  which  must  have  made  a  pro- 
minent station  of  the  post  he  selected. 

The  pro|)hecy  that  a  beautiful  town  might  hereafter  he  built  on  the  ele- 
vated jtlain  opposite  his  fort,  has  been  fully  realized  in  the  present  village 
of  Ogdenshurgh,  which  the  combination  of  favorable  causes  now  exist- 
innr,  is  destined  soon  to  give  a  rank  second  to  but  few  on  our  iidand 
waters. 

The  portrait  of  Picquet  is  prese,  zed  at  the  Sulpician  Mission  of  the 
Lake  nf  1  >  Mountains,  the  scene  of  his  early  labors,  and  first  success 
as  n  missionary.  Picquet  was  succeeded  in  the  mission  of  La  Presenta- 
tion, by  Le  Garde,  a  Sulpician,  concerning  whom  the  author  has  been  un- 
able to  learn  any  |)nrticulars. 

A  French  writer,whose  initials  oidy  are  given,  (S —  do  C— )  has  left  a 
memoir  upon  the  war  in  Canada,  and  the  afiliirs  of  that  province  from 
174!)  till  17G0,  which  was  published  under  the  direction  of  the  Literary 


4i^iV 


m  ^ 


86 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


'!<■'  4 


4,  :  il 

1 : 1 

'i  ■fj 

m 

i .  '■- 


r>' 


I'll 


l^'  ■ 


19 


and  Historical  Society  of  Quebec,  in  1835,  and  which  makes  frequent 
mention  of  the  post  at  Oswegatchie.  From  this  work  we  will  translate 
a  few  extracts. 

The  rancor  with  which  he  assails  Picquet,  almost  leads  us  to  believe 
that  h  ..  .;>8  actuated  by  a  personal  enmity,  although  it  appears  not  to  have 
been  limited  to  this  missionary,  but  to  have  been  directed  towards  the 
religious  establishments  of  the  country  in  general. 

We  shall  endeavor  to  preserve  the  spirit  of  the  original,  in  our  trans- 
lation. We  are  thus  furnished  with  two  versions  of  the  conduct  of 
Picquet;  and  prevented  from  being  misled  by  an  ex-parte  narrative,  like 
that  which  Lalande  the  astronomer,  has  given  us. 

"  Thus  M.  de  la  Jonquiere,  persuaded  that  peace  could  not  long  con- 
tinue, labored  to  inspire  the  savages  with  a  hatred  to  the  English;  and 
especially  endeavored  to  attach  the  five  nations  or  Iroquois.  These 
people  had  been  alwoys  distinguished  by  their  bravery;  the  French  hud 
waged  with  them  long  and  cruel  wars',  and  the  inhabitants  had  been 
compelled  to  labor  arms  in  hand,  as  we  see  in  the  history  ot^Charlevoix, 
a  Jesuit,  who  has  written  an  ecclesinslicnl  history  of  this  country. 

This  nation  is  divided  into  five  brandies,  named  the  Onontagues,  the 
Goyoguins,  the  Stonnontowans,  [Senecas,]  the  Anniers,  [Mohawks,]  and 
the  domiciliated  tribes. 

The  Onoudagas  dwell  upon  a  lake,  at  no  great  distance  from  the 
Mohawk  river,  in  a  fertile  country,  and  the  English  pretend  that  it  be- 
longs to  them.  The  Goyogowins,  and  the  Stonnontowans,  are  a  little 
beyond  in  the  same  direction,  and  approaching  Niagara,  The  Anniers 
dwell  upon  the  river  Mohawk,  not  far  from  a  (Iwelling  belonging  to  Mr. 
Johnson,  an  English  officer,  who  understands  the  Iiulian  language,  and 
has  been  very  active  during  this  war.  Thd  others  reside  at  the  Saut  St. 
Louis,  three  leagues  from  Montreal ;  some  at  a  place  called  la  Presenta- 
tion, and  some  at  the  lake  of  Two  Mountains, 

The  general  can  well  rely  upon  the  fidelity  of  those  who  dwell  near 
him,  but  it  is  not  so  of  the  others.  Their  cantons  situated  as  we  have 
seen,  above,  furnish  in  one  way  and  another,  difiiculties  not  easy  to 
surmount. 

M.  the  Abbe  Picquet,  priest  of  the  Seminary  of  St.  Sulpice,  was  to 
this  canton,  what  the  Abbe  de  Laloutre,  was  to  Acadia.  He  had  as 
much  ambition  as  he  had,  but  he  turned  it  to  a  different  account.*  He 
understood  the  Iroquois  language,  and  this  gave  him  a  groat  advantage, 
and  enabled  him  to  put  on  foot  the  negotiations  which  he  wished  with 
the  five  nations,  to  draw  them  to  our  cause,  and  engage  them  to  come 
and  dwell  with  us.  This  Abbe,  who  could  not  endure  the  restraint  of 
the  seminary,  was  very  willing  to  seize  an  occasion  like  that  which 
offered,  of  freeing  himself,  and  of  forming  a  community  over  which  he 
might  rule  and  reign.  He  labored  to  decoy  the  five  nations,  and  to  form 
upon  the  River  Cataraqui,  or  Frontenac,  above  the  rapids,  a  village. 

The  place  which  he  selected  for  his  establishment,  announced  his 
little  genius,  and  caused  the  fort  which  he  had  built  to  be  called  Picket's 
Folly;  as  for  himself  he  called  it  la  Presentation,  of  which  we  here 
insert  a  plan. 

•  Hocquart  hu«  given  him  tlie  title  of  the  Apostle  of  th$  Iroquois,  and  the  English  called 
him  the  Jesuit  nf  tht  West.—[!fote  in  the  original.] 


\ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


87 


When  the  Abb*':  Picquet  had  assembled  some  families,  he  talked  of 
building  a  fort,  under  the  pretext  of  protecting  them,  and  they  sent  him 
a  Conuiiundant,  and  a  magazine  guai'd,  and  enjoined  it  upon  the  com- 
maiidarit,  to  have  much  regard  for  the  Abbe,  and  placed  him,  so  to  speak, 
under  his  tutelage,  and  gave  full  permission  to  this  priest  to  conduct  and 
udniinister  the  magazines;  in  short  everything  was  under  his  orders. 

'JMiis  priest  meanwhile  did  not  i)ro6per  much,  and  it  was  felt  that  there 
was  great  ditiiculty  iu  inducing  the  Iro(|uois  to  leave  a  fat  and  fertile 
country,  to  come  and  fix  themselves  upon  an  uncultivated  tract,  and  to 
beg  for  their  life  of  a  priest.  It  was  for  this  reason  that  do  la  Jonqni^re 
the  elder,  was  sent  to  go  and  remain  among  them,  and  in  the  village 
which  he  might  deem  the  most  convenient  for  his  negotiations,  and  they 
gave  him  a  brevet  of  captain,  without  a  company,  to  the  end  that  he 
might  not  be  disturbed  in  his  residence,  on  account  of  his  services. 

There  could  not  have  been  chosen  a  more  suitable  person  to  remain 
with  them.  He  understood  their  language  perfect.'y,  and  for  a  long  time 
had  lived  among  them,  as  one  of  their  number,  and  although  he  had 
been  married  in  Canada,  he  had  among  the  Iroquois  many  children;  and 
in  short,  he  had  been  as  it  were,  adopted  among  them,  and  was  regarded 
as  one  of  their  nation. 

He  had  his  cabin.  His  instructions  were  to  second  the  Abl)e  Picquet, 
in  his  project,  and  above  ail  to  induce  the  Mohawks  to  leave  entirely, 
tiie  vicinity  of  the  English,  and  to  offer  them  such  inducements,  and 
advantages  as  they  desired,  to  make  them  almndon  their  settlements« 
and  come  and  live  with  us.  If  indeed  he  had  been  able  to  succeed  iu 
this,  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  remainder  of  the  five  nations  would 
have  followed  their  example.  They  alone  were  directly  attached  to  the 
English,  who  had  all  along  preserved  in  them  a  hostility  to  our  nation. 
But  Mr.  Johnson,  who  was  not  ignorant  of  the  designs  of  the  French, 
laboured  on  the  contrary,  to  maintain  them  in  the  alliance  of  his  nation. 

The  Jesuits  who  had  always  sought  their  own  aggrandizement,  under 
the  pious  pretext  of  instructing  the  people,  had  not  failed  to  seek  to  et^ 
tablish  tlieinselves  in  Canada. 

Wishing  to  remain  the  sole  masters  they  crossed,  as  much  as  possible, 
the  RecoUets  in  their  j)rojects  of  returning  to  the  country,  after  the 
English  had  restored  Canada,  [in  the  treaty  of  St.  Germain  in  1632.]  From 
the  earliest  times  that  these  fathers,  (the  Jesuits,)  were  established  in  the 
country,  they  detached  some  of  their  number,  to  go  and  preach  the  gos- 
pel to  the  savages.  They  followed  them  in  their  marches,  but  wearied 
with  their  wandering  life,  which  agreed  not  with  their  designs,  which 
they  had  to  accumulate  large  properties,  they  took  great  care  to  endea- 
vor to  establish  their  neophytes,  without  embarrassing  themselves  by 
those  whom  they  abandoned. 

They  made  great  account  of  their  zeal  at  ti.^  court,  and  showed  large 
numbers  of  converts,  and  under  the  specious  pretext  of  uniting  them, 
to  civilize  them,*  they  demanded  concessions  of  lands,  and  pensions. 
The  court  persuaded  of  the  jusiice  of  their  demiuids,  accorded  both  the 
one  and  the  other. 

It  was  thus  that  they  acquired  the  Seigniories  of  Charlesbourg;  New 
and  Old  Lorette;  Rustican,  and  the  Prairie  de  la  Magdeliene,  and  others, 
which  arc  very  well  established,  and  of  considerable  repute.  These 
concessions  were  given  them  under  the  titles  of  Seigneurie  et  ventes. 
(lods  et  ventea.)    *    *    * 

»Tlic  nutlior  in  tlie  M.SS.  iieillicr  renders  justice  to  llie  inoiivc.-'j  nur  the  uuniluul,  of  th« 
Jesuit*.— [.\o/«  in  Ike  oiiginal.  ] 


J*" 


'I  /  r 


88 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


',. 


1     ' 


M 


'  If 


5  t 


'I        . 


.1 

1 


Tlie  village  of  the  Sunt  St.  Louis,  is  situated  upon  the  south  bnnk  of 
the  river  St.  Lawrence,  three  !eiij,'ues  above  Montreal.  It  is  inhabited  by 
b'oquois.  The  Jesuits  have  there  a  very  fine  and  riourishinn:  mission. 
1''ather  Tournois  governs  this  mission,  and  like  a  f^ood  Jesuit,  puts  the 
profit  to  hisowji  interest,  and  that  of  his  order.  Tiiis  seifjniory  has  been 
directly  assigned  to  the  lroi{uois;  but  the  Jesuits  had  obtained  subse- 
quently to  the  Indians,  a  title  ot'  concession  under  the  pr<!teiise  of  pre- 
venting the  savajr(;s  from  going  to  Montreal  to  buy  merchandize,  where 
Itrandy  was  ofien  given  them,  and  to  prevent  tiiem  from  drinking  this 
li(pior." 

Wo  lind  among  tiie  IJradstreet  and  Andierst  MSS.  (State  Library,j  a 
conmnmication  from  the  former,  dated  at  Schenectady,  Dec.  L5,  1775,  in 
which  he  complains  of  the  danger  there  will  be  of  depending  upon  the 
interest  which  Sir  William  Johnson  was  cx|)ected  to  secure,  with  the 
aid  of  £5000  sterling  which  had  been  given  him  in  the  spring  of  that 
year  to  be  laid  out  among  the  six  nations,  exclusive  of  those  who  had 
settled  at  Swegache.  He  complains  of  this  as  very  unwise  because 
these  Indians  were  in  the  frequent  practice  of  visiting  their  relatives  and 
urging  them  to  espouse  the  cause  of  the  French.  The  consequence 
was  that  great  numbers  who  had  early  in  the  season  been  favorably 
inclined,  became  settled  in  their  attachment  to  the  enemies  of  the 
English. 

The  scalping  parties  fitted  out  at  la  Presentation,  which  proved  so 
harrassing  to  the  English  settlements  along  the  Mohawk  river,  and  the 
frontier  of  New  York  during  the  year  1758-9,  at  length  led  to  an 
attemj)!  by  Brigadier  General  Gage,  in  iB^,  to  put  a  stop  to  these  out-  {7^ 
rages,  by  crushing  the  fortress  from  whence  they  issued. 

This  General  had  been  instructed  "  in  case  Niagara  should  be  reduced, 
to  take  post  immediately  at  a  place  called  by  the  French  la  Galette, 
near  the  entrance  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  as  soon  as  General 
Amherst  was  informed  of  the  above  event,  he  sent  Major  Cliristie  to 
Brigadier  Gage  to  enforce  those  orders,  as  by  that  means  the  English  on 
the  Mohawk  river,  would  be  as  effectually  fi-ee  from  the  inrords  of  the 
enemy's  scalping  parties,  and  be  enabled  to  live  in  as  much  security  as 
the  inhabitants  of  any  part  of  the  country,  between  Crown  Point  and 
New  York;  had  already  been.  But  however  necessary  it  might  be  to 
take  possession  of  this  post,  the  difiiculties  vvhicii  would  attend  the  doins: 
of  it,  appeared  to  Brigadier  Gage  so  great,  that  he  thought  proper  to 
make  the  General  accpiainted  with  them,  and  in  the  mean  time  defer  the 
execution  of  his  orders  to  a  more  favorable  opportunity. 

As  the  General  deemed  the  post  an  object  of  the  first  consequence,  he 
was  greatly  chagrined  at  the  account  from  Brigadier  Gage,  especially  as 
the  season  woidd  be  too  fur  advanced  before  his  orders,  if  he  renewed 


.■Ifl'l 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


89 


theiri,  could  reach  Brigadier  Gage,  for  the  Brigadier  to  execute  them,  ho, 
therefore  was  obliged  to  ))ostpono  this  necessary  business  to  another 
campaign.* 

Thi)  French  fortress  at  Quebec,  was  reduced  by  the  Englisii  army 
under  tiie  coniniand  of  General  Wolfe,  in  175!). 

The  various  French  posts  in  the  interior,  still  reniiunei],  and  to  com- 
plete the  conquest  three  expeditions  were  fitted  out  early  in  the  season 
of  17()0.  One  of  these  ascended  the  St.  Lawrence  from  Quebec,  another 
jtrocueded  towards  Montreal  by  way  of  Lake  Champlaui,  and  the  third, 
under  Sir  Jeifery  Amherst,  jiroceeded  by  way  of  Oswego,  and  down  the 
St.  Lawrence,  oufouiitering  in  its  way  the  strong  fortress  on  Isle  Royal 
wliicli  he  reduced.  The  details  of  this  event,  as  related  by  Mante,  the 
liistorian  ol'  that  war,  are  here  given.     (P.  300.) 


oved  so 
ind  the 
1  to  an 
ese  out-  |7Sl 


"  The  necessary  preparations  having  been  made  to  bring  the  whole 
power  of  the  Britisli  forces  in  North  America  against  Montreal,  in  order 
to  finish  by  its  reduction  the  war  in  this  part  of  the  world;  and  the 
season  being  sufficiently  advanced  to  enable  Sir  JefFery  Amherst,  the 
commander-in-ciiief,  to  commence  his  part  of  the  operations,  he  em- 
barked at  New  York  on  the  3d  of  May,  and  proceeded  to  Schenectady. 
From  thenc(3  with  a  part  of  his  army,  he  pursued  his  route  to  Osw-.-go, 
where  lie  encamped  on  the  9th  of  July.  The  remainder  he  ordered  to 
lollow  with  tiie  greatest  diligence,  under  the  command  of  Brigadier  Gage. 
On  the  14th  two  vessels  hove  in  sight  on  Lake  Ontario,  which  proving  to 
be  those  that  had  been  fitted  out  at  Niagara,  under  the  command  of  Cap- 
tain Loriiig,  boats  were  immediately  dispatched  to  him,  with  orders  to 
look  out  for,  and  attack  the  French  vessels  cruising  on  the  lake.  On  the 
yOth,  two  more  vessels  ap[)eared,  and  proving  to  be  the  French  vessels 
wliiili  had  escaped  Captain  Loring's  vigdance,  a  small  boat  was  imme- 
diately dispatched  to  cruise  for  him,  with  an  account  of  this  discovery; 
and,  at  the  same  time,  to  prevent  his  being  obliged  to  return  to  Oswego, 
for  want  of  [trovisions,  the  General  ordered  Captain  Willyamoz,  with  a 
detachment  of  one  hundred  and  thirty  men,  in  twelve  boats,  to  take  post 
on  tiie  Isle-Aux-Iroquois,  and  supply  Captain  Loring  with  everything  he 
might  want.  On  the  2^d,  Brigadier  Gn^e  arrived  with  the  rear  of  the 
army:  as  did  Sir  William  lohnson  on  the  23d,  with  a  party  of  Indians. 

On  the  'i4th,  the  General  received  intelligence,  that  the  French  vessels 
had  escaped  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  that  Captain  Loring  was 
returning  with  the  Onon<laga,  and  the  Mohawk,  of  eighteen  six  pounders. 

On  the  firth  of  August,  the  General  ordered  the  army  to  be  in  readi- 
ness to  embark.     It  consisted  of  the  following  troops  : 

'i'he  first  and  second  battalion  of  Uoyal  Highlanders. 

Forty-fourth  regiment. 

Fortv-sixth. 

I''itty-fifih, 

Fourtii  baitalion  of  the  sixtieth,      f   •■■■'■     i  ■..xi-i.<w:ti.A,* 

Kiglit  com[)aiiies  of  the  seventy- seventh. 

Five  of  the  eightietli. 

Five  hundred  and  tnnety-seven  grenadiers. 

One  hundred  and  Ibrty-six  rangers. 

*  History  of  the  lale  war  in  North  America,  by  Thomas  Maiito,  p  '<!17. 


'I 


14.:: 


m^  >  • 


l:t 


90 


HISTCmV    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


Tlirco  Imttalioiis  of  the  New  York  regiiiieiit. 
Now  Jersey  regiiiieiit. 

Four  battalions  of  tho  Connecticut  rei,'iiriont,  and  one  liundrcd  nnil 
sixty-seven  of  tlic  Royal  Artilk'ry,  anionntinj^  in  the  wiiole,  to  ten  thon- 
Bund  one  iiundred  and  forty-two  elfcetive  men,  olficers  included. 

The  Indians  under  Sir  William  Johnson,  weri^  seven  hundred  and  six. 
On  the  7th  Ca])tain  LorinjL,'  sailed  with  his  two  vessels,  and  imme- 
diately after,  the  first  battalion  of  Hoyal  Ilif^hlanders,  the  "grenadiers  of  the 
army,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  IVIusst^v,  with  Ca]ttuin  Camp- 
bell, of  the  forty  second  to  assist  him  as  ftlajor;  the  liffht  intimtry,  eom- 
mandedby  Lieutenant  Colonel  Andierst,  with  Captain  Deiancey  as  Major 
to  assist  him,  with  Ogden'sand  Whyte's  companies  of  rangers,  the  whole 
under  the  command  of  Colonel  lluldininu,  embarked  and  saihul  to  take 
post  at  the  entrance  of  the  river  tr^t.  Lawrence. 

On  the  lOtli,  the  general  liimself  embarked,  with  the  Royal  Artillery, 
the  regulars.  Sir  William  Johnson  and  a  ])art  of  his  Indians,  in  boats 
and  whale  boats:  hut,  the  wind   bijing  vciy   high,  and  the   water  of  the 
lake  very  rough,  they  wt^re  lisreed  to  make*  lor  a  small  creek,  at  whose 
entrance  there  is  a  very  ilangerous  bar,  oii   wiiich  one  of  the  tirtillery 
boats  was  lost.     The  next  day,  the  weather  being  a  little  more  moderate, 
the  General  at  noon,  proceculed  tor  the  river  ile  la  Motte,  and  on  the 
12th  was  joined    by   Rrigadier  (iage,  with  the  provincials   In   a   bay, 
where   the  enemy    iiad    lately    encamped.      On   the    lUth   the    whole 
embarked,  and    that    very    day    encamped    with    Colonel    Ualdiman, 
at  the  post  which  he  had  taken  at  the  head  of  the  River  St.   Law- 
rence.     Captain    Loring,  with   his   two  vessels,  having  mistaken  the 
channel   tiom  the  lake  to   the  River  St.  Lawrence,  the  army  passed 
him,  while  he  wiis  endeavoring  to  extricate  hiinself.     On  the   Kith,  the 
I'whole  army   gained  Point  de  Baril,  in  the  neighborhood  of  the    i)ost 
.'  called   La-Gallette,  which  Brigadier  Gage  was  ordered  to  destroy  the 
;  preceding  year.     Here  the  enemy  had  a  very  good  dock,  in  which  they 
'  built  their  vessels. 

The  grenadiers  and  light  intantry,  with  the  row-gallies,  took  post  tliat 
day,  without  halting,  at  Oswegatcliie,  a  tew  miles  below  Point  an  Baril. 
*  All  this  while,  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  kept  hovering  about  the 
army;  and  as  Captain  Loring  had  not  yet  got  into  the  right  channel,  it 
became  necessary,  tiir  the  satety  of  tho  army,  either  to  compel  this  vessel 
to  retire,  or  to  take  her. 

The  General  was  tlieretore  obliged  to  order  Colonel  W  Mlianison,  with 
the  row-gallies  well  manned,  to  do  one  or  the  other.  On  the  17th,  the 
gullies  advanced  with  the  ntmf)st  intrepidity,  niuler  a  heavy  tire  from  the 
enemy;  but  it  did  not  in  the  least  dampen  the  ardor  of  the  assailants; 
their  lire  was  returned  with  such  resolution  and  bravery,  that  alter  a 
severe  contest  of  almost  four  hours,  the  French  vessel  struck  her  colors. 
She  mounted  ten  twelve-pounders,  and  had  on  board  one  hundred  men, 
twelve  of  whom  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  general  immediately 
named  the  vessaj  the  Williamson,  in  honor  of  the  Colonel,  aiul  to  |)er- 
petuate  the  memory  of  so  gallant  an  action.  The  same  day  tlie  army 
proceeded  to  Oswegatcliie,  liom  whence  it  was  necessary  to  reconnoitre 
isle-Royal,  so  tliat  it  was  noon  the  next  day  before  the  army  could 
proceed. 

Fort  Levi  stood  on  this  island,  which  was  otherwise  strongly  fortified. 
Though  the  reduction  of  Fort  Levi  could  be  of  little  service,  merely  as 
a  tort,  yet  it  was  certainly  of  too  much  consequence  t)  be  left  in  the 
rear  of  an  army;  besides,  the  mimber  of  pilots,  perfectly  acquainted 
with  the  navigation  of  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  wliicli  the  making  of  the 


AND   FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


91 


garrison  prisoners  would  iifFord,  vvns  uione  u  sntficient  motive  for  attack- 
injr  it.  It  was  tliureforo  investod  tiiat  very  oveninj,'.  Wiiilst  the  En^i^liHti 
were  imssinjrtlie  point,  tiie  I'rencli  kejit  npa  very  smart  cunno!iado  upon 
them,  and  destoyed  one  of  the  row-bullies,  ami  a  few  boats,  and  killed 
two  or  three  meii;  hut  notwithstanding  this  lire,  and  an  uninterrupted 
continuanee  of  it,  the  Ibrt  was  so  comiiletely  invested  hy  the  yOth,  by  the 
muHterly  disposition  of  the  troops,  as  to  make  it  impossible  Ibr  the  garri- 
son to  escape. 

Captain  Loring  had  arrived  the  day  before,  with  his  two  vessels,  and 
the  Williamson  brig,  and  the  butteries  being  now  ready,  the  general,  on 
the  'M](\,  determined  to  assuidt  the  fort,  that  as  little  time  as  possihlo 
might  be  wasted  on  it.  lie  tlierefore  ordered  the  vessels  to  tiill  down 
the  stream,  |>ost  themselves  aseioso  to  the  fort  as  |)ossible,  and  man  their 
tojjs  well,  in  ordi-r  to  tall  upon  the  enemy,  and  pr«.'vent  tiieir  making  use 
of  tlicir  gnns;  whilst  the  grenadiers  rowed  in  witii  their  broadswords 
and  tomahawks,  liicines  ami  sealing  ladders,  under  eover  of  three  hundred 
of  the  light  iiitiintry,  who  were  to  tire  into  the  endtrasnres. 

The  grenadiers  received  their  orders  with  a  idieerlidness  that  might 
be  regarded  as  a  sure  omen  of  success;  anil  with  their  usual  alacrity, 
prepared  Ibr  the  attack,  waiting  in  their  shirts  till  the  ships  could  take 
their  proper  stations. 

This  the  Williamson  brig,  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Sinclair,  and 
the  Mohawk,  by  Lieutenant  Vhipps,  soon  did ;  and  both  sustained  and 
returned  a  very  heavy  lire.  Hut  the  Onorulaga,  in  which  was  Captain 
Loring,  by  some  extraordinary  blunder,  ran  a-ground.  The  enetny  dis- 
covering his  distress,  jilied  her  with  such  unceasing  showers  of  great 
and  small  arms,  that  Captain  Loring  thought  projier  to  strike  his  colors, 
and  sent  Thornton,  his  master,  on  shore,  to  the  enemy,  who  endeavored 
to  tuke  possession  of  the  vessel ;  but  by  Colonel  Williamson's  observing 
it,  he  turned  upon  them  a  battery,  which  obliged  them  to  desist  from 
the  iiuilertaking.  The  General  then  ordered  Lieutenant  Sinclair  from 
the  Williamson  brig,  and  l^ieutcnant  Pennington,  with  two  detachments 
of  grenadiers  under  their  command,  to  take  possession  of  the  Onondaga, 
and  they  obeyed  their  orders  with  such  tmdaunted  resolution,  that  the 
English  colors  were  again  hoisted  on  board  of  her.  Jiut  the  vessel  after 
all,  could  not  he  got  off,  and  was  therelbre  abandoned  about  midnight. 
The  English  batteries,  however,  put  a  stop  to  any  further  attempt  of  the 
enemy  to  board  her.  Captain  Loring  being  wounded,  was  in  the  mean 
time  sent  ashore.  This  accident  of  the  Onondaga's  running  aground, 
obliged  the  General  to  deier  lor  the  jjresent  his  |)lan  of  assault,  but  this 
delay  proved  rather  a  fortunate  event,  as  it  saved  a  good  deal  of  blood, 
for  on  the  "i.5th,  IM.  Pouchet,  the  conmiandant,  beaf  a  parley,  demanding 
what  tc3rms  he  might  expect;  to  which  no  answer  was  returned,  but  that 
the  fort  must  be  immediately  given  up,  and  the  garrison  surremiered 
prisoners  of  war,  and  hut  ten  minutes  were  given  Ibr  a  reply.  These 
terms  where  received  within  the  ten  minutes:  and  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Maasey,  with  the  grenadiers,  innnediately  took  possession  of  the  })lace. 

The  loss  of  the  English  before  it,  was  twenty-one  killed,  and  nineteen 
wounded.  The  first  shot  from  the  English  battery  killed  the  French 
oHicer  of  artillery.  Eleven  more  were  killed  afterwards,  and  about  forty 
wounded.  The  garrison,  and  all  of  the  pilots,  Ibr  the  sake  of  whom  chiefly 
the  place  had  been  attacked,  were  sent  to  New  York;  and  the  General 
named  the  fbrt.  Fort  William  Augustus. 

On  the  surrender  of  Fort  Levi,  the  Indians  following  the  English  army, 
prepared  agreeably  to  their  bloody  custom,  when  at  war,  to  enter  the  fort 
in  order  to  tomahawk. and  niussacre  the  garrison.  But  General  Amherst, 


iili' 


1         ! 


n-t:- 


93 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


i  t 


W'-''^: 


m 


hoitij?  np|)riHe(l  oftlioir  iiilciitioiiH,  iiiiiiiudiiitiilyHuiit  onlorn  to  Hir  William 
J(>llrl^«lM,  to  iici'Hiiado  tliiMii  if  poXMililo,  to  tlesiHt,  (li'clariii;^  at  the  HUiiie 
tiiMO,  tliat,  iC  they  oflifrtMl  to  enter  the  fort,  he  would  <!oiri|»el  thoiii  to 
retire.  'I'iio  stores  he  promise'!  HJioiild  l)e  delivered  to  them,  im  his  army 
was  not  in  want  of  what  few  hlaiikets  mi;(iit  he  lixnid  tlu>re;  this  meu- 
sa^!  had  its  ilesired  (;trect.  The  Indians  though  with  ^reat  apparent 
relnctance,  and  ill  humor,  were  prevailed  on  to  retnrn  to  their  camp; 
however,  their  resentment  increased  to  such  a  <lef,'ree,  that  Sir  William 
Johnson  intitrmed  the  Genitral,  he  was  apprehensive  they  woidd  (jnit  the 
army,  anil  retio'ii  to  llieir  resjieclive  vi'lajri'S  and  caslles.  Tiu!  (leneral 
I'eplii'd  :  "  'I'liat  he  lielieved  his  army  fidly  siillicient  lor  th(?  service  he  was 
;.'oin<;  upon,  without  tht^ir  assistance;  that, thou<;li  he  wished  to  |)rcserve 
their  frituidship,  Ik;  could  not  pnnail  on  himself  to  purchast;  it  at  tlie 
expiMise  of  couMienancin;.'  the  horrid  Imrharities  timy  wanted  to  p;'rpe- 
trate;  and  added,  that,  if  they  ipiitted  the  army,  and  on  their  return 
shoidd  commit  any  acts  of  cruelty,  he  should  assuredly  chnstise  them." 
rponthis  most  ot  these  (rreaturcs,  who  amounted  to  about  seven  hmidrt^d, 
aliandoned  Sir  William  Johnsuu,  and  nitnrned  to  their  respectiv)>^illages 
ami  casllt^s,  hut  without  committinir  the  least  violence;  the  taithful  ti-vv, 
in  iiiMuli'' '  ahout  one  hundred  and  seventy,  who  continued  with  the 
army,  were  alterwards  distin<;uished  hy  UM^Ials,  which  the  (ieneral  gave 
them,  that  they  might  lie  known  at  the  llnglisli  posts,  .md  r(;cei\e  the 
civil  treatment  their  humanity,  and  their  att'ection  for  the  English  entitled 
them  to 

If  the  French  plan  of  policy  had  admitted  of  similar  exertions  of  hu- 
manity towards  their  prisoners,  there  is  no  doubt  but  they  might  therel>y 
have  eipially  prevented  the  commission  of  acts,  wlfich,  even  had  they  con- 
quered, would  have  been  sufficient  to  sully  the  glory  of  their  greatest 
achievements. 

'fill  the  .'{Otli,  th(!  army  was  employed  in  leveling  the  batteries,  and  re- 
pairing boats  and  rafts  lor  the  artillery,  which  was  now  endiarkc-d  with 
tin?  ntjcessary  stines;  and  on  the  JHst,  the  General,  with  the  tirst  division 
of  the  army,  consisting  ot'  tin;  artillery,  the  grenadiers,  and  the  light  in- 
timtry,  the;  44ih  and  .'ioth  regiments,  the  4tli  battalion  of  Royal  Americans, 
and  three  regiments  of  provincials,  endiarked  about  noon,  and  in  the 
evening  reached  the  Isle-Aux-(/hats,  [opposite  Louisville  landing,]  having 
passed  the  tirst  rapids.  On  the  Ist  of  September,  they  proceeded  about 
ten  miles  further,  and  encamped.  On  the  'M,  Brigadier  Gage,  with  the 
othtM'  division,  joined  the  General,  having  lost  three  Highlanders,  in  going 
over  the  Falls.  'J'he  whole  now  ])roceeded  together,  entereil  Lake  St. 
Francis,  and  that  very  evening  reached  I'ointe-Aux-Boudets,  where,  the 
weather  being  extremely  bad,  the  General  halted.  On  the  ^d,  a  prisoner 
was  brought  in,  who  gave  intelligence  that  Colonel  Haviland  had  taken 
possession  of  the  Isle-Aux-i\'oix,  the  enemy  having  abandoned  it  on  his 
approach. 

Tlu!  navigation  of  ihe  River  St.  Lawrence,  is,  in  this  place,  perhaps, 
the  most  intricate  and  dangerous  ot' any  actually  used  in  North  America, 
without  the  assistance  of  pilots aciMistomed  to  the  Icrcejind  direction  of 
its  various  edilies.  Though  the  French  have  been  constantly  going  up 
and  down  the  :  iver  ever  since  their  possession  of  Canada,  (ieneral  Am- 
herst's attempt  lo  navigate  it  in  the  manner  he  did,  was  judged  impracti- 
cable. No  .louoi,  ''le  route  by  I„iike  George  and  LukeChamplain,  might 
have  been  the  easiiist  to  penetrate  by  into  Canada;  but  this  by  the 
IMohawk  River,  Oswego,  and  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  openeil  a  passage 
which  had  .us  yet,  been  unexplored  by  the  English,  anil  ell'ectually  (Je- 
prived  the  French  of  the  opportunity  ol"  currying  on  the  war  unotlier  catn- 


■  !' 


AND    KUAN  KLIN    COUNTIES. 


93 


imijrii,  l)y  nitroatiiiff  to  their  iiiicoiHinerod  j)OHt8  nt  Detroit,  niul  «!l«owhfro 
to  tilt'  Hdiitli.  'I'lioHu  wiio  (Iceland  tlif  riviT  iiiipraclicahio  to  tin;  Ki'iiliNlt, 
);roiin(lcil  llitiir  o|iihioM  on  liic  iiiiHiicci'sstnliic.«s  ol'  llin  attfiiipr  ,iiini(!  on 
I,a  (lalctio,  till)  iircfcdinff  yeur,  by  (Jcnnal  iitiu*",  not  coiiwiil'iiii!,'  tlio 
{JitUmMico  hctwocn  a  t'f(;i)lo  iiirsolntu  etlort,  and  n  Mtrong  dcteiniiiMil 
Htroku. 

'I'lio  pilots  takon  at  T'oit  Levi,  contiiliiitcd  niiicli  to  tlio  safety  of  the 
artny  in  tliis  navijratioM;  or,  it  wonid  have  Itct-n  fcjiially  tcdionw. 

'liic  chief  art  of  ;reltintr  throii^'h  tliese  rapids  with  a  iitnid)er  of  hoats, 
conHisl.i  ill  tin;  iiMkiii^  liiein  keep  a  projier  diblance.  Wiihont  the  ;.'real- 
est  atientioii  to  iliis  preeiiiition,  tla^  lives  of  tiiowe  who  pass  the  Cedar 
Vails,  especially,  niiist  he  in  tlie  iitnioHt  dan;jer. 

It  iiiiisl  he  conlessed,  that  the  appiMiraiice  of  hrok(!ii  rocks,  and  iiiae- 
cessihle  islands,  interspersed  in  the  current  of  a  rajiid  rive*!',  and  tin;  foam- 
ing' snr^'cs  rehoiindin^'  lioiii  tlieiii,  witliont  a  direct  clianni;!  to  dischar;;e 
itself  Ity,  presents  a  sc<!iie  of  horror  unknown  in  Kiirope;  yet  the  mind, 
hy  de^'i'ees,  soon  losers  the  sensation  ol' terror,  and  h(!Coiiies  free  enoiijih 
to  direct  the  actions  of  the  hody. 

On  the  4th  of  Si;pt(;itilter,  the  Oeiieral  put  the  army  in  in-.tioii,  and  it 
soon  cleared  the  Lake  St.  Krancis,  and  enlerc^d  a  conntry  lately  well  in- 
huhited,  hnt  now  a  nieio  desert.  Ahoiit  noon,  the  van  of  the  army  en- 
tered the  Cedar  Tails. 

This,  us  we  have  already  hinted,  is  hy  litr  the  most  dan{;eroiis  part  of 
the  whole  river,  and  had  the  hoats  crowded  too  close  ui)oii  each  other, 
most  of  them  must  have  perished. 

Aceonlin<{ly,  for  thi!  want  ol'  sufficient  precaution,  twenty-nine  bouts 
heloiif^injr  to  the  re<:iments,  weventeen  whale  hoats,  seventeen  artillery 
boats,  and  one  row  galley,  were  dashed  to  pieces,  with  the  loss  of  ei<;lity- 
eight  oKMi;  and  this  too  belbre,  on  account  of  the  iiij,dit'8  approacliiiifr, 
the  wiir)le  of  the  army  could  f;et  thron^th;  what  did,  encamped  on  the 
lsle-1'errot.  On  the  .1th,  in  tlm  morning,  the  remainder,  taking  care  to 
preserve  a  proper  distance,  jiasscsd  the  rapiil  with  ease.  During  the  stay, 
the  Oeneial  was  obliged  to  make,  to  repair  the  damaged  hoats,  the  in- 
habitants came  flocking  in,  and  took  the  outli  of  ullegiance  to  his  Britannic 
iMajesty. 

iliimanity  and  clemency  ever  attended  on  the  victories  of  the  Ilomans; 
the  princes  and  the  people  who  submitted  to  their  arms,  were  sure  of 
protection;  and  these  who  dared  to  oppose  them,  were  made  to  feel  the 
weight  of  their  greatness  and  power. 

True  policy  might  alone  he  thought  sufHcient,  es[)ecially  ufter  such  an 
illustrious  exain|)le,  to  make  the  generals  of  every  nation  adopt  such  con- 
(rilialiiig  measmes.  It  would  have  l)eeii  justly  a  iruitter  of  surprisi;,  if, 
from  the  national  feelings  oj"  his  own  heart,  independent  of  any  other 
motive,  General  Amherst  had  neglected  to  stretch  forth  the  hand  of  com- 
miseiatioii,  to  the  number  of  trembling,  des|miring  wretches,  who  now 
app(!ared  before  him.  The  blood  that  liad  been  shed  in  the  wantonness 
of  cruelty,  had  expunged  from  tiicir  breasts  every  ho|)e  of  mercy;  and 
they  advanced  like  culprits  approaching  a  judge,  to  receive  the  sentence 
due  to  their  crimes. 

I"'ull  as  they  were  of  conscious  guilt,  how  great  must  have  been  their 
joy,  to  find  themselves  forgiven,  restored  totlieir  ))ossessions,  and  to  their 
liuuilies;  to  be  received  as  friends,  and  have  every  neccjHsary  j)rovided 
for  them  as  such,  and  to  crown  all^  to  know,  lor  certain,  that  they  might 
securely  depend  on  a  continuance,  or  nitheran  increase  of  these  bless- 
ings." 


94 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCi: 


\      ,.!■ 


'     t 


From  a  irinp  in  Mante's  History  of  tlie  War  in  Canada,  which  repre- 
sents the  channel  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  above  and  below  ImIc  Royal,  it  ap- 
fiears  that  the  English  army  were  encamped  on  Iniiian  Point,  opposite 
tliu  island  where  battv  >ies  were  erected,  and  on  the  north  shore.  Bat- 
teries were  opened  on  the  islands  under  the  Canada  shore,  and  detached 
])osts  wtre  established  on  the  point  op;)o.site  the  Galloo  Island,  and  n[)on 
that  island,  and  the  small  one  near  its  head. 

'I'he  followinfj  account  is  preserved  of  the  building  of  the  fortress  on 
IsIb  Royal,  which  was  accomplished  but  the  year  before  its  reduction, 
It  received  its  name  from  the  French  otlicjr,  who  superintended  its  erec- 
tion.— (See  .Memoirs  siir  le  Canada,  p.  I(i8.) 

"M.  the  chevalier  de  Levis,  had  returned  to  the  ra})i«!s,  where  he  had 
ordered  the  construction  of  a  fort,  on  an  island  called  Orac'onenton, 
about  a  leajiue  above  the  rapids,  ile  irave  orders  that  tiicy  should  finish 
a  biirk,  of  which  the  biiihiinij'  had  been  interrupted,  in  order  to  s(;nt"  th(! 
laborers  to  Quebec;  tlu;  arranjremeut  lor  the  deiense  was,  that  the  barks 
with  the  Jacobites,  should  fbiiii  the  first  line;  tiie  Isle  Oraconentoii,  and 
the  oliiors,  the  seconil,  and  the  third  at  the  Galops,  which  is  at  tlu;  com- 
mencement of  the  rapids;  and  thus  they  desired  to  defend  themselves, 
from  rapid  to  rapid. 

This  jiroject  would  have  been  good,  if  they  had  had  suitable  bateaux 
to  defend  tliis  river,  which  is  extremely  wide  towards  La  Presentation, 
and  defend  the  different  passages  of  the  rapids. 

Alter  these  arrangements  had  been  made,  he  descended  to  Montreal, 
where  he  learned  that  the  Canadians  liad  left  their  arms,  to  go  to  secure 
their  harvest. 

Against  these  he  promidgated  an  ordinance,  under  pain  of  death;  but 
it  was  represented  to  him,  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  enf'orce  this 
ordinance,  as  it  did  not  emanate  fiom  I\L  <le  Vaudreuil,  and  this  general 
flid  not  have  the  power  of  the  court,  and  that  the  Canadians  could  only 
ije  regarded  as  volunteers,  who  served  without  pay.     *     *     * 

-M.  de  Levis  said,  that  if  any  one  in  the  army  wished  to  desert,  he 
would  cut  off  his  head,  but  they  boldly  replied  to  him  that  if  they  knew 
that  these  were  his  sentiments,  he  would  not  find  a  single  militia  man, 
either  at  the  Isle-Au.v-Noix,  nor  at  Oraconenton,  aiul  that  they  would  take 
care  that  be  shoulil  not  find  tiiem.  This  threat  intimidated  b'.u!;  and  he 
said  no  more;  he  left  to  visit  the  Isle  Aux  Noix,  and  concerted  with  IM. 
de  Bourjauianpie,  for  its  defense,  with  whon»  a  little  time  after,  he  as- 
cended to  Oraconenton,  to  the  end  that  he  jniglit  accelerate  by  his  pro- 
sencre,  the  works  there  in  progress,  and  defenil  in  person  the  rapids, 
against  the  army  of  I\I.  de  Rostwick,  who  was  still  encamped  at  (Jhoiia- 
guen,  and  seemed  preparing  to  (hiscend.  James  Zouch,  an  Knglish  ofh- 
cer,  had  surprised  La  Presentation,  having  come  through  the  woods 
from  the  army  of  Airdierst,  to  La  Presentation,  to  carry  the  letters  ot" 
this  general  to  Rostwick,  and  who  bail  come  out  too  low  down.  The 
five  nations  even  sent  belts  to  the  savages  ot  La  Presentation,  to  invite 
them  to  withdraw. 

These  iu;ws  which  were  received,  one  after  the  other,  luiule  him  lu'ge 
the  works  on  the  Ibrf :  and  it  was  umler  these  circumstances,  that  M.  de 
Levis  ri!ceived  the  tidings  of  the  death  of  M.  de  Montcalm,  and  of  the 
battle,  with  the  ordtM"  to  d»!scend  as  (piickly  as  possible;  to  Montreal, 
whence  he  continued  his  route  to  Jacipies  Curlier.     *     »     * 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


9(y 


M.  do  Levis,  having  given  orders  to  fortify  Jacques  Cnrtier,  gave  the 
coinninnd  of  this  ]>ost  to  M.  Dumas,  and  returned  to  Montreal.  Tlie 
fortification  of  the  Isle  Oraconenton,  was  given  to  3L  Poudiot,  who  liad 
been  exclianged  with  many  other  prisoners,  and  they  continued  to  labor 
at  the  Isle  An?:  Noix;  they  added  to  the  middle  of  these  entrenchments, 
a  fort,  ai  I'loile,  in  which  Ijuildings  were  erected  for  the  lodgement  of  the 
garrison  and  officers." 

The  St.  Lawrence  became  a  thoroughfare  of  prime  importance,  in  the 
Frcncli  and  English  war,  that  ended  with  the  conquest  of  Canada,  in 
1760.  From  the  paper  from  which  we  have  previously  quoted,  (Memoirs 
sur  le  Canada,)  we  will  here  translate,  commencing  near  the  close  of  the 
year  1758. 

"In  fine,  M.  de  Vaudreuil,  had  decided  to  construct  two  barkd  in  the 
place  of  those  that  were  burned,  and  consequently  to  recall  M.  Duplessis 
fiom  Froiitenac,  and  to  put  there  a  commanding  officer  with  a  garrison. 
ffe  h;'.d  given  orders  to  Duplessis,  to  retire  entirely  with  his  detachnient; 
this  was  (lone  on  the  ^(jth  of  October.  He  found  at  La  I'rt'scnfiition,  t!ie 
orders  which  he-riiad  given  to  descend,  and  sent  the  Sieur  Chevalier 
lienoit,  the  commander,  to  Fort  Frontenac,  with  a  detachment  of  troops 
and  Canadians.  He  was  sent  as  well  to  protect  the  baggage  and  the  mu- 
nitions of  war,  and  the  provisions,  which  were  to  j)ass  by  that  way  to  the 
upper  country,  as  to  establish  this  [tost.  Sieur  Dujilessis,  also,  had  orders 
as  well  to  send  back  those  on  the  jiart  of  Montigni,  to  Niagara,  who  had 
come  down,  and  who  were  to  make  this  voyage  with  those  sent  in  the 
canoes,  in  charge  of  the  baggaire  aiid  merchandise. 

*  *  *  Sieur  the  Chevalier  Beiioit,  was  of  a  Parisian  family,  and  had  ' 
absolutely  nothing;  he  vas  one  of  those  men,  of  nothing,  who  because 
they  are  such,  charitably  believe:  all  others  to  be  rogues,  lie  was  a  man 
of  chimeras,  devout,  with  much  wit,  some  little  polish,  and  in  adilition 
to  all,  with  some  philosophy;  and  as  for  the  rest,  brave,  and  capal)le  of 
doing  honor  to  any  service  in  which  he  w(is  charged. 

He  departed  the.elbre  from  La  Presentation,  with  an  inconsiderable 
detachnient,  and  repaired  to  Frontenac,  with  a  royal  magazine  guard. 
As  the  i)osts  of  the  upper  country  were  naturally  wanting  in  articles  of 
ilio  greatest  necessity,  the  instructions  were  issued,  that  as  great  a  quan- 
tity slioidd  he  forwarded  as  possible. 

OtHcers  were  despatched  to  conduct  these  convoys,  but  theft  and  losses 
annihilated  almost  all  of  theai. 

The  Canadians  at  this  time,  fatigued,  and  dymg  of  hunger,  did  not  wish 
to  proceed  further,  and  threat(!ned  to  revolt;  and  to  add  to  ths  ndslor- 
tune,  they  demanded  their  payment;  in  short,  they  ditl  us  more  harm 
than  good  at  Niagara.  Douville,  commandant  at  Toronto,  had  evactuated 
that  post,  and  retired  to  Niagara.  Sieur  de  Cresse,  assistant  ship  master 
of  Canada,  had  been  sent  to  Frontenac,  with  M.  Laforce,  cai)taiii  of  the 
builders,  to  construct  two  new  gallics,  as  well  to  secure  the  supremacy  of 
the  lake,  as  to  su|)ply  Niagara  more  easily,  and  to  render  the  defense  of 
this  ii-ontier  the  more  respectable;  but  as' he  was  unable  to  find  the  ne- 
cessary ^timber  at  that  point,  here  nsoverl  himself  down  towards  La  Pre- 
sentation, to  a  strait  known  by  the  name  of  Point  uu  Baril,  where  the  con- 
struction was  in  every  res[)ect  more  easy. 

He  thence  wrote  to  the  General,  in  waiting  M.  Benoit,  wl<o  had  orders  to 
fortify  himself,  either  at  the  shi[)yard  of  Frontenac,  or  its  environs.  After 
having  carefully  examined,  he  decided  to  fortify  himself  near  the  fort, 


/•  «r 


B 


96 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCP: 


!> 


A   *• 


m  « 


u 

1 


mill  in  consequence  ho  cnt  down  timber,  to  form  fonr  bastions,  npon  a 
prolonjiation  fifty  or  sixty  feet  along  the  hank,  and  on  the  side  of  tiie  fort. 
*  *  *  But  the  General,  who  had  received  great  complaints  against 
Sicnr  de  liOrimier,  conunanding  officer  at  La  Presensation,  resolved  to 
remove  him,  a:id  to  pnt  in  his  ])laco  i\I.  JJenoit,  and  at  tiie  same  time,  in 
order  to  protect  the  works  at  Point  an  IJaril,  he  gave  the  necessary  orders 
to  I\I.  lienoit,  who  repainnl  there  with  all  his  garrison,  and  all  that  they  had 
Bent  from  Frontenac,  and  sent  iron  ibr  the  constrnctions  at  that  place,  and 
left  not  that  which  was  at  Frontenac. 

Point  an  Baril  is  distant  thr(!e  leagues  from  Ln  Presentation,  in 
ascending  tovvurds  Frontenac,  upon  the  right  bank  of  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence. 

Its  location  was  less  exposed  to  attack,  than  the  coast  at  La  Presenta- 
tion, which  of  itself  was  a  ])ost  too  feeiile  and  too  badly  siinated,  to  sus- 
tain an  attack.  They  tliereibrc  transported  ihither  all  that  was  destined 
for  Frontenac,  and  built  entrenchments  around  the  spot,  chosen  Ibr  the 
building  of  the  vi'ssels,  and  sent  thither  a  magazine  guard,  under  ayoung 
man  attaclied  to  M.  dc  fllontcalm." 

From  a  map  which  accompanies  the  work  from  which  we  Jiave  been 
quoting,  it  appears  that  Point  au  Barril,  [Barell  Pomt,]  was  on  the  north 
shoio  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  above  La  Presentation,  and  not  liir  from 
the  site  of  the  present  village  of  3Iaitian(l.  We  here  insert  the  plan  of 
the  work  as  there  given. 

This  [)oint  is  m(!ntioned  very  frequently  on  maps 
•  ralating  to  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  of  an  old  date. 

*  *  *  "It  was  from  two  prisoners  sent  by  a  de- 
tachment ot  Loups,  by  M.  de  Pouchot,  that  we  li iiiiied 
that  the  army  which  descended  by  Chouaguen,  and 
which  w,Ms  coninianded  by  M.  Amherst,  at  the  head 
of  ];")00  men,  wasa])proac(i'ng. 

It  fi-om  this  appeared  beyond  doubt,  that  the  colony 
was  about  to  l»e  attacked  at  the  same  momont  by  three 
different  ways,  and  that  the  slowness  of  the  a|)proa(;h 
of  Miurray,   wt>uld  avail   nothing,  wlien  the   three      ' 
armies  should  ass(Mnl)le. 

M.  Andierst,  having  made  his  preparations,  de|)flrted  from  Chouaguen, 
and  appeared  before  Oraconenton.*  The  fbrt  of  ],a  Presentation,  had 
been  dismantlerl,  and  the  jtlan  of  defense  of  M  de  Levis,  coidd  not  he 
entertained,  in  consequence  of  the  sujieriority  of  the  army  of  the  English 
Genera!. 

Accordingly.  M.  Amherst  found  no  difficulty.  Before  connnencing  the 
siege  of  the  Fort,  he  caused  to  be  ])lanted  opfiositi'  to  the  fort,  upon  tlii^ 
main  land,  some  batteries,  which  in  a  siiort  time,  razed  the  jtarapets,  and 
ruined  a  pai't  of  tin;  fMitrenchments.  i\I.  Ponchot  conducted  the  de- 
fense in  a  maimer,  that  failed  not  to  elicit  the  admiration  of  the  llnglish 
(jJeneral.  At  length,  finding  himself  no  longer  abh;  to  retain  it,  In;  sur- 
rendered the  jiimjc,  and  the  garrison  was  made  prisoners  of  war.     *  *  * 

The  Freiu'h  Onerals  held  lircpient  councils,  but  they  amounted  to 
nothing,  because  the  junction  of  these  armies,  <lestroyed  all  jdans  of  de- 

•  Tliis  I'orl  iippeiirs  to  liavc  liucii  situn-ed  {Sen  Siuiih's  Jlistori/.  I.  I  /i  ;}.)!),)  iipun  Isli^  jidynl, 
helweuii  I,a  I'rcKfiitulmti.  (iinw  ()«Uv.tii^l)iirKl|,)  unci  llie  lie(,'iiiniii(,'  ol'  llw  rapiils.  {Aol*  in  tht 
urigiiuil..) 


B 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


97 


fense  whicli  tliey  bud  Ibrnicd,  and  they  were  the  more  eml)arrassed  be- 
cause they  liad  bill  a  slender  stock  of  provisions,  and  no  liopes  ofdraw- 
injr  more  froni  the  country. 

Tiiey  did  not  iinovv  what  lot  M.  Amhcret  woidd  brinj^,  nor  hoAv  to  treat 
with  him  in  so  unpleasant  a  place;  and  they  could  not  bold  out  twenty- 
four  hours.  jM.  de  V'audreuil  had,  upon  the  departiu'c  of  Amherst  from 
Oraconenton,  thougiit  of  suhmiiiing  as  soon  as  he  should  a|)pear  before 
the  city. 

iM.  Amherst,  after  having  reduced  Oraconenton,  chose  from  among  the 
Canadians  whom  he  there  found,  those  who  were  best  qualified  to  con- 
duct barges  and  canoes,  and  leaving  the  savages  who  bad  hitherto  ac- 
companied him,  he  descended|to  Soulauges,  a  snifvll  imrisb  of  the  colony, 
and  where  are  the  last  of  the  rapids,  which  were  all  passed  bapily,  at 
least  without  any  considerable  loss,  and  came  and  presented  himself  in 
good  order,  before  the  parish  named  Lacbine,  where  his  trooj)s  encamped 
without  dithculty.  The  detachments  w  hich  he  had  there,  had  orders  to 
make  preparations  against  the  city."* 

The  following  is  an  account  given  of  this  transaction  in  the  Annual 
Register"  for  1760,  page  58. 

"  Having  laid  this  general  ])lan  for  completing  the  conquest  of  Canada, 
Lord  Amherst,  Avith  an  army  of  a'u)nt  10,000  men,  loft  Schenectady  on 
the  frontiers  of  New  York,  (June  21,  17(10,)  and  |)asse(l  up  the  IMohawks' 
river,  and  down  that  of  the  Oneidas',  to  Oswego.  The  army  be  had 
collected  tb(!re,  consisted  of  about  J 0,000  men,  reguliU's  and  provincials, 
Su' William  Johnson,  brought  about  a  thousand  savages  of  the  Iroquois, 
or  l''ive  Nations;  the  greatest  number  of  that  race  ol' men  which  was 
ever  seen  in  arms  in  the  cause  of  llngland. 

It  was  a  matter  of  the  greatest  difticulty,  to  trans])ort  so  inimerous  an 
army,  the  whole  of  its  artillery,  its  amnumition,  and  all  its  provisions, 
over  the  e.\|)anse  of  that  vast  lake,  in  open  boats,  and  galh^ys;  it  rerpiired 
the  greatest  caution,  and  the  exactest  order,  least  they  should  fidi  tbul 
upon  one  another,  least  they  should  be  tlriven  out  too  tin-  to  gain  the  lami, 
on  the  lirst  threatening  of  a  storm,  or  least  they  should  come  too  near 
the  shore.  IJut  all  the  clispositions  were  made  with  the  most  admirable 
methoii,  and  with  that  regularity  of  military  arrangements  whieli  makes 
so  considerable  a  part  in  the  character  of  that  able  conunander,  so  that 
the  whole  army  embarked  on  the  twentieth  of  August.  A  detachment 
bad  been  sent  some  days  belbre,  to  clear  the  i)assage  of  the  river  Pt.  Law- 
rence of  any  obstnu'.tions,  and  to  find  the  best  passage  lor  the  vessels. 

On  the  27th,  he  bad  taken  possession  of  Swegatchie,  and  made  all 
dispositions  for  the  attack  of  Isle  Royal,  a  fort  lower  down  the  river,  which 
conmiands  the  most  important  ])ost,  and  as  it  were  the  key  of  Canada. 
The  troops  and  boats  wine  so  disposed,  that  the  Ish^  was  completely 
invested,  and  the  garrison  was  left  no  means  of  escape.  The  batteries 
were  then  laised,  and  opened,  and  after  two  days  sharp  firing,  the  fort 
surrendered. 

This  being  a  post  of  importance  both  to  command  Iiak(^  Ontario,  and 
to  cover  our  frontier,  the  general  spent  some  days  here  in  order  to  rcjiair 
the  fort,  and  at  the  same  time  to  fit  out  his  vessels,  and  to  pi-e|)are  all 
tilings  for  passing  his  troops  down  the  river,  tht;  most  dangerous  part  of 
which  he  was  now  to  encounter,  as  all  the  rapids  lie  betwi^en  this  place 
and  AFontreal;  hut  notwithstanding  all  precautions,  nearly  ninety  men 
were  drowned  in  (lassing  these;  dangerous  falls,  and  a  great  number  of 

*  Sec  note  A.  in  tlie  appcnilix  of  !tii»  wurk. 


B 


98 


HISTORY    OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


lii 


vessels  brnko  to  pieces.     Tliis  loss  from  so  large  nn  cmhnvkation,  in  such 
cinMiiiistaiiccs,  is  to  be  regarded  as  inconsiderable. 

At  length,  after  u  tedious,  fatiguing  and  dangerous  voyage  of  two 
months  and  seventeen  days,  tlie  English  saw,  to  their  great  joy,  tlie  Isle 
of  Montreal,  the  object  of  their  ardent  wishes,  and  the  period  of  their 
labors." 

There  exists  a  tradition  in  the  country,  that  the  pilots  who  guided  the 
vessels  of  Lord  Amherst  down  the  rapids,  were  bribed  to  pass  them 
down  the  more  dangerous  routes,  by  the  offer  of  large  rewards  by  the 
enemy.  It  may  well  be  questioned,  whether  men  could  be  induced  by 
any  motive  less  than  heroic  patriotism,  to  conduct  a  craft  down  a  channel 
in  which  a  proba))ility,  amounting  to  little  less  than  a  certainty,  existed, 
that  it  would  be  engulphcd  in  the  angry  surges  of  the  rapids. 

Those  who  have  |)assod  down  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  in  steam  boats, 
and  witnessed  the  tumultuous  war  of  waters,  which  this  mighty  Scylln 
and  Charybdis,  at  once  so  wild,  so  grand,  and  so  dreadful,  presents;  and 
reflects  that  a  large  army  in  a  great  mnnber  of  boats,  many  of  which  were 
guided  by  inexperienced  hands,  constituted  the  flotilla,  he  will  agree 
with  the  opinion  of  the  author  above  fuiotud,  ihat  the  number  of  lives 
lost  is  small  compared  with  the  whole  number  of  the  army,  and  the 
manifold  dangers  to  which  they  were  exposed. 

There  is  still  said  to  exist,  in  the  St.  liawrencc,  opjiosite  the  town  of 
Massena,  the  wreck  of  oiih  or  two  vessels,  which  are  supj>osed  to  have 
belonged  to  the  French  or  the  English  fleet,  and  to  have  perished  about 
this  time. 

General  Israel  Putnam,  who  afterwards  shone  most  conspicuously  in 
the  revolutionary  war,  was  in  com[)any  with  Lord  Andi«!rst  in  this  ex- 
pedition, and  i'rom  what  is  well  known  of  his  energy  and  courage,  there 
can  be  no  doubt  that  he  took  an  active  part  in  the  campaign,  and  was 
foremost  in  every  enterprise  that  required  the  exercise  of  those  traits  of 
character,  for  which  he  was  so  eminent. 

While  the  English  account  just  quoted,  (perhaps  from  a  national 
prejudice,  and  a  desire  then  manifested  to  keep  in  a  subordinate  station 
the  provincials,)  does  not  mention  the  name  of  Putnam,  in  connection 
with  this  event.  The  following  extract  from  the  misc(;llaneous  works 
of  David  llmnphrey,  (New  York,  1804,  |).  280-1,)  gives  in  an  account 
of  the  reduction  of  Isle  Royal,  quite  a  ditferinit  version  of  the  aflair,  and 
is  perhaps  ecpiallychargablc  with  partiality,  in  giving  all  the  credit  of  the 
euter[)rise  to  an  American  ollicer. 
Jt  appears  probable  that  Humphrey's  account  is  mostly  fiibulous. 

"In  17U0,  Gen.  Amherst,  a  sagacious,  hutnane  and  experienced  com- 
mander, planned  the  termination  of  the  war  in  Canada,  by  a  bloodless 
conquest.  For  this  jxn'pose,  three  armies  wcire  destin<>d  to  co-o|)erate 
by  diff'event  routes  against  iMontreal,  the  only  remaining  place  of  strengtii 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


99 


1  such 


tlie  enemy  held  in  that  country.  Tlie  corps  formerly  comtti.nnded  by 
Wolf,  now  hy  General  Alinray,  was  ordered  to  ascend  the  river  St. 
Lawrence;  another,  nnder  ("ol.  llavilaiid,  to  penetrate  i)y  the  Isle  Aiix 


ded 


IVoix;  and  the  thn-d,  consisting.'  ol  ahout  ten  thousand  miMi,  conimund 
by  the  (ienerai  himself,  after  passinji  uj)  the  Mohawk  Hi-.er,  and  taking 
its  course  hy  the  Lake  (Jntario,  was  to  farm  a  junction  hy  falling'  down 
the  St.  Lawren'-e. 

hi  this  proj^ress,  mon?  than  one  occasion  presentfid  itself  to  manifest 
the  intrepidity  and  soldiership  of  Lieut.  Col.  Putnam.  Two  armed 
vessels  obstructed  the  passage  and  prevented  tlie  attack  on  Oswcgatchie 
I'utiiain,  with  one  thoiisand  men,  in  fifty  iiatteaux,  undertook  to 
board  them.  'I'his  dauntless  ofHcer,  ever  sfiariiijr  of  tlie  lilood  of  other.s, 
as  prodigal  of  his  own,  to  accomplish  it  %viih  the  less  loss,  put  himselti 
("ilh  a  chosen  cnnv,  a  beetle  and  wedges,)  in  the  van,  with  a  design  to 
wt.'dge  the  rudders,  so  that  the  vessels  should  not  be  able  to  turn  their 
liidudsides,  or  to  perform  any  other  maneiivre.  All  the  men  in  his 
little  fleet  were  ordered  to  strip  to  their  waistcoats,  and  advance  at  the 
same  time,  lb-  proniistHl  if  he  lived,  to  join  and  show  them  the  way 
up  the  side.  Animated  l)y  so  daring  an  example,  they  moved  swiftly, 
in  prolbimd  stillness,  as  to  certain  victory  or  death.  The  people  on  board 
the  ship,  beholding  the  good  countenance  with  which  they  approached, 
ran  one  of  tlu;  vessels  on  shore,  and  struck  the  colors  of  the  otiier. 

J  lad  it  not  been  for  the  dastardly  conduct  of  the  ship's  company  in  the 
latter,  who  compelled  the  cajUain  to  haul  down  his  ensign,  he  would 
have  given  the  as.-ailants  a  bloody  reception;  for  the  vessels  were  well 
provided  with  spars,  nettings,  and  every  customary  instrument  of  annoy- 
ance, as  well  as  d(>fence. 

Jt  now  remained  to  attack  the  fortress,  which  stood  on  an  island,  and 
setMued  to  have  been  rendered  inac(!essible  by  a  high  ab.attis  of  black 
ash,  that  e\('ry  where  jx-ojected  over  the  water.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Putnam,  proposed  a  mode  of  attack,  and  offered  his  sr-rvices  to  carry  it 
into  effect.  The  General  approved  the  proposal.  Our  partizan,  accord- 
ingly, (Caused  a  sufficient  number  of  boats  to  be  fitted  for  the  enter|)rise. 
'J'he  sides  of  (;ach  boat  were  suriounded  with  fiiscines,  musket  proof, 
which  covered  the  men  completely.  A  wide  plank,  twenty  f(^et  in  length 
was  I  hen  fitted  to  every  boat,  in  such  a  manner  by  having  an  angular 
pi(!C(!  sawed  from  one  extremity  that  when  fiisteiied  by  rojies  on  both 
sides  ol'tlit!  bow,  it  miglit  b(!  raised  or  lowered  at  pleasure.  The  design 
was,  that  the  jiiank  should  be  held  erect,  while  the  oarsmen  forced  the 
bow  with  the  utmost  exertion  against  the  abattis,  and  that  afterwards 
being  dropped  on  the  pointed  brush,  it  should  serve  us  a  kind  of  bridge 
to  assist  the  men  in  passing  over  them.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Putnam, 
having  made  his  dispositions  to  attempt  the  escalade  in  many  places  at 
the  same  moment,  advanced  with  his  boats  in  admirable  order.  The 
garrison  perceiving  these  extniordinary  and  imexjiected  machines,  waited 
not  the  assault,  but  capitulated.  Putnam  was  particularly  honored  by 
(Jen.  Amherst,  for  his  ingenuity  in  this  invention,  and  promptitude  in 
its  execution.  The  three  armies  arrived  in  IMontreal  within  two  days  of 
each  other,  and  the  concpiest  of  Canada  b(!canie  complete,  without  the 
loss  of  a  sii!gl('  dro{)  of  blood." 

It  has  been  justly  remarked,  tiiat  there  is  an  air  of  incredibility  about 
this  statement,  which  of  itself  sufficiently  impairs  its  value  as  a  historical 
fact.  That  a  crew  of  an  armed  ship,  should  have  been  terror  stricken 
at  the  ap|)roach  of  a  handful  of  unarmed    men,  or  possessing  the  means 

7 


100 


HISTORY  OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


of  (innihilntinK  lit  a  single  diHcliarfrt!  the  iiicignificnnt  arniy  hioiijfht 
against  tliern,  slioiild  linve  omitted  to  do  so,  iniplloH  a  dej^reo  oCcowardico 
or  trenclu'ry  wliicli  ran  scarcidy  Iio  credited  or  believed. 

Witii  tiie  fall  of  the  IbrlreMS  of  Isle  Iloyal,  ceased  the  French  dominion 
in  St.  Lnwreiico  county.* 

It  wnH  subsequently  occupied  liy  a  small  guard  of  Rritish  troops,  and 
hold  till  surrendered  in  accordance  with  the  stipidntions  of  Jay's  treaty 
in  the  summer  of  17i)G,  to  Judge  Ford,  who  received  it  lor  the  pro- 
prietors. 

The  remains  of  a  cemetery  still  exist  on  the  west  side  of  the  Oswe- 
gatchie,  and  several  head  stones  mark  the  place  where  liritish  soldiers 
were  huried. 

The  history  of  this  station,  so  fur  as  our  knowledge  extends,  from  the  time 
of  the  Fiiiglish  conquest  to  the  surrender  under  the  treaty,  is  nearly  or 
quite  lost. 

Such  data  as  have  fallen  under  our  notice,  will  here  he  given: 
In  the  summer  of  1770,  the   following  minute  was  forwarded  from 
Oswego,   by  Lieut.    I*;dward  ^IciNIichael,     (See  Jhnerican  .Irchives,  fifth 
teries,  vol.  i,  page  815.) 

"Was  informed  at  Oswego,  that  three  regiments  of  Ministerial  troops 
had  arrived  at  Osiirgalchlr,  at  which  |>Iace  they  were  joined  hy  a  numlier 
of  Tories  and  //u/iVths  under  the  conunand  of  Colonel  yo/i».so»,  and  were 
to  ejnbark  immediately  on  hoard  two  armed  vessels,  bateaux  and  canoes, 
and  proccful  to  Oswego,  at  which  place  they  were  to  Ix' joined  by  Colonel 
Butler,  with  all  the  Indians  uniler  his  command,  and  likewise  l)y  Colonel 
Caldwell,  with     hat  regulars  could  be  spared  liom  J\'iagara. 

They  intended  repairing  Oswego  Fort,  as  soon  as  |)ossible,  in  order 
that  they  might  hold  a  treaty  with  die  Indians,  and  be  able  to  defend 
themselves  against  any  attack." 

In  April.  177!).  Lieutenants  McClellan  and  Hardenburgh,  of  the  Revo- 
lutionary army,  were  despatched  from  Fort  Schuyler,  on  an  exjiedition 
at  the  head  of  a  body  of  Indians,  against  the  British  garrison  at  Oswe" 
gatchie,  intending  to  steal  upon  it,  and  take  it  by  surprise,  but  falling  in 
with  some  straggling  Indians,  several  shots  were  imprudently  exchanged, 
which  alarmed  the  garrison.     They  then  attempted  to  draw  the  enemy 


f:J£ 


'  •  Antoine  Si.  Martin,  a  Frenchman,  said  lo  liiive  iiilmbitcil  tlie  country  since  its  occupation 
by  tlie  French  in  1760,  died  at  an  extreme  age,  (supposed  lo  exceed  by  several  years,  a  century) 
on  the  4th  of  March  1^4St,  atOgdensburgli.  Iji  his  l!illi.r  years,  hi;  iitlracted  some  utttnlion 
from  his  lieing  made  the  per»onuge  01  a  roniiince,  written  and  pubhslicd  at  I'oisdam,  by  C. 
Boynton.  His  longevity  npi)ears  lo  have  been  to  him  as  much  a  soliuiUe,  as  it  was  lo  others  a 
wonder,  and  he  would  at  times  weep,  and  lament,  that  "God  had  Ibrgoiten  him."  With  him 
perished  the  last  survivor*  of  the  French  period  of  our  history,  and  it  is  much  to  be  re^fretled 
that  his  narrative  and  recolleriions  were  not  preiervert. 


frmiiJCfi'l 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


101 


4« 
Mi 


frotn  tlie  fort  by  strntngcm,  tind  partly  Kiicceeded,  but  could  not  draw 
tliefii  at  a  siinicieiit  diHtaiHM)  to  rut  iff  tlieir  retreat,  and  on  approachinf-' 
tho  fort  tliein.solves,  the  aHsnilantH  wen;  on  warmly  received,  tbat  they 
wore  coKipellRd  to  retreat  vvitlioiit  unnecessary  delay.  Tlie  only  service 
licri'ornied,  v^as  to  tiend  a  Cau^dinawaga  Indian  into  Canada,  with  a  letter 
in  FrciKili  liy  u  Freneli  (?enrral,  probably  the  Martpiifi  de  Lafayette,  and 
addressed  to  the  Canadintis,  and  written  the  preceding  antutnn.  The 
expedition  was  despatched  frotn  Fort  Schuyler,  oti  the  day  before  Colone 
Van  Sciiaick  moved  upon  Onondaj,'a ;  and  from  a  letter  addressed  by  Gen. 
Clinton,  six  weeks  afterwards  to  ftencral  Sullivan,  there  is  reason  to  be- 
lieve, one  object  was  to  get  clear  of  the  Oneida  Indians,  then  in  the  fort, 
until  (Jolotiel  Van  Schaick  should  have  proceeded  so  far  u[)on  his  expe- 
dition, that  they  or  their  people  should  not  be  able  to  give  the  Onondagas 
notice  of  Jjis  apjHoach.  All  the  Indians  still  remaining  in  Fort  Schuyler 
on  vhe  I8tli,  were  detained  expressly  for  thut  purpose.  Although  pro- 
fessedly friendly,  and  re! iahlo  as  scouts,  they  could  not  be  trusted  in  ex- 
|)editioiis  against  their  fellows.'* 

The  ex|)edition  of  Lieutenatits  McClellan,  and  Hardenbergh  returned 
to  Fort  Schuyler  witlioiU  having  effected  their  purpose,  on  the  30th  of 
Aj.ril. 

An  incident  liappcjiied  in  a  military  expedition  from  Fort  Schuyler  to 
Oswegatchie,  during  the  Revolutionary  war,  and  probably  in  the  one  just 
described,  which  shows  in  an  amiable  light,  the  finer  feelings  of  the  In- 
dian character,  and  will  serve  as  an  offset  for  some  of  the  darker  {)haBes 
of  Indian  warfiire.  The  subject  of  the  adventure  afterwards  for  several 
years  resideil  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  and  often  relate<l  the  incident  to 
the  one  from  whose  lips  the  account  is  written. 

Belonging  to  a  military  party  that  was  proceeding  through  the  forest, 
was  a  little  Imy,  about  twelve  years  old,  who  served  as  a  fifer  to  the  com- 
pany. Light  hearted  and  innocent,  he  tripped  along,  sometimes  running 
in  advance  to  gather  flowers,  and  at  others  lingering  behind  to  listen  to 
the  music  of  the  birds,  whicii  made  the  forest  vocal  with  their  songs. 
Seeing  the  unguarded  deportment  of  the  laii.  his  captain  cautioned  him 
against  wandering  from  the  company,  for  fear  that  some  hostile  Indian 
who  might  be  lurking  in  the  thicket,  should  lake  him  off.  The  warning 
was  heeded  for  some  time,  but  ere  long  forgot,  and  he  found  himself 
many  rods  in  advance  of  the  party,  culling  the  wild  flowers  which  were 
scattered  in  his  path,  and  iidialing  the  fragrance  which  the  morning  air 
with  its  exhilarating  freshness  inspired  him,  when  he  was  suddenly 
startled  by  a  rude  grasp  ui)on  the  shoulder,  which  upon  looking  around 
lie  saw  was  that  of  a  sturdy  Indian,  who  had  been  secreted  b3bind  a 


•  Sea  Sloiio't  rJte  of  Br«m.     Vol.  I .  p  9J . 


1 


102 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRKNl  K 


rock,  and  Imd  dartnd  from  his  roncpalinont  upon  tho  nnsiispocting  victim, 
who  bad  vvnndcnjd  from  his  protoctors. 

I[o  attempted  to  scream,  hut  fear  paralyzi'd  his  tongue,  and  lie  saw  the 
glittering  tomahawk  l)nui(hshe<l  over  his  liend,  whirh  tlie  next  moment 
would  terminate  witii  a  l)low,  liis  existence;  hut  tiie  savn^'c,  seeinjr  the 
unarmed  and  terror  stricken  child,  with  no  warlike  im|tlcmeiit  hut  iiis 
fife,  and  doubtless  touched  with  the  innocence  and  terror  of  his  treni- 
i)ling  |)risoner,  relaxed  his  grasp,  took  the  fife  from  under  his  arm,  and 
having  playfully  hlowed  in  its  end  he  returned  it  to  its  owner,  and 
bounded  off  into  the  forest.  No  further  caution  was  needed,  to  keep 
him  within  the  ranks,  and  they  the  next  day  reached  their  destination, 
which  was  Fort  Oswegatchie. 

In  after  years,  when  age  had  made  him  infirm,  in  relating  this  inci- 
dent, he  would  weep  with  emotion  at  this  perilous  adventure,  and  always 
ended  with  the  heartfelt  acknowledgment,  "that  God  liad  always  pro- 
tected him,  and  guarded  him,  from  dangers  seen  and  unseen,  and  from 
childhood  to  old  age." 

Isaac  Weld,  jr.,  published  in  London,  in  17i)!l,  in  two  octavo  volumes, 
a  journal  of  travels  in  the  States  of  North  America,  and  thei)rovJnces  of 
Upper  and  Lower  Caiia<la,  rft  the  years  17'J5-7,  which  describes  among 
other  interesting  subjects,  the  condition  and  appearance  of  our  frontier, 
and  the  fort  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie,  which  we  will  quote 
[Vol.  ii,  p.  38,  et  seq.]  The  voyage  was  undertaken  in  the  month  of  Au- 
gust 1700. 

"The  Indians  not  only  retain  possession  of  the  different  islands,  but 
likewise  of  the  whole  of  the  south-east  shore  of  the  St.  Laurence,  situ- 
ated within  the  bounds  of  the  United  States;  they  likewise  have  consid- 
erable strips  of  land  on  the  o[)posite  shore,  within  the  British  Dominions, 
bordering  upon  the  river;  thesci  they  have  reserved  to  tli(Miiselves,  lor 
hunting.  Tlie  Irocjuois  Indians  hav(!  a  village  upon  the  Isle  of  St.  Regis, 
and  another  also  upon  the  main  land,  on  the  south-east  shore;  as  we 
passed,  several  of  the  inhabitants  put  off  in  canoes,  .-ind  (exchanged  un- 
ripe heads  of  Indian  corn  with  tlm  iikmi  li)r  bread;  they  also  brought 
with  them  some  very  (ine  wild  du(;k  and  fish,  which  they  disposed  of  to 
us  on  very  moderate  Icirnis. 

On  the  tburtli  night  of  our  voyage,  we  eneaniped  as  usual  on  the  main 
land,  opposite  the  Isl.-ind  of  St.  Regis,  and  the  excellent  viands  which 
we  had  procured  from  the  Indians  having  been  cooked,  we  sat  ilown  to 
supper  before  a  large  fire,  materials  lor  whicli  are  never  wanting  in  this 
woody  country.  The  night  was  uiieoiiimonly  sertnie,  and  we  were  in- 
duced to  remain  to  a  late  hour  in  front  ot"  our  tent  talking  of  the  various 
occurrences  in  the  course  o)' tlu;  day;  i>ut  we  had  scarcely  retired  to 
rest  when  the  sky  became  overcast,  a  dreadful  storm  arose,  and  by  (la\- 
break  the  next  inorniiig  we  li)iind  ourselves,  and  every  thing  belonging 
to  us,  drenched  with  rain. 

Our  situation  now  was  by  no  means  agreeable.  Torrents  still  came 
pouriiiir  down;  neither  oiir  tent  nor  the  woods  afforded  us  any  shelter, 
and.  the  wind  being  very  strong  ami   as  avi'rse  as  it   e(jul(l   blow,  there 


1 


AND    I'RANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


103 


was  111)  prospect  of  our  heiiifT  <'imbletl  speedily  to  pot  into  hotter  quarters. 
Ill  tliis  .stat(!,  we  liiul  reiiiaiiied  liir  a  consideiahle  time,  wiieu  one  of  the 
jtarfy,  who  iiad  heisn  ramhliii<r  alioiit  in  order  to  discover  what  sort  of  a 
iieiirhhorhood  we  were  in,  returned  with  the  pleasing  intellij^ence,  that 
thvri',  was  a  house  at  no  jrreat  distance,  and  tiiat  tlie  owner  had  politely 
invitcMl  us  to  it.  It  was  tlie  house  of  an  olil  pro\,,icial  olfiC(;r,  who  had 
received  a  jri-ant  of  land  in  tiiis  part  of  the  eountry  f()r  his  jiast  services. 
We  filadiy  proceeded  to  it,  and  met  with  a  most  cordial  welcome  from 
the  captain  and  his  fijir  daiiirliters,  who  had  provided  a  plenteous  breuk- 
fiist,  and  spared  i.o  |)ains  to  make  their  hahitalion  during  our  stay,  ns 
pieasinjr  to  us  as  jtossihie. 

We  telt  },'reat  satisfaction  at  the  idea,  that  it  would  he  in  our  power  to 
speml  the  remainder  of  the  day  with  these  worthy  and  hos[ritnble  peo- 
ple, hut  alas!  we  had  all  l()niiod  nil  erroneous  opinion  of  the  weather, 
the  wind  veered  suddenly  about;  the  sun  broke  throujih  the  thick  clouds, 
the  conductor  jj:avc  the  partinjr  order,  and  in  a  few  minutes  we  found 
ourselves  once  more  seated  in  our  bateau.  From  hence  upwards,  for  a 
distance  of  tiirty  miles,  the  current  of  tli'-  river  is  exceedingly  strong,  and 
nmnberless  rapids  are  to  be  encountered,  which,  though  not  so  treinend- 
oiiti  to  ajipearance,  as  those  at  the  Cascades,  and  Le  Coteau  du  Lac,  are, 
yet  both  more  dangerous  and  more  diHlcult  to  pass.  The  great  danger 
consists  however,  in  goiim  down  tlieni;  itarises  from  the  shallowness  of 
tile  water,  and  the  great  number  of  sharp  rocks,  in  the  midst  of  which 
the  vessels  are  hurried  along  with  such  impetuosity,  that  if  they  unfor- 
tunately get  into  a  wrong  channel,  nothing  can  save  them  from  being 
dashed  to  pieces,  but  so  intimately,  are  the  jieople  employed  on  this 
river,  acipiainted  with  the  ditrerent  channels,  that  an  accident  of  the 
sort  is  scarcely  ever  heard  of.  "  Lc  Long  Saut,"  the  Long  Fall,  or 
Kapid,  situate!  about  thirty  miles  above  Lake  St.  Francis,  is  the  most 
dangerous  of  any  one  on  the  river,  and  so  difficult  a  matter  is  it  to  pass 
it,  that  it  recpiires  not  less  than  six  men  on  shore,  to  haul  a  single  bateau 
against  the  current. 

There  is  a  third  canal,  with  locks,  at  this  place,  in  order  to  avoid  a 
point,  which  it  would  \w  wholly  impracticable  to  weather  in  the  ordinary 
way.  These  dirterent  canals,  and  locks,  have  been  made  at  the  expense 
of  govermnenl,  and  the  profits  arising  ti'oin  the  tolls  paid  by  each  bateau 
that  passes  through  them,  are  placed  in  the  public  treasury.  At  these 
ra|)i(ls,  and  at  several  of  the  others,  there  are  very  extensive  flour  and 
saw  mills. 

On  the  fifth  night,  we  arrived  at  a  small  farm  house,  at  the  top  of  the 
Long  Haut,  wetfrtun  head  to  foot,  in  consequence  of  having  been  obliged 
to  walk  [last  the  rajiids,  through  woods  and  bushes,  still  dripping  after 
the  heavy  rain  th-.t  had  tidlen  in  the  morning.  The  woods  in  thisneigh- 
biirliood  are  tin-  more  maji.'stic  than  on  any  other  jiart  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence; the  pines,  in  particular,  are  uncommonly  tall,  and^seem  to  wave 
their  tops  in  the  very  clouds.  In  Canada,  pines  grow  on  the  richest 
soils,  but  in  the  United  States,  they  grow  mostly  on  poor  ground ;  a  tract 
of  land  covered  with  lofty  pines,  is  there  generally  denominated  "a 
piiu;  barren,"  on  account  of  its  great  poverty. 

During  a  considerable  part  of  the  next  day,  we  also  proceeded  on  foot, 
ill  ordt'r  to  escape  the  tedious  passage  of  the  Rapide  Plat,  and  some  of 
the  other  dangerous  rapids  in  this  part  of  the  river.  As  we  passed 
along,  we  had  an  exceljent  diversion  in  shooting  pigeons,  several  large 
flights  of  wliicli  we.  met  wiiii  in  tiie  woods.  T\n'  wild  pigeons  of 
Can:ifla,  aic  not  unlike  the  common  English  wood  pigeon,  except  that 
they  arc  of  a  much  smaller  size ;  tiieir  flesh  is  very  well  flavored.    Du- 


iV 


104 


HISTORY    OF    ST.   LAWKENCE 


w 


rinj?  particular  years  these  Mrds  come  down  from  ilie  iiortlitM'ii  r«fjioii« 
in  riiglits  tlint  is  niarveloiis  to  toll.  A  >;ciitlfiimii  of  tlin  tciwiiot  Niaj^ani 
ussiired  tne,  tliat  oiicf;  nn  lie  was  •■inharkiiii.'  tliiTo  on  board  a  Mliip  tor 
Toronto,  a  fliglit  of  tlioin  was  ()l)S(!rved  coiiiinff  from  that  (|iiart(!r,  tliut 
aH  he  sailed  over  Lake  Ontario  to  Toronto,  lorty-tivf^  miles  distant  from 
Niajrara,  pigeons  were  seen  llyitij^  over  luuul  the  whole  uay,  in  a  con- 
trary direction  to  that  from  which  the  ship  wa«  proeuedinjj;  and  that  on 
arriving'  at  the  place  of  his  destination,  the  bird*  were  still  observed  com- 
ing down  from  the  north,  in  as  large  bodies  as  had  bofui  noticed  at  any  one 
time  during  the  whole  voyage;  supposing  tiieretbre  that  the  i)igeoMs 
moved  no  faster  than  the  vessel,  the  tlight  according  to  this  gentleman's 
acconnt,  mnst  at  least  have  extended  eighty  miles. 

Many  persons  may  thtidt  this  story  surpassing  belief;  for  my  o»vn  part, 
however,  I  do  not  hesitate  to  give  credit  to  it,  knowing,  as  I  do,  the 
respectability  of  the  gentleman  who  related  it,  ano  the  accuracy  of  his 
observation.  When  these  birds  appear  in  such  great  numbers,  they 
often  light  on  the  borders  of  rivers  and  lakes,  and  in  the  neighborhood 
of  farm  houses,  at  which  time  they  are  so  unwary,  tliat  a  man  with  a 
short  stick  might  easily  knock  them  down  by  hundreds. 

It  is  not  oftener  than  once  in  seven  or  eight  years,  perba[)s,  that  such 
large  flocks  of  these  birds  are  seen  in  the  country.  The  years  in  which 
they  appear,  are  denominated  "  pigeon  years." 

There  are  also  "  bear  years,"  and  "scpiirrel  years."  This  was  both  a 
bear  and  a  sqifirrel  year.  TJie  former,  like  the  pigeons,  comedown  from 
the  northern  regions,  and  were  most  mmieroiis  in  the  neighborhoods  of 
lakes  Erie  and  Ontario,  and  along  the  upper  part  of  the  river  St.  Law- 
rence. On  arriving  at  the  borders  of  these  lakes,  or  of  the  river,  if  the 
opposite  shore  were  in  sight,  they  generally  took  to  the  water,  and  endea- 
vored to  reach  it  by  swimming.  Prodigious  numbers  of  them  are  killed 
in  crossing  the  St.  Lawrence,  by  the  Indians,  who  had  hunting  encamp- 
ments at  short  distances  from  each  other,  the  whole  way  along  the  bank 
of  the  river,  frotn  the  island  of  St.  Regis  to  lake  Ontario.  One  bear  of 
very  large  size,  boldly  entere<l  the  river,  in  the  face  of  our  bateau,  and 
was  killed  by  one  of  our  men,  while  swimming  from  the  main  land  to 
one  of  the  islands.     #     #     * 

The  squirrels  this  year,  contrary  to  the  bears,  migrated  from  the  south, 
from  the  territory  of  the  United  States.  Like  the  bears,  they  took  to  the 
water,  on  arriving  at  it,  but,  as  if  conscious  of  their  inability  to  cross  a 
very  wide  piece  of  water,  they  bent  their  course  towards  Niagara  river, 
above  the  falls,  and  ut  its  narrowest  and  most  trancpiil  part,  crossed  over 
into  the  British  territory.  It  was  calculated  that  upwards  of  fifty  thous- 
and of  them  crossed  the  river  in  the  course  of  two  or  three  days,  and 
such  great  depredations  did  they  connnit,  on  arriving  at  the  settlements 
on  the  opposite  side,  that  in  one  part  of  the  country,  the  farmers  deemed 
themselves  very  fortunate  where  they  got  in  as  much  as  one-third  of  their 
crops  of  corn.  These  squirrels  were  all  of  the  black  kind,  said  to  be  pe- 
culiar to  the  continent  of  America. 

*  *  •  On  the  sixth  evening  of  our  voyage,  we  stopped  nearly 
opposite  to  Point  aux  Iroquois,  so  named  from  a  French  family  having 
been  cruelly  massacred  there,  by  the  Iroquois  Indians,  in  the  early  ages 
of  the  colony.  The  ground  being  still  extremely  wet  litre,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  heavy  rain  of  the  preceding  day,  we  did  luu  nmcli  relish 
die  thoughts  of  passing  the  night  in  our  tent;  yet  there  seemed  lo  be 
no  alternative,  as  the  only  house  in  sight  was  crowded  with  people,  and 
not  capable  of  affording  us  any  accommodation.  Luckily  however,  as 
we  were  searching  abt>ut  for  the  driest  spot  to  pitch  our  tent  upon,  one 


AND   FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


105 


of  tlic  piirty  espied  a  bum,  ul  ii  little  (iiHtaiicc,  belonging  to  the  timii  olilio 
ndjoiiiinf,'  house,  ol'  whom  we  prociiied  the  key;  it  was  well  stored  with 
ntniw,  and  huviiif;  nioiiiitod  to  the  lop  of  tln^  mow,  we  iiiid  oiiiwelves 
down  to  n!ht,  und  flept  Homidly  there,  till  awakened  in  the  moniin<f,  hy 
the  crowing  of  (some  eocks,  that  were  perched  on  tiie  beams  over  our 
heads. 

At  an  early  hour  we  pursued  our  voyage,  ami  l)cfore  noon  passed  tho 
last  rapid,  about  three  miles  below  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie  River, 
tlie  most  considerable  of  these  within  the  limit  of  the  l.'nited  States, 
whicii  tidi  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  it  consists  of  three  branches,  that  unite 
uhont  fifteen  miles  tdiove  its  rnonth ;  the  most  western  of  which  issues 
from  n  lake,  twenty  miles  in  length,  and  eigiit  in  breadth. 

Another  of  the  branelu:s,  issues  from  u  small  lake,  or  pond,  only  about 
four  miles  distant  from  the  ^vest  branch  of  Hudson  River,  that  flows  past 
New  York,  IJotli  the  Hudson  and  the  Oswegatchie,  are  said  to  bo 
capable  of  being  made  navigable  lor  light  bateaux,  as  far  as  this  spot, 
where  they  approach  within  so  short  a  distance  of  each  other,  except 
only  at  a  tew  places,  so  that  the  portages  will  be  but  very  trifling.  'J'his 
however  is  a  mere  eonjei:ture,  tor  Oswegatchee  Jiiver  is  but  very  im- 
perfl'ctly  known,  the  country  it  pusses  through  being  quite  uninhabited; 
but  should  it  be  found  at  a  liiture  period,  that  these  rivers  are  indeed 
capable  of  being  rendtMed  navigable,  so  tar  up  the  country,  it  will  pro- 
bably be  through  this  channi^l  that  the  greatest  of  the  trade  that  there 
may  happen  to  be  between  New  York  and  the  country  bordering  upon 
Lake  Ontario,  will  be  carried  on." 

The  small  lake  referred  to  by  the  author,  was  doubtless  Rncpiette  lake, 
in  Hamilton  county,  wliich  is  even  nearer  the  head  waters  of  the  Hud- 
son, than  above  stated,  biK  it  lies  at  the  source  of  the  Rnquetle  river, 
instearl  of  the  Oswegatchie. 

'•The  trade  is  at  present  carried  on  between  that  city  and  the  lake, 
by  means  of  Hudson  River,  as  far  as  Albany,  and  troin  thence  by  means 
of  the  Mohawks'  River,  Wood  Creek,  lake  Oneida,  and  Oswego  River, 
which  falls  into  Lake  Ontario.  The  harbor  at  the  mouth  of  Oswego 
river,  is  very  bad,  on  account  of  the  sand  bunks,  none  but  flat  bottomed 
vessels  can  ap|)roacli  with  safety  nearer  to  it  than  two  miles,  nor  is  there 
any  good  harbor  on  the  south  side  of  lake  Onutrio,  in  the  neighborhood 
of  any  large  rivers.  Sharp  built  vessels,  however,  of  a  considerable  size, 
can  approach  with  safety  to  the  mouth  of  Oswegatchee  Rivet*.  The 
Seneca,  a  British  vessel  of  war,  of  twenty-six  guns,  used  to  ply  constantly, 
Ibrmerly  between  Fort  de  la  Galette,  situated  at  the  mouth  of  that  river, 
and  the  fort  at  Niagara;  und  the  British  fur  sliips,  on  the  lakes,  used  also 
at  that  time  to  discharge  the  cargoes  there,  brought  down  from  tho 
upper  country. 

As  thereibre  the  harbor  at  the  mouth  of  Oswegatchee,  is  so  much 
better  than  that  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswego  river,  and  as  they  are  nearly 
an  eqiud  distance  from  New  York,  there  is  reason  to  su|)pose  that  if  the 
river  navigation  should  prove  eijually  good,  the  trade  between  the  lakes 
and  New  York,  will  he  for  the'  most  part,  if  not  wholly  carried  on  by 
means  of  Oswegatchee  River,  rather  than  of  Oswego  River.  With 
a  fair  wind  the  passage;  irom  Oswegatchee  River  to  Niagara,  is  accom- 
plished in  two  days,  a  voyage  only  one  day  longer  than  fiom  Oswego  to 
Niagara,  with  a  fair  wind. 

Fort  de  la  Galette  was  erected  by  the  French,  and  though  not  built  till 
long  after  tort  P'ronteuac,  now  Kingston,  yet  they  esteemed  it  by  far  the 


# 


106 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWUKNCE 


m^ 


most  iiiiportafit  inililniy  post  on  tlio  St.  |jiwr«)iic<«,  in  tlio  iippnr  coimlry, 
ns  it  w.'iM  imiioHsililc  for  any  lioiit,<>r  m'hscI.  to  pns«<  npor  down  tlml  livt-r 
without  licin:.'  oltsiTvrd,  wiitTcns  llicy  niiulit  nir'ily  rMcnpc  nnsccn  lii-liniii 
tlio  nitinv  JMlnnds,  oppoHitr  to  Kin^Nton.  Sini'f  rlir  cioso  ol'ilif  Ann'iicnn 
war,  KoVt  do  la  (Jalcitf  lias  lii'oii  disniaiidcd,  as  it  uas  uiiliin  llm 
territories  ol"  tlir  I  nitcd  tStali's,  nor  wonid  any  ad\antaKf  have  ari^icn 
from  its  retention,  !(«•  it  was  never  ot'any  iinpoiianiM;  tons  hnt  as  a  trading; 
post,  and  as  sncli,  Kiii>.'sion.  wlilcli  is  in  oin*  own  territory,  is  liir  more 
olliiiilily  sitnated.  in  every  point  otview.  it  has  a  more(*at»;and  commofli- 
oiis  harlior,  the  tiir  ships  eomin<r  down  li'oni  .\ia!.'ani,  by  stoppiiii;  there, 
ar(!  saved  a  voyajr*)  of  sixty  miles  up  and  ilow  ii  the  St.  Lawrence,  w  hich 
was  «)lh'n  lianid  to  Itn  more  tedions  than  the  voya;L'e  from  Xiajrara  to 
Kin^'ston.  In  the  neiirhhorhood  of  l,a  (lalette,  on  the  ()swe;;ateliee  River, 
there  is  a  villa;ro  of  tin;  Oswof^iitcjiee  Indians,  whoso  nnmhers  uro  estimat- 
cd  atone  Inindred  warriors. 

The  einreiit  of  tlu>  St.  Liiwroiiee,  from  Oswefiatchcenpwin'ds,  is  miicii 
more  jientle  than  in  any  other  part  i)etween  INlontreal  and  linkt;  Ontar^t, 
except  C)nly  wliero  tlie  river  is  considerahly  dilated,  as  at  lakes  St.  I.ouis 
and  St.  Francois;  however,  notwithstandinL'  its  heiiij;  so  ^'tMitle,  we  did 
not  advance  more  than  twonty-tive  miles  in  the  course  ol'ihe  day,  ouinu 
to  the  numerous  stops  that  we  made,  inoro  from  motives  ol'  pleasure 
than  necessity.  Tiie  eveninjr  was  nncommonly  tin(>,  and  t<iwards  sunset 
a  lirisk  f:ale  sprinjiiiifr  np,  the  coiidiictor  jnilired  it  advisaitle  to  lake 
ndvanlaye  olit,  and  to  conlinin;  the  voya;;!?  all  ni^dit,  in  order  to  make  u\i 
for  the  time  we  had  lost  din'in^'  the  day.  We  accordinfjly  proceeded, 
Imt  towards  midiii<j:ht  the  wind  died  awa\  ;  this  circumstance,  however, 
did  not  alter  liie  determinatir>n  ot'tlu;  conductor.  'I'lie  men  wt^re oriU^red 
to  the  oars,  and  iiotwithstandin<j:  that  they  had  labored  hard  dinini:  the 
])recodinjr  day,  and  iiad  had  no  rest,  yet  tlan  were  kcipt  closely  ;it  work 
nntil  day  hreaU,  except  li)r  one  lionr,  during  which  they  were  allowed  to 
stop  lo  cook  their  provisions.  W'hei'e  there  is  a<fcntlo  current,  as  in  this 
l)art  of"  the  river,  the  ('anadians  will  work  at  the  oar  for  many  hours 
without  intermission;  they  seemed  to  think  it  no  hardship  to  he  kept 
employed  in  this  instance  the  whole  night;  on  the  contrary,  ilu-y  plied 
as  vigorously  as  if"  they  had  hnt  jnst  set  out,  singing  nuM'rily  tin;  whole 
time.  The  I''rench  (Canadians  have  in  general  a  good  ear  lor  music,  juid 
sing  duets  with  tolerahle  accuracy.  They  have  one  very  fiivoritc;  duet 
nmongst  them,  called  the  "  rowing  dnet,"  which,  as  thoy  sing,  they  mark 
time  to,  with  each  stroke  of  the  oar;  indeed,  when  rowing  in  smooth 
water,  they  mark  time  the  most  of  the  airs  they  sing  in  the  sjime 
manner. 

Ahont  I'ight  o'clock  the  next,  and  eightii  morning  of  oiir  voyage,  we 
olered  the  last  lake  het()re  yon  come  to  that  of  Ontario,  called  the  Lake 
of  a  'I'housand  Islands,  on  account  of  the  m'iltipiicity  of  them  which  it 
contains.  Many  of  these  islands  are  scarcely  larger  than  a  bateau,  and 
none  of  them,  e.\<!ept  such  as  are  sitnated  at  iii  :  upper  and  lower  extre- 
mities of  the  lake,  apjieared  tf)  me  lo  coniam  mort;  than  fifteen  English 
acres  each.  They  are  all  covered  with  woi-d,  even  to  the  very  smallest 
The  trees  on  these  last  are  stunted  in  their  growth,  but  tlu- larger  islands, 
produce  as  tine  timber  ^s  is  to  be  fiiiuiil  on  tin;  main  shores  of  tlu;  lake. 
Many  of  these  islands  are  situated  so  closely  together,  that  it  would  be 
easy  to  throw  a  pebble  from  one  to  the  other,  notwithstanding  which 
circumstance,  the  |)assnge  betwcn  tlnMii  is  |ierli'(!lly  salt-  and  i-ommo- 
dious  for  bnteanx,  and  between  some  of  them  that  are  even  thus  close 
to  each  other,  is  water  snfKcient  for  a  frigate.  The  water  is  unconnnoidy 
clear,  us  it  is  in  every  part  of  the  river,  from  Lake  St.  Francis  u[iwards: 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIFS. 


107 


lictwot'n  lliiit  liik<'  mill  llio  IJtnwiiH  river  dowiiWdnlH,  it  iw  disrolnrcil,  ns  I 
luivr  lii'lctiT  (liiM'ivnl,  liv  piiHsiii^f  iivii-  lirds  ot'  iimi  I.  'I'lii'  f^Jiori'H  iil'  all 
llii'si^  if<liiml.s  iiiiilrr  (iiif  iioliri-  :ir<'  rurky;  Jim^t  Ditliriii  ri>r  \i'i'y  ImiIiIIv, 
anil  HoiiH'  rxliiliit  iirriicinliniiiir  imiissi'm  of  rork  tiiwards  tlin  watrr, 
ii|i\vai(I.H  ()('  twtiiiy  li'i't  lii!:li.  'I'in'  srciin y  |ii('>'i'iiti'd  to  view  in  Hiiiiiny; 
l)i-t\vri'ii  tlirsf  islands  is  liraiitiliil  in  (lir  iii^lii'st  d(';:rri<.  (^onictiriii's, 
allrr  passing  lliron;;li  a  narrow  strait,  yon  lind  yoiirscjl"  in  a  hasin,  land 
liicki'd  on  rM'iy  side,  that  ii|i|ii'ars  to  liavi>  no  rominnnication  witli  tlir 
lake,  I'xript  by  tin-  passa^i-  fliroiiirli  wliicli  yon  entered;  yon  arc  lookiiiK 
alioiit,  pi'i'liajis,  liir  an  iintirt  to  cnalilc  yon  to  procrrd,  tliinkin<r  at  last  to 
fiT  sonii'  iiltli'  cliMnm'l  « liicli  will  just  ailniit  ymir  Iiah'an,  wlirii  on  a  snil- 
don  an  I'xpaiiilcd  slicrt  ol'wati'r  opi'iis  upon  yon.  wliosi"  lionndary  is  tin? 
lioi'i/on  aliiiif;  ii;.'ain  in  a  Irw  ininnti'S  yon  find  yonrsi'jf  land  iocki'd, 
mill  ajraiii  a  spurious  passajii'  as  suddenly  presents  itselt';  at  other  times, 
when  in  the  middle  ol'  one  of  these  hasins,  Itetweeti  a  elnster  of  islands, 
a  do/en  dillerent  eliaiinels.  like  so  many  nohle  rivers,  meet  the  eye, 
perhaps  eipially  nnexptjetedly,  and  on  eaeli  side  the  islands  afipear  re>rii- 
larly  retirin;;  till  they  sink  from  the  si^fht  in  the  distanee.  I'lvery  minute, 
during'  the  passajre  ot"  this  lake,  the  ]irnspert  varies.  Thi!  imineroii!* 
Indian  himtinir  eiicani|>inents  on  the  ilirti'rent  islands,  with  the  smoke  of 
their  tires  risintr  np  hetweeii  the  trees,  added  eonsideralily  to  the  heanty 
of  the  snenery  as  we  passed  it.  The  J,ake  of  a  TiiDMsand  Islands  irt 
tweiity-tive  miles  in  length,  and  ahoiit  six  in  hreadth.  l''rom  its  np|)er 
end  to  Kinjrston,  at  wliieli  place  we  arrived  early  in  the  evenin<r,  the 
distanee  is  fifteen  miles. 

'I'lio  lenjiili  of  time  required  to  aseend  the  Hiver  St.  Lawrenre,  from 
jMontreal  to  Kiitfiston,  is  eoinmonly  fonnd  to  he  ahoiit  seven  days.  If 
the  wind  slionld  he  stronjr  and  very  tiivnraltle,  the  passafre  may  he  per- 
li:)rmed  in  a  less  time;  hiit  should  if,  on  the  eontrary,  he  adverse,  ami 
lilow  very  sfronj:.  the  passau'e  will  he  jirotraeted  somewhat  lonf.'er;  an 
adviM'se  or  tiivorahle  wind,  however,  seldom  makes  a  difl'erenre  of  more 
tiian  three  days  in  the  lenjifh  of  the  passa;.'e  npwards,  as  in  eaeli  ease;  it 
is  neei.'ssary  to  work  the  hateanx  alonjj  hy  means  of  jioles  for  the  frreater 
])art  of  the  way.  The  passajre  downwards  is  performed  in  two  or  tljri;e 
days,  accordinji  to  the  wind.  The  enrrent  is  so  stronfr,  that  n  eontrary 
wind  seldom  lenj;fhens  the  passage  in  that  direction  more  than  a  day." 

The  English  are  believed  to  have  maintained  the  fort  at  Oswe- 
gatchie,  ns  a  protection  to  their  fur  trade;  and  this  was  made  the  cover 
of  a  pretension,  to  justify  their  retaining  it  after  the  pence  which  fol- 
lowed the  revohition.  Th(!  Oswegatehies,  eontiniied  to  reside  in  the 
vicinity  after  the  I'Jiglish  concpiest,  adojited  the  new  allegiance,  ami  aw 
nsnal  became  corrupted  in  morals  by  their  vicinity  to  the  garrison. 
They  are  believed  to  have  acted  with  the  British  in  the  war  of  the  Kevo- 
hition. 

In  the  enumeration  of  Indian  tribes  made  by  Sir  Wm.  Johnson,  in 
!7f);3,*  the  tribe  is  reitresented  iis  nnmhering  eighty  warriors,  at  peace 
with  the  English.  In  the  same  enumeration,  the  Canglinavvagas  are 
reported  at  three;  hiinilred  men,  emigrants  ti'om  the  iMohawk.s,  and  with 
a  colony  at  Aghi|iiissiisne,  (St.  Hegis.)  which  was  the  seat  of  a  missioti. 
The.  latter  had  been  founded  but  three  years  previously. 

*  r^'riimiTilarv  Hi.~i"rv  "i  New  ¥"rk,  vol  i,  tiagf  2T 


iv*" 


108 


HISTORV    OV   ST.    LAWnENCE 


'i'.  '' 


•(. 


i^^.- 


i 


A  portion  of  the  Moliawk  emigration  had  settled  at  the  mission  of  the 
Lake  of  Two  Mountains. 

Tlie  English  were  careful  not  to  molest  them  in  their  religious  observ- 
ances, which  remain  to  this  day,  the  same  as  when  first  established 
among  them. 

The  Oswcgatchies,  at  the  time  when  tiic  present  class  of  settlers  came 
on,  were  occupying  a  village  of  twenty-three  houses,  on  Indian  Point,  in 
Lisbon,  about  three  miles  below  Ogdensburgh.  Ppafford,  in  his  Ga- 
zetteer, published  in  1813,  thus  mentions  tiieni.  "This  village  was  built 
by  the  British  government,  afler  the  Revolution,  and  when,  of  course, 
that  government  had  no  title  to  the  land.  The  Indians  remained  here 
sevtral  years  after  the  settlement  of  the  country  by  the  present  proprie- 
tors, and  were  removed  by  order  of  the  government  of  New  York,  on 
the  complaint  of  the  inhabitants.  These  Indians  driven  from  New 
Johnstown,  in  Upf)er  Canada,  received  this  spot  with  improvements,  in 
exchange  from  which  driven  by  our  government,  they  became  destitute 
of  a  local  habitation  and.  a  name,  and  the  Oswegatchie  tribe  no  longer 
exists,  although  a  few  individuals  remain,  scattered  among  the  surround- 
ing tribes." 

This  dispersion  took  place  about  ]80(!.  or  7,  and  the  remnants  of  the 
tribe,  or  their  descendants,  are  I'ound  at  St.  Regis,  Onondaga,  and  else- 
where. 

While  in  Lisbon,  they  were  tmder  the  direction  of  one  .Toseph  Reoam, 
a  Frenchman,  who  spoke  their  dialect  of  the  Iroquois  language,  and  is 
said  to  have  been  a  chief,  and  to  have  married  an  Indian  woman.  They 
planted  corn  on  Calloo  island,  and  elsewhere  in  the  vicinity. 

Their  village  is  described  by  one  who  saw  it  in  1802,  as  consisting 
of  a  street,  running  parallel  with  the  river,  witli  the  houses  ranged  in  a 
regular  maimer  o"  each  side  of  it,  all  uniformly  built,  with  their  ends  to 
the  street,  sharp  roofed,  shingled  with  pointed  shingles,  and  with  glass 
windows.  Every  hou.'^e  was  built  for  two  families,  had  two  doors  in 
front,  and  a  double  fire  place,  and  single  chimney  in  the  centre,  with  a 
partition  equally  dividing  the  interior.  In  180'^  there  were  about  24 
families. 

These  Inilians  were  accustomed  to  spend  most  of  their  sununers  on 
Black  lake,  in  himting  and  fishing,  returning  to  their  cabins  for  the  win- 
ter. They  used  bark  canoes,  which  they  carried  around  rapids,  and 
across  jiortages,  with  perfect  ease. 

As  many  as  forty  Indians  at  a  time  were  often  seen  in  the  settlement 
when  new. 

Directly  opposite  to  tiie  site  of  the  Indian  village  of  the  Oswcgatchies, 
is  the  island  that  was  fortified  by  the  French,  and  taken  by  the  Englisli 
i;nder  Lord  Amherst  in  I7()0.  The  ruins  of  the  fortress  upon  it,  are 
still  to  be  seen,  altliougli  mostly  obliterated,  and  have  given  it  thj  name 


aama 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


109 


of  Cliimiiey  island.  Tliis  island  is  low,  and  in  shape  irregular.  It  is 
on  the  American  siile  of  the  channel,  and  has  an  area  of  six  acres. 
'I'here  are  said  to  be  still  seen  on  an  island,  o|)i)osite  this,  under  the 
Canada  shore,  the  traces  of  works  erected  by  the  English,  to  assist  in 
its  reduction. 

A  great  iiund)er  of  iron  and  other  inetalic  relics,  have  been  found  on 
this  island,  and  the  adjoining  shores,  as  tomahawks,  hoes,  axes,  picks, 
the  hangings  of  gates  and  other  relics  of  the  French  and  Indian  occupa- 
tion of  the  |)lace.  These,  like  those  found  on  the  sites  of  the  French 
establishments  at  Onondaga,  and  elsewhere,  are  rude  and  very  coarse; 
scarcely  appearing  to  be  capable  of  being  used  for  the  purposes  for 
which  they  were  intended. 

This  island  is  three  miles  below  the  village  of  Ogdensburgh. 

Like  many  other  places  having  associations  connected  with  the  olden 
time,  Chimney  island  has  been  the  scene  of  money  digging,  on  a  some- 
what extensive  scale,  by  those  who  were  weak  enough  to  1  e  Ird  astray 
by  the  pretended  indications  of  the  divining  rod,  or  the  impositions  of 
fortune  tellers.  As  uniformly  iiappens,  there  has  been  ;nciiey  lost  in- 
stead of  gained  in  these  operations,  and  if  stories  are  to  be  believed, 
certain  of  these  adventurers  have  lost  somewhat  of  credit  and  standing 
in  community,  by  these  speculations.* 

•  See  Appendix,  note  B  of  this  work, 


110 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


CIIArTER  IJ, 


ST.  llEt;i!«. 


\i  ' 


) ;   ■  ■ 


4       ; 


»■         ' 


iS  i»  beaiititiil  find  elevated  |)oiiit  wliicli  juts  into  Ilie  St.  Law- 
rence, wliere  tliat  river  i.s  erossr'd  I)y  the  forty-fiCtli  jKirallel  of 
latitude,  and  between  the  niontiis  of  the  St.  Rej^isand  Racquettc 
'  rivers,  stands  a  dilapidated  and  anticpie  looking  village,  whose  mas- 
'sive  and  venerable  church,  with  tin  covered  spire;  whose  narrow 
and  fdthy  stivets,  and  the  general  ajtijearance  of  indolence  and 
poverty  of  its  inhabitants,  and  especially  the  accents  of  an  unaccustomed 
language  almost  con\ey  to  the  casual  visitor  an  impression  that  he  is  in 
?i  foreign  land. 

Siichisthe  Indian  village  of  St.  Regis,  whose  origin  and  Iiistory  we 
lire  about  to  relate.  Its  tbuiidei-s  in  selecting  this  site,  evinced  the  pos- 
session of  a  taste  at  once  judicious  and  correct,  for  it  may  well  be  ques- 
tioned whether  the  shores  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  abounding  as  they  do  in 
charming  and  lovely  localities,  alFords  anywhere  a  s[)ot  that  will  surpass 
this  in  beauty  of  scenery,  or  pleasantness  of  location.  The  village  stands 
on  a  i)Iain,  juoderately  eleva^jd  above  the  river,  which  having  lor  more 
tlaii  (brty  miles  been  broken  by  cascades  and  dangerous  rapids,  here 
becomes  tranquil. 

To  the  west,  the  ground  swells  into  a  gentle  hill,  which  overlooks  the 
village  and  river  to  a  great  distance;  beyond  which  it  again  descends 
into  a  s|»aciiius  plain,  which  for  time  immemorial  has  been  th»;  favorite 
gromid  lor  ball-|»laying,  a  pastime  to  which  the  natives  are  strongly 
attached,  and  in  which  they  engage  with  much  zeal. 

The  siuTounding  lields,  are  an  open  common,  without  separate  enclos- 
tn-es,  and  are  used  ns  a  public  pasture  by  the  inhabitants.  Aroiuid  tl 
cabins  of  the  viilae;crs  are  usually  small  enclcsm-es,  devoted  to  the  culti- 
vation of  corn,  and  culinary  vegetables,  which  by  the  right  of  occiqiancy 
have  come  to  be  considered  th<!  private  property  of  individuals,  and  as 
such  are  bought  and  sold  among  the  natives,  although  the  law  recognizes 
no  such  private  ownership,  and  holds  them  all  as  tenants  in  common, 
flenying  them  the  right  of  buying  or  selling  land,  excep'  to  the  govern- 
ment. 


■^ 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


Ill 


Opposue  to  the  villnf^o,  lay  several  very  fertile  and  beautiful  islands, 
vvliich  are  owned  and  cultivated  by  the  villagers,  and  upon  which  is 
raised  the  ffrain  upon  which  they  subsist,  and  the  grass  which  serves  for 
tlieir  cattle  during  the  winter  months.  The  p>il)lic  points  in  the  villajre, 
and  the  sununits  of  the  hill  .ire  crowned  by  the  cross,  vhich  indicates 
the  religious  fiiith  of  the  greater  part  of  the  inhabitants,  and  reminds  us 
that  the  colony  owes  its  origin  to  a  religions  movement.  Such  is  St. 
Regis,  as  it  appears  to  the  stranger;  a  village  which  tnider  Anglo- 
Saxon  enterprise,  would  ere  this  have  attained  a  preeminence  equal  to 
any  place  on  the  river,  but  which  now  exiiibits  nothing  but  an  air  of 
decay  and  litstlessness,  peculiar  of  the  Indian  character,  when  it  assumes 
the  habits  of  civilization. 

To  one  who  traverses  the  streets,  and  observes  the  general  aspect  of 
its  inhabitants,  a  leading  trait  will  be  noticed  as  their  controlling 
principle,  and  he  will  recognize  Indolence  in  every  feature,  and  in  every 
action, 

\S'^ith  this  i)reliminary,  we  will  proceed  with  our  account  of  tiie  origin 
A'  this  village,  wiiich  war;  ♦•>rme(l  l)y  an  e'.iigration  from  tlu  iii-^-piion 
r.t  Caughnawaga,  or  the  Saut  Saint  I.juis,  about  nine  miles  n'.:"vc 
Montreal  The  hitter  at  a  remote  period  of  American  history,  in  its 
turn,  was  formed  by  a  portion  of  the  Mohawk  tribe  of  Indians,  who 
were  induced  by  the  French  to  emigrate  to  thtnr  vicinity  and  emi)race 
the  Catholic  faith. 

We  will  reserve  for  the  appendix,*  such  notices  as  we  may  find,  con- 
nected with  tiiis  people,  previous  to  tiie  founding  of  St.  Regis,  and  com- 
mence ouraccouut  with  a  traditionary  narrative  upon  which  is  based  the 
causes  that  led  to  the  measure. 

About  a  hundred  and  thirty  years  ago,  thr-^e  children,  (a  girl  about 
twelve  or  t'lirteen  years  of  age,  and  two  younger  l)rotlicrs,)  were  playing 
togetho  lii  u  barn,  in  the  town  of  VTroton,  Massachnwetts,  and  being 
abi^v'tr  tiom  ''le  house  longer  than  was  expected,  tlieir  mother  became 
Bo'i  f  ,-,  'x!j>iut  them,  and  went  to  find  them.  The  girl  was  lying  on 
the  'tc    ,    .  ir'      limb  broken,  and  the  hoys  were  missing. 

She  reU.  •  H' (It  seeing  some  Indians  coming,  she  fled  to  the  upper 
part  of  the  barn,  and  fell  by  accident  from  the  beams  above,  and  that 
they  had  seized  the  two  boys,  and  carried  them  away.  The  stealthy 
manner  of  this  sei/nrc,  and,  the  time  that  had  elapsed,  forbade  pursuit, 
with  any  hope  of  success,  and  the  distracted  |)arents  were  letl  to  mourn 
the  loss  without  consolation  or  hope.  The  i>iobable  motive  tor  tia; 
seizure  of  these  children,  was  the  expectation  (that  a  bounty  would  be 

'    'ee  Appendix  Note  C  of  this  vork. 


112 


HISTORY    OF   ST,  LAWRENCE 


i 


offered  for  their  ransom ;  or  perhaps  tliey  might  be  exchanged  for  Frencii 
prisoners. 

As  afterwards  appeared,  these  hoys  were  tai<en  hy  Ciuighnawa^'a  In- 
dians to  their  village  near  Montreal,  where  they  were  adopted  as  their 
own  children,  growing  up  in  liahits,  manners,  and  language,  as  Indians, 
and  in  due  time  they  married  the  daughters  of  chiefs  of  that  tribe.  The 
names  of  these  chiefs  were  Sa-kon-en-tsi-ask  and  Ata-wen-ta. 

But  they  possessed  the  superiority  of  intellect,  and  enterprise,  which 
belonged  to  their  race,  and  this  led  to  a  series  of  petty  quarrels,  growing 
out  of  the  jealousy  of  the  young  Indirns  of  their  age,  which  disquieted 
the  village,  and  by  the  party  spirit  which  it  engendered,  became  a  source 
of  irritation  and  trouble  in  the  settlement,  and  of  finxiety  on  the  part  of 
their  missionary,  who  labored  in  vain  to  reconcile  the  difficulties  between 
thetn. 

Failing  in  this,  he  i  i  le  two  young  men,  (one  of  whom  they  had 

named  Ka-re-ko-wa)  to  .  e  with  their  families  to  a  place  by  them- 

selves, where  they  might  enjoy  tranquility,  and  be  beyond  the  reach  of 
annoyance  from  their  comrades. 

This  advice  they  adopted;  and  taking  with  them  their  wives,  and  fol- 
lowed by  their  wives'  parent?,  these  tour  families  departed  in  a  bark 
canoe,  with  their  clfects,  to  seek  in  a  new  country,  and  in  the  secluded 
recesses  of  the  forest,  n  home. 

They  coasted  along  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  at  length  arrived  at  the 
delightful  poin*  on  which  the  village  of  St.  Regis  now  stands,  where 
they  landed  and  took  possession. 

The  name  of  these  youths,  was  Tarbell,  and  their  descendants  have 
always  resided  at  St.  Regis,  and  some  of  them  have  been  distinguished 
as  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  tribe.  One  of  these  named  Lesor  Tar- 
l)ell,  and  a  son  of  his  name,  was  a  prominent  chief,  about  fifty  years 
since,  and  very  much  esteemed  by  the  whites,  for  his  prudence,  candor, 
and  great  worth  of  character. 

The  name  of  Tarbell,  is  said  to  be  very  common  in  Groton,  to  this  day. 

Another  traditional  version  of  the  account,  differs  in  some  particulars 
from  that  just  related,  and  is  as  follows  : 

Three  lads,  and  an  elder  sister,  were  playing  together  in  a  field,  when 
they  were  surprised  by  a  small  jfarty  of  Indians.  One  of  the  boys  es- 
caped, but  the  rest  were  seized,  and  marched  that  day  about  fourteen 
miles  into  the  woods  towards  Canada,  when  it  coming  on  dark,  thev 
came  to  a  halt,  and  camped  for  the  night.  Thinking  their  prisoners  se- 
cure, the  Indians  were  less  watchful  than  usual,  and  finally  all  fell  asleep. 

The  girl,  about  twelve  years  old,  kept  awake,  and  seeing  the  rest 
asleep,  her  first  thought  was  to  awaken  her  brothers,  and  attempt  to  en- 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


113 


cape,  but  fearing  to  disturh  the  Indians,  should  she  attempt  this,  and 
thus  prevent  any  possil)ility  of  escape,  she  crept  carefully  out  from  among 
them,  and  struck  off  in  the  direction  of  her  home,  which  she  at  length 
reached  after  undergoing  great  hardshi|). 

One  of  the  lads  ">!)  growing  up  went  off  to  the  north  west,  the  other 
married,  and  subsefjuently  with  his  wifj;,  and  one  or  two  other  families, 
moved  off,  and  made  the  first  settlement  at  St.  Regis. 

From  the  abundance  of  partridges  which  the  thicket  afforded,  they 
called  it,  Ak-wis-sas-nf.  "  where  the  partridge  drums,"  and  this  name 
it  still  retains.* 

These  families  were  living  very  peaceably  together,  and  had  made 
small  clearings  for  cornfields,  when  they  were  joined  by  Father  Anthony 
Gordon,  a  Jesuit  from  Caughnawaga,  with  a  colony  of  these  Indians  in 
17C0. 

The  year  of  this  settlement  is  known  by  the  fact  that  they  were  met 
near  Coteau  du  Lac,  by  Lord  Amherst,  who  was  decending  the  St.  Law- 
rence, to  complete  the  conquest  of  Canada.  Gordon  named  the  place 
St.  Rkcis. 

With  the  belief  that  a  biographirnl  sketch  of  this  saint,  would  be  ac- 
ceptable to  our  readers,  in  connection  with  this  account,  we  will  take  the 
libertj  of  inserting  it  as  it  is  given  by  a  catholic  author. 

"Jean  Francoi!;  Regis,  of  the  society  of  Jesus,  was  born  Jan.  3], 
1597,  at  Foncouvcite,  a  village  in  the  diocess  of  Narbonne  in  Lauguedoc, 
France,  and  was  a  descendant  of  an  ancient  and  noble  family.  At  an 
early  age  he  became  strongly  impressed  with  religious  sentiments,  and 
while  a  youth,  was  one  of  the  first  to  enter  the  Jesuit  School  at  Beziers,* 
where  lie  led  a  very  exenfi)lary  life.  At  the  completion  of  his  earlier 
studies,  lie  undertook  the;  charge  of  instructing  menial  servants  in  Tour- 
non.    In  Kijn,  his  studies  being  finished,  he  visited   Foncouverte  to 

*  Anollier  aiiJ  equally  coiisistem  explanutioii  of  the  adoption  of  tlii«  imme,  is  given  : 

In  tlie  winter  time,  the  ice  irom  llie  lapiil.s  iihove,  oominfr  ilowii  inidcr  l)ie  firm  ion  at  tills 
place,  ofien  occasions  a  sort  of  tremor  or  earthquake  'n  miniature,  ami  is  attended  wiili  a  noise 
/ery  ninch  like  tlie  drumining  of  a  partridge.  A  particular  aci  init  of  tlie  singnlar  phenomeiui 
of  the  ice  in  the  rapids,  will  be  given  in  our  account  of  the  town  of  Massena. 

On  the  occasion  of  the  author's  visit  to  .St.  Regis  in  June  1''.52,  the  natives  desired  lo  give 
him  a  name,  and  proposed  among  other?,  that  of  their  village.  Ohjections  being  made,  they 
decided  upon,  O-kwa.e-sen,  a  partridge,  they  regarding  tliat  bird  somewhat  as  a  national 
umblem,  like  the  eagle  to  the  United  .States.  The  idea  was  doubtless  suggested  by  the  par. 
ticular  inquiries  made  about  the  origin  of  their  village.  The  custom  of  naming  those  who 
have  business  with  them  in  common,  and  in  former  limes  when  the  drinking  of  rum  was 
more  prevalent,  the  ceremony  of  christening  and  adoption  was  conducted  with  excessive  de. 
monstration  of  joy.  At  present  il  consists  in  singing  and  shoiitiiig  around  the  candidate,  and 
the  shaking  of  hands.  At  times  a  rude  danrf.  is  |>erformed,  but  thi.s  people  have  lost  every 
recollection  ef  the  national  ftasis  and  dances,  which  are  still  maintained  among  the  pagan 
party  of  the  Iroquois  at  Uiiondaga  and  other  Indian  setdemcnts.  in  the  interior  of  the  state. 

They  informed  the  author  that  they  should  consider  liim  as  belonging  to  the  Ro.iis  en.na. 
keh.te,  or  Little  Turtle  band,  thnt  being  ihesmaliert  and  feebloitone  among  ihera, 


114 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


i 


lis      < 


settle  some  fiitnily  nfTairs,  and  tliere  nttractdd  tnucli  notice  from  the  zeal 
with  wliicli  iio  preiu'iied  to  rlio  |>eo|ii(',  md  solicited  alms  for  the  poor. 
He  ,s|)ciit  several  years  in  missionary  laliors  in  France,  always  conspicn- 
ous  f()r  Ills  7.ealoii8  lahors  anionij  tlie  poor,  over  'vlioni  \n'.  acijuired  great 
ascendency.  This  excited  sncii  porsecntion  ti'oin  the  liifjlier  classes, 
that  he  solicited  an  apjtointnient  as  a  missionary  to  ihe  llurons,  iuid 
lro(|nois  of  (!)atiada,  bnt  (inaliy  remaini;d  at  home,  iruich  to  hi.s  own 
ijisappointment.  He  continned  his  lahors  among  tll(^  lower  classes  till 
ills  death,  Dec.  :}1,  1()40,  at  the  age  of  43  years,  of  which  'iii  were  s|)ent 
as  a  Jesuit.  This  tomh  at  La  Lonvase,  in  Langnedoc,  is  regarded  ity  tlic! 
catholic  population  of  France,  as  a  shrine,  and  miracles  are  believed  by 
them  to  have  been  performed  at  it.  He  was  cannonised  by  pope  Clement 
XII,  in  17M7,  at  tin;  joint  ri'(piest  of  Kings  Louis  XV  of  France,  and 
Philip  V,  of  ripain,  ami  of  the  clergy  of  France,  assembled  at  Paris,  in 
I7;{.i.  His  festival  accurs  on  the  Kith  of  June.  [See  Bulkr's  Lives  of  the 
Smnts,  ]Smo  edition,  vol.  vi,  p.  'iCtl,  267.] 

A  painting  of  St.  Regis,  exists  in  the  church  at  the  mission  of  that 
name.     It  was  presented  by  Charles  X,  as  hereafter  stated. 

It  is  not  known  how  long  the  four  families  had  been  residing  at  this 
place,  when  they  were  joined  by  the  others,  nor  the  nund)ers  of  the  latter, 
further  than  the  vague  tradition  that  "there  were  many  cnnoe  loads." 
I'robably  they  nund)ered  several  himdred  souls. 

Tht5  cause  assigtied  for  this  emigration,  was  a  desire  to  get  the  natives 
away  from  the  corrupting  influences  of  rum,  and  the  train  of  vices  to 
which  they  were  |»articularly  exposed  from  their  proxinfity  to  Montreal. 
It  was  hoped  that  by  this  means  being  witlnlrawn  from  the  temptations 
to  which  they  were  (!onstantly  liable,  that  a  benefit  would  be  derived. 

In  our  account  of  Picquet's  mission,  we  have  seen  that  the  missionaries 
at  the  Indian  "stablishmt  nts  felt  and  de[)lored  the  contaminating  influence 
of  the  Europeans,  and  tiMit the  mission  of  St.  Louis,  was  fortius  cause 
obliged  to  be  moved  some  distance  up  the  river,  to  get  the  natives  out  of 
the  way  of  the  moral  miasm  of  Montreal,  and  the  further  emigration 
to  St.  Regis,  may  without  doubt  be  attributed  to  the  same  cause. 

In  these  acts,  these  ecclesiastics  evinced  a  commendable  regard  for 
the  moral  welfare  of  their  flocks,  which  challenges  our  admiration.  In 
order  that  the  eiul  desired  might  not  bo  defeated,  it  was  considered 
essential  that  the  new  colony  should  be  made  ui»  of  a  native  poi)ulation 
entirely;  that  no  military  jiost  should  ti)rm  a  part  of  them,  and  that 
traffic  cs[tecially  in  spirituous  liquors  should  be  entirely  interdicted. 

Among  the  fust  diuiea  of  Gordon  was  the  erection  of  a  church,  which 
was  built  of  logs  and  covered  with  barks. 

This  lunnble  ami  primative  temple  of  worship,  was  made  to  serve  the 
double  purpose  of  a  church  and  a  dwelling,  and  one  end  of  the  hut  was 
partitioned  off  for  the  residence  of  their  priest. 

There  being  no  bell,  when  the  hour  of  worship  arrived,  an  Indian  went 
through  the  villagi;  from  hut  to  hut,  and  armounced  with  a  loud  voice 


igfi 


\ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


115 


the  hour  that  they  might  assemble  for  prayer.  This  practice  reminds 
one  of  the  Mahomcdan  custom,  of  proclaiming  the  hour  of  prayer  from 
the  Minarets  of  mosques. 

In  about  two  years  this  church  was  burned,  and  with  it  the  first  two 
years  of  the  parish  records. 

The  first  record  extant,  bears  date  Feb.  2, 17G2,  wlien  Margarita  Theretia 
an  Abcnika  woman,  married,  and  of  unknown  parentage,  was  baptized. 

Since  that  date,  the  parish  records  are  very  perfect,  they  have  been 
kept  in  tlie  Latin  and  French  languages. 

Soon  afterwards  a  small  wooden  church  was  erected  on  the  ground 
now  occupied  by  the  priest's  garden,  which  was  furnished  with  a  small 
cupola,  and  contained  a  hell. 

It  has  been  generally  believed  that  this  bell  was  the  same  as  that  taken 
in  1704,  from  Deerfield,  in  Massachusetts,  but  after  careful  inquiries, 
the  author  has  artived  at  the  conclusion  that  that  celebrated  bell  never 
was  at  St.  Regis,  but  that  it  is  none  other  than  the  smaller  of  the  two 
that  hangs  in  tlie  steeple  of  the  charch  of  St.  Louis,  in  Caughnawaga. 

About  fifteen  years  since,  a  bell  belonging  to  the  church  of  St.  Regis, 
was  broken  up  at  Ogdensburgh,  for  recasting,  and  the  Indians  were 
very  jealous  lest  some  part  should  be  abstracted,  and  are  said  to  have 
appointed  some  of  their  number  to  watch  the  operation,  and  see  that 
every  part  was  remelted.  This  metal  now  forms  a  part  of  the  larger 
beil  in  the  church  at  St.  Regis. 

Thai  the  Deerfield  bell  could  not  have  been  taken  directly  to  St.  Regis, 
is  evident,  from  the  fact  that  fifty-six  years  elapsed  between  its  capture 
and  the  founding  of  St.  Regis. 

The  latter  place  was  first  begun  by  emigrants,  in  1760,  from  Caugh- 
nawaga, the  larger  portion  of  the  tribe  remaining  behind.  It  can  scarcely 
be  believed,  that  those  that  remained  would  allow  themselves  to  be 
deprived  of  the  only  bell  their  church  possessed,  especially  as  the  mission 
at  tiie  Saut  St.  Louis  has  been  continued  without  interruption. 

While  on  a  visit  to  Caughnawaga,  in  October,  1852,  the  author  found 
in  the  village  a  direct  and  consistent  tradition  of  the  bell,  which  is  still 
used  in  their  church,  and  among  the  records  in  the  hands  of  tiie  priest, 
a  manuscript  in  the  French  language,  of  which  we  shall  give  a  transla- 
tion. The  bell  is  a  small  one,  and  once  possessed  an  inscription,  which 
has  been  eftiiced. 

The  legend  purports  to  have  been  Ibund  some  ^fteen  years  since,  in 
an  old  English  publication,  and  is  regarded  by  the  priest  of  the  mission 
(Rev.  Joseph  Marcoux),  who  has  for  many  years  resided  there,  as  in  the 
main  points  reliable.  If  this  view  of  the  subject  be  correct,  the  legend 
loses  none  of  its  interest,  except  being  transferred  from  the  church  of 
8 


i 


116 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


St,  Regis  to  tlie  clmrcli  of  the  Saut  St.  Louis.  This  village  is  on  the 
Boutli  side  of  the  St.  Lnwrence,  opiioftitc  the  village  of  Lnchiiie,  at  the 
head  of  the  Saut  St.  Louis,  and  nine  miles  nlmvo  .Alontrcal. 


f   .' 


Legend  of  the  Bell  of  Saut  St.  Louis  [Ciiughnnime;n\  near  Montreal. 

"  Father  Nicolas  having  asseinhled  a  considciahlc  nnniher  of  Indians 
who  had  been  converted  to  the  catholic  tiiith,  had  ostalilisiifd  them  in 
the  village  which  now  bears  the  name  of  flu;  Sant  8t.  Lonis,  upon  the 
River  St.  Lawrence.  The  situation  of  this  village  is  ou(!  of  the  mo^^t 
magnificent  which  the  banks  of  that  noble  river  ))resents,  ■•md  is  among 
the  most  picturesque  which  the  country  contains. 

The  church  stands  upon  a  point  of  land  which  juts  into  the  river,  and 
its  bell  sends  its  echoes  over  the  waters  witii  a  clearness  which  forms  a 
striking  contrast  with  the  iron  bells  which  were  Ibrmerly  so  conunon  in 
Caiiaria,  while  the  tin  covered  spire  of  the  church,  glittering  in  the  sun- 
light, with  the  dense  and  gloomy  forests  which  surround  it,  give  a  cha- 
racter of  romance  to  this  little  church,  and  the  legend  of  its  celebrated 
bell.* 

Father  Nicolas  having,  with  the  aid  of  tin;  Indians,  erected  a  chiurh 
and  a  belfry;  in  one  of  his  sermons  explained  to  his  hundile  auditors, 
that  a  bell  was  as  necessary  to  a  belfry,  as  a  jiriest  to  a  church,  and  ex- 
horted them  to  lay  aside  a  portion  of  the  furs  that  they  cnllecled  in 
hunting,  until  enough  was  accumulated  to  ])urchas(!  a  bell,  wliich  could 
only  be  procured  by  sending  to  France.  Tiie  Indians  exhibited  an 
inconceivable  ardor  in  performing  this  religious  duty,  and  the  packet  of 
furs  was  promptly  made  out,  and  forwarded  to  Havre,  wh(;re  an  eccle- 
siastical ])ersonage  was  delegated  to  make  the  purchase.  The  bell  was 
accordingly  ordered,  and  in  due  time  forwarded  on  board  the  (irnnde 
Monarque,  which  was  on  the  point  ot"  sailing  tiir  Quebec. 

It  so  happened  that  after  her  de|)arture,  one  of  the  wars  which  the 
French  and  the  English  then  so  oiten  waged  sprung  up,  and  in  conse- 
quence the  Grande  Monarque  nev(>r  attained  her  destined  port,  but  was 
taken  by  a  New  England  private(>r,  brought  into  the  jjort  of  Salem, 
where  slie  was  condemned  as  a  lawtiil  prize,  and  sold  for  the  benefit  of 
her  cajitors. 

The  bell  was  purchased  by  the  village  of  D(!erfield,  upon  the  Connec- 
ticut river,  for  a  church  then  about  being  erected  by  the  congregation  of 
the  celebrated  Rev.  John  Williams. 

When  Father  Nicolas  received  news  of  the  misfortune,  he  assembled 


*  The  old  church  of  Cnughnawaga.  wc  In  J-4.)  rcplnceil  Iiy  the  present  hirge  ami  snhsian- 
tlal  stone  edifice,  erected  with  funds  ^iven  the  Indians  I'or  iliiit  purpose  in  consirlcralion  of  land's 
which  the  goveinni-Jlit  liad  approprinted  to  itself,  as  having  helong-ed  to  the  Jesuits,  but  fv.r 
wliich  they  awarded  tlie  value,  on  its  being  iiroved  that  lliis  mission  had  never  belonged  to 
that  order.  In  1830,  a  large  bell  was  presented  by  the  Knglish  government  to  the  church,  and 
hangs  by  the  side  of  the  time  honored  and  veuerabb:  relic  which  forms  the  .subject  of  the 
legend.^  The  latter  originally  bore  an  inscription  in  die  Latin  language,  Imt  this  lias  been 
effaced  by  the  chisel,  probably  by  its  New  England  owners,  1o  prevent  any  ideutiricaiion  by 
those  for  whom  it  was  originally  intended.  Adjoining  the  church,  stands  the  priest's  house, 
which  still  presents  the  same  appearance  as  when  Charlevoix  the  traveler  abode  iu  it.  The 
room  is  still  pointed  out  in  which  he  lived,  and  the  desk  cm  which  he  wrote  a  portion  of  that 
history  which  has  made  his  name  celebrated  as  a  historian. 


AND    FRANK I,1N    COUNTIES. 


117 


Ills  Tiulifins,  rolafod  to  tliom  tlio  inisr-riililo  coiulition  oC  t!io  IipII,  rofiined 
ill  piiriiatory  in  tlio  Imiids  of  hcrctins,  nnd  coiieliidi'd  by  sayiiiir,  tliat,  it 
would  1)0  a  most  jirai^o  worthy  (jtitcrjirix!  to  po  and  i-l-covim-  it. 

'I'liis  appeal  liad  in  it  as  it  were  a  kind  of  inspiration,  and  fell  upon 
its  linarcrs  with  all  tho  fiircn  of  tiic  cloipicnco  of  Peter  tiie  Ifennit,  in 
jireachiii};  the  rrnsades. 

'I'hc  Indians  (le|)loi-ed  lou'ethnr  tlio  iiiisl()rtiiiio  of  their  bell,  wliieli  had 
not  hitlierto  received  the  rite  of  hnptisiu:  they  had  not  ilie  sli<j:lil"st  idea 
of  a  hell,  hut  it  was  cnoMj'h  for  tiniin,  tliat  l''atiier  Xipolas,  who  jireaehed 
and  said  mass  liir  them,  in  tlii<ir  church,  said  that  il  h.'id  some  indisjnMis- 
able  use  in  the  wcirvices  of  tin;  church. 

Their  eagerness  fiir  the  cliasi;  \vas  in  a  moment  siisi)en(led,  and  they 
nssenihled  toixether  in  irroiips,  nnd  seateil  on  tlie  luinks  ol"  the  river, 
conv(!rseil  on  the  pnliappy  captivity  of  tlieir  bell,  and  oa(;li  broiijriit  for- 
ward his  [ilaii  whicii  he  deeined  most  likely  to  siicce(nl  in  elltjctiiifr  its 
r(;c()very. 

Home  of  their  iniinber,  who  had  heard  a  bell,  said  tliat  it  conid  bo 
heard  beyond  the  mnrmiir  of  the  rapid,  and  tliat  its  voice  was  more 
liarmonioiis  than  that  of  the  swi-etest  songst(;r  of  the  jurove,  heard  in  the 
(pfici  stillness  ot'eviiiiiiiL',  when  ;ill  nature  was  hushed  in  repose. 

All  wore  melaiiciioiy.  .ind  iiis|iired  with  a  holy  entiinsiasm ;  many 
fisted,  and  oth(;rs  p(!rl(:)rmed  sevc-re  peiiniices  to  obtain  the  deliverance 
of  tiie  bell,  or  ihe  |)alliatioii  of  its  siifii:'rin«s. 

At  lenuth  the  ilay  of  its  deliverance  approached.  The  INIarrpiis  do 
A\'indrenil,  Ciovernor  of  Canada,  resolvcid  to  send  an  expedition  .•itrainst 
the  JJritish  colonies  of  iMassachnsetts  and  \e\\  Hampshire.  'J'iio  com- 
mand of  this  expedition  was  piveii  to  Major  llijrtel  de  Monville,  and  one 
of  the  priests  of  the  .Tesiiit  college,  nt  (.iiK.'bec.  was  sent  to  jirocnre  the 
services  of  l''athor  Niccdas  to  acci>mpain  the  exiieditiini. 

The  Indians  were  imnKulialely  assembled  in  the  ciuu'ch;  the  messen- 
ger was  prescnied  to  iht;  congregation,  and  I'atlur  Nicolas  in  u  solemn 
discourse  pointed  to  him  as  worthy  of  tlieir  veneration,  ii'oiii  his  being 
the  b(!arer  of  glad  tidings,  who  was  about  departing  t()r  his  return  to 
Quebec,  to  join  the  war.  At  the  end  of  the  discourse,  the  wlK)le  audi- 
ence raised  with  one  voic(!  the  cry  ot'  war,  and  demanded  to  be  led  to 
the  place  where  their  bell  was  diJtained  by  the  lieretics.- 

The  savages  imm.^diately  beuan  to  paint  tliemselves  in  the  most  hide- 
ous colors,  and  were  animated  with  a  wild  endinsiasni  to  join  the  expe- 
dition. 

It  was  in  the  depth  of  winter  when  thev  (h^pnrted  to  join  the  army  of 
M.  de  Kouville,  at  Fort  Cliambly.  Father  iNicolas  marched  at  liieir 
bead,  witii  a  largt;  banner,  siirnioiinted  by  ti  cross,  and  as  they  departed 
from  their  village.  t::eir  wives  and  little  ones,  in  imit  ition  of  women  of 
the  crusades,  wiio  animated  the  warriors  ot'  (lodfnn-  ot'  IJfiuillon,  they 
sang  a  sacred  hymn  whicli  their  venerated  priest  bad  selected  lijr  the 
occasion. 

'I'hey  arrived  at  Cliambly  after  a  march  of  great  liardship.  at  the 
moment  that  the  I'^ench  soldiers  were  prei)aring  to  start  on  their  march 
U|)  Lak(^  Cluimplain. 

The  Indians  lollowed  in  their  rear,  with  that  perseverance  peculiar  to 
their  character.  In  this  order  the  Indians  remained,  liillowing  in  silence, 
until  they  reached  Lake  Champlain.  where  all  tl#*  .-.rriy  had  been 
ordered  to  rendezvous,  'i'his  lake  was  then  tiozin  and  less  covered  by 
snow  than  the  siiores,  and  w;is  taken  as  a  more  cdiivenient  I'oiite  (iir 
the  jirmy.  W'itii  their  thoughts  wrapped  u[)  in  the  single  conii'mplation 
of  the  unhappy  ca|)tivity  ol  their  l)e||,  the  Indians  remained    t:iciturri 


118 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


JL 


} 

-  i>'- 

I 

^.; 

during  this  pensive  mnrrh,  exhil)iting  no  symptoms  of  fatifrue  or  offcnr; 
no  n'jxret  for  their  limiilics  or  hr)iiu's,  nwd  llitsy  rcfrnnlcd  with  ('(inal  imlif- 
fereiico  on  the;  one  hnnd  tiio  interminahle  iiiu!  of  i'orj'st,  soni(!tinu;M  hlaci^ 
from  dense  cverjirecns.  and  in  otiiers  white  tiom  h)adH  of  snow;  and  on 
tiic  other,  tin;  hieaii  lines  of  roeiis  and  (h'serts  of  snow  and  ice,  whicii 
bordered  tlieir  path.  The  Fruneli  sohliers,  wiio  sidfered  (h'eadfnily  fiom 
fati^'ue  and  cohi  r(>^'ard(;d  witii  athniration  tiit;  n<:ihty  and  eheiirtnhiess 
witii  which  the  Indians  seemed  to  ghde  over  tlie  yiehiing  surlace  of  the 
snow  on  their  snow  siioes. 

The  qniet  endin'ance  of  the  proselytes  of  Father  Nicolas  formed  a 
Btriiiing  contrast  witli  the  irrituhiiity  and  impatience  of  the  French  sol- 
diers. 

When  tliey  arrived  at  the  point  where  now  stands  tiie  city  of  Burling- 
ton, the  order  was  given  for  a  gentsral  iialt,  to  make  more  efiicient 
arrangements  for  jjenetrating  through  tlie  forests  to  ftlassaciinsetts.  Jn 
leaving  this  j)oint,  de  Rouvillo  gave  to  Fatiier  Nicolas  the  connnand  of 
his  [n<lian  warriors,  and  took  the  lead  of  his  own  himself,  with  compass 
in  hand,  to  make  the  most  direct  course  for  Deertield.  Nothing  wliich 
the  troops  hud  thus  far  suffered  could  compare  with  what  they  now 
endured  on  this  march  through  a  wild  country,  in  the  midst  of  deep 
snow,  and  with  no  supplies  heyond  what  they  could  carry. 

The  French  soldiers  became  impatient,  and  wasted  tlieir  breath  in 
curses  and  com|)laints  at  the  hardships  they  suiiered,  but  th(.>  Indians 
animated  by  a  zeal  whicli  sustained  them  above  the  sense  of  hardships, 
remained  steadfast  in  the  midst  of  fatigue,  which  increased  with  the 
severity  of  their  sufferings. 

Their  custom  of  travelling  in  the  forest  had  rpialified  them  for  these 
hardships  which  elicittul  the  ciu'ses  and  execrations  of  their  not  less 
brave,  but  more  irritable  compatdons. 

Some  time  before  the  expedition  arrived  at  its  destination,  the  priest 
Nicolas,  fell  sick  from  over  exertion.  His  feet  were  woin  by  the  labor 
of  traveling,  and  his  face  torn  by  the  branches  which  he  neglected  to 
watch  in  his  eagerness  tv)  follow  the  troo|)s. 

He  felt  that  he  waa  engaired  in  a  holy  ex[)edition,  and  recalling  to 
mind  the  martyrdom  of  the  saints,  and  the  persecutions  which  they  en- 
dured, he  looked  forward  to  the  glory  reserved  Ibr  his  reward  lor  the 
Buft'erings  which  he  might  encounter  in  recovering  the  bell. 

On  the  evening  of  February  '20th,  1704,  the  expedition  arrived  within 
tv/o  miles  of  Deerfield  without  being  discovjred. 

De  Kouville  here  ordered  his  men  to  rest,  and  refresh  themselves  a 
ehort  time,  and  he  here  issued  his  orders  for  attacking  the  town 

The  surface  of  the  snow  was  frozen,  and  crushed  under  the  feet,  but 
De  Uouville  with  a  remarkable  sagacity,  atlopted  a  stratagem  to  deceive 
the  iidiabitants  and  the  garrison. 

He  gave  orders  that  in  advancing  to  the  assault,  his  troops  should 
make  frequent  pauses,  and  then  rush  fbrwaril  with  rapidity:  thus  imi- 
tating the  noise  made  in  the  forest  by  the  irregular  blowing  of  the  wind 
among  branchef:  laden  with  ice. 

The  alarm  was  at  length  given,  and  a  severe  combat  ensued,  which 
resulted  in  the  capture  of  the  town,  and  the  slaughter  or  dispersion  of 
the  inhabitants,  and  the  garrison. 

'^I'his  atfick  occiu-red  in  the  night,  and  at  daybreak  the  Indians  who 
had  been  exhausted  by  the  labors  of  the  night,  ])resented  themselves 
before  Father  Nicolas  in  a  body,  and  begged  to  be  led  to  the  bell,  that 
they  might  by  their  homage  prove  their  veneration  for  it.  Their  priest 
was  greatly  ofFected  by  this  earnest  request,  and  De  Kouville  and  others 


?<  ■ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


119 


wind 


of  tlio  Froiicli  laii;;lic(l  iiiimodonitcly  nt  it,  Imt  tlic  i)rie8t  wished  not  to 
disconnifin  tlictn  in  tlioir  winheH,  ami  lio  oI)taiii('d  oC  tiio  I'^rriicli  cliiof 
IM'iiiii.-'sion  to  SLMid  one  of  iiis  soldiers  to  rinj,'  it  in  tiio  lienrinf,'  of  tiio 
IiKfiiins. 

'I'lic  Hdiniil  of  tlie  hell  in  tlio  stillness  of  n  cold  niorninf,',  and  in  the 
tnidst  of  tiie  calnnmss  of  the  forest,  echoed  clear  and  tin',  and  fc^ll  npoii 
the  ears  of  tin;  simple  Indians,  like  the  voice  of  an  oracle.  They  Ireni- 
hled,  and  were  lllled  with  fi-ar  and  wonder. 

'I'he  hell  was  taken  from  tlu!  helfry,  and  attached  to  iw,  jmh)  in  snch  a 
manner  that  four  men  could  carry  it,  and  in  this  way  it  was  home  off  with 
tla^r  ])lnn(ler  in  triumph,  the  Indians  glorying  in  the  deliverance  of  this 
miraculous  wonder. 

Unt  they  shortly  jterceived  it  was  too  lieuvy  n  bin'den  for  tho  rugged 
route  tli(;y  pursued,  and  the  yielding  nature  of  the  snows  over  which 
they  traveled.  Accordingly  upon  arriving  nt  the  point  on  the  lake, 
where  they  had  letl  it,  tlu^y  huried  their  cherished  treasure,  with  many 
hcn(!dictions  of  I'ather  Nicolas,  until  tho  period  should  arrive  when 
th(!y  could  trans|)ort  it  with  more  convenience. 

As  soon  as  the  ice  had  disappeared,  and  the  bland  air  of  s[)ring  had 
returned,  giving  foliage  to  tin;  trees,  and  the  fragrance  and  beauty  of 
flowers  to  the  forests,  fiither  Nicolas  again  assendtled  at  tin;  church,  hia 
Indian  converts,  to  select  ii  certain  nundter  of  the  tribe,  who  with  tho 
assistance  of  a  yoke  of  oxen,  should  go  and  bring  in  tho  dearly  prized 
bell. 

During  this  interval,  all  the  women  and  children  of  the  Indian  village, 
liaving  been  informetl  of  tin;  wonderful  cpialities  of  the  hell,  awaited  its 
arrival  with  eagerness  and  impatience,  and  regarded  its  advent,  as  one 
of  those  events  which  but  rarely  mark  the  progress  of  ag(^s.  As  the 
time  approached,  when  the  curious  ohj(!ct  should  arrive,  they  were  as- 
sond)led  on  the  hankof  the  river,  and  discoin>'ing  upon  the  subject,  when 
far  off  in  the  stillness  of  the  twilight,  there  was  heard  from  the  depths 
of  tho  forest,  a  sound,  which  from  being  feeble  and  scarcely  audible,  be- 
came every  moment  louder.  Every  one  listened,  when  pres(;utly  the 
cry  arose,  it  is  the  beli!  it  is  the  hell  ! !  and  in  a  moment  after,  the  oxen 
were!  seen  emerging  from  the  wood,  snrroimded  by  n  group  of  Indians, 
and  bearing  die  precious  burden  on  a  polo  between  them.  They  had  hung 
upon  the  beam  and  around  the  bell,  clusters  of  wild  flowers  and  h-iives, 
and  the  oxen  were  adorned  with  garlands  of  flowers.  Thus  inarching  in 
triinnph,  Father  Nicolas  entered  his  village,  more  i)roud  of  his  success, 
anil  received  with  more  heartfelt  joy,  than  a  llomaii  general  returning 
in  triumph  from  the  conquest  of  nations. 

From  this  triumphal  march  in  the  midst  of  the  quiet  of  the  evening, 
which  was  broken  only  by  the  murmur  of  the  rapid,  softened  by  the  dis- 
tance arose  the  shouts  of  rejoicing,  as  the  cortege  ent(!red  the  village, 
and  the  idol  bell  was  deposited  in  the  church.  Fvery  one  gratified  his 
eager  curiosity  by  examining  the  strange  and  musical  metal,  and  the 
crusade  had  been  crowned  with  uiKpialified  success. 

In  (hie  time  it  was  raised  to  its  place  in  the  belfi'y,  and  has  ever  since, 
at  the  accustonieil  hours,  sent  its  clear  tones  over  the  broad  bosom  of 
the  St.  Lawrence,  to  announce  the  hour  of  jirayer  and  lapse  of  time, 
and  although  its  tones  are  shrill  and  feeble  lieside  iis  modern  companion, 
they  possess  a  music,  and  call  up  an  association,  which  will  long  give  an 
interest  to  the  church  of  the  Saut  ^t.  Louis,  at  the  Indian  village  of 
Caui;hiiawaga." 


Mrs.  Sigourney,  whose  chaste  and  elegant  poetry,  is  justly  admired  for 


120 


mSTOUY    Ol'    ST.    [.AWKKNCK 


tlio  niolody  of  its  vcrMitlcaiioii,  jih  \\r||  uh  its  delicacy  <il'  MciitiiiM'/it, 
lius  writtoii  a  pociical  acccimit  ol'  lliii  li';.'ciitl,  wiiicli  wo  will  iicrc  lake 
tiio  lihci'ty  oi'  (|ii(>tiii.!,'.  It  will  Ix^  hcimi  liiai  it  i.s  in  accorduiict!  with  tlai 
erroiicuus  hclicl  of  itN  bciiiu;  can  ioi!  to  tliu  rit.  Kt'gia,  tlu;  iiicuiiMiatciicy 
III'  wliicli  liiiH  hccii  alaivc  stated. 


'V! 


I     ■.' 


9  TIIK     UKLI.    OI'    ST.    KKGIH. 

"Tliu  red  men  cntiiu  in  tlieir  pride  and  wraiii, 
|)ee|i  \eii:;iance  lired  lliiMr  eye, 
Ami  tlii^  lilddd  ol"  tia;  wliite  was  in  lia'ir  iiatli. 
And  tlio  llaniu  from  his  roof  roso  hi;;li. 

Then  down  Ironi  the  lanniii^  church  ihoy  toru 
'i'iie  licil  of  tuneful  sound 
And  on  with  tlieir  ca|itivc  train  they  horo, 
That  vvnnderl'iil  thiiij,'  toward  their  native  shore, 
The  rude  Canadian  liound. 

But  now  and  then  with  n  tearful  tone, 
It  slrucj;  on  their  startled  ear — 
And  sad  it  Nvas  'mid  the  mountains  lone, 
Or  the  ruined  tempest's  muttered  moun, 
'J  hat  terrilile  voice  to  hear. 

It  seemed  like  tlu;  (|uestion  that  stirs  the  soul, 
Of  its  secret  ^ood  or  ill: 
And  they  i|u:dved  as  its  stern  and  solemn  toll, 
Uci;c1io(mI  Ironi  rock  to  hill. 

And  they  started  up  in  their  hroken  dream, 
'iMid  tiie  lonf'ly  lorest  shade, 
And  tlioujiht  that  they  heard  the  dyiiiff  sercatii, 
Anil  >aw  liie  hlood  of  slau;rht(!r  stream 
Afresh  through  the  village  glade. 

Then  they  sat  in  council,  those  chieftains  old, 
And  a  mighty  jiit  was  made, 
Where  the  lake  with  its  silver  waters  rolled. 
They  huried  the  hell  'neath  the  verdant  mould, 
And  crossed  themselves  and  prated. 

And  there  till  a  stately  powow  came, 
It  sle])t  in  its  toml.  forgot, 
NVith  a  mantle  of  fur,  ami  a  hrow  of  llaiue, 
lie  stood  on  tliat  burial  spot. 

They  wheeled  tlie  dance  with  its  mystic  round 
At  the  stormy  nfidnight  hour, 
And  a  dead  man's  hand  on  his  breast  he  bound, 
And  invoked,  ere  he  hroKe  tliat  awful  ground, 
The  demons  of  ])riile  and  power. 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


121 


tiiiii'iil, 

itii  thi) 
irttfiicy 


'riuMi  lie  n(iHi!(|  the  hell  witii  a  naiiiuloKM  rite, 
W'liii'li  iioiii'  hut  llilll^('l^  riii^'lii  tell, 
111  liltiiilvcl  mill  lii'iir-skiii  In;  IkiiiiiiI  it  ti^'lit, 
And  it  joiii'iiitycil  in  Hiitini'u  hotli  duy  und  night, 
So  Nlrong  wiiH  that  niiigic  sjiell. 

It  N|iakr  iiii  III  •;> ,  till  St.  Kt^gis'H  tower 

III  iKUtlicrii  skies  aiijM'Mrcd. 

And  liii'ir  Icgondri  cxlul  tliat  jiowiiw's  power 

VVIiicli  InlK'd  that  knell  like  the  |'o|)|>y  (lower, 

Ah  ooiisirieiiei;  now  sliiiiiheretli  a  little  hour 

In  the  cell  ot"  a  heart  tlial'w  t<(;ared." 


The  act  of  ItiO'l,  wliii^h  will  ho  lierealter  given,  cinpuwered  the  trua- 

/  tei'H  then  createtl,  to  |nircliarte  a  hell,  and  it  is  very  prohahle  that  this 

I  may  have  heeii  the  one  that  was  hrokeii  up,  and  recast  a  ('uwy<'ars  since. 

'  Tilt!  earliest  settlers  ol"  the  country  agree  in  this  stuteinent  that  u  hell 

was  ill  tlie  church  at  a  very  early  [leriod,  and  that  the  village  presents 

now  very  nearly  the  same  aspect  that  it  did  half  a  century  since;  with 

the  dilU'i-eiice  that  it  now  is  uiort!  decayed  and  neglected  than  then. 

The  eapiiiie  of  Deeriielil,  divested  of  romance  and  tradition,  occurred 
under  the  tijilowiiig  circumstances. 

"In  the  evening  of  the  '2itth  of  l'\'hriiary,  1704,  Major  Hertel  de  Rou- 
ville,  with  'iOO  I'leiich,  and  \  I'i  Indians,  after  a  tedious  niaitii  of  he- 
tw<!eii  'i  and  MdO  miles  through  deep  snows,  arrive<l  at  an  elevated  pine 
forest  ahoiir  two  miles  iiurtli  of  the  village,  (now  called  Petty's  plain,) 
hordering  IJeerlield  meadow,  where  they  lay  concealcMl  till  after  mid- 
night. I''in(ling  all  (piiet,  and  the  snow  being  covered  with  a  crust  suffi- 
eieiit  to  support  the  iikmi,  Hoiiville  left  his  snow  shoes  and  packs  at  the 
foot  ot"  the  ele\ation,  and,  crossing  Deeriield  river,  began  his  inarch 
thniiigh  an  open  meadow  belitrc  daylight,  with  the  utmost  caution,  which 
however,  was  111 inecessary,  for  the  guard  had  retired  to  rest,  a  little  be- 
fore daylight.  Arriving  at  the  north  west  fpiarter  of  the  fort,  where  the 
snow  had  drifted  in  many  |)laces  nearly  to  the  top  of  the  palisades,  the 
enemy  enteind  the  jilace,  and  found  all  in  a  protbund  sleep.  Parties  de- 
tached in  various  directions,  broke  inio  the  houses,  and  dragged  the  as- 
tonished people  liom  their  beds,  and  whenever  resistance  was  made  they 
w(!re  geneiiilly  killed.  A  |)arty  Jbrced  the  door  of  the  house  of  the  Rev. 
i\lr.  John  ^\'illiams,  who  awakened  by  the  noise,  seized  a  jiistolfroni  his 
bed  tester  and  snapped  it  at  one  of  the  Indians  who  were  entering 
the  room.  He  was  seized,  bound,  and  kept  standing  in  his  shirt  for 
nearly  an  hour.  His  house  in  the  meantime  was  plundered,  and  two  of 
his  children,  with  a  black  female  servant,  were  murdered  betbre  the 
door.  They  then  iH'rmitted  him  and  Mrs.  Williams,  with  five  other  child- 
dreii  to  put  on  their  clothes. 

The  lioiise  of  ('apt.  John  Sheldon  was  attacked,  but  as  the  door  at 
which  the  Indians  attempted  to  enter  was  firmly  bolted,  they  found  it 
difficult  to  penetrate.  They  .then  perforated  it  with  their  tomahawks, 
and  thrusting  through  a  musket,  iired  and  killed  the  captain's  wife,  as 
she  was  rising  trom  a  bed  in  an  adjoining  room.  The  captain's  son  and 
wife,  awakened  by  the  assault,  leu|)ed  from  a  clmtiiber  window  at  the 


122 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


T  ';      i 


east  end  of  the  house,  by  which  the  latter  stmined  her  nude,  and  was 
seized  by  tiio  Indians,  but  tiie  husband  escaped  to  tiie  woods  and  reached 
Ha'tield.  Alter  gaining  possession  of  tiie  bouse,  wliicli  was  one  of  the 
largest  in  the  place,  the  enemy  reserved  it  as  the  depot  lor  the  ])ri- 
Boners,  as  they  were  collected  from  other  parts  of  the  village.  The  whole 
number  made  prisoners  was  112,  and  the  number  of  killed  was  47. 
Having  collecteif  the  prisoners,  i)lundered  and  set  fire  to  the  buildings, 
Rouville  left  the  place  when  the  sun  was  about  an  hour  high.  Every 
building  witliin  the  fort  was  reduced  to  ashes,  except  the  meeting  house, 
and  that  of  Captain  Sheldon,  which  was  the  last  one  fired,  antl  saved  by 
the  English,  who  assembled  immediately  a'ter  the  enemy  left  the  place. 
The  night  followi'ig  the  attack,  the  enemy  encamped  in  the  meadow,  in 
what  is  now  Greenfield,  about  fom*  miles  trom  Deerfield  village,  where 
by  clearing  away  the  snow,  and  constructing  slight  cabin£<  of  brush,  the 
prisoners  were  as  comfortably  lodged  as  circumstances  would  admit. 
The  second  day  of  the  jo>i.rney,  Mrs.  Williams,  who  had  been  con- 
fined but  a  tew  weeks  previous,  beca.iie  exhausted  through  fatigue,  and 
provin*^  hMrdensom'i,  her  Indian  master  sank  his  tomahawk  into  her 
head,  and  left  her  dtati  at  the  foot  of  u  hill  near  Gre?n  rive'-.  The 
march  of  the  captive?,  on  the  Connecticut  river  continued  several  days 
without  any  incident  of  note,  excei)t  now  and  then  murdering  an  ex- 
hausted captive,  and  taking  oflf  his  scalp. 

At  tho  mouth  of  White  river,  Rouville  divided  his  force  infi  several 
parties;  that  which  Mr.  Williams  accompanied  proceeded  down  Onion 
river  to  Lake  Champlnin,  and  from  thence  into  Canada.  After  his  ar- 
rival there  he  was  treated  with  civility  and  even  humanity.  In  1700,  a 
flag  ship  was  stuit  to  Queliec,  and  Mr.  Wiliianis  and  fifty  seven  other 
captives  was  redeemed  and  brought  to  Boston.  All  the  surviving  child- 
ren of  Mr.  Williams  were  redeemed  with  the  exception  of  his  daughter 
Eunice,  who  was  left  behind,  being  about  ten  years  old."  * 


She  adopted  the  language,  dress  and  religion  of  the  Indians,  and 
married  one  of  the  Caughnnwagua  tribe.  She  sub.  equently  visited  her 
New  England  relatives,  but  could  not  be  induced  to  abandon  her 
adopted  people.  Cnpt.  Thomas  Williams,  at  St.  Regis,  of  whom  we 
give  a  biographical  notice,  in  this  work,  and  whose  name  occurs  on  most 
of  the  treaties  which  the  St.  Regis  Indians  have  held  with  the  state,  was 
a  descendant  of  this  daughter  of  the  Rev.  John  Williams. 

During  the  revolutioiiary  war  a  considerable  portion  of  the  St.  Regis 
and  a  part  of  tho  Caughnawaga  Indians  joined  the  British ;  others  led  by 
Colonel  Lo.iis  Cook,  of  whom  we  shall  give  a  particular  account  in  the 
foiiowing  pages,  joined  the  American  cause. 

Concerning  tie  history  of  the  village  during  this  period  we  have  been 
unable  to  obtain  any  knowledge. 

At  the  opening  ;  the  revolitionary  war,  the  continental  cause  re- 
ceived much  i!<jiuy  from  the  i;  fliiencc  of  the  Johnson  families,  in  Tryon 
county,  and  especially  ft  om  Sir  John  Johnson,  u  baronet,  and  son  of  Sir 


fi: 


*  See  Historical  Collections  of  Ma»sacliusetl«,  by  John  W.  Barber,  p.  280, 252   -AUo  a  Uio- 
grHphical  Mtmoir  of  the  Rev.  John  Williams,  b>  Slfphen  Williann,  Deerfield  1C37. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


123 


Si"'* 


■/ 


William,  who  secretly  instignted  the  Indians  to  hostilities,  and  created 
much  mischief  on  the  froitiei. 

To  prevent  this  calamity  it  was  thought  advisable  by  Gen.  Schuyler, 
to  arrest  Sir  John,  and  thus  put  it  out  of  his  power  tc  do  further  mis- 
chief. 

Accordingly  in  May,  1776,  Col.  Dpyton,  with  a  part  of  his  regiment 
then  on  its  way  to  Canada,  was  sent  to  prosecute  this  enterprise.* 

Roceiving  timely  notice  of  this,  from  his  tory  friends  in  Albany,  ho 
hastily  assemb'ed  a  large  number  of  hi.s  tenants,  and  others,  and  pre- 
pared for  retreat,  which  he  successfully  accomplished,  taking  to  the  woods 
and  avoiding  tlia  routo  of  lake  Chami)luin,  from  fear  of  falling  into  the 
hands  of  the  Continentals,  supposed  to  bo  assembled  in  that  direction, 
he  struck  deeper  into  the  woods,  by  way  rf  the  head  waters  of  the  Hud- 
son, and  descended  the  Raquette  to  Canada.  Their  provisions  were  soon 
gone,  their  feet  became  sore  from  traveling,  and  numbers  were  left  to 
be  |)icked  up  by  the  Indians,  sent  back  for  their  relief.  After  nineteen 
days  of  hardships,  whicii  have  had  few  parallels  in  our  history,  they 
reached  Montreal.  So  hasty  was  their  flight,  that  the  family  papers 
were  buried  in  the  garden,  and  nothing  was  taken,  but  such  articles  as 
were  of  prime  necessity.  His  extensive  f'unily  estates  were  confiscated, 
and  he  tlionceforth  becaim!  a  most  active  loyalist,  and  the  scourge  of  the 
Mohawk  settlement  during  the  remainder  of  the  war. 

Some  historians  have  supi)osed  that  an  expedition  of  Mohawk  Indians 
was  despatc  od  from  Montreal  to  meet  Sir  John;  and  Krant  long  after, 
in  rehearsing  tlie  exploits  of  his  tribe,  during  the  Revolution,  says:  "We 
then  went  in  a  body  to  a  town,  then  in  possession  of  the  enemy,  and 
rescued  Sir  John  Johnson,  bringing  him  iearlessly  through  the  streets,  "f 

When  on  a  visit  of  historical  inquiry,  at  the  Indian  village  of  St.  Regis, 
in  June  1852,  the  author  obtained  a  tradition,  that  that  people  sent  num- 
bers of  their  warriors  to  meet  the  fugitives,  carrying  parched  corn  and 
sugar  to  preserve  them  from  perishing,  until  they  could  reach  the  Cana- 
dian settlements. 

We  will  return  to  the  history  of  Gordon,  and  briefly  trace  the  progress 
of  the  catholic  mission,  and  then  present  the  series  of  events  which  have 
marked  the  history  of  the  village. 

There  is  a  tradition  that  a.  tract  of  laud  on  the  east  side  o^  *he  river, 
and  extending  up  two  miles,  was  granted  to  the  priest  as  a  support, 


fgf,  *  Iiife  01"  Hraiit,  by  William  L.  Sloiie,  vol.  i.  p.  143,  lU,  and  Sparke's  Life  auJ  Wrlliuga 

of  Waaliiiigioii,  note  in  vol.  iv.  p.  .10!),41U. 

t  Stoue'it  Lite  01  Uruut,  vol.  I,,  p.  UJ,  note. 


1 


!:■;' 


N'.-h 


1     '€: 


!  If?. 


■■|>: 


124 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


but  this  claim  has  not  been  asserted,  nor  is  it  known  tiiut  there  is  any 
written  evidence  of  the  fiict. 

Fatlier  Gordon's  healtii  Hiilinji',  lie  went  hiick  to  Caiigiinawajia,  in  1775, 
wliere  lie  died  in  1777.  The  mission  was  tlien  witlioul  a  priest,  live  or 
six  years.  Father  Denaut,  Oct.  1784,  liom  tlie  Cellars,  and  Lebrun,  a 
Jesnit  from  Cau<j;hnavvaga,  in  Jannary  and  September  1785,  ai»[)ear  from 
the  ])arisii  records,  to  have  visited  tlie  place,  to  administer  religions  rites. 

Denaut  snbscipiently  became  Bishop  of  Quebec,  and  the  mission  at 
the  Cedars  was  supplied  by  L'Archamhault,  who  also  occasionally  visited 
St.  Regis,  in  tha  absence  of  an  estahlished  [iriest. 

In  Deceinbjr,  1785,  Roderick  3IcDonnell,  a  .Scotch  i)riest,  succeeded, 
und  remaiiicd  till  1800,  when  he  died.  lie  is  interred  under  the  choir  of 
the  cliu'  ch.  Being  a  part  of  the  time  sick,  he  was  assisted  by  A.  Van 
Felsen,  of  Quebec,  who  was  here  from  May  5,  1800,  till  Sei)temher  80, 
180C>. 

During  McDonnell's  residence,  the  present  church  was  erected  in  1791 
nud  !792,  at  first  without  a  liclliy.  ~~ 

The  frame  chiu'cli  was  then  standing,  but  soon  after  demolished.  The 
j)resent  church  is  a  massive  stone  building,  of  ancient  and  vetiorahle  ap- 
pearance, the  walls  nearly  four  leet  thick,  the  wiiuiows  high,  and  a  door 
in  the  middle  of  the  sash,  for  ventilation,  alter  a  custom  jnevalont  in  Ca- 
nada. Across  the  end  oi)|)osite  the  door  is  a  railing,  and  beyond  and  ele- 
vated ahovt;  the  floor  of  the  chiUTh,  is  an  ample  si)ace  for  the  altar,  and 
tl.ie  various  lixtin'es  ot' tlie  catholic  worship.  TIk;  altar  is  unusually  de- 
corated with  gilding  ai?d  ornaments,  and  the  interior  of  the  chinch  is 
adorned  with  paintings  and  i)rints  of  religions  subjects.  The  history  of 
two  of  these  i)aintings  will  be  given  elsewiiere. 

A  gallery  extends  across  the  end  of  the  church  over  the  door,  tor  the 
ucconunodation  of  stnv'er.«  i-ud  others,  and  in  the  body  of  the  church 
near  the  wall,  are  u  few  seats  for  the  singers.  The  greater  part  of  the 
Indians,  during  worshij),  kneel  or  sit  upon  the  floor,  and  the  aj)pearance 
presented  to  a  stranger  by  the  striking  uniformity  of  dress  and  attitude, 
whicii  he  notices  on  first  visiting  the  church  during  service,  is  very  im- 
pressive. 

Preaching  is  performed  in  the  Mohawk  dialect  of  the  Irotpiois  language 
every  sabbath,  and  all  the  ritual  of  the  catholic  church  is  observed  with 
scrupulous  cure. 

McDonnell  was  immediately  succeeded  by  Father  Riidret,  a  Canadian, 
who  remained  a  year,  when  he  removed  toCaughuawaga,  where  he  died 
a  linv  yts'us  after.  He  was  Ibllowed  hy  .T»''an  Ba|>tisteRoupe,  who  arrived 
in  the  liill  of  1807,  and  remained  till  the  last  of  .Inly,  1812.  He  was  taken 
u  prisoner  in  his  house,  at  the  utfuir  which  happened  at  St  Regis,  in  the 


% 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


125 


any 


I 


^all  of  1812.  He  was  succeeded  by  Joscpli  Mnrcoux,  of  Caiiglmnwnga, 
wJio  left  in  Marcli,  1819,  wlien  Nicliolas  Diifrediie,  licld  tlie  otHce  of  priest 
till  1825.  lie  then  removed  to  the  Sulpician  Seminary,  at  Montreal,  and 
has  been  for  ten  or  twelve  years  a  missionary  at  Two  Mountains,  36 
miles  northward  from  Montreal. 
^/  In  1825,  Joseph  Valle  arriveil,  and  continued  in  the  ofiice  tilf  the  fall 
of  1882,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Francis  Marcoux,  the  pre- 
sent missionary.    Father  Vail*';  died  in  1850,  below  Quebec. 

Tlie  sovereij,'nty  of  the  soil  of  tl'e  northern  part  of  the  state,  was  an- 
ciently vested  in  the  Mohawks,  who,  from  the  earliest  period  of  authentic 
history,  exercised  jurisdiction  ever  it.  Upon  the  emigration  of  a  part 
of  this  people  to  Canada,  they  claimed  to  carry  with  them  the  title  from 
whence  the  villagers  of  St.  Regis,  asserted  their  claim  to  the  nortliern 
part  of  the  state,  in  common  with  the  other  Mohawk  nations  of  Canada. 
'  The  3Iohawks  it  is  well  known,  espoused  the  royal  cause  in  the  revolu- 
tion, through  the  influence  of  the  Johnson  family,  and  emigrated  to  Grand 
river  in  ri)i)er  Canada,  where  they  still  reside  on  lands  given  them  by 
government.  Whatever  title  to  the  land  remained  with  them,  was  sur- 
rendered by  the  Ibllowing  treaty,  held  at  Albany,  March  29, 17!)5. 

"  At  a  treaty,  held  under  the  auihority  of  the  United  States,  with  the 
Rloliawk  nation  of  Indians,  residing  in  the  province  of  Upper  Canada, 
within  the  dominions  of  the  King  of  Great  IJritain.  Present,  the  Hon. 
Isaac  Smith,  Commissioner  ai)i)ointed  by  the  United  States,  to  hold  this 
treaty,  Al)ram  Ten  IJrocck,  Egbeit  Benson  and  I'lzra  L'llommedieu, 
agents  for  the  State  of  New  York,  Captain  Jose|)h  Brant  and  Capt.  John 
Deserontyon,  two  of  the  said  Indians,  and  deputies  to  reiaesent  the  said 
nation  at  this  treaty. 

The  said  agents  having  in  the  presence,  and  with  the  approbiition  of 
the  said  commissioners,  ])roposed  to,  and  adjusted  with  the  said  de[»nties, 
the  compensation  as  hereinafter  mentioned,  to  be  made  t'  >  said  nation 
lor  their  claim  to  be  exiinguished  l)y  this  treaty,  to  all  i,.n  i^  within  the 
said  state.  It  is  thereupon  finally  agreed  and  (lone,  between  Ik-  snid  na- 
tions and  the  said  deputies,  as  Ibllows,  tlhit  is  to  say:  T/ie  said  agents  d<> 
agree  to  i)ay  to  the  said  deputies,  the  simi  of  one  thousand  dollars  for  tl,.- 
use  of  the  said  nation,  to  be  by  the  said  de|)Uties  ])aid  over  to,  and  dis- 
tributed among  the  persons  and  families  of  the  said  nation,  according  to 
their  usages,  the  sum  of  live  hundred  dollars,  tor  the  expenses  of  the  said 
dei)uties,  during  the  time  they  have  attended  this  treaty,  and  the  sum  of 
one  linndreit  dollars  for  their  expenses  in  returning,  ami  for  carrying  the 
said  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  to  where  the  said  nation  resides.  And 
the  said  agents  do  accordingly  for,  and  in  the  name  of  the  People  of  the 
Stall.  ofJVciv  York,  pay  the  said  three  several  sums  to  the  deputies,  in  the 
presence  of  the  said  conunissioners.  And  the  said  deputies  do  agree  to  cede 
and  release,  and  these  present  witness  that  they  accordingly  do,  for  ami 
in  the  name  of  the  said  nation,  in  consideration  of  iIk;  said  compensation, 
cede  anil  release  to  the  ])eo])le  of  the  state  of  New  York,  Ibrever,  all  the 
right  or  title  of  the  said  nation,  to  lands  within  the  said  state,  and  the 
claim  of  the  said  nation  to  lands  within  the  said  state,  is  hereby  wholly 
ami  unally  extinguished. 


I 


126 


HISTORY   OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


(l';!-v 


[■ 


Hft 


h  A 

f    *' 


In  testimony  whereof,  the  saiH  commisssioner,  the  snid  agents,  and  the 
said  deputies,  have  hereunto,  and  to  two  otiier  acts  oftiie  same  tenor  and 
date,  one  to  remain  with  the  United  States,  one  to  remain  witii  the 
said  State,  and  one  delivered  to  the  said  deputies,  to  remain  with  the  said 
nation,  set  their  hands  and  seals  at  the  city  of  All)any,  in  the  said  State, 
the  twenty-ninth  day  of  March,  in  the  year  one  thousand  seven  hiuulrcil 
and  ninety-five." 

Siirned,  sealed,  and  acknowledjjed. 

(Copied from  a  MSS.  volume  enlitled"  fndlan  Deeds,  and  Treaties,  1712 — 
1810,"  in  the  office  of  Secretarij  of  Slate,  at  Jllbami.     Page  187.) 

V^  Treaties  with  the  Indians  for  their  lands,  were  by  a  provision  of  the 

first  constitution  of  the  state,  adopted  April  20,  1777,  reserved  to  the 

legislatm-e.     It  was  therein  ordained, 

"  That  no  purchases  or  contracts  for  tlie  sale  of  lands,  made  since  the 
fourteenth  day  of  October,  1775,  or  which  may  hereafter  be  made,  with 
-  or  of  the  said  Indians,  within  the  limits  of  this  state,  shall  be  bindini,'  on 
the  said  Indians,  or  deemed  valid,  unli^ss  made;  under  the  authority,  and 
with  the  consent  of  the  Legislature  of  the  state."  {Laws  of^Vew  York,  vol. 
7,;).  10,1813.) 

By  an  act  passed  April  4,  1801,  it  was  provided: 

"That  if  any  person  should  without  the  authority  and  consent  of  the 
Legislature,  in  any  maimer  or  form,  or  on  any  terms  whatsoever,  pincliase 
any  lands  within  this  state,  of  any  Indian  or  Iiulians  residing  therein,  or 
make  any  contract  with  any  Indian  or  Indians,  for  the  sale  of  any  lands 
within  this  state,  or  shall  in  any  manner,  give,  sell,  deuiise,  convey  or 
otherwise  dis[)ose  of  any  such  lands  or  any  interest  therein,  or  off<;r  to  do 
so,  or  shall  enter  on,  or  take  possc^ssion  jf,  or  to  settle  on  any  such  lands 
by  pretext  or  color  of  any  right,  or  interest,  in  the  same,  in  consequence 
of  any  such  pinrhase,  or  contract,  made  since  the  14th  day  of  October, 
177.5,  and  not  with  the  authority,  and  consent  of  the  Legislatiu-e  of  this 
state,  ev(!ry  such  person  shall  in  every  s\ich  case,  be  deemed  gnilly  of  a 
public  off'ence,  and  shall  on  conviction  thereof,  before  any  court  having 
cognizance  of  the  same,  forfeit  and  pay  to  the  people  of  this  statt;,  two 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  and  bo  fiirtlier  punished  by  fine  and  imprison- 
ment, at  the  discretion  of  the  court." 

The  state  being  accordingly  the  only  party  whom  the  Indians  could 
recognize,  to  them  they  a|)plied  for  the  settlement  of  their  claims,  to 
lands  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state. 

These  claims  were  based  upon  ancient  and  primitive  occupation,  and 
especially  upon  the  rights  which  they  conceived  they  had,  for  compensa- 
tion for  services  which  some  of  them,  particularly  Colonel  Louis  Cook, 
their  head  chief,  had  rendered  in  the  war.  The  natm-o  and  amount  of 
these  services  we  will  give  in  our  notice  of  that  chief. 

In  1780,  he  applied  for  a  confirmation  of  a  tract  of  land,  in  the  present 
town  of  Massenn,  which  he  claimed  was  his  own  individual  right,  and 
this  was  suhsecpiently  confirmed  to  him  by  the  Legislature. 

In  17U2,  the  Caughnawaga  and  St.  Regis  tribes,  claiming  to  represent 
the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  sent  a  deputation  to  the  governor  of  the 


W-'i 


nnd  the 

nor  and 
vitli  tlm 
tliosaid 
d  Stato, 
itindrcd 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES.  127 

state  of  New  York,  to  assert  their  claims,  but  this  embassy  produced  no 
action  in  their  favor. 

As  wo  shall  have  frequent  occasion  to  allude  to  these  Seven  .Vahons, 
it  would  be  well  to  understand  who  and  wljat  they  were,  but  here  our 
knowledj,'e  is  less  definite  than  might  be  desired,  especially  in  relation  to 
the  origin  of  the  term,  and  of  the  league  or  combination  of  tribes  of  which 
it  consisted. 

Tiiey  appear  to  have  been  made  up  of  several  of  the  detached  settle- 
ments of  Iroquois  emigrants  from  New  York,  and  of  Algonquins,  &c., 
whom  tiie  catholic  missionaries  had  domiciliated  and  settled  in  villages. 

The  St.  Regis  brancli  did  not  originally  form,  it  is  said,  one  of  the 
seven,  which  consisted  according  to  the  Rev.  F.  Marcoux,  of  au  Iroquois, 
an  Algonquin,  and  a  Nipessing  nation  at  the  Lake  of  Two  Mountains,  an 
Iroquois  tribe  at  Caughnawaga,  the  Oswegatchie  tribe  of  Iroquois  at  La 
Presentation,  a  colony  of  Ilurons  at  Lorett,  nine  miles  north  of  Quebec, 
and  a  settlement  of  Abenekis  at  St.  Francois,  below  Rlontreal,  near  the 
Sorel. 

After  the  breaking  up  of  the  French  at  La  Presentation,  and  the  partial 
dispersion  of  the  Oswcgatchies,  tradition  relates,  that  a  grand  coimcil  was 
lield,  and  it  was  tiierein  resolved,  that  tlie  St.  Regis,  who  had  formed 
a  part  of  the  Caughnawagas,  at  the  formation  of  the  league,  shouid  take 
the  i)lace  of  the  scattered  tribe,  and  they  thenceforth  represented  them 
in  the  assemblies. 

According  to  the  gentlemen  above  mentioned,  the  tribes  which  repre- 
sented the  Seven  Nations,  have  at  present  the  following  numbers,  (June, 
1852). 

At  the  Lake  of  Two  Mountains,  of  Iroquois, Q?0 

At  the  Lake  of  Two  Mountains,  Algonquins  and  Nipessing,  together,    250 

At  Caughnawaga,  of  Iroquois, 1300 

At  St.  Regis, 1100 

At  Lorett,  of  Hurons,  a  very  few. 

At  St.  Francois  of  Abenakis,  a  few  only.    The  numbers   of  the  two 
latter  were  not  known. 

Failing  in  their  first  negotiation  with  the  state,  the  St.  Regis  peoi)Ie 
jirosecuted  their  claims,  and  in  1793  again  appeared,  by  their  dei)uties, 
at  Albany,  and  laid  their  case  before  the  governor,  but  without  success. 
The  following  credentials  are  without  date,  but  are  believed  to  have  been 
tliose  furnished  tiiese  Indians  on  this  occasion : 

"  The  Chiefs  at  Cak-ne-iva-ge,  head  of  tlie  Seven  JVations. 

To  our  brother,  Conunander  antl  Governor,  JVl-hnron-ta-go-wa, 
George   Clinton,  at  the  State  of  New  York.     Brother,  this  is  what  we 


: 


128 


HISTORY  OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


't';.': 


njjrecd  upon,  tlint  wc  should  Imvc  coimcils  anil  ronvcrsntions  togntlior, 
of  jir.ic(!  (ind  nnity. 

\()\v  hioihcr,  uo  bog  tliat  yon  will  pay  attcmtion  tlint  you  ran  tak«  tlin 
matter  into  jjood  consideration  lictwixi  yon  and  ns.  ^Vn  have  sent  the 
hnams,  which  will  jrive  yon  to  iniderstnnd  onr  real  minds  and  nieanini,', 
which  is: 

'I'hoinas  AiMfirente, 

'J'homas  'rharai:wanes<'ii, 

Lumen  'riatoiiaronLM\en, 

William  (Jfay, 

Atthi  naton. 

All  the  chiefs'  compliments  toyon.  and  hejjyon  will  not  let  the  hearers 
want  lor  victuals  or  drink,  as  imich  as  may  he  t()r  tlunr  jrood. 

Te  <;an  ni  tn  son,  Ona  sa  te  jren, 

O  na  tri  tain  wa  no.  On  wa  ni  en  te  ni, 

S<;a  na  wa  te,  'J'lia  na  ha, 

Te  ha  sen,  Sjja  hen  to  wa  ro  ne, 

'I'ha  ia  iak  (ic,  Si  no  he  sc!, 

Tlia  hen  teh  thii,  Ha  ie  jji  sa  ^'e  \t(\ 

(ia  ron  ia  ra  ffon.  (Ja  roii  iii  tsi  go  wa." 
(Sijined  hy  their  mai'ks.) 

This  ncftotiation  also  failed  in  its  ohject,  and  the  depntios  retiirnod 
honu  in  disappointment. 

In  the  wii  ter  of  l/ilJi-l,  Cohnud  Louis,  with  thrtM;  other  warriors, 
ajrain  repaired  to  Alliany,  to  got,  if  possihle,  sonio  .specific  time  desig- 
nated, when  the  state  would  meet  with  them  for  their  claim.  'J'heyheld 
an  interview  with  tin-  governor,  hut  he  declined  at  that  time  any  nego- 
tiations with  liiem  on  the  subject,  without  referring  tiioir  case  to  the 
legislature. 

The  journal  of  the  assembly,  for  1704  (page  lOf!),  contains  the  follow- 
ing record  in  relation  to  the  St.  Regis  Indians: 

"  Mr.  Havens,  in  behalf  of  Mr.  Toote,  ti-om  tlie  connnittet!  a|)pointed 
to  take  into  consideration  the  couunimii'ation  mad(^  to  this  liousi;  by  His 
Excellency  tlie  (Jovernor,  relative  to  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  reported  that 
they  have  enipiired  into  the  several  circumstances  connected  with  the 
claim  of  the  said  Indians  to  certain  lands  within  the  jurisdiction  ol  this 
state,  and  are  of  the  opinion  that  it  will  he  necessary  to  appoint  conunis- 
sioners  to  tnuit  with  the  said  Indians,  and  to  authorize  tiiem,  by  law,  to 
(jxtinguish  the  said  claim,  or  to  take  such  measiu'es  rnlative  to  the  said 
business,  as  shall  he  most  benelicial  to  this  state,  and  to  the  United 
States." 

The  follow  ing  was  the  message  of  the  governor,  above  alhiderl  to. 
It  was  reported  on  the  '2lst  of  February  of  that  year: 

'•(lE.NTl.KMr.N. 

You  will  receive  with  this  message  the  conclusion  of  my  noiderenco 
with  tilt!  Oneida  Indians,  and  a  copy  of  an  adchtional  speech  of  the 
Cayugas,  and  my  answer  thereto, 

1  also  transnfit  t<»  you  a  s|)eech  made  to  me  by  Colonel  Lewis,  of  St. 
Regis,  who,  with  three  othei-  warriors,  arrived  here  some  days  ago,  as  u 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


129 


dopntntinn  from  tlio  chiefs  of  flip  seven  nations,  of  Lower  Cnnndn.  You 
will  iicrccivc  \)\  my  jiiisuit  to  tlieiii,  tliat  I  have,  for  tht;  reasons  tiierein 
iiiciitioiicd,  (li'diiied  enteriiij^  into  eoiifcreiire  with  tlieiii  on  the  siiltjcet 
of  tJKMr  deputation,  otiu^r  than  that  of  rceeivinfj  tli('ir  conirnnnicatiort, 
whicli  is  now  suhniittod  to  the  consideration  of  the  Lej.'iHlature. 

(<Ko.  Cmnton. 

So  far  ns  we  have  been  able  to  learn,  the  course  advised  by  the  com- 
mittee was  not  adopted,  and  no  encoiu-ageinont  was  f;iveii  tiio  <Iepnties 
lurtlK-r  than  the  indefinite  and  nnsatisfactory  assurance  that  their  claim 
should  he  examined  at  as  early  a  day  as  might  be  consistent. 

What  the  probable  result  would  be,  might  perhaps  be  surmised,  when 
we  consider,  that  the  state  had  already  patented  to  Macondi  and  his 
associiites  the  tiirritory  claimed  by  these  Indians,  reserving  only  a  tract 
c(pial  to  six  miles  s(piare,  near  the  Indian  village.  It  is  very  probable, 
that  the  Indians  did  not  know  of  this  sale,  and  still  honestly  believed 
themselves  entilled  to  a  large  tract  in  the  north  part  of  the  state. 

In  December,  1794,  they  again  a[)peare(l  at  Albany  to  urge  their 
claim.  The  governor  appears  to  have  been  absent,  and  a  commnnica- 
tion  inti;nd(!d  Icir  iiim  was  deliv(!red  to  .(ohn  Taylor,  of  Albany,  who 
addressed  the  govcM'nor  the  following  leUer,  inclosing  that  whicii  Ik;  had 
n-ceived  from  the  Indians: 

Albany,  10th  January,  17U5. 
"Sir: 

The  enclosed  message  was  rielivered  u\o  by  one  of  the;  nwu  wiio  came 
down  last  winter,  Col.  Louis,  and  attended  the  fjCgislature  at  this 
])lace,  on  the  subject  of  their  lands,  lb;  says  he  was  deputful  by  the 
.Seven  N'-itions  \\>r  that  i)urpose,  and  had  diiections  to  procc^ed  to  N(;vv 
York,  if  I  I'oidd  not  do  the  business.  As  a  journey  to  iVew  York  would 
have  been  attended  by  expense  to  the  state,  and  trouble  to  you,  I  pro- 
mised to  transmit  the  message,  and  recommended  him  to  retmii  home. 
I  am  yom"  Excellency's 

most  obedient  servant, 

John  Tavlou." 

The  letter  refiL-rred  to  in  the  foregoing,  was  as  follows: 

"Albany,  December,  1794. 
N KWATAUHSA  Lkwey : 

Brother:  The  Seven  Nations  of  Upper  Canada  are  still  of  the  same 
mind  as  they  were  ■when  you  spoke  with  tliem  last  winter;  but  they 
exp(!Cted  you  would  have  met  them  this  summer  on  the  business  that 
they  cami!  about  to  your  gr<!at  council  last  winter.  They  siippcjse  that 
the  business  of  tli(!  wju',  which  was  ex[)ected,  prevented  your  meeting  of 
them.  Th(!y  hojie  you  will  attend  to  the  business,  and  me(!t  them,  as 
you  promised,  as  early  as  possible  next  sununer,  as  they  are  still  of  the 
same  mind  they  were  when  tliey  spoke  to  you,  and  expect  you  are  so 
likewise." 

The  governor  accordingly  appointed   Samuel  Jones,  Ezra  L'Momme- 

dieu,  N.  Lawrence,  Richard  Varick,  Egbert  Benson,  John  Lansing,  Jr., 

and  James  Watson,  commissioners,  to  bold  an  interview  with  the  Indians, 


130 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


h%    ;'•• 


!  J! 


to  settle  some  preliminaries  witii  thoni,  but  without  the  power  to  treat 

definitely  with  them  on  the  subject. 

The  following  is  the  result  of  their  negotiations,  which  was  adilrcssed 

to  Governor  Clinton : 

"New  York,  G  March,  1795. 
Sir: 

In  consequence  of  your  Excellency's  appointment  of  us  to  that  trust, 
we  have  this  morning  had  an  interview  with  the  eleven  Imlians  now  in 
the  city,  from  the  nation  or  tribe,  distinguished  as  the  St.  Regis  Indians, 
or  the  Indians  of  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  and  Colonel  Lewis,  one 
of  their  number,  as  their  speaker,  made  a  speech  to  us,  purporting  that 
dining  the  Inst  winter,  they  had  come  to  Albany  while  the  Legislature 
was  sittmg  there,  and  made  known  their  desire  that  a  luture  meeting 
might  be  ajjpointed,  in  order  to  treat,  and  finally  conclude  and  settle  with 
them  respecting  their  right  and  claim  to  lands  within  the  limits  of  this 
state ;  that  they  had  returned  home  with  what  they  received,  as  assur- 
ances that  such  future  meeting  would  have  been  appointed;  that  they 
had  waited  in  expectation  of  it  during  the  whole  of  the  last  season ;  that 
they  are  not  authorized  to  treat  or  conclude  thereibr;  that  the  only 
object  of  their  present  journey  is  again  to  propose  such  meeting,  when 
all  the  chiefs  will  attend,  so  that  whatever  may  then  be  agreed  upon, 
should  be  binding  on  all  the  tribes. 

To  this  s|)eech  we  have  deferred  giving  an  answer,  supposing  it  most 
fit  that  we  should  previously  be  informed  of  the  sense  of  the  Legislature 
on  the  subject ;  it  being  most  probably  the  interest  of  both  houses,  that 
the  act  of  the  5th  instant  should  be  litnited  to  an  agreement  or  an  arrange- 
ment to  be  made  at  this  time,  and  with  the  Indians  who  are  now  present. 
We  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir,  with  due  respect,  your  most  obedient, 
humble  servants. 

Samuel  Jones,  Richard  Varick, 

Ezra  L'Homhedieu,  Egbert  Benson, 

N.  Lawrence,  John  Lansing,  Jun., 

James  Watson. 

His  Excellenct,  Governor  Cltnton." 

The  following  were  the  speeches  exchanged  on  this  occasion : 

"  Brothers : 

Since  that  parchment  was  delivered  us,  which  you  will  remember,  as 
well  as  some  of  our  chiefs  now  present,  for  it  was  during  the  Indian 
war  when  we  were  employed  to  make  peace,  and  we  made  known  to 
the  other  Indians  the  promises  therein  contained,  and  they  made  peace, 
we  have  claimed  payment  for  those  lands  by  means  of  that  parchment, 
and  he  has  promised  to  do  us  justice. 

Brothers : 

With  respect  to  our  affairs  with  you,  we  rest  upon  your  word;  you 
have  promised  to  do  us  justice,  and  we  depend  upon  it. 

We  have  requested  justice  with  the  king,  and  he  has  promised  to 
have  a  meeting,  and  to  do  us  justice  in  the  summer,  and  therefore  we 
wish  a  settlement  of  our  nuitter  with  you  sooner.  For  if  we  should  b« 
engaged  in  settling  that  affair,  and  you  should  call  upon  us  at  the  same 
time,  we  should  have  our  hands  full.  Therefore,  we  wish  c  settlement 
with  you  first. 

Brothers : 

When  we  have  made  this  settlement  with  you,  we  shall  live  with  you 
like  brothers,  and  not  say  that  you  have  wronged  us," 


ill 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


131 


To  the  foregoing  speech,  the  agents  made  the  following  reply  t 

"  Brothers : 

We  have  listened  to  what  you  have  now  told  us. 

Brothers : 

The  kintrnnd  wo  nre  friends  nn''  neighbors,  but  he  can  not  take  a  part 
in  any  busineps  between  you  and  w,  nor  can  we  take  a  part  in  any  busi- 
ness between  him  and  you. 

Brothers  : 

Yon  mny  rely  on  our  promise,  that  the  proj)osed  meeting  between  you 
and  ns  sliall  take  place,  but  we  can  not  now  fix  tlie  time  more  precisely 
than  we  have  done,  for  we  do  not  know  when  we  shall  be  ready,  and  if 
we  should  now  fix  a  time,  and  should  not  then  be  ready,  you  would  come 
to  the  |)lace,  and  not  finding  us  there,  you  would  think  we  meant  to 
deceive  you. 

Brothers : 

We  will  certainly  meet  you  as  soon  as  we  can,  and  we  will  give  you 
seasonable  notice. 
New  York,  11th  March,  1795. 

Richard  Varick,  Egbert  Benson, 

James  Watho.v,  Ezra  L'Hommedieu. 

Hamcel  Jones. 

The  foregoing  communication  of  the  agents  was  transmitted  to  the 

Legislature  on  the  7th  of  March,  1795,  by  the  governor,  in  the  following 

message. 

*^  Gentlemen: 

With  this  message  you  will  receive  a  communication  from  the  agents 
appointed  to  confer  with  the  representatives  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians, 
which  will  necessarily  require  your  immediate  attention. 

It  must  readily  occur  to  you  that  no  legislative  direction  exists  with 
respect  to  the  greater  part  of  the  expense  incident  to  this  occasion. 

The  concurrent  resolution  of  the  3d  instant,  only  refers  to  the  accom- 
modation of  the  Indians  while  in  the  city,  and  neither  provides  for  the 
customary  gratuities,  nor  the  expenses  arising  from  their  journey  here 
and  their  return. 

I  also  transmit  a  letter  from  some  of  the  chiefs  of  the  Onondaga  nation, 
respecting  the  agreement  made  with  them  in  1793,  by  the  commissioners 
appointed  for  the  purpose." 

Geo.  Clinton. 

Greenwich,  7  March,  1795. 

In  pursuance  of  this  advice  the  following  resolution  was  introduced  in 
the  senate  and  passed. 

"  Resolved.  That  his  Excellency  the  Governor,  be  requested  to  direct 
that  suitable  accommodations  be  provided  for  twelve  St.  Regis  Indians, 
who  are  expected  in  town  this  afternoon,  on  business  relative  to  the 
claims  on  the  State,  and  that  the  Legislature  will  make  provision  for 
defraying  the  expense."  . 

On  the  9th  of  March,  1795,  the  resolution  of  the  senate  was  referred 

to  the  assembly,  and  the  following  record  appears  on  their  journal. 

"  Resolved.  As  the  sense  of  both  houses  of  the  Legislature,  that  it  is 
advisable  a  future  meeting  should  be  appointed  by  his  Excellency  the 

9 


t    li 


132 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


Governor,  to  bo  lield  vvitli  tlio  Iiulinns,  ^reiifirnlly  known  an<1  distinfrnislicd 
nH  tlif  liulianH  of  t^t.  HofiiH,  in  ordi-r  to  trout,  jiimI  rmiilly  to  iiiznic  \\  iili  tlin 
Haul  Inilians  tonchiii),' any  rijilit  or  claim  wliicii  tlicy  may  liavc,  let  any 
lands  witliin  tlio  limits  ortiiis  stani;  and  I'mtlicr,  that  Ids  MxiM-lU'iicy  tlin 
(JovHrnor,  in  addition  to  tlio  r»Mjii(>st  containrd  in  ilic  roiicnrrcnt  nsohi- 
!ion  of  both  hoiiHos,  of  tlio  third  instant,  btr  also  rfiqnt'stcd  to  caiiHtf  tlm 
twelve  IndiniiH  mentioned  in  said  conemrent  reHohition,  to  bo  Inrnislicd 
with  such  Slim  of  money  as  may  be  reqnisite  to  di-lray  the  expenses  of 
their  jonrney  to  this  city,  and'on  their  rctnrn  home,  and  also  that  his 
Excellency  the  (Jovernor,  be  requested  to  cause  sneli  presents  or  f;ratni-^ 
ties  as  he  shall  deem  |>roper  to  be  j,'iveii  to  the  saiil  Indians,  in  helinlf  of 
this  state,  and  that  the  LejL'islatnre  will  make  the  reqnisite  provision  fitr 
carrying  these  resolutions  into  effect." 

Ordered.  That  the  consideration  of  the  said  resolutions  be  posponed 
until  to-morrow. 

The  agents  appointed  by  the  Governor,  held  another  interview  with 
the  Indians,  and  the  speeches  that  were  exchanged  on  the  occasion  are 
preserved,  and  were  as  follows : 

Speech  of  the  Agents  for  the  Slate  of  Xew  York  to  Colonel  Louis,  and  other 

St.  Regis  Indians. 
^'■Brothers : 

When  we  met  you,  a  few  days  ago,  on  your  arrival  in  this  city,  we  told 
you  our  chief  the  Governor,  was  sick,  and  that  he  had  ap|)ointed  us  to 
meet  you  in  ins  stead. 

Brothers  : 

We  then  also  bid  you  welcome,  and  whicli  we  now  fepeat  to  you. 

Brothers : 

You  then  told  us  that  you  had  come  to  see  us,  and  only  to  propose  that 
there  should  be  another  meeting  between  us  and  you,  when  all  your 
cliiefs  would  attend,  and  treat  and  settle  with  us  about  land,  which  is 
within  our  state,  and  which  you  say  belongs  to  you. 

Brothers  : 

This  was  the  substance  of  what  you  then  told  us,  and  we  liave  told  it 
to  our  chief  the  (JJovernor,  and  our  council  the  Legislature,  and  they  have 
listened  to  it,  and  have  directed  us  to  tell  you  that  they  very  willingly 
assent  to  what  you  have  proposed,  and  that  a  message  will  be  sent  to 
you  during  the  next  summer,  to  inform  you  of  the  time  and  i)lace,  when, 
and  where,  we  will  meet  you  on  the  business,  and  we  can  now  only 
promise,  that  the  j)lace  will  be  as  near  where  you  live  as  conveniently 
may  l)e,  so  as  to  save  you  the  trouble  of  a  long  journey,  and  that  the  time 
will  not  be  later  in  the  next  fall  than  when  the  travelling  is  good. 

Brothers : 

We  wish  you  in  the  mean  time  to  possess  yotir  minds  in  peace,  for  it 
is  as  much  our  wish  as  it  is  yours,  that  the  business  should  be  talked 
over  and  settled  between  you  and  us,  in  friendship  and  integrity,  as 
between  brothers,  for  as  we  do  not  desire  any  land  which  belongs  to  you, 
without  paying  you  for  it,  so  we  hope  you  do  not  desire  we  should  pay 
you  for  that  which  does  not  belong  to  you. 

Brothers : 

We  now  bid  you  farewell,  for  the  present,  and  wish  you  a  safe  journey 
home,  and  that  we  may  meet  each  other  again  in  peace  and  in  health, 
at  the  intended  future  meeting." 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


133 


To  tliis  spnccli  of  tliu  commissionorfi  tho  St.  Rcgifi  Iiidinni  tlirough 

Colonel  f-onis,  their  P|)cnk''r,  n!|)lie(l  as  follows: 

"lirollirrs : 

It  is  iiHiiiii  wlicii  brothnrs  meet,  if  it  is  oven  the  next  dny,  to  thank 
Providence  for  preserviiifr  eMcli  of  them,  co  ns  to  meet  again. 

lirolliers  : 

We  nre  very  thnnkfnl  tlint  you  hnve  taken  wi  much  pity  on  your 
l)rotli(!rs,  who  have  eomt-  h(»  preiit  a  distance  to  fvv  yon,  that  they  wr^ro 
ainioMt  hariifootcfl  and  uncovered,  and  you  at  our  first  arrival  in  tlie  city, 
gave  Ufl  u  [mir  of  HJioes  uiid  hat  each,  for  which  we  are  thankful. 

Brnthnx : 

When  we  first  arrived  here,  we  told  you  the  husinesB  wo  hnd  come 
U[)on,  and  which  we  had  eorne  u|i()n  several  seasotis  iiefore,  and  par- 
ticularly last  winter.  You  then  |>roniised  that  you  would  meet  ua,  hut 
you  have  not  done  it. 

We  have  husiness  at  home  ns  well  ns  you,  brothers,  nnd  for  that  renson 
we  request  you  to  consider  about  the  matter  deliberately. 

Brothers : 

We  think  it  is  a  I'>n:r  'iuie  hence  that  you  have  fixed  upon.  We  told 
you  when  we  came,  that  we  had  other  business  with  ihe  kinjr,  who  also 
is  on  our  lands.  All  the  other  nations  to  the  westward  are  concerned  in 
that  business,  arul  I  expect  I  have  that  to  see  to,  ns  they  depend  on  my 
council.  If  tli.it  should  take  platre  nt  the  same  time  ns  yoin-s,  it  will  be 
inconvenient,  we  thcirefore  wish  to  have  our  business  with  you  first 
settled,  before  we  settle  with  the  king. 

Brothers : 

We  were  at  Albany  when  you  received  the  speech  of  the  king;  I  then 
told  you  the  minds  of  our  chiefs  upon  that  subject,  for  I  know  it. 

You  told  us  then  your  minds  were  to  do  us  justice,  and  that  made  our 
breasts  (;oo|.  AVe  returned  lioiue  and  toM  th(!  king  to  perform  tlie  pro- 
mise he  had  marie  to  us. 

[Here  Colonel  Louis  produced  a  printed  proclamation  in  parchment, 
by  the  lute  Sir  William  Johnson.] 

For  this  reason  we  expect  our  matters  with  you  first  settled.  For  the 
king  told  us,  tliat  about  midsummer  he  wouUI  come  and  settle  with  us 
for  the  lauds  of  ours  which  he  had  possessed  anrl  improved. 

Then,  brothers,  we  shall  be  nblo  to  come  and  inform  you  how  we  hnve 
settled  with  him." 

The  Legislature  by  an  act  passed  March  .5,  170.'),  provided,  "Thnt  it 
shall  and  may  be  lawful,  for  the  pere-on  administering  the  government  of 
this  State,  either  by  himself,  or  by  such  ngent  or  agents  as  he  shall  there- 
inito  api)oint,  to  make  such  agreement  and  arrangeiriCuir  with  the  In- 
dians of  St.  Regis,  or  with  the  representatives  of  the  said  Indians,  re- 
specting their  claims  to  any  lands  within  this  State,  or  any  |)art  or  parts 
thereof,  ns  shall  tend  to  ensure  their  good  will  and  friendship  to  the  |)eo- 
ple  of  the  IJnitefl  States,  and  to  extingnish  any,  and  every  such  claim, 
and  in  such  manner  as  he  or  such  agents  so  to  be  appointed  may  think 
pro[)er,  but  no  such  agreement  or  arrangement  by  such  agents  shall  be 
valid,  mdcss  ratified  and  confirmed  i)y  the  person  administering  the 
government  of  this  State,  any  thing  in  the  '  act  relative  to  Indians  resi- 
dent within  the  State'  passed  the 'i/th  of  March,  1794,  to  the  contrary 
hereof  notwithstanding." 


'fr  •'■ 


UkULJUIIJIU 


134 


HISTORY   or   ST.    LAWRENCE 


k '  I 


MUr' 


'•h 


The  net  here  refi'rred  to,  was  n  law  rclntivo  to  ihn  IiidinnH  rrsidont 
within  the  state,  whicli  appointed  tlio  Governor,  with  William  North, 
John  Taylor,  Al)rahaiu  Van  Vechten,  Al)ralinni  Ton  Broek,  IVtor  Ganse- 
voort,  Jr.,  and  Simeon  Dewitt,  trustees  for  the  Indians  within  the  state, 
and  for  each  and  every  trihe  of  them,  vvitli  full  power  to  make  snch  agree- 
ments and  aiTanpements  with  the  trihes  of  central  New  York,  respecting 
their  lands,  as  shall  tend  to  produce  an  annual  income  to  the  said  Indians, 
and  to  insure  their  good  will  and  friendship  to  the  people  of  the  United 
States. 

No  grants  were  to  he  made  by  the  Indians,  except  to  the  state. 

They  were  further  empowered  to  treat  with  any  otiier  Indians,  for  any 
other  lands  within  the  state,  and  the  consideration  paid  for  the  ex- 
tinguishment of  these  claims,  was  to  be  paid  at  the  time  of  making  the 
contract,  or  within  one  year  thereafter. 

Commissioners  were  again  a[)pointcd,  who  met  tlie  deputies  at  Fort 
George,  at  the  south  end  of  Lake  George,  in  September,  17!).'},  where  an 
interview  was  held,  but  without  arriving  at  satisfactory  results,  or  an 
agreement  between  the  parties.  We  have  not  been  able  to  procure  the 
speeches  that  were  made  on  this  occasion,  or  what  transj)ired  between 
them,  further  than  ihe  intimations  contained  in  the  following  pages. 

The  results  were  communicated  by  the  agents  of  the  state  to  Governor 
Jay,  who  in  the  month  of  January,  transmitted  the  following  message  to 
the  legislature. 

Gentlemen: 

"  I  have  now  the  honor  of  laying  before  you  the  proceedings  at  n  treaty 
with  the  Indians,  denominated  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  comprising 
those  usually  'denominated  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  held  at  the  south  end  of 
Lake  George,  in  this  State,  on  the  ijGth  day  of  September  last,  with  a 
letter  of  the  2d  instant,  from  the  agentfc  who  were  appointed  to  attend  it 
on  the  part  of  the  State. 

It  appears  from  the  above  mentioned  letter,  that  the  expenses  incident 
to  the  said  treaty  have  been  paid,  and  the  accounts  duly  audited  and 
passed,  except  the  allowance  usually  made  by  the  United  States  to  the 
commissioners  whom  they  employ  for  holding  treaties  with  Indians. 

The  compensation  due  to  the  said  agents  for  their  services,  still  remains 
to  be  ascertained  and  ordered  by  the  Legislature. 

New  York,  23d  January,  179G. 

John  Jay." 
« 

On  the  26th  of  March,  1796,  the  governor  transmitted  to  the  legisla- 
ture a  message,  accompanying  a  letter  from  the  department  of  war,  dated 
the  19th  inst.,  together  with  the  report  of  the  secretary  of  state,  on  the 
subject  of  claims  made  by  the  Indians  called  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada, 
to  lands  within  the  state. 

This  message  with  the  accompanying  papers,  was  referred  to  the  com- 
mittee of  the  whole. 


I 


AND    FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


135 


Tliis  was  Biilmcqnontly  roferred  ton  joint  coinmittenof 'hetwo  liousci, 
who  rcporteil  on  the  IbI  of  April,  ns  follovvs: 

"TliMt  nlthoiigii  th»!  Hovcrni  mutters  Htntod  by  tho  ofrnnts  of  this  Stnte 
to  tlio  »iii<i  ImliariH,  nt  thu  Into  treaty  hold  wit'i  liein  nt  Lnko  George,  are 
to  be  relied  on  us  true,  niid  to  be  considered  as  HiiHieient  to  prevent  the 
8iip|iosition  thai  the  said  Indi.inN  hnve  u  ri^dit  to  lands  ciniinerl  by  thnm; 
HM  I  that  uitiioufjb  these  riialters  Itoth  in  respect  to  tiict  nnd  inference,  ro- 
niaiii  unanswered  by  the  said  Indians,  yet  that  it  will  We  j»raper  whenever 
a  treaty  shall  be  held  for  the  purpose  by  the  IJidtcd  htntes  with  tho  said 
Indians,  that  ajients  for  this  S<tate  should  ajiaiii  attend,  in  order  further  to 
examine  and  discuss  the  said  claim,  nnd  if  they  shall  deem  it  eligible, 
then  also  further  to  propone  and  adjust  with  the  snid  Indians,  the  compen- 
sation to  bo  made  by  this  Stnte  for  the  said  cluim." 

This  resiiUition  met  with  the  concurrence  of  the  house. 

In  jnu'sunnce  of  this  concurrent  resolution  of  the  seni.'eand  assembly, 
x^f)  governor  ajipointed  Egbert  Benson,  Richard  Variek  nnd  Jns.  Watson, 
agents  on  the  pnrt  of  the  stnte,  to  meet  the  deputies  of  the  St.  Regis  nnd 
Cnughnuvvngn  tribes,  who  then  cinimcd,  and  have  since  been  recognized 
by  the  state,  to  be  the  representutives  of  tho  Seven  Nutions  of  Cnnatia, 
to  negotiate  in  the  presence  of  a  commissioner  appointed  by  the  govern- 
ment of  the  United  States,  for  the  extinguishment  of  the  Indian  title  to 
laii'ls  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state.  The  following  is  an  nccount  of 
the  proceedings  at  this  treaty,  which  we  derive  from  the  original  manu- 
script in  the  otHce  of  the  secretary  of  state,  at  Albany: 

"  '•  f  H  treaty  held  at  the  city  of  New  York,  by  the  United  States,  with 
the  nations  of  Indians  denominating  themselves  the  seven  nations  of 
Canada ;  Abraham  Ogden,  commissioner  for  the  United  States,  appointed 
to  hold  the  treaty,  Ohnawiio,  alias  Good  Stream,  achief  of  the  Caughna- 
wagus,  Otentohatongwnn,  alias  Colonel  Louis  Cook,  a  chief  of  the  St. 
Regis  Indians',  Teholngwnnegen,  alias  Thomas  Williams,  a  chief  of  the 
Caugiinnwagas,  and  William  Gray,  deputies  authorized  to  represent 
these  nations  or  tribes  at  the  treaty,  and  Mr.  Gray  also  serving  as  inter- 
preter. 

Egbert  Bensen,  Richard  Varrick,  and  James  Watson,  agents  for  tho 
state  of  New  York. 

Mat  23,  179C. 

The  deputy,  Thomas  Williams,  being  confined  to  his  lodging  in  this 
city  by  sickness,  was  unable  to  bo  present;  the  other  three  deputies  pro- 
posed, nevertheless,  to  proceed  to  the  business  of  the  treaty.  The  com- 
missioner theretii)on,  informed  them  generally,  that  he  was  appointed  to 
to  hold  the  treaty ;  that  the  sole  object  of  it  was,  to  enable  the'  stnte  of 
New  York,  to  extinguish  by  purchase,  the  claim  or  right  of  these  nations 
or  tribes  of  Indians,  to  lands  within  the  limits  of  the  state,  and  that 
agreeably  to  his  instructions  from  the  president,  he  would  take  care  the 
negotiation  for  that  purpose,  between  the  agents  for  the  state  and  the 
Indians,  should  be  conducted  with  candor  and  fairness. 

Mr.  Gray,  then  read  and  delivered  the  following  speech,  as  from  the 
deputies,  written  in  English. 


m 


•^ 


136 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  L'^WRENCE 


U     . 


A  tabic  from  the  seven  nations  ot'  Indiuns  lesidinfr  in  tiie  state  of  New 
York,  and  Upper  and  Lower  Canada,  totliecoinniissionerof  the  United 
States  anil  state  of  New  York,  concerning  a  claim  of  lands  in  the  state 
of  New  York. 

Brothers : 

We  are  sent  from  our  nations  to  yon,  and  fully  empowered  hy  them 
to  treat  with  yon  respectinjr  onr  lands,  or  on  any  other  occasion  that 
may  he  attended  with  aj^ood  meaninfr,  or  cause  to  brij^hten  and  stregthen 
the  chain  of  triendship  l)etwixt  yoti  and  ns.  This  jiower  now  i,'iven  ns. 
present,  Colonel  Louis  Cook,  Ohnawiio,  Good  Stream,  Teholafrwanegun, 
Thomas  Williams,  and  William  (Jray,  om*  interpreter  at  Caiifilmawaga, 
the  place  where  oia-  Great  Comicii  Fire  is  held,  and  where  onr  nations 
were  all  assembled  and  in  full  council,  and  tiiere  to  convince  you,  broth- 
ers, and  in  orikr  that  your  brifiiness  might  be  attended  to  with  care,  and 
speed,  they  gave  us  their  ful!  power,  to  act  in  behalf  of  our  nations,  and 
that  whatsoever  should  be  agreed  upon  betwixt  you  and  ns,  the  same 
should  ever  hereafter  be  indisputable,  and  stand  for  Just,  to  us,  or  any  of 
us.  This  |)ower  was  given  to  ns  on  paper,  and  signed  by  all  om-  jirinci- 
j)al  chiefs,  and  the  same  jiajif -,  lodged  in  the  hands  of  onr  great  brother, 
George  Washington,  the  President,  one  who  we  had  too  much  conti- 
dence  in,  to  believe  that  ho  \,\^uld  liave  misplaced  a  paper,  of  that  con- 
sequence, however  it  docs  not  alter  our  power,  as  we  have  before  men- 
tioned. We  are  sent  to  you  lor  the  jinrpose  of  having  a  tinal  sijttlement 
with  you  before  we  relnri.  to  them,  and  brothers,  our  cliief 's  last  charge, 
when  we  |tarted  with  them  at  the  great  council  at  (.^aughnawaga,  was 
to  reason  the  case  with  our  brothers,  and  to  act  with  judgment;  for  that 
whatsoever  was  agreed  on  at  this  meeting,  thro'  us,  should  stand  for  just 
to  the  whole  of  our  nations. 

Brothers : 

At  our  meeting  last  fall,  at  l"'ort  George,  you,  alter  some  conversations, 
desired  us  to  point  out  the  land  we  claimeil  in  this  state,  and  accord- 
ingly we  did. 

drdhos  : 

You  tiien  brought  in  several  objections  against  our  claim,  but  we  could 
not  tind  either  of  them  to  be  reasonable,  or  in  any  way  sutticiently 
weighty,  if  we  had  ever  sold  any  of  our  lands,  either  to  the  king  of 
France  or  Great  Britain,  or  either  of  the  L^nited  States,  we  should  have 
of  course  signed  our  namei>  to  the  agreement,  which  if  that  were  the 
case,  we  are  sensible  that  such  papers  would  be  brought  forward  against 
us,  and  that  too  with  great  justice, but  so  fin-  from  anything  of  the  kind, 
that  wo  bid  defiance  to  the  world,  to  produce  any  deed,  or  sale,  or  gilt, 
or  lease,  of  any  of'  the  lands  in  question,  or  any  part  of  them,  fi'om  us, 
to  either  the  king  of  France,  or  Britian,  or  to  either  of  the  United  States, 
or  to  any  individual,  excepting  those  we  have  adopted  into  our  nation, 
and  who  reside  with  us. 

Brothers : 

You  produced  to  us  a  copy  of  a  deed  from  several  ^Mohawks,  for  eight 
hundred  thousand  acres  of  land,  which  these  'ohawks  had  ns  good  a 
right  to  ^ell,  as  they  have  to  come  and  dispose  of  the  city  of  New  York, 
notwithstanding  this,  you  at  the  treaty  of  last  fall,  pointed  those  pe,»[)le 
out  to  us,  to  be  too  just  a  people,  you  thought  to  do  a  thing  of  the  kind; 
but  what  makes  them  just  in  yom*  eyes,  we  expect  is  because  they  stole 
from  us,  and  sold  to  you.    This  is  what  makes  them  a  just  people. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


137 


Urolhers : 

Had  wc  Hevoral  years  ago,  dono  as  those  liave,  wliom  you  call  a 
just  [)eople,  that  is;  \\i\(\  wo  sohl  ofF  all  our  laiulu,  then:  uridcrhandedly 
wold  our  lirothers,  aiid  then  fled  our  country ;  took  up  arms  and  come 
and  killed  men,  women,  and  childrcMi,  indiscriminately:  burnt  houses 
and  conunilti'd  every  otiier  act  of  devastation,  aM<i  in  siiort,  done  every- 
thiof^-  we  (!onld,  at'ainst  our  once  nearest  friends,  then  accordin;^  to  what 
you  say  ol'  these  .Mohawks,  you  would  have  esteemed  us  u  just  people, 
and  thcreibre  woidd  not  have  disputed  our  claim. 

Brothers  : 

From  wliat  we  have  f,sen,  within  a  f«',w  years,  we  have  reason  to  believe 
that  a  ptiopje  as  those,  are  most  esteemed  in  your  eyes;  we  need  not 
(ueiitiun  to  you  the  conduct  of  the  western  Indians,  nor  of  their  friends, 
you  can  judfH!  who  wr;  mean,  but  it  seems  those  who  injure  you  the 
most,  you  are  the  readiest  to  serve. 

Brothers: 

It  seems  that  before  a  nation  can  jrct  justice  of  another,  they  must 
first  fro  to  war,  and  spill  one  another's  blood,  but  brothers,  we  do  not 
like  this  mode  of  settiiuff  differences;  we  wish  justice  to  be  done  with- 
out, and  it  so  far  from  the  conduct  of  a  Christian  peofile,  that  we  are 
(iilly  (letermiiiL'd  we  never  will  resort  to  such  means,  unless  driven  to  it 
by  necessity. 

Brothers  : 

It  is  onr  (;arnest  wish,  to  live  in  friendship  and  unity  with  you,  and  we 
have  always  endeavored  to  persuade  our  brother  Indians  to  take  pattern 
by  us,  and  live  jieaceably  with  you,  and  to  think  that  our  brothers  of  the 
United  Stages  were  a  just  ))eople,  and  nev.;r  would  wrong  them  of  any 
of  their  lands  that  justly  belonged  to  them. 

Brothers : 

This  we  did  on  the  strength  of  your  former  promises  to  us,  which  we 
think  you  r(!!U(Mni)cr  too  well  to  need  them  to  be  repeated.  You  who 
dejif-nd  on  ink  ami  paper,  which  ought  never  to  fade,  must  recollect  bet- 
ter than  we,  who  can  not  write,  and  who  depend  only  on  memory,  yet 
your  promises  are  fiesh  in  our  minds. 
Brothers : 

We  ask  for  nothing  but  what  is  our  just  due,  and  that  we  ever  shall 
expect  to  get,  until  such  ti.rie  as  you  deny  your  own  woi'ds,  not  only  by 
breaking  your  promises,  but  making  false  speakers  of  us  in  all  that  ever 
we  said  to  our  l)rother  Indians,  in  your  behalfj  and  encouraging  those 
who  always  have  been  endeavoring  to  injure  both  you  and  us,  all  that 
ever  lay  in  their  power. 

Brothers : 

We  entreat  you  oidy  to  look  back,  nnd  consider  the  i)rivilege8  your 
brother  Indians  formerly  enjoyed,  before  we  were  interrupted  by  other 
nations  of  white  people,  who  feign  themselves  to  us  as  brothers,  and  let 
justice!  take  place  betwixt  you  and  us,  in  filace  of  arbitrary  power,  for 
that  brothers,  you  very  well  know,  is  a  thing  that  never  gave  contetit- 
ment  to  any  people,  or  nation  whatsoever. 

Brothers : 

Formerly  we  enjoyed  the  ])rivilege  we  expt;ct  is  now  called  freedom; 
and  liberty  bc^comes  an  entire  stranger  to  us,  and  in  place  of  that,  comes 
in  (lattery  and  deceit,  to  deprive  jioor  ignorant  people  of  their  property, 
and  bring  them  to  poverty,  and  at  last  to  become  beggars  and  laughing- 
stocks  to  the  world. 


mMP 


If^ 


138 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Brothers : 

Tliis  is  what  we  have  already  seen,  but,  however,  we  wish  never  to 
reflect  on  wiiat  is  past,  but  trust  in  the  Great  Spirit  who  made  us  ail,  to 
eo  order  it  that  justice  rnay  take  place,  and  that  better  ib  to  come. 

Brothers : 

Wo  pray  you  to  tn'.ie  this  matter  into  g:ood  considerntion,  and  do  by 
us  as  you  would  wish  to  be  done  by  brotliers,  that  is  what  we  wish  for, 
that  every  brother  might  have  tiieir  rights,  throughout  tiiis  continent,  and 
all  to  be  of  one  mind,  and  to  live  together  in  peace  and  love,  as  becometh 
brothers;  and  to  have  a  chain  of  tricndship  made  lietwixt  you  and  us, 
too  strong  ever  to  bo  broke,  and  polished  and  brightened  so  pure,  as 
never  to  rust :    This  is  our  sincere  wishes. 

Brothers : 

Wo  wisli  likewise  to  enjoy  our  own  laws  and  you  yours,  so  far,  that  is, 
if  any  of  our  people,  Indians,  should  conunit  a  crime  to  any  of  their 
brothers,  the  white  people  of  the  United  States,  that  he  may  be  punished 
by  his  own  nation,  and  his  chiefs  to  make  good  all  damages;  and  like- 
wise on  the  otiier  part,  if  any  white  person  siiall  conmiit  a  crime  to  any 
Indian,  that  we  the  Indians,  are  not  to  take  revenge  on  the  person,  but 
resign  him  up  to  justice,  and  there  let  him  be  punished  according  to  the 
laws  of  his  nation. 

Brothers : 

This  we  think  will  be  one  great  step  towards  strengthening  the  chain 
of  friendship,  and  to  prevent  all  ditl'erences  and  disputes  herealter,  and 
that  is  what  we  couJd  wish  that  after  this  settlement  with  you  brothers, 
that  tliere  never  may  hereafter  arise  differences  or  disputes  betwixt  you 
and  us,  but  rather,  if  any  nation,  i)eople  or  individual,  should  attempt  to 
cause  any  difference  or  dispute  betwixt  you  and  us,  or  to  intrude,  or 
wish  to  injure  either  of  us,  that  we  may  be  all  agreed  as  one,  to  drive 
such  iil-niinded  people  from  off  our  continent,  that  does  not  wish  to  live 
amongst  us  iu  time  of  peace. 

Brothers : 

These  are  our  sincere  wishes,  and  we  hope  that  you  will  consider  this 
matter  well,  aud  let  us  make  a  good  path  tor  your  children  and  ours  to 
walk  in  after  us;  this  brothers,  is  our  greatest  desire,  and  to  live  iu  peace 
and  love  with  you. 

Brothers : 

As  to  our  lands,  we  wish  our  children  after  us  to  share  their  part  of 
the  lands  as  well  as  us  that  are  now  living,  and  we  are  sensible,  brothers, 
that  if  you  do  by  us  as  you  wish  to  be  done,  were  it  your  case,  as  it  ia 
ours,  and  let  justice  speak,  and  make  iis  an  offer  for  our  lands,  yearly, 
exclusive  of  a  small  piece  we  wi'ih  to  reserve  for  our  own  use,  we  are 
satisfied  that  as  you  know  the  value  of  lands  so  much  better  than  we  do, 
that  your  offer  will  prevent  any  further  contention  on  the  business. 

Brothers : 
We  with  patience  wait  your  answer. 

May  24,  1796. 

Speech  from  the  jJgents  of  the  State  to  the  Deputies  for  the  Indians. 

Brothers  : 

We  have  considered  your  speech  to  us  of  yesterday,  and  we  find  the 
question  respecting  your  claim,  remaine  ae  it  was  at  the  co.iU'erenc«8  be* 


i 


AND  FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


139 


twixt  yon  niul  us, at  the  treaty  held  at  Lake  George,  last  fall,  were  closed. 
Without  some  finther  evidence,  it  appears  to  be  scarcely  reasonable  in 
you  to  expect  we  should  admit  your  claim,  and  the  only  inducement 
with  us  to  have  it  released  or  extinguished  is,  as  we  have  before  stated 
to  you,  because  we  desire  to  live  in  peace  and  good  neighborhood  with 
you,  and  to  avoid  all  controversy  in  future,  and  consequently  not  any 
supposed  merit  or  justice  in  the  claim  itself,  but  merely  contentment  and 
satisfaction  to  you,  are  the  considerations  in  determining  as  to  the  amount 
of  tiie  compensation  to  be  allowed  you.  We  have  therefore  offered  you 
three  thousand  dollars,  which  you  declined  accepting,  without  any  offer 
or  proposal  in  return  from  you;  and  although  it  was  then  intended  as  a 
definite  offer  from  us,  we  are  still  willing  to  add  to  it  or  to  vary  it  to  an 
annuity,  in  order  to  whicli,  however,  you  must  now  inform  us  what  your 
wishes  or  expectations  are.  This  will  be  necessary,  otherwise  the  ne- 
gotiations will  not  be  conducted  on  terms  duly  fair  and  equal  between 
us." 

Rlay  25,  1796. 

Mr.  Gray  read  e^^d  delivered  to  the  agents  the  following  speech,  as 
from  the  deputies,  written  in  English. 

,3  speech  from,  the  Seven  JVations  of  Canada  and  State  of  J\ew  York,  to  their 

Brothers  of  the  State  of  jYew  York. 

"  Brothers  : 

We  iiave  considered  your  atiswer  of  yesterday,  to  our  speech  to  you 
on  the  day  before,  wherein  you  say,  you  fi..d  the  question  respecting  our 
claim  remaining  as  it  was  when  we  parted  last  fall  from  the  treaty  at 
Lake  George.  Very  true,  so  it  does;  for  if  we  remember  right,  you  told 
us  you  would  give  us  three  thousand  dollars  for  a  release  or  quit  claim 
for  all  the  lands  in  our  claim,  exclusive  of  six  miles  square,  to  he  reserved 
for  the  use  of  the  village  of  St.  Regis;  and  that  was  all  you  could  offer, 
as  you  was  sent  there  by  them  that  was  greater  than  you.  We  told  you 
we  was  not  able  to  comply  with  your  offer,  as  we  did  not  wish  to  bring 
our  children  to  poverty  by  an  action  of  that  kind.  Neither  did  you  ask 
us  what  we  did  expect  to  have  for  our  lands;  if  you  had  we  should  im- 
mediately hare  told  you. 

Brothers  : 

Now  you  say,  without  some  further  evidence,  you  can  not  see  fit  to 
admit  our  claim. 

We  want  you  brothers  to  tell  us  what  further  proof  you  wish  us  to 
shew  than  what  we  already  have  shown  ?  We  hnve  told  you,  time  past, 
and  we  tell  you  now,  that  our  claim  is  just,  and  as  to  rinding  any  other 
nation  or  people  that  say  that  our  claim  is  not  just,  or  that  there  is  a 
better  title  can  be  i)rocured  tlian  ours,  as  we  told  you  before,  we  are 
sensible  that  can  not  bo  done,  in  justice;  however,  for  your  satisfaction, 
brothers,  as  wc  have  menitoned  several  times  before,  that  if  you  was  not 
convinced  that  our  claim  was  just,  to  be  at  the  expense  of  calling  the 
difl'erent  nations  whose  boundaries  join  our  claim,  and  let  them  be  evi- 
dences Ibi  and  against  us.  We  likewise  tell  you,  that  if  we  ever  had 
sold  any  part  of  the  lands  we  now  claim  to  bring  forward  the  papers 
signed  by  our  chiefs,  and  they  will  end  the  business  betwixt  you  and  us, 
and  for  further  evidence,  we  think  it,  brothers,  uimecessary. 

Brothers : 
We  will  now  tell  you  what  we  expect  to  have,  and  do  justice  to  you, 


''mmt' 


140 


HISTORY    OK   ST.  LAWRENCE 


\u 


\M^  % 


and  oursolves.  Tiiat  is,  to  roservo  ibr  our  own  use,  in  land,  to  bef^'in  at 
the  village  of  St.  Rfjfia,  and  to  rini  oast  trn  miles  on  the  line  ot"  the  lati- 
tude of  tbrty-tive,  then  up  the  llivcn"  St.  Lawrenre,  frotn  the  vilia;re  of 
St.  Ilejiia  to  a  place  called  the  I'ies(]nt!  fsle,  which  we  think  if  ahont 
thirty-itive  or  forty  miles  lioin  the  villaffe,  and  that  distance  to  continue 
twenty  miles  in  breadth.  This  piece  we  wish  tn  rt^servo  (or  our  own 
use,  which  is  Init  a  very  small  pie(;e.  And  the  principal  do  we  oHer  for 
your  sjitllenients,  or  any  other  use  you  may  see  lit  to  put  it  to.  Wo 
should  think  it  no  ways  out  of  reason  or  justice,  to  allow  us  the  sum  of 
three  thousand  pounds  yearly,  which  will  come  to  a  trifle  over  one  dollar 
fur  each  person  that  is  now  living',  and  has  a  ri^dit  in  this  claim,  which 
is  hut  a  small  sum  towards  clothing'  a  person  yearly,  when  hetore  your 
clearinjr  up  our  hnntiufr  jrrounds,  we  supporttjd  ourst!lv(>s  both  in  victuals 
and  clothing,  tiom  what  nature  provided  for  us  from  ofi*  those  lands. 

Brothers : 

Your  compliances  to  these  terms,  will  fjivn  contentment  to  the  mindsi 
of  your  brethren,  the  Indians  of  the  Seven  Nations. 

yGth  May,  I7<Jl5. 

Speech  from  the  ^-Igenls  to  the  Deputies. 

Brothers  : 

We  had  intended  to  have  avoided  all  further  examination  of  thi;  merits 
of  your  claim,  and  that  the  conferences  between  you  and  us  should  havt! 
been  confined  only  to  adjustiii;r  the  compensation  to  be  allowed  to  you 
tor  the  extinguishment  of  it;  but  there  are  some  parts  of  your  speech  of 
yesterday  which  we  suppose  ought  not  to  remain  wholly  unnoticd  by  us. 

Brothers : 

You  say  there  is  no  other  people  can  be  found,  who  can  say  your 
claim  is  not  just,  and  if  we  are  not  convinced  your  claim  is  just,  that  wo 
should  be  at  the  expense  of  calling  the  diflerent  nations  whose  bounda- 
ries join  your  claim,  to  be  evidences  for,  and  against  your  claim. 

Brothers : 

It  would  be  suliicient  for  us  merely  to  say,  that  considering  the  ob- 
jections we  have  made  (o  your  claim,  aiul  the  very  unsatisfactory  maimer 
in  which  you  have  (Mideavored  to  answt-r  them,  that  it  is  not  reasonable 
in  you  to  propose  that  we  slioidd  be  at  the  expense  of  ))rocuring  the  at- 
tendance of  the  Indians,  to  whom  you  refer  as  witnesses.  We  will 
however,  state  a  fiict,  toconvinct;  you  that  if  they  did  atteiul,  such  is  the 
probability  that  their  testimony  would  be  against  your  claim,  as  to  render 
it  miavailable  even  for  you  to  call  them. 

Brothers : 

The  Six  Nations  of  Indians,  by  a  deed  dated  the  HOth  day  of  Novem- 
ber, 1787,  and  in  consideration  of  an  anmiity  of  two  thousand  dollars, 
sold  to  .lohn  Livingston,  ami  his  associates,  for  the  term  of  nine  hun- 
dred and  lunety-nine  year-,  lands  dfjscribed  in  the  said  deed  as  follows: 

"  All  that  certain  tractor  parcel  of  land,  connnonly  called  and  known 
"by  the  name  ol'  the  Lands  of  the  Six  Nations  of  Indians  situate, 
",  lying,  and  being,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  and  now  in  the  actual  pos- 
"  session  of  the  said  chiefs,  and  sachems  of  the  Six  Nations,  lit^giiming 
"at  a  plac(!  commonly  known  and  called  by  the  name  of  (panada  Creek, 
"about  seven  mil(!S  west  of  Fort  Stanwix,  now  I'ort  Schuyler,  thence 
*'  north  easterly,  to  the  litie  of  the  province  of  Uuebec,  thentre  along  the 
"  said  line  to  the  Pennsylvania  line,  thence  east  on  the  said  line,  or  I'enn- 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


141 


"  svlvaniii  line,  to  the  line  of  Property,  Ro  culled,  by  the  state  of  New 
"York,  thence  along  said  line  of  Property  to  'Canada  Creek'  aforesaid." 

Tlieso  boundaries,  you  j)orcuive,  include  nearly,  if  not  all  the  landa 
\ou  claim  within  this  state,  and  the  deed  is  sij^ned  by  forty-live  Indian 
chiefs,  and  auionif  the  witnesses  to  it  is  Colonel  Louis,  the  deputy  h  ;e 
present. 

This  deed  was  confirmed  hy  another,  heuriuff  date  the  9th  day  of  Jidy, 
17H8.  Signed  by  sixty-six  chiefs,  and  among  the  witnesses  wen;  Coioncd 
Jniin  Ihitler,  and  Captain  Jose|)h  lirant.  These  deeds  having  been 
giv<!n  up  to  the  state,  l)y  tht;  jiersons  to  whom  they  W(!re  made,  have 
been  lodged  in  the  Secretary's  otlice,  and  they  are  now  produced  to  you, 
ill  order  that  you  may  see  them.  This  purchase  by  Mr.  Livingston,  and 
his  associates,  without  the  consent  of  the  Legislatuie,  was  contrary  to 
the  constitution  of  the  state,  and  therefore  void. 

It  is,  notwithstanding,  sutiicient  lor  the  pm-pose  for  wiiich  we  jtrinci- 
|)ally  mention  it,  as  it  is  not  to  be  presumed,  that  these  iiulians  would 
ever  declare  that  lands  which  they  intended  to  sell,  and  be  j)aid  for,  as 
belonging  to  themselves,  did  belong  to  others.  Not  only  so,  but  the 
])ursonH  who  have  subscribed  the  deeds,  as  witnesses,  and  having  a 
knowledge  of  liulian  aHiiirs,  ami  sotrie  of  whom,  even  Colonel  Louis 
hiniself,  if  we  are  not  imich  misinformed,  assisted  INIr.  Livingston,  ami 
his  associates,  in  making  the  piu'chase,  were  called  on  as  witnesses,  be- 
tween you  and  us,  they  must  declare,  that  they  never  had  heard  or 
beli(!ved,  that  any  part  of  the  lands  <lescril)ed  in  these  deeds,  belonged 
to  any  other  nations  than  the  Six  Nations,  otherwise  they  must  declare 
that  they  were  witnesses  to  a  transaction,  which  they  knew  to  be  in- 
teiule<l  fraudulent,  and  injurious  to  you;  so  that  it  must  evidently  be 
fruitless  in  you  to  depend  on  the  testimony  of  the  neighboring  nations, 
to  establish  your  claim. 

Brothers : 

When  we  first  came  together,  at  the  trea^j'  held  last  fall,  and  before 
any  Ibnnal  speeches  had  passed  between  you  and  us,  you  mentioned, 
that  you  claimed  the  lands  also  on  the  east  side  of  the  Inie  between  this 
state,  and  the  state  of  Vermont;  but  the  intent  of  that  treaty,  being 
only  for  the  extinguishment  of  your  claim  to  lands  within  this  state,  the 
lands  in  Vermont  were  omitted  out  of  the  boundaries  of  your  claim,  ay 
you  afterwards  described  it  to  us. 

This  you  again  affirmed  to  us  verbally,  yesterday,  and  you  declared 
the  lands  claimed  by  you,  within  the  limits  of  Vermont,  as  rumilng  from 
Ticomleroga  to  the  Great  Falls  on  Otter  Creek,  thence  easterly  to  the 
l.eights  of  land,  dividing  the  waters  which  riui  eastwardly,  from  the 
wafrs  which  run  into  Lake  Chamjdain,  thence  along  these  heights,  and 
the  heailrj  of  the  waters  rumiiiig  into  Lake  Chami)lain,  to  the  forty- 
fifth  degree  of  latitude,  ami  we  take  it  for  granted,  you  mean  your  claim 
is  the  same  as  well  with  respect  to  the  larids  in  Vermont  as  to  the  lands 
in  this  state. 

The  king  of  Great  Britain,  however,  when  the  territory  was  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  this  suite,  as  the  colony  of  New  York,  made  grants  of 
laud,  within  the  bouiuiaries  of  your  claitn,  as  extending  into  Vermont, 
without  reipiiring  a  prt  vious  purchase  from  you,  or  any  other  nation,  or 
tribes  of  Indians,  which  is  a  further  proof  against  the  existence  of  any 
title,  in  you,  to  the  laiidti  you  clain?. 

lirothers  ; 

In  1782  and  1788,  we  pinxhased  from  theOneidas,  Cayugas,  and  Onori- 
dagos,  the  whole  of  their  lands,  except  tioine  tracts  which  were  reserved 


142 


HISTORY   OF   ST.'  LAWRENCE 


!-;•' 


Rl 


i       -•<' 


,«■.: 


1 


Wtlieirovvn  use,  nndtlin  land  w!  'cli  we  piirclmsed  from  nncli  of  these  nn- 
M0118,  and  exclusive  of  tlio  rescrv  ttions,  are  eertninly  not  less  in  vnluc, 
than  the  lands  yon  clain),  as  coni|ireliended  within  this  state. 

Their  title  was  not  disputed — your  title  is  not  oidy  disputed,  but  ut- 
terly denied  hy  us.  We  are  still  willinjj  howeviM",  hut  Ironi  motives  of 
I»rudeiicc  and  good  will,  'uly,  to  plac(;  you  in  respect  to  the  amount  of 
eotnpensation,  on  an  ecpial  footing  with  them,  and  therefore  will  allow  you , 
th*- average  of  what  was  then  allowed  them,  which  will  lu-  an  inunediatu 
])aymentof  one  thousand  poimds,  six  shillings  and  eight  |)ence,  an  an- 
nuity of  two  hundred  and  thirteen  pounds,  six  shillings  and  (Mght  pence. 
The  tract  etpud  to  six  miles  square,  near  the  village  of  St.  Regis,  still  to 
be  applied  to  your  use,  as  reserved  in  the  sale  to  Alexander  lAlacomb. 

\i'  this  oiler  is  accepted  hy  you,  it  will  then  remain  to  he  adjusted  be- 
tween you  and  us,  as  to  the  time,  place  and  manner,  in  whicii  the  pay- 
ments are  to  be  made. 

Brothers : 
We  shall  now  await  for  your  answer. 

'28th  May,  179G. 

Speech  from  the  Deputies  to  the  ^Igents. 

Brothers  : 

We  have  considered  your  oflers  to  our  last  speech,  atid  wo  think  that 
we  understand  the  greater  part  of  them,  and  we  are  happy  to  think  that 
after  so  long  a  time,  you  have  thought  lit  to  take  some  part  of  our 
speeches  into  good  considcraiiou. 

Brothers  : 

We  did  say  there  was  no  people  could  with  justice  say  yom*  claim  is 
not  just,  and  we  still  repeat  to  you,  brothers,  that  these  deeds,  you  have 
sliewB  to  us,  are  mijust,  that  is,  we  mean  according  to  all  inlbrmation 
we  can  get  from  Colonel  Louis,  who  was  jtresent  when  such  imrchase 
should  have  been  made,  and  according  to  all  the  conversations  we  have 
had  with  the  diti'erent  ;i,ii:ons,  that  should  have  sold  this  tract  of  land, 
belonging  to  us.  and  we  iiev«'r  understood  by  these  nations,  that  they 
Jiad  disposed  of  any  lands  within  our  boundaries. 

We  have  strictly  examined  Colonel  Tieuis  that  was  present  when  these 
purchases  were  made,  of  these  nations,  and  he  solenmly  declares  that  he 
did  not  know  of  their  selling  any  jmrtof  oiu-  lands,  or  any  other,  only  ho 
lands  that  belonged  to  thetu,  and  we  take  him  to  beu  man  of  better  prin- 
ciples, than  to  be  a  witness  to  so  great  a  piece  of  misconduct  against  his 
own  tribe,  and  th(>n  not  to  inlbrm  us  of  it  betbre  this  time;  we  therelbre 
must  needs  tell  you,  that  we  think  there  is  a  great  deception  in  those  deeds, 
ais  there  has  been  in  many  other  Ibrmer  purchases  from  our  brother  In- 
dians, and  to  convince  you,  brothers,  that  we  do  not  make  an  imjust  de- 
mand; was  it  not  for  oiu'  poverty,  we  should  not  have  retpiested  you  to 
have  been  at  the  expense  of  callng  the  different  tuitions  for  witnesses  be- 
tween you  and  us,  as  we  wish  (o  convince  you  that  we  are  a  people  that 
always  have  acted  on  honest  principles,  and  mean  to  continue  in  doing 
the  same.  However,  it  seems  you  are  indifferent  about  having  these  na- 
tions to  come  forward,  and  for  our  parts,  brothers,  we  think  it  a  great 
honor  to  settle  matters  that  concern  you  and  us  among  ourselves,  and  not 
to  trouble  our  neighbors  with  our  business.  We  therefore  are  willing  to 
comply  with  any  thing  in  reason  and  justice,  ratlu  r  than  it  should  be  said 
by  those  ill-minded  people  that  are  always  trying  to  invent  enischief  b(!- 
tween  us,  that  we  could  not  agree.  But  there  is  one  question  we  wish  to 
(isk  you  brothers ; — have  you  uot  kuowu  ua  to  be  the  right  owners  of  these 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


143 


lands,  why  did  yoii  dirnct  your  good  advice  to  us  at  the  beginning  of  the 
trouble!  btitween  you  and  tlie  king  of  l'<njrliind? 

Wi!  are  soiisililu  that  a  nation  or  pt'oplc  witiiont  hinds,  are  like  rogues 
without  friends;  of  neither,  is  notice  taken,  or  confidence  i)ut  on  them. 
Hut  we  received  your  council,  beard  your  advice  and  your  promises  to 
us,  and  took  them  to  be  sincere,  and  we  ever  since  have  endeavored  to 
live  up  to  them  with  you  as  near  us  as  possibly  was  in  our  power,  and 
we  be!iev(!  we  can  with  safety  say,  that  since  we  have  been  neighbors, 
that  we  iievfM*  have  injured  you  or  your  properties,  even  to  the  valuf!  of  a 
fowl.  Neither  have  we  made  any  demands  from  you  while  we  could  sup- 
port ourselves  l)y  bunting,  and  always  thought  it  to  be  a  favor  to  our 
lircthcrs  in  the  new  settlements,  rather  than  to  think  or  have  the  least 
mistrust  that  it  would  be  a  detriment  to  your  justifying  our  claim  when 
made.  Xo  brothers,  we  |)Ut  too  much  conrtdence  in  your  good  and  fair 
jiromises,  to  have  the  least  mistrust  of  u  thing  ol'  the  kind. 

lirolhers  : 

Kespecting  our  lands  in  Vermont,  our  claim  in  that  state  is  as  our  claim 
in  this  state,  which  is  just;  and  as  to  the  king  of  Great  Britain  giving 
grants  for  settlements  without  recpiiring  a  purchase  of  us,  that  was  not 
much  for  him  to  do  at  that  time,  if  that  hiul  been  the  only  mis-ste|)  be 
had  taken  towarils  the  welfare  of  his  children,  we  dare  say  you  would 
not  have  rebelled  against  the  government  and  laws  of  Great  Britain,  for 
the  sake  of  obtaining  liberty. 

So  we  think  that  but  a  very  small  part  of  the  reason  why  we  should  be 
deprived  of  our  rights.  And  we  have  mentioned  to  you  in  a  speech  at 
the  treaty  last  fidl,  at  Fort  (ieorge,  that  be  did  retpiest  us  to  sell  those  lands 
to  him,  and  our  answer  was  to  him  that  we  could  not  sell  our  lands,  and 
that  we  had  reserved  them  for  the  maintenance  of  our  children,  after  us, 
and  that  has  always  been  the  advice  of  our  forefathers,  never  to  sell  any 
part  of  our  lands,  but  to  lease  them  for  an  annuity,  if  it  was  ever  so  small, 
and  we  shall  never  forget  their  advice  to  us.  And  on  these  principles  our 
lands  were  settled,  and  that  was  when  we  could  not  support  ourselves  by 
hunting,  that  those  who  resided  on  our  lands  must  expect  to  give  us  some 
assistance  for  the  use  of  our  lands. 

Brot  tiers  : 

And  in  respect  to  your  last  ofTer  to  us  for  our  lands  in  this  State,  we 
must  beg  you  to  have  a  little  patience,  and  consider  this  matter  once  more, 
and  we  will  now  make  an  ofl'er,  wliicdi  we  are  sure  you  will  not  think  un- 
reasonable, that  is,  brothers,  we  are  not  able  to  bring  our  reserve  into  as 
smtdl  a  compass  as  iiossible,  without  interfering  with  our  plantations, 
whi(;h  wui  be  resigning  up  to  you  about  two  thinls  of  the  reserve,  which 
we  never  did  intend  to  disjiose  of  on  any  consideration  whatever.  Still, 
as  we  have  before  mentioned,  that  we  are  willing  to  comply  on  any  terms 
in  reason,  for  the  sake  of  good  neighborhood  and  friendship  with  you, 
you  will  allow  us  to  reserve  to  our  own  use,  as  follows: 

Beginning  at  at  the  head  of  the  second  inland  above  Long  Saut,  on 
the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  run  down  the  stream  of  the  said  river,  ten 
miles  below  the  village  of  St.  Regis;  then  back  into  the  woods  twenty- 
une  miles,  then  westwardly  in  rear  the  same  distance  as  in  front,  and 
from  thence  to  the  river,  opposite  to  said  island,  to  the  place  of  begin- 
ning. This  reserve,  brothers,  we  will  not  be  able  to  make  any  less, 
brothers,  without  interfering  with  the  plantations  of  our  people,  which  is 
out  of  our  power,  so  to  do;  and  an  annuity  of  four  hundred  and  eighty 
poinuls,  with  all  expenses  fiee,  to  the  place  where  we  may  agree  for  the 
delivery  of  said  payments;  if  so  be  you  may  see  fit  to  agree  to  this  offer, 


19.  V 
1  il  ' ' 


u  ■ 


4 


W^l' 


li 


■:H.W| 


ill: ;!' 


■X  « 


I    ■'■'% 


144 


HISTORY  OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


Wu 


wliicli  we  nrc  sure  yoii  can  not  tliink  unrcnsonnble,  for  we  nre  scnsiltle 
it  will  not  l)n  more  than  half  a  en, it  per  acre  yearly;  and  the  payment  to 
bo  as  yon  propose. 

Brothers : 

We  hope  yon  will  not  request  us  to  vary  from  this  offer,  wliirli 
heff  yon  rifjlitiy  to  consider,  and  let  iih  live  as  well  as  yonrselves. 
will  wait  your  answer. 

28TII  May,  17!>fi. 

Spcch  from  the  Jlgcnts  to  the  Deputies. 

Brothers : 

'J'lie  offer  wlii(di  we  made  yon  the  day  before  yesterday,  was  upon 
matnrc  consideration,  and  apptiared  to  ns  to  be  as  liberal  ns  yon  conid 
possiltly  expect,  and  it  is  now  to  be  considered,  as  definite  between  you 
and  ns,  so  that  it  only  remains  for  you  to  pive  ns  your  final  answer, 
whether  yon  are  willinif  to  accc|)t  it  or  not,  in  order  that  the  iieKociations 
at  the  |)rescnt  treaty  may  be  brought  to  a  close.  We  would  however, 
explain  to  you,  that  a  reasonable  allowance  to  you  as  deputies,  for  your 
services  and  expenses  in  attendinjr  this  treaty,  and  such  jirt^sents  as  are 
usual  on  these  occasions,  will  be  maile  to  yon,  exclusive  of  the  compen- 
Bations  which  we  have  [troposed,  should  be  lor  the  nations  or  tribes 
whom  you  represent. 

30th  Mav,  170r>. 

Speech  from  the  ^^gents  to  the  Deputies. 
Brothers : 

After  we  had  made  our  speech  to  you  the  day  before  yesterday,  you 
verballvsu};j:e8t<!(l  tons,  that  the  Indians  of  St.  Regis  had  built  a  mill  on 
a  river,  which  you  call  Salmon  river,  and  another  on  a  river  which  you 
call  Grass  river,  and  that  they  had  always  supplied  themselves  with  hay 
from  the  meadows  on  Grass  river.  Yon  describe  these  rivers  generally, 
only  as  emptying  into  the  river  St.  Lawrence  and  being  in  the  vicinity 
of  St,  Regis;  and  it  is  uncertain,  whether  they,  and  especially  the  places 
on  them,  where  the  mills  are  bifilt,  will  he  included  in  the  tract  equal  to 
the  six  miles  square,  reserved  in  the  sale  to  Mr.  Macomb. 

If  you  had  seasonably  informed  the  state  of  your  claim,  they  might 
have  reserved  laiuls  tor  your  use,  to  any  extent  which  might  have  been 
judged  proper,  but  they  have  now  sold  all  the  lands  on  that  (jiiarter,  to 
Mr.  Macond),  and  as  reservations  can  not  be  made  without  the  consent 
of  the  persons  who  have  purchased  from  him,  we  have  spoken  to  them 
on  the  sidyect,  and  they  have  consented,  that  we  should  hu'ther  offer  to 
you,  that  a  convenient  tract  at  each  place  where  the  mills  are  built,  and 
the  meadows  on  both  sides  of  the  Grass  river,  although  thay  may  here- 
after be  discovered  to  be  not  within  the  tract,  equal  to  six  miles  square, 
shall  be  reserved  to  the  use  of  the  St,  Regis  Indians. 

3IsT  May,  17i)(;. 
The  deputies  having  declared  their  acceptance  of  the  compensation, 
as  proposed  to  them  by  the  agents;  three  acts  of  the  same  tenor  and 
date,  one  to  remain  with  the  United  States,  another  to  remain  with 
the  said  Seven  Nations,  or  tribes,  and  another  to  remain  with  the 
state,  were  thereni)on  this  day  executed,  by  the  commisioners  lor  the 
United  States,  the  deputies  (or  the  Indians,  the  agents  l()r  the  state,  and 
Daniel  3IcCormick,  and  William  Constable,  lor  themselves,  and  their 
associates,  purchase  under  Alexander  Macomb,  containing  a  cession; 
release,  and  quit-claim  from  the  Seven  Nations  or  tribes  of  Indians,  of 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


145 


(ill  Inncls  witliin  tlio  Htnte,  and  n  cnvennnt  for  the  stnte,  for  the  finyment 
ot'  ilif  «iii<l  <;ofii[)eiisiition,  ami  nlso  curtiiin  rcisorvatiotis  of  Innd,  to  be 
(ippliiMl  to  tlio  use  of  tlio  Indians  of  tlu;  villajie  ol'  St.  Ucffis,  aH  liy  tlio 
Hiiid  acts,  rcforenco  heing  liad  to  either  of  tiiorn,  more  fidl.  may  up[)«!ar." 

Signed, 

Abram  OonEN. 

The  following  is  n  copy  of  this  treaty. 

"  The  People  of  the  State  of  New  York,  hy  the  grace  of  God,  frcff  and 
iiidcpendent.  To  all  to  whom  thene  presents  shall  come,  greeting.  Know 
ve  that  w(!  having  ins|)(;cted  the  records  remaining  in  onr  Secretary's 
ofliee,  do  fmd  there  fileil  a  certain  instrument  in  the  words  following,  to 
wit: 

"At  a  treaty  held  in  the  city  of  New  Yoj-k  with  the  nation  or  title  of 
Indians,  denominating  themselvcH  the  Seven  Nations  of  (/anada,  A  hrahanri 
Ugden,  commissioner  api)ointed  under  the  authority  of  the  I'ldted  States 
to  hold  the  treaty,  Ohnaweio,  alias  Good  Str(!am,'r(!liaragwanegen,  alias 
Tlios,  Williams,  two  chiefs  of  the  Caughnawagas,  Aliatoharongwan,  alias 
(joloncd  Louis  Cook,  a  chicd"  of  the  St.  Il(!gis  Indians,  and  William  (Jray, 
deputies  authorized  to  rejtresent  these  Sciven  Nations  or  trihes  of  Indians 
at  tne  treaty,  and  Mr.  Gray  serving  also  as  interpreter,  Egbert  Benson, 
Kichard  A'aiick  and  James  ^Vatson,  agents  tor  the  state  of  New  York. 
Wm.  Constable  and  Dainel  McCormick,  purchasers  under  Ale.\.  Macond). 
The  agents  (or  the  state,  having  in  the  presence  and  with  the  approbation 
ot  the  connuissir)ners,  |)roposed  to  thede[)iities  for  the  Indians,  the  com- 
])iMisalion  hereinafter  mentioned  tor  the  e.xtingiushment  of  their  claim  to 
all  lands  within  the  states,  and  the  said  deputies  being  willing  to  accept 
tiie  same,  it  is  thereupon  granted,  agreed  and  concluded  between  the  said 
deputies  (uid  the  said  agents  as  lc)llows:  The  said  deputies  do  for,  and 
in  the  name  of  the  said  Seven  Nations  or  tribes  of  Indians,  cede,  release 
and  tjuit  claim  to  the  [)eopleofthe  state  of  New  York,  lbr(  ver,  all  the  claim 
right  or  title  of  them,  the  said  Seven  Nations  or  tribes  of  Iiulians,  to  lands 
within  the  said  state.  i)rovided  nevertheless,  that  the  tract  equal  to  six 
miles  stpiare  reserved  in  the  sale  made  by  the  commissioners  of  the  land 
office  ol  the  said  state,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  to  be  applied  to  the  use 
of  the  Indians  of  the  village  of  St.  Regis,  shall  still  remain  so  reserved. 
The  said  agents  do  for  and  in  the  name  of  the  people  of  the  state  of  New 
York,  grant  to  the  said  Seven  Nations  or  trihes  of  Indians,  that  the  ])eo- 
ple  of  the  stale  of  New  York  shall  pay  to  them  at  the  mouth  of  the  river 
Chazy,  on  Lake  Chamj)lain,  on  the  third  jMonday  of  August  next,  the  sum 
of  out!  thousand  two  hundred  and  thirty  pounds,  six  shillings  and  eight 
pence,  lawful  money  of  the  said  state;  and  on  the  third  Monday  in  Au- 
gust, yearly,  forever  thereafter,  the  like  snm  of  two  hundred  and  thirteen 
pounds,  six  shillings  and  eight  pence.  Provided  nevertheless,  that  the 
peo|)le  of  the  state  of  New  York  shall  not  be  held  to  pay  the  said  sums, 
ludess  in  n;spect  to  the  two  sums  to  he  paid  on  the  third  Monday  in  Au- 
gust next,  at  least  twenty,  iuid  in  res|)ect  to  the  sai<l  yearly  sum  to  be  paid 
tliereaftcr,  at  least  live  of  tlu;  |)rincipal  men  of  the  said  Seven  Nations  or 
trihes  of  Indians,  shall  attend  as  deputies  to  receive  and  to  give  receipts 
for  the  sauK!.  The  said  fleputies  having  suggested  that  the  Indians  of  St. 
Regis  have  built  a  mill  on  Salmon  river  and  another  on  (jrass  river  and  that 
the  meadows  on  Grass  river  are  necessary  for  hay,  in  order  therefore  to 
secure  to  the  Indians  of  the  said  village,  the  use  of  the  said  mills  and 
meadows,  in  case  they  shoidd  hereafter  ap))ear  not  to  be  included  in  the 
above  tract,  so  as  to  remain  reserved. 

It  is  therefore  also  agreed  and  concluded  between  the  said  deputiesand 


146 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


<  ■  t 


m 


m' 


the  gaid  ngonts  and  tlio  mul  Williuiii  Constnble  niid  Diiniel  ISIcCorinirk, 
for  themselves  and  tlieir  aMsociaten,  pnrcliuserH  iiiultir  tlu!  said  Alexander 
Mnronil),  of  the  adjacent  lands,  that  there  shall  be  rescrverl  to  be  applied 
to  the  use  of  the  Iniliuns  of  the  said  village  of  St.  iic^ns,  in  like  manner 
as  the  suid  tract  is  to  remain  reserved,  a  tract  of  one  mile  scpiart*  at  each 
of  tiie  said  mills,  and  tii»;  meadows  on  both  sides  of  the  H<ud  Grass  river, 
ii'om  the  said  mills  thereon,  U)  its  condiieiice  with  the  river  iSt.  Law- 
rence. 

In  testimony  whereof,  the  said  commissioners,  the  said  depnticH,  the 
said  o^'ents,  and  the  said  William  Constable  an<l  Daniel  McCormiok,  have 
hereunto,  and  to  two  other  acts  of  the  same  tenor  aiid  date,  one  to  remain 
with  the  Lnited  States,  another  m  remain  with  the  state  of  New  \<»rk, 
and  another  to  remain  with  the  Seven  Nations  or  tribes  of  Indians,  set 
tlieir  liundsand  seals  in  the  city  of  New  York,  thethirty-tirst  day  of  May, 
in  the  twentieth  year  ot'tho  Independence  of  the  United  States,  one  thou- 
sand seven  hundred  and  ninety-six.  Abraiiam  Ogden  (L.  S.),  Olmoweio, 
alias  Good  Stream  (mark  L.  S.),  Otiatoharonifwun,  alias  Colonel  Lotfis 
Cook  (mark  L.  S.),  \Vm.  Gray  (L.  S.),  Teharaj,'wan,f;eii,  alias  Thos.  Wil- 
liams (mark  L.  S.),  Ejjbert  Benson  (L.  S.),  Ilicliard  Varick  (L.  S.),  James 
Watson  (L.  S.),  Wm.  Constable  (L.  S.),  Daniel  McCormick  (L.  S.). 

Sijrned,  sealed  and  delivered  in  the  presence  of  Samuel  Jones,  Recorder 
of  the  city  of  New  York,  John  Taylor  Recorder  of  the  city  of  Albany, 
Jo's  Ogden  Hoffman,  Attorney-General  of  the  state  ot  New  York. 

May  30tli,  17D7.  Acknowledged  before  John  Sloss  Ilobart,  Justice  of 
Supreme  Court  of  Judicature. 

Feb.  28,  1800.  Exemplified  signed  and  sealed  by  the  Governor,  John 
Jay." 

The  above  treaty  is  engrossed  upon  a  large  size  .et  of  parchment,  to 
which  is  atiixed  u  large  waxen  seal,  having  on  one  side  the  state  arms  and 
inscription,  "  The  great  seal  of  the  state,"  and  on  the  other  the  device  of 
waves  beating  against  a  rock,  and  the  word  "  Frustra,"  "  171)8."  The  back 
and  margins  are  covered  with  receipts. 

This  and  the  other  treaties  which  have  been  held  between  the  St.  Regis 
Indians  and  the  state  of  New  York,  are  carefully  preserved  by  the  clerk 
of  the  American  party  at  St.  Regis. 

The  agreements  made  in  the  treaty  of  May  31,  1796,  were  confirmed 
by  an  act  which  was  passed  April  4, 1801. 

It  had  previously  received  the  sanction  of  the  general  government,  as 
appears  from  the  following: 

On  the  20th  of  February,  1797,  the  governor  sent  to  the  senate  the 
following  message: 

Gentlemen : 

"I  have  the  honor  of  laying  before  you  a  letter  of  the  18th  ult.,  from  the 
Secretary  of  the  United  States,  for  the  department  of  war,  enclosing  a 
copy  of  the  resolution  of  the  Senate,  advising  and  consenting  to  the  rati- 
fication of  the  treaty  concluded  on  behalf  of  the  state  with  the  Indians, 


calling  themselves  the  Seven  Wations  of  Canada. 


John  Jat." 


In  the  negociations  between  these  Indians  and  the  state,  the  name  of 
Brant,  the  celebrated  partisan  Indian,  was  used  in  conuection  with  pro- 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


147 


cfioHiiips,  wliicli  the  IMoliawks  had  liehl  with  tlie  stnif,  in  the  n-ssion  of 
tlicir  lands,  in  wm-h  n  manner  nf  to  avvaki^n  a  contioversy  hftwoon  liitn 
and  thi!  d(-|Mity  siipnrinteiidont,  which  ultiinntcly  iH-cnniit  I'lidjittorrd  hy 
tniitnal  aduLVitioiiM  of  ppniniiary  <h;iiiii|iifiicy.  The  six  nutionH  litui 
Imrs^.iined  with  C'oloncl  LivinKslon,  in  ]7H7,  as  we  have  |ireviou»ly 
Ntatud,  for  o  largo  ti'.ict  of  land  which  tho  Ca«i^'iinuwa<ra  and  St.  Kogia 
Indians  inHistf-d  was  /Vandidorit. 

As  Brniit  wasn  witness  to  the  treaty,  mid  was  onn  of  the  iriost  promi- 
nent of  those  liy  wiioni  it  was  made,  this  denial  of  their  ri^rht  amounted 
to  little  else  than  n  rharge  that  those  who  made  it.  had  pocketed  the 
avails  for  their  own  benefit.  This  charge  Brant  indignantly  repelled, 
denying  that  the  C'aiigliiiawagas  liad  a  right  to  a  foot  of  the  lands  which 
liad  been  sold  to  Livingston,  and  domniiding  of  them  their  authority,  for 
their  charges  against  him,  and  the  (iraiid  River  Indians.  They  replied 
that  tiieir  information  was  deriverl  from  tlie  rejiresentations  of  the  oflicera 
of  the  state  of  New  York,  at  Albany.  To  ascertain  the  ground  tiiero 
might  he  tor  this,  he  addressed  a  letter  to  Governor  Clinton,  which 
received  the  followinii  reply. 

GaEF.Nwicii,  1st  Df.cf.mbeh,  1799. 
Dear  Sir : 

"On  my  return  from  the  conii'ry,  about  a  month  ago,  1  was  favored 
with  your  letter  of  the  4th  of  September.  I  am  much  gratilied  by  tho 
•letermination  you  express,  of  furnishing  Doctor  Miller  with  the  intbrma- 
tion  he  recpiested  of  you,  ami  I  hope  as  the  work  for  which  it  is  wanted 
is  progressing,  you  will  find  leisure  to  do  it  soon.  I  am  contident  he 
will  make  ii  tiiir  and  honorable  use  of  it;  and,  as  far  as  he  shall  be  en- 
abled, correct  tlu^  erroneous  representations  of  tcirmer  authors  respecting 
your  nations. 

1  am  surprised  to  find  that  you  have  not  received  my  letter  the  11th  of 
of  Janunry,  last.  It  was  enclosed  and  forwarded  as  requested,  to  IMr. 
Peter  \V .  Yates  of  Albany,  Had  it  reached  you ;  I  presume  you  will  find, 
from  the  copy  I  now  enclose,  it  would  have  been  salislactory;  but  as  a 
particular  detail  of  what  passed  between  the  Cauglmawagoes  and  me, 
resfiecting  their  lands  may  be  more  agrenble,  I  wilt  now  repeat  it  to  you 
as  tar  as  my  recollection  will  enable  me. 

In  the  winter  of  179'2-179;{,  our  Legislature  being  in  session  in  Albany, 
n  committee  from  the  Seven  Nations  or  tribes  of  Lower  Canada,  attended 
there,  with  whom  I  had  several  conferences.  They  complained  tiiat 
some  of  our  people  had  settled  on  their  lands  near  Lake  Champlain,  and 
on  the  River  St,  Lawrence,  and  requested  that  commissioners  might  be 
apjiointed  to  enquire  into  the  matter,  and  treat  with  tiiem  on  the  subject, 
In  my  answer  to  their  speeches,  I  answered  that  it  was  difficult  to  define 
their  rights  and  tlieir  boundaries;  and  that  it  was  to  be  presumed  that 
the  Indian  rights  to  a  considerable  part  of  the  lands  on  the  borders  of 
the  lake,  had  been  extinguished  by  the  French  (iovernment,  before  the 
conquest  of  Canada,  as  those  lands,  or  a  greater  part  of  them,  had  been 
granted  to  individuals  by  that  :;overnment  betbre  that  jieriod.  In  their 
reply  they  described  their  southern  boundary,  as  commencing  at  a  creek 
or  run  of  water  between  Fort  Kdward  and  George,  which  enipties  into 

10 


'I' 


148 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRLNCK 


*  •'■ 


K 


l-'Hyf 


H 


rm 


m  ■<] 


South  Bay,  niid  from  tli('iic(>  cxli'iurmf;  un  a  ilinM-t  linn  to  a  liirt't-  tnratlnw 
or  swumji  wliero  tins  ("aiiiHla  ('ruck,  wliicli  ciniilirH  into  tii»(  IMoiiawk 
oppoHJtn  Fort  llfndrick,  tlin  lllaok  and  Oswcjiatrlirc  Rivrrs  liavn  tluir 
RoiircoH.  I'pon  uliich  I  oIihimvimI  to  tlifin  tliat  tliis  line  wonlil  intcrli-ru 
with  laniln  iiatcntcd  liy  tlut  liriiisli  (lOvcrnnM'iit  previous  to  tlic  Rcvoln- 
tion,  and  particniinly  incntioiKMl  'I'otti'ii  and  CrossficMV  piu'cliasc  and 
J«'S!*iip'.s  patent:  hnt  1  mentioned  at  the  Haine  tnne  that  I  was  neilher 
niithori/ed  or  disposed  to  eontrovert  tiieir  ehiiins,  tliat  I  vvoidd  snhinit  to 
the  Legislature,  who  i  eoidd  not  doid)t  woidd  pay  dne  attention  to  them 
and  adopt  jiroper  meamn-i  ■  lo  elleet  a  settlement  with  them  npon  liiir 
and  liheral  terms.  Th"  1  aecordinjily  did,  and  somc!  time  alter  com- 
missioners  were  appointed  to  treat  \>ith  them  in  the  jirei^enet;  ol'  an 
u^eIlt  of  the  United  States,  ihc!  rcsidt  of  wliirh,  1  find  you  are  informeil 
of. 

I  helievo  yon  will  readily  n^ree  that  no  inference  eoidd  ho  drawn  from 
any  thin^  that  passed  on  tin;  ahovi;  (xvas^oii  to  eonntenaiuMt  the  cliar^u 
made  against  your  nations.  TIk"  mentioninj,'  and  interlerenre  of  their 
boundaries,  as  above  staterl,  with  tnuts  paiented  imder  the  ]Jrilish 
Government,  eonld  eertainiy  have  no  allusion  to  the  cessions  made  hy 
the  Six  Nations,  or  either  of  them  to  the  state,  espeeially  as  (if  I  recolleet 
rijrht)  those  cession  are  of  the  territory  ot  tlu!  respective  nations  hy 
wiiom  they  WiU'c  made  without  delinin^'  thi;m  i)y  any  particular  hotmda- 
ries,  and  subject  only  to  the  reservations  described  in  the  >\vvi\. 

I  wish  it  was  in  my  [lower  to  transmit  to  yon  copies  of  their  speeches 
ami  my  answttr  at  full  ien^'th;  but  it  is  not  for  the  reasons  mentioned  in 
my  liirmer  letter,  should  tiay,  liowever,  bo  deitmed  necessary  to  you,  i 
will  endeavor  to  procure  and  liirward  them;  in  the  mean  time  you  may 
rest  assured  that  what  1  have  rttlated  is  the  substance  of  thtMu. 


CoL  Joseph  lirnnt. 


1  am  with  great  regard  and  esteem, 

Your  most  obedient  servant, 


(iKo.  Clinton. 


This  correspondence,  and  that  which  ensntul  with  Governor  Jay,  diil 
not  satisfy  Ikant,  and  he  accordingly  caus(;d  a  deputation  of  his  tribe  lo 
repair  to  Alluiny,  at  tiie  head  of  which  was  his  adopted  nephew,  John 
Norton,  to  meet  a  sinular  d(!|Mitation  of  the  Caughnawagas,  fact!  to  face. 
Mild  ref|uire  liis  accusiM's  eoimected  with  the  gov(;rnn)eiit  of  the  stale  of 
New  York,  either  to  substantiate  tlieir  charges  or  acquit  him  in  iIk! 
presence  of  both  delegations. 

The  result  of  this  doid)le  mission  is  not  known,  save  that  the  chiefs 
were  not  satisfied  with  it. 

In  July  of  the  same  year  (I7!H',)  IJraiit  proceeded  to  the  Canghnawaga 
country  in  person,  accompanied  l)y  a  body  of  chiefs  ol'  several  of  tht; 
tribes,  for  the  purpose  of  a  through  investigation  in  general  council. 
Such  a  council  was  convened;  ami  the  dirticulties  froi.Mhe  rcjxn-ts  ol" 
Bpeechcs  preserved  in  writing  hy  Cajitain  IJrant,  wert!  ful'y  discussed; 
ami  that  too  in  a  most  amicable  maimer.  From  scleral  intimations  in 
these  speeches,  it  appears  that  the  whole  of  these  diHicnlties  had  been 
caused  by  "chattering  birds,"  luul  by  the  machinntions  ugainsf  Captain 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


149 


nmnt,  of  tlio  old  Oiioidn  nucIioiii,  (."olonol  LouiK,*  TIio  coimril  fire 
was  kiiidlodoii  tlniHtli  of  July,  on  llio  Otli  C'dptuiii  Hrant  wnH  satisfiod  by 
the  e\|iltitiutionH  );ivt;ii,  and  remarked,  "that  liu  had  pulled  up  a  pine, 
nnd  [lianted  down  Ii('nc3atli  it  tho  Hrnull  bird  that  CoIIh  HtoricH." 

On  tli<;  lOtli,  till!  Caiighnawaf,'a  cliiuf  rcplit'd: — "  Brotliors,  we  return 
yoii  thanks;  wo  also  join  with  you  to  i)ut  tho  ehulierinj,'  bird  under 
frroiuid,  from  vviiero  tho  pino  was  takon  up,  there  beinj,'  n  swift  Htreani 
into  which  it  will  fall  beneath,  that  will  take  it  to  the  big  Hisa,  from  whence 
it  never  can  return."     (Sec  Stone\<i  Life  of  Brant,  vol.  ii,  p.  410,  414.J 

The  evident  partiality  of  thv)  writer  of  the  life  of  iirant,  has  perhaps 
prevented  him  from  giving  to  the  Canada  Indians  their  due  in  discussing 
their  claims  to  the  lands  in  tho  nortiiern  part  of  the  state. 

The  St.  Regis  people  having  decided  the  rpic^slion  of  the  amount  of 
liuid  they  were  to  receive,  were  desirous  of  having  the  boundaries  known. 

To  settle  defmitely  however  their  rights,  they  addressed  the  following 
letter  to  the  governor. 


To  our  Great  Jirother,  John  Jay,  Governor  of  the  Slate  ofJSi'ew  York. 

Brother  : 

We  tho  chiefs  nnd  chief  warriors  at  St  Regis,  have  sent  the  Bearers, 
Louis  Cook,  Sag  Shaketlay,  Loren  'J'arlelon,  and  William  Gray,  our 
inter()reters,  to  i  ncpiire  of  you  Hrother,  liow  we  are  to  know  the  distance 
of  our  r(!serve,  erpial  to  six  miles  s(|uare,  reserved  to  us  by  a  treaty  held 
at  the  city  of  New  York,  theUOth  of  May,  17'J<>,  with  our  deputies  Louis 
Cook,  Ohnaweio,  (Jood  Stream,  Thomas  Williams,  and  William  Gray, 
and  another  reserve  of  one  mile  stpiare  on  Salirion  Creek,  twelve  miles 
below  St,  Regis,  at  a  saw  mill  belonging  to  us  chiefs. 

Brother  : 

The  reason  of  our  sending  the  Bearers  to  you,  is,  that  some  time  the 
latter  part  of  last  fall,  some  of  your  children,  our  brothers  of  this  state, 
was  marking  and  ruiming  lines  within  what  wo  expect  is  our  reser^'ed 
lands,  and  we  know  no  other  way,  but  to  como  and  inform  you  that  we 
might  know  what  to  do,  and  we  beg  that  you  will  inform  the  Bearers 
that  they,  as  soon  as  is  convenient  to  you  may  return  home  and  inform 
lis  what  to  do. 

We  hope  you  will  not  let  thy  Bearers  want  for  victuals  and  drink, 
what  will  be  for  their  good,  we  wish  you  health  and  hai)pineBS  with  your 
family.    From  your  Brothers  the  chiefs  of  St.  Regis." 


For  the  Cliiefs  at 
St.  Regis,  WiLMAM  Gray. 


Chiefs. 

TlO-NA-TO-GEV-A, 
TwA-nON-IA-HE-NE, 

Ta-te-qa-ien-ton, 
to-ta-ro-vva-ne. 


*  We  quote  the  language  or  Stone  in  his  Life  o(  Brant.    Thi>  author  was  mtstaken  in 
■uppuiing  Colonel  I.oui^t  an  Oneida  Indiun. 


1 


If    ■■;■. 
ft 


150 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


\lt'»l:'^ 


This  petition  led  to  tiie  pnssuge  on  the  30th  of  March,  1799,  of  the 

following  net: 

"  Tlic  sirrveyor  general  ho,  niul  lio  is  liprcliy  dircctod  in  Iiis  profu'i* 
porsnn,  to  lay  out  find  snrvcy,  in  siicli  ininnuM' .is  the  chiefs  nt' tho  St. 
Ileiiiw  Indians  nhall  deem  satisfiietory,  all  fiie  lands  reserved  to  the  said 
Indians,  hy  the  treaty  held  at  tiie  city  of  New  '^  ork,  and  confnrin- 
nhle  thereto,  tlio  twenty-third  day  of  May,  in  the  year  one  tlionsanil 
seven  hnndred  and  iiiiiety  six;  .'ind  the  treasnrer  is  lierehy  rcfinircd  to 
[)ny  to  him,  ont  of  any  money  in  the  'reasnry,  (t)nr  Iiinidred  dollais  to 
deti-ay  the  expense  thcreot^  which  sim\  the  snrveyor  general  shall  ae- 
connt  for  with  the  comptroller." 

The  snrveyor  general  ])erformed  this  dnty  and  rej)orted  as  follows: 

"S)V; — Pinsnnnt  to  the  act  of  the  legislatm-e,  directing  the  snrveyor 
genenil  t  lay  ont  ami  snrvey  the  lands  reserved  to  the  Indians  I'e-.iding 
at  St.  K'.jgis.  1  have  surveyed  in  a  manner  satistaetery  to  tije  ciiieis  of 
that  Irilte  the  tract  ('(]nal  to  six  miles  stpiare,  rcsei'veil  io  iliem  at  their 
village;  n«  also  the  two  tracts  of  one  mile  s(]iiare  each,  at  the  mills  on 
Salmon  riv»?r,  ui d  Grass  river,  jnaps  descriptive  of  the  homidarics  of 
thes(>  1  have  tlie  honor  herewith  \o  deliver. 

When  I  was  ahoiit  toconnncnce  tin;  survey  of  the  meadows,  reserved 
to  the  nse  ot  these  indii.iiH  on  (hass  river,  tliey  informed  me  in  conncii 
that  they  considered  ihemselvcss  entitled  to  a  tract  of  liall  ii  mile  on  eaoii 
side  of  the  nver,  from  its  month  np  to  the  mill,  and  tliatth(>y  had  cansed 
it  to  he  riMi  out  in  that  maimer,  t'w  lln-ir  meatlow  reservation,  and  inti- 
mated a  desire  that  my  snrvey  should  he  made  in  a  corresponding  man- 
ner. I  was  ohiiged  to  inlbrm  them  that  1  had  no  guide  hut  tlieir  treaiy, 
and  consequently  could  regard  no  snrvey  made  withoi:t  autLoriiy,  and 
that  iiothiiiir  hut  liic  meadows  harely,  along  that  river,  was  pointed  out 
as  tin  ir  j)ro|ieri}.  They  then  pointedly  desinul  me  to  make  no  marks 
on  that  groun<l.  oliscrving  al  th(!  same  time  that  as  a  ihputation  ti'om 
their  nation  would  have  to  repair  to  Alhany  on  other  business,  <luriiig 
the  silting  of  the  legislatin-e,  tliey  wished  hy  that  op|;ortuni"  to  ohtain 
nn  explanation  of  what  they  considered  to  he  a  misapprehension  hetvveen 
the  parties  of  the  treaty. 

Not  heing  permitted  to  make  a  survey  of  the  meadows,  I  av.'iled  niy- 
Bell'  of  the  o|)|  irtunity  of  going  np  and  down  the  liver,  o(  making  an 
estimate  of  thei.i,  witii  a  view  to  refiort  tlie  same  as  an  artii.'le  of  int()rnia- 
tion  that  nnght  he  s<  ivict ahle  in  case  a  compromise  respecting  them 
shoidd  be  coutem)il.itt  d. 

These  .iieadow,"  I'onsist  of  narrow  strips  along  tht;  margin  of  the  river, 
where  inniulations  have  |)reverited  the  g-owth  n'.'  timber.  They  lie  in  a 
nnmbf  r  ol  patches,  offroni  half  a  chain  to  three  or  Jour  chains  in  VNJdih, 
making  in  ihe  while  extent  v.hiidi  is  about  six  miles,  not  exceeding 
si^ty  acres  altogetln.'r,  as  m  arly  as  I  could  judge. 

The  irrnsH  on  them  with  small  exceptions,  is  all  wild  grass. 

Their  value,  though  of  no  very  great  consideratiim,  as  an  appendnge 
to  the  adjoining  lands,  is  howevci  esteemed  as  almost  inestimable  by 
Indians,  wlio  consider  tiie  clearing  of  land  as  a  matter  entirely  beyond 
their  ])OWer  to  accomplish.  It  will  he  impossible  moreover,  thai  the 
Itulians  shoidd  ever  enclose  the  meadows  with  fiances  so  as  to  prevent 
their  desfuction  by  the  cattle  of  the  while  inhribitants,  who  soon  will 
settle  thick  in  their  neighborhood,  and  this  \^  ill  inevitably  become  the 
cause  of  disagreeable  differences. 

I.  '\!i  proper  tor  me  to  observe  that  the  gronml  on  which  these  mead- 


AND   FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


151 


iiien<!- 


ows  nie  sitiinted,  us  well  ns  tliR  mile  tqrnre,  at  the  mill  on  Grass  river. 
Ijiis  been  putentod  in  tracts  distinct  from  Macomb's  purcliuse;  nnd  tliere- 
tiirc  tlie  winction  wliicli  the  proprietors  of  tiiat  (jurchnse  jrnve  to  the 
treaty,  will  not  <;.\onerat()  the  state  from  th<;  duty  of  compensating  the 
owners  of  the  lauds  from  which  these  parts  of  the  reservudon  are 
taken." 

['l"he  ren'uinder  of  the  report  relates  to  otlier  subjects.] 

feigned, 

SiMEO.N  De  Witt. 

Albany  Jan.  14,  1800. 
The  troubles  from  trespass  anticipated  in  the  above,  were  soon  real- 
iz'?(l ;  f<)r  the  particulars  of  these  the  reader  is  referred  to  our  account  of 

Alassena. 

On  Fobniary  20. 18C0,  llierc  was  received  in  Assptiv.;  •  from  the  Senate, 
a  n'solnticju:  "  Tliat  tlie  commissioners  of  the  land  oiiice  be  directefi  to 
settle!  w  iih  the  t?t.  lle'^is  Indians,  tor  such  tracts  of  land,  included  in 
ill"  lands  confirmed  to  them  by  the  late  treaty,  and  before  located  by  iti- 
dividiials,  and  ;rranted  by  this  state,  by  makiinr  compensation  fr)r  the 
luiiils  so  •granted,  or  by  satisiyin^  the  individuals  owning'  sucli  hauls  in 
such  manner  as  they  shall  judic  niost  advuntap'ous  to  the  stale,  and  the 
le'.'islatnre.  will  make  provision  tor  carryin;.'  into  eflin-t  an^.  agreement 
which  may  be  made  by  the  commissiotiers  tor  extinjiuishintr  the  cluiins 
of  tiie  said  inuiaus,  or  ol'  the  individual  i)roprietors  uibresaid." 

This  resolution  was  postponed  by  the  assend)ly,  nor  is  it  known  what 
was  the  tinal  action  of  liic  legislature  upon  it. 

On  the  L>th  ot  April,  1801,  a  law  was  passed  making'  it  lawful  for  tlie 
governor  to  cause  a  treaty  to  be  liolden  with  tlie  St.  Regis  In«|ians,  for 
the  pur|)o»^  of  extinjruisliiiifr  their  right  to  a  tract  of  a  mile  square  at  the 
mill  on  Grass  river,  au<l  tior  that  purfiose  to  appoint  un  agent  on  the  part 
of  the  state,  and  procure  the  appointment  of  a  commissioner,  on  the 
part  of  elie  United  States,  to  attend  the  holding  as  such  treaty.  Pro- 
vuled  that  the  consideration  to  be  paid  the  said  ludians  for  tlie  said  tract, 
shall  not  exceed  a  j)erinaiient  annuity  of  two  hundred  dollurs.  A  sum 
not  exceeding  §500  was  ap|Mopriuted  to  defray  the  expense  of  holding 
this  treaty. 

'J'lie  surveyor  general  was  directed  to  cause  the  meadows  reserved  to 

the  use  of  the  said  Indians,  upon  Grass  river,  and  which  hod  been  dis- 
posed of  by  the  state,  to  be  surveyed,  and  the  quantity  ascertained,  and 
to  re[)ort  the  same  to  the  legislature  at  the  next  session. 

It  was  fiirther  lufule  lawful  for  the  agent  to  extinguish  the  right  of 
ferriage,  b^longin<r  to  the  said  Indians  ov«!r  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  ad- 
joining their  reservation,  for  such  reasonable  annuity  as  they  may  deem 
pro|)er, 

'I'lie  future  payments  of  the  annuity  sti|>uiate<l  with  the  saiil  Indians, 
was  directed  to  be  made  at  the  town  of  Plattsburgh.  in   the  county  of 


m 


1,1 


J  i 


li 


152 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Clinton.  The  act  referred  to  makes  a  provision  for  the  patenting  by  the 
state  to  Willi'^ni  Gray,  of  two  Imntlred  and  lifty-seven  acres  of  land,  in- 
cluding the  mill  on  Salmon  river. 

The  president  of  the  United  Steles,  by  a  message  making  snndry 
nominations,  and  addressed  to  the  senate,  February  2, 1802,  recon  mi  end- 
ed the  nomination  of  John  Taylor  of  No'v  York,  to  be  a  commissioner 
to  hold  a  treaty  between  the  state  of  New  York,  and  the  St.  llegia 
Indians. 

He  was  led  to  this,  from  having  received  a  communication  from  tlie 
governor  of  New  York,  purporting  that  the  St.  Regis  Indians  had  pro- 
posed ceding  one  mile  square,  including  the  ferry,  to  the  state  of  New 
York,  and  requesting  a  commissioner  to  be  appointed  on  the  ])art  of  the 
United  States,  to  sanction  tlie  business,  which  it  was  proposed  should  be 
accomplished  during  the  ensuing  winter  at  Albany. 

(American  State  Papers,  Indian  Jlffairs,  vol.  i,  p.  565.J 

In  18C2,  agents  were  appointed  to  treat  with  the  St,  Regis  Indian;^  ibr 
the  sale  of  their  mile  square,  and  meadows.  The  following  commu- 
nication ujade  to  the  Assembly  by  Governor  Clinton,  March,  15,  1802, 
contains  the  results  of  their  negociations.  It  was  first  reported  to  the 
senate. 

Gentlemen : 

"  I  now  submit  to  the  Legislature,  th«  report  of  the  agents  apjiointed 
to  treat  with  tiie  St.  Regis  Indians,  for  the  extinguishment  of  the  mile 
square,  and  the  meadows  on  Grass  river.  I  aiio  present  to  you  a  petition 
from  those  Indians,  praying  among  other  things,|for  legislative  provisions, 
to  enable  them  to  iease  a  part  of  their  lands,  to  establish  a  ferry  across 
the  St.  Regis  river,  and  to  apply  the  income  to  the  sui)port  of  a  school 
for  the  instruction  of  their  children.  It  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that 
as  the  petitioners  have  imiformly  evinced  a  warm  attachment,  to  the 
state,  and  have  made  uncommon  advances  towards  civilization,  they  have 
a  claim  to  the  attention  of  the  Legislature,  arising  as  well  from  princi- 
ples of  policy,  as  benevolence.  'J'hey  discover  an  anxiety  to  return 
home  as  soon  as  possible,  but  at  the  same  time  are  unwilling  to  leave 
this  city,  until  the  result  of  their  application  to  the  Legislature  is  known." 

Geo.  Clinton. 

The  report  of  the  jsgents  referred  to,  in  his  excellency's  said  message, 
and  the  petition  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  were  also  severally  read,  and 
together  with  the  message,  referred  to  the  committee  of  thee  house,  /fhe 
petition  was  as  follows: 

"  To  our  great  and  Honorable  Brother,  John  Jay,  Governor  of  the  State 

of  JVew  York  : 
Brothers : 

We,  the  chiefs  and  warriors  of  the  village  of  St,  Regis,  have  sent  the 
bearers,  Colonel  Louis  Cook,  Jacob  Francis,  Peter  Tarbell,  as  deputies, 
snd  William  Gray  as  interpreter,  to  act  and  settle  all  business  for  ustha 


\ 


m. 


m: 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


153 


mny  concern  tliis  state,  or  ns,  the  above  mentioueil  village,  or  any  indi- 
viiliml  IxiloMging  to  tliis  state. 

Firslli/,  W(;  W"^  you  brotlier,  to  order  means  to  have  our  meadows  on 
Grass  river,  survi^yed,  and  tlic  number  of  acres  contained  there,  to  liavc 
as  many  acres  cleared  near  our  villajie,  within  the  reservation  made  to 
ns  by  tiiis  state,  and  then  to  liave  tiie  use  of  the  meadows  on  Grass  river, 
till  sucli  time  as  those  lands  will  be  fit  to  mow  grass  on. 

.'  erondli/,  brother,  we  wish  to  inform  yon,  that  at  the  west  end  of  our 
nmadov.s,  on  (jiass  river,  we  have  one  scjnare  mile  of  land,  likewise  re- 
served to  us  by  the  state,  with  a  saw  mill  in  the  centre  of  the  mile 
stpiare,  lor  which  Amable  Foshee  is  bound  to  pay  us  the  sum  of  twc 
hundred  doll  irs  per  year,  as  long  as  he  keeps  it  in  his  custody,  and  v/o 
are  not  satisfied  with  bis  usage  to  us. 

Thirdly,  brother;  there  is  a  route  that  loads  from  Plattsburgh  on  Lake 
Chaniplain,  crosses  the  Chateaugay  river,  and  comes  straight  to  the  vil- 
lage of  St.  Regis,  where  there  ought  to  be  a  feriy  kept  uj)  for  the  ac- 
ccmnodafion  of  the  public,  and  the  use  of  this  ferry  is  like  to  create 
quarrels  and  disi)utes: 

Now  br(Jth<Ms  in  order  to  prevent  al!  these  disagreeable  contentions, 
we  wish  to  ])ropose  to  you,  for  to  take  one  hundred  r.rres,  and  the  privi- 
lege of  the  ferry,  and  where  there  may  l)e  a  good  potash  works  erected 
lor  those  peo[)le  who  wish  to  give  us  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  as  a 
yearly  rer*. 

Fourtldji,  brother,  we  wish  to  inform  yon,  that  there  are  nine  miles  be- 
tween houses,  however  the  route  runs  through  our  reservation,  and  we 
mean  to  rent  a  part  of  our  lands,  in  order  to  make  it  convenient  for 
travelers,  and  as  some  benefit  to  oursclv(!s  and  children,  who  may  follow 
IS,  and  we  began  to  inform  all  our  brothers  who  may  see  fit  to  rent  the 
lands  of  us,  that  we  expect  they  will  pay  their  rents  according  to  con- 
tract, as  you  have  law  and  justice  in  your  power,  and  we  are  not  ac- 
quainted with  our  brother  white  people's  laws. 

Flftldj/,  lirother,  there  is  a  recpiest  from  your  sisters  of  the  village  of 
St.  Uegis,  the  women  of  families,  which  is,  that  you  pity  them,  and  send 
them  a  school  master,  to  learn  their  children  to  read  and  write. 

Brother,  yoin-  com{)liance  to  these  requests  will  cause  ns  ever  to  pray 
your  welfare  and  happiness,  who  remain  your  brothers,  chiefs,  and  their 
wives  in  the  St.  Regis." 

Te-ha-ton-wen-heon-gatha, 

Tl-E-HE.N-NE. 
Te-GA-RI-A-TA- RO-GEN, 
On  WA-RI-EN-TE, 

Ori-wa-ge-te, 

To-TA-TO-WA-Nr., 

At-ti-ax-to-tie. 
Witness,  William  Gray. 

A(!<'ordinj.dy  two  laws  were  enacted,  relating  to  ihese  people,  at  the 
ensuing  session  of  the  Lejfislature.  The  first  was  passed  March  8,  I80*i. 
which  provided,  "  that  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  (or  his  Excellency  the 
Governor,  and  the  Surveyor  giMieral,  to  treat  with  the  St.  Regis  Indians 
for  ilie  (ixlinguislunent  of  their  claim  to  the  mile  square,  and  the 
na.iulows  (»n  (irass  river,  ceded  to  them  in  the  year  17!Mi,  on  such  terms 
as  thi!y  shall  deem  most  condusive  to  the  interests  of  the  state,  or  to  \nir- 
cliase  the  same  from  the  individuals  to  whom  it  has  been  granted  by  the 
srate  hefon;  it  was  cedtul  to  the  said  Indians,  in  case  the  latter  pm'chase 
•■an  be  made  (Ui  more  favorable  terms  than  the  extingnishmeut  of  the 
Indian  •  laim. 


I  •Rff. ' 


154 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


■J  ; 


U 

I 

lie 


'I'liat  in  case  the  snid  laiulH  can  not  Iji;  purclinsed  of  tlic  .suid  ludinns, 
orot"  tlif  sill.,  pnteiitcos  nt  n  reiisoiiiililc  price,  liis  E'-xcellcncy,  tlio  Gov- 
ernor, sliiill  represent  tlie  siiine  to  tlie  Legislature  that  I'urtlier  jirovisions 
may  be  made  respecting  those  el.'iinis." 

Tlie  meadows  were  subsetpiently  purchased  ot"  tiie  patentees  lor  the 
Iiiiii'Uis: 

During  tiie  same  session,  an  act  was  passed,  relating  to  the  St.  Regis 
Indians,  March  '20,  lt{)'2,  as  I'oilows. 

"  Be  it  ainctfd  hi/  the  people  of  the  state  of  jVew  York,  in  isenate  and  ^7a- 
seinhlj/,  Tiiiit  William  (Jray,  Louis  Cook  and  Loren  Tarhell,  ht^longiiig  to 
the  trilie  of  tli;;  St.  Regis  Indians,  bv  and  tiiev  are  iiereliy  appointed 
trustees  for  the  said  tribe,  for  the  piu'pose  of  li-asing  the  terry  over  St. 
Regis  river,  with  one  hundred  acres  of  land  adjoining,  and  al>o  one  mile 
sfpiare  of  land  on  Grass  river,  wiiliin  their  reservation  within  this  state, 
Jor  such  term  of  time  as  they  shall  judge  jiroper,  not  exceeding  ten 
years,  .'ind  it  shall  nnd  may  he  lawful  for  the  said  trustees,  to  apjily  the 
rents  and  protits  of  the  said  lerry  and  lands  for  a  support  of  a  school  fur 
the  instruction  of'  the  childrjii  of  the  said  tribe,  (of  which  the  said  trus- 
tees shall  have  the  suiieriiitendeiice,)  and  lor  such  other  jnirposcs  as 
the  said  trustees  shall  judge  most  conducive  to  the  inteiosts  of  the  said 
tribe,  and  the  powers  jiereatfer  vested  in  the  said  trus/ees,  may  be  exer- 
cised Ity  tli(!m  or  any  two  of  them. 

^■]nd  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  said 
St.  Regis  Indians,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May  next,  and  on  the  tirst 
Tu.'sday  of  iMay  in  every  year  thereafter,  to  hold  a  town  meeting  on 
their  said  reservation,  within  the  state,  and  by  a  majority  of  male  In- 
dians above,  twenty-one  years  of  age,  to  choose  a  clerk,  who  shall  keep 
onler  in  such  meeting,  and  enter  in  a  book  trt  be  provided  by  hiin  for 
that  purpose.  t!ie  procecilings  of  the  said  meetings. 

^'Ind  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawfid  for  the  said 
tribe,  ai  any  such  meeting  atbresaid,  to  make  such  rules, orders  and  regu- 
lations, respecting  the  improveiiient  of  any  other  of  their  lands  in  the 
said  reservation,  as  they  shall  judge  necessary,  and  to  choose  trustees  for 
carrying  the  same  into  execution,  if  they  shall  judge  such  trustees  to  bo 
necessary. 

.Jnd  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  lor  the  said 
William  Gray,  Louis  Cook,  and  Lor<)n  Tarhell,  to  procure  a  bell  for  the 
church  belonging  to  the  said  tribe,  to  be  jiaid  for  out  of  their  aimuity. 

^'hid  be  it  further  enacted.  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  per- 
son ailminisiering  tlu^  government  of  this  state,  to  cause  to  be  sent  to  the 
said  tribe  at  the  place  where  their  Jinnuify  is  paid,  two  suits  of  silk 
colors,  one  with  the  arms  of  the  I'uited  States,  anil  the  arms  of  this 
state  as  a  gratuity,  and  to  draw  a  warrant  on  the  treasury  lor  the  ex- 
penses of  thesame." 

On  the  approach  of  the  war,  the  situation  of  St.  Regis,  on  the  national 
boundary,  jilaced  these  jieojile  in  a  peculiar  and  delicate  position.  Up 
to  this  period,  although  residing  in  both  governments,  they  had  been  as 
one,  and  in  their  internal  affairs,  were  governed  by  twelve  chiefs,  who 
were  elected  by  the  tribe,  and  held  their  otlices  for  life. 

The  annuities  and  presents  of  both  governments  were  equ:dly  divided 
imong  them,  and  in  tho  cultivation  of  their  lands,  and  the  division  of 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


155 


the  rents  and  profits  arising  tioin  leases,  tliey  knew  no  distinction  of 
party. 

'riic  nnr  operated  vvitli  peculiar  severity  against  them,  from  the  terror 
of  Jiidiun  iiiasisacrc,  wiiicii  tiie  recollections  and  traditions  of  former 
wars,  iind  generally  inspired  the  inliahitatits. 

So  great  was  tlie  terror  vvliicli  tliese  poor  i)eople  excited,  tliat  they 
could  not  travel,  even  where  nccpiaintefi,  without  [Hocuring  a  pass, 
which  they  were  accustomed  to  obtain  li'om  any  of  the  principal  inhabit- 
ants, whose  names  were  publicly  known.  A  pajter,  stating  that  the 
hearer  was  a  (piiet  and  peaceable  Indian,  with  or  without  a  signature, 
they  were  accustomed  to  solicit,  and  tl;;;^  they  would  hold  up  in  sight, 
when  still  at  a  il  stance,  that  those  wlio  might  meet  then)  should  not  be 
alarmed.  They  were  likewise  accustomed  to  recpiire  jiersons  traveling 
across  their  reservation,  to  have,  if  strangers,  a  pass,  purporting  tho 
jieaceable  nature  of  their  business.  The  chiels,  it  is  saiil,  a|)pointed 
certain  persons  to  grant  these  passes,  among  whom  was  Cap- 
tain Polley,  of  Masseivi  Springs.  As  few  of  them  could  read 
it  )";came  necessary  to  agree  upon  some  emblem  by  which 
the  signification  could  be  known,  and  the  loUowing  device 
was  adopted:  If  a  person  were  going  through  to  French 
IMills,  a  bow  was  drawn  on  the  [)aper,  but  if  its  bearer  was 
designing  to  visit  St.  Regis  village,  an  arrow  was  added  thus. 

Thus  cut  off'  {iom  their  usual  means  of  subsistence,  they 
were  reduced  to  u  wretched  extremity,  to  obtain  relief  from  which,  Col. 
Louis  repaired  to  Ogdensburgh,  and  sent  the  following  letter  to  Gov. 
Tompkins: 

"  I  address  yon  these  lines,  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  the  situation 
of  my  nation,  and  of  giving  you  assurances  of  our  constantly  cherishing 
good  will  and  trieiulshij)  towards  the  United  States,  tmd  of  our  deter- 
nfniation  not  to  intermeddle  with  the  war  which  has  broken  out  between 
tiiein  and  the  English,  and  which  iias  placed  (is  in  so  critical  a  situation. 
Onr  young  men  being  prevented  from  hunting,  and  obtaining  a  subsist- 
ence for  their  families,  are  in  want  of  jjrovisions,  and  I  address  myself 
in  their  behalf  to  the  justice  and  liberality  of  the  governor  of  this  stale, 
to  obtain  a  supply  of  l)(!el",  pork  and  flour,  to  be  delivered  to  us  at  St. 
i.egis,  during  the  time  that  we  arc;  compelled  to  give  up  our  accustomed 
piu'suits,  which  it  seems,  it"  contiinied.  would  give  alarm  to  om*  white 
hretnren.  1  have  come  myself  to  this  place,  to  comnnmicat«!  the  dis- 
tn.'ssed  t.  (nation  ot'  our  nation  to  Cul,  Benedict,  who  has  promised  to 
submit  the  same  to  you,  and  in  hopes  of  soon  receiving  a  lixvorable  pn- 
swer  to  my  recpiest,  1  subscribe  myself  w  ith  much  attachment,  your 
affectionate  brother  and  Irieud." 

Ii:s 

(Signed,)  Louis  ^   Cook, 

mark. 
One  of  the  ckxtj's  of  the  7iation  of  the  St,  Regis  Indians,  and  a  Lt.  Cot.  m 
the  service  of  the  United  States  of  America. 


^^, 


M'.i: 


156 


HISTORY  OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


M , ,  ..; 


km   .« 

11    H  iW 


In  consoqiience  of  the  foregoing  letter,  orders  were  issiieJ  tluit  tlie  St. 
llej,'is  Iiidiuiis  should  he  supplied  with  rations  diiriii},'  the  war  at  Freiicli 
Mills.  They  accordingly  received  during  the  war,  ahont  500  rationH 
daily,  :it  the  hands  of  Warehani  Hastings,  tfie  agent  for  the  govornrnctit. 

Tiie  Indians,  while  drawing  their  rations,  hegged  some  for  their  i)ricst, 
from  the  best  of  motives,  which  the  latter  received  as  a  kindness  from 
them;  but  this  circumstance  gave  him  more  tro(d)le  than  it  conferred 
benefit,  for  it  was  v/ith  the  greatest  difficulty,  that  he  was  able  to  justiiy 
or  explain  this  coiu'se,  with  the  Hritish  and  ecclesiastical  autliorities. 
He  narrowly  escaped  im|)risomncnt  on  suspicion  of  receiving  briiies 
from  t!ie  American  government.  It  will  be  remend)ered  that  the  juiest's 
house  is  on  the  Canadian  side  of  the  bomidary. 

In  1812,  it  was  agreed  between  a  Hritish  and  an  American  commis- 
sioner, that  the  natives  should  remain  neutral  in  the  ai)|»roaching  contest. 

It  is  said  that  in  the  month  of  June,  Isaac  Le  Clare,  a  Frenchman, 
then  and  still  living  at  St.  Regis,  being  down  at  Montreal  with  a  raft  of 
wood,  was  met  by  an  uncle,  who  suggested  an  interview  with  the 
governor,  which  resulted  in  his  receiving  a  lieutenant's  connnission,  on 
the  recommendation  of  Col.  De  Salaberry. 

IJefore  his  return,  the  British  coini)any  stationed  at  St.  Regis,  was 
captured  as  below  stated,  and  Lieut.  Le  Clare  succeeded  to  the  pay,  but 
not  to  the  rank,  of  captain,  in  place  of  Montigney.  He  raised  a  company 
of  about  80  Indian  warriors,  and  crossed  to  Cornwall.  These  Indians 
participated  in  several  engagements  during  the  ensuing  war.  At  the 
taking  of  Little  York,  they  were  posted  at  Kingston.  At  the  attack  upon 
Sackett's  Harbor,  twenty  British  St.  Regis  Indians  were  present  under 
Lieut.  St.  Germain ;  and  at  Ogdensburgh,  in  Feb.,  1813,  about  thirty  of 
the  same,  under  Capt.  Le  Clare,  crossed  to  the  town.  At  the  battle  of 
Chrysler's  field,  they  were  at  Cornwall,  and  prevented  by  Col.  McLean, 
of  the  British  army,  from  engaging  in  the  battle. 

•  Chevalier  Lorimier,  an  agent  of  the  British  government,  in  1813,  came 
up  from  Montreal  with  the  customary  presents  to  the  Indians,and  offered 
them,  on  condition  of  their  crossing  the  river  and  taking  up  arms  against 
the  Americans.  They  would  not  do  this,  and  he  returjied  with  his  pre- 
sents. This  was  afte.'  Capt.  Le  Clare  had  raised  his  company,  or  about 
the  time. 

During  the  fall  of  1812,  Ca|)t.  IMontigney,  with  a  small  company  of 
British  troops,  in  violation  to  the  previous  agreement,  arrived,  and  took 
post  at  St.  Rpgis.  Maj.  Guilford  Dudley  Young,  of  the  Troy  militia, 
stationed  at  French  Mills,  receiving  an  account  of  this,  resolved  to  sur- 
prise, and  if  iraasible  capture  this  party;  considering  himself  justified  in 


T*- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


157 


entering  upon  neutral  ground,  as  the  enemy  had  first  broken  their  ugree- 
raeiit.  He  accordingly,  about  the  1st  of  October,  1812,  proceeded  quietly 
through  the  woods  by  an  obscure  path,  guided  by  Win.  Gray,  the  Indian 
interpreter;  but  on  arriving  opposite  the  vilkigc  of  St.  Regis,  he  found 
it  impossible  to  cross,  and  was  compelled  to  return. 

Having  allowed  the  alarm  which  his  attempt  iiad  excited  to  subside, 
he  resolved  to  make  another  descent,  before  the  enemy  should  be  re- 
inforced, anil  for  this  ])urpose  he  marched  a  detachment  at  11  o'clock  at 
night,  on  the  21st  of  October,  crossed  the  St.  Regis  river  at  Gray's  Mills, 
(now  llogansburgh,)  on  a  raft  of  boards,  and  arrived  about  .5  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  witliin  half  a  mile  of  the  village,  without  attracting  the 
notice  of  the  enemy.  Here  the  Major  made  such  a  judicious  disposition 
of  his  men,  that  the  enemy  were  entirely  surrounded,  and  after  a  few 
discharges  surrendered  themselves  prisoners,  with  the  loss  of  five  killed, 
among  whom  was  Captain  Rothalte.  The  fruits  of  this  capture  were 
forty  prisoners,  with  their  arms  and  equipments,  and  one  stand  of  colors, 
two  bateaux,  &c.  They  returned  to  French  Mills  by  11  o'clock  the  next 
morning,  without  the  loss  of  a  man,  and  the  prisoners  were  sent  Ibrward 
to  I'iattsbiirgh.  Ex-Governor  Wm.  L.  Marcy  held  a  subordinate  office 
in  this  atfair. 

This  was  the  first  stand  of  colors  taken  by  the  Americans  during  the 
war,  and  these  were  received  at  Albany  with  great  cemnony.  An  account 
of  the  reception  of  the  colors  is  taken  from  the  .^/ftaiii/  Gazette  o{  Jan. 
I8ia 

'•On  Thmsday  the  .5th  inst.,  at  one  o'clock,  a  detachment  of  the  volun- 
teer militia  of  Troy,  entered  this  city,  with  the  British  colors,  taken  at 
St.  Regis.  The  detachment,  with  two  suj)crb  eagles  in  the  centre,  and 
the  Rritish  colors  in  the  nsar,  i)araded  to  the  music  of  Yankee  Doodle  and 
York  Fusileers,  through  Market  and  State  streets  to  the  Ca[)itol,  the  ofti- 
cere  and  colors  in  the  centre.  The  remainder  of  the  vestibule  and  the 
grand  staircase  leading  to  the  hall  of  justice,  and  the  galleries  of  the 
senate  and  assembly  chambers  were  crowded  with  spectators.  His  ex- 
cellency, the  Governor,  from  illness  being  absent,  his  aids,  Cols.  Landi  and 
Lush,  advanced  from  the  council  chamber  to  receive  the  standards.  Upon 
which  Major  Young,  in  a  truly  m.ilifary  and  g.-dlant  style,  and  with  an  ap- 
projtriate  address,  jiresentcd  it  to  the  ])eo|ihi  of  New  York;  to  which  Col. 
Lush,  on  tli(!  part  of  the  state,  replied  in  a  highly  complimentary  speech, 
and  the  standard  was  deposited  in  the  council  room,  amid  the  loud  huzzas 
of  the  citizens  and  military  sidutes.  Subse<iuently  to  this  achievement 
Maj.  Young  was  ap|)ointed  a  Colonel  in  the  IJ.  S.  army." 

This  officer  was  a  native  of  Lebanon,  Ct. 

"  After  the  war,  he  entered  the  ])atriot  service  imder  Gen.  Mina,  and 
lost  his  life  in  the  struggle  tor  Mexican  independence,  in  1817.  The  ])a- 
triots,  20!)  in  number,  had  possession  of  a  smsdl  fort  which  was  invested 
by  a  royalist  force  of  .'1,500  men.  The  su])plies  of  ])rovisions  and  water 
being  cut  ofV,  the  sufferings  of  the  garrison  and  women  and  childr*jn  in 


!■  -Hi- 

m 

1 


158 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


B 


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ill -I 


■  r 


t lie  fort  licaiiie  intolerable;  niaiiy  of  tlm  Holdims  deserted,  so  tlint  not 
more  tliiiii  JoO  efloctivn  iiicii  rt;tii;iiiicd.  ("ol.  V(nmj;,  however,  knowing 
tlie  perfidy  of  the  eiKMny,  determined  to  defend  tli((  fort  to  tli<!  lust.  After 
iiavinjf  hravely  dt'teiited  the  enemy  in  a  ninnlier  ot  endonvorsto  e;nry  llie 
fori  In  storm.  Col.  Younj;  was  kilii.-tl  l)y  a  cannon  shot  h'om  the  liattery 
raised  against  the  fort.  On  the  enemy's  last  retreal,  t!ie  Colonel,  anxions 
to  observe  ail  tlieir  movements,  fearlessly  exposed  his  person  by  sleppinj.' 
on  a  larire  stone  on  the  ramparts;  and  while  eonversin^'-  with  Dr.  llemiey- 
say  on  ihe  snceesses  of  the  day  and  on  the  dastardly  eoiidnct  of  the  en- 
emy, the  last  shot  that  was  tired  i'rom  tlieir  battery,  carried  off  bis  head. 
Col.  Yomi;r  was  an  otficer  whom  next  to  ;\lina,  the  Ameri<'aii  pait  of  tla; 
division  had  been  acenslomed  to  res])ect  and  admire.  In  every  action  he 
bad  been  conspicnons  )i:)r  his  dariiii^  conrafre  iuid  skill.  Miiia  reposed 
uiiboi  niied  coMlideiice  in  iiim.  Jn  the  hour  of  daiiiM'r  he  was  collected, 
gave  bis  orders  with  precision,  and  tsword  in  hand,  was  always  in  the 
hottest  of  the  combat.  Honor  and  tirmness  markeil  all  his  actions.  lie 
was  frenerous  in  the  extr<'me,  and  endured  [.rivations  \\\\\\  a  cheerfnlne.<s 
superior  to  that  of  any  other  ofiicer  of  the  division.  He  has  been  in  the 
U.  S.  service  as  Lient.  Col.  of  the  "iiltli  rejjiiment  of  int'antry.  His  body 
was  interred  by  the  lew  Americans  whocoidd  b(^  spared  from  dot},  with 
every  possible  mark  of  honor  and  respect,  and  the  <feiieral  jjloom  which 
l»ervaded  the  division  on  this  occasion,  was  the  sincerest  tribute  that  could 
be  otlered  by  tiieiu  to  the;  memory  of'  their  brave  chief " 

(See  Barber^s  Hist.  Coll.  and^lnliquilies  of  Cl.) 

Ill  the  affair  at  St.  Regis,  the  oitiiolic  priest  was  made  prisoner,  nnil 
this  surprisal  and  attack  soon  after  led  to  a  retaliatory  visit  from  the 
enemy,  who  captured  the  company  of  militia  under  Capt.  Tildeii,  stationed 
at  French  Mills,  a  short  time  alter.  Those  who  were  taken  in  this  atliiir 
were  mostly  the  identical  troops  who  had  been  the  aggres-sorsat  St.  Regis, 
and  for  these  they  were  subsecpiently  exchanged. 

During  the  war,  considerable;  ipiaiitities  of  pork,  flour  and  cattle,  from 
the  state  of  New  York,  it  is  said,  were  brought  by  ifight  to  f^t.  Regis,  and 
secretly  conveyed  across  the  river  for  the  subsistence  of  the  Britisii  army. 
These  supolies  were  purchased  by  cinniisaries  under  a  variety  of  pretexts, 
and  by  offer  'ig  the  highest  prices. 

An  Indian  of  tlie  British  party  at  St.  Regis,  was  lately  living,  wlio  was 
em|)Iojed  as  a  secret  messenger  to  carry  intelligence,  and  was  very  suc- 
cessful in  avoiding  suspicions  and  in  nccomplishing  his  errands. 

It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  there  were  American  citizens  vvlio  secretly 
coimtenanced  these  movements,  and  who  openly  denounced  the  war  and 
jt.-i  abettors;  who  hailed  a  British  victory  as  a  national  blessing,  and  who 
mourned  over  the  success  of  the  American  arms,  witli  a  pathos  that 
proved  their  sincerity. 

Impartial  tkuth  would  require  their  names  to  be  held  up  to  the  exe- 
cration of  honest  men,  through  all  coming  tiiie,  but  charity  bids  us  pass 
them  unnoticed,  that  they  may  perisli  with  their  memories. 

By  virtue  of  powers  supposed  to  be  vested  in  tbein  by  the  law  of    ]i: 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


159 


the  trustees  of  these  Indians  Imd  leased  coiisidernble  tracts  of  tlio  reser- 
vation in  the  vicinity  of  Salmon  river,  whirh  iuid  thus  become  settled  nnd 
cleared  up;  but  this  measure  was  found  to  ))ro(lner  jars  and  discords 
which  led  to  the  passage  of  a  general  (;nactment,  passttd  June  19,  1812: 

"  That  it  shall  be  unlawful  for  any  person  or  persons  other  than  Indians, 
to  settle  or  reside  upon  any  lands  l)elonj;inf^  to  any  nation  or  tribe  ol' In- 
dians within  this  state;  and  if  any  jjcrson  shull  settle  or  reside  upon  any 
sncii  lands,  contrary  to  this  iiet,  he  or  she  shall  l)e<leenie(l  guilty  ot'a  mis- 
demeanor, and  shall  on  conviction,  be  punished  by  fuie  not  less  than 
twenty-five  dollars,  nor  more  than  ti\e  himdred  dtjliars,  or  be  imprisoned 
not  less  than  one  month,  nor  more  than  six  montlus,  in  the  discretion  of 
the  court  having  cognizance  thereof;  and  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  courts 
of  oyer  and  terminer,  and  general  sessions  of  tin;  peace  in  the  several 
counties  ol'  this  state,  in  which  any  |>art  of  said  lands  are  or  may  be  sit- 
uated, to  chiu'ge  the  grand  juries  of  their  respective  counties,  sjiecially  to 
indict  all  offenders  against  the  provisions  of  this  section." 

meanwhile  many  persons  bad  in  good  faith  expended  considerable 
sums  in  improvements,  which  it  was  desirable  should  be  secured  to  them 
by  a  more  reliable  tenm-e  than  Indian  leases,  which  led  in  181G,  to  the 
j)assage  of  a  law: 

"That  in  case  the  St.  Regis  Indians  may  be  desirous  of  selling  the  mile 
square  of  land  reserved  by  them,  at  or  near  ♦'  village  of  French  iMills, 
in  the  town  of  Constable,  in  the  county  of  1  ..klin,  or  any  other  lands 
lying  within  this  state,  to  which  the  St.  Regis  Indians  have  any  title  or 
claim,  the  person  tidministering  the  government  of  the  state  shall  he  and 
is  hereby  authorized  to  |)urcbasc  the  said  lands  li'om  the  said  Indians,  in 
behalf  ol  this  state,  and  that  the  treasurer  be  and  is  hereby  authorized  on 
the  warrant  of  the  comptroller,  to  pay  to  the  order  of  the  governor  such 
sum  of  money  to  detiviy  the  expense  of  completing  the  said  purchase  as 
the  governor  may  thiidv  reasonable  to  give  for  the  said  lands." 

The  following  treaty  was  accordingly  held  March  15,  181G: 

"  .\  treaty  made  aiul  executed  between  Daniel  D.  Tomiikins,  govern- 
or of  the  state  of  New  York,  in  behalf  of  t!ie  peo|)le  of  the  said  state,  of 
the  one  i)art,  and  Peter  Tarbell,  Ja(!ob  Francis  and  Thomas  Williams, 
lor  nnd  in  behalf  of  the  nation  or  tribe  of  Indians,  known  and  called  the 
St.  Regis  Indians,  of  the  second  part  (at  the  city  of  Albany,  this  fifteenth 
day  of  .March,  in  the  year  of  oiu-  Lord,  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and 
sixteen),  witnessetli. 

Jliiick  1.  The  said  tribe  or  nation  of  St.  Regis  Indians  do  hereby  sell 
and  convey  to  the  people  of  the  state  of  New  York,  lor  the  consideration 
hereinafter  mentionecl,  a  certain  piece  or  parcel  of  their  leservation, 
called  the  one  mile  scpiare,  situated  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  on  Sal- 
mon river,  to  have  and  to  hold  the  same,  to  the  said  people  of  the  stale 
of  New  York,  and  their  assigns  for  evar,  and  also  a  separate  and  addi- 
tional tract  of  land,  of  their  said  res(!rvation,  situate  in  the  coumy  afore- 
said, containing  live  thousand  acres  of  the  easterly  part  of  their  said 
reservation,  adjoining  their  aforesaid  mile  square  of  land,  within  the 
territorial  limits  of  the  state  of  New  York,  to  be  measured  from  the  east 
boundary  line  of  said  reservation,  so  as  to  make  the  said  west  boundary 
line  of  said  five  thousand  acres  to  run  due  north  and  south ;  to  have  and 


1. 


■rv 


1? 

'   If 


160 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


to  liold  tliR  snici  five  tlioiisniul  iicrcs  of  Imid,  to  tlio  said  people  of  tlio 
state  of  N»!\v  York,  and  ilioir  assifiiiH  tor  over. 

^Irlicle  Q.  Tlio  said  Daiiiul  I).  ToiiipkitiH,  f^ovoriior,  as  aforcHaid,  for 
and  in  liclialf  of  tlic  peopli;  of  tlio  Htato  of  Now  York,  covfiiiants  and 
ajSrcoH,  with  tlic  St.  Uofiis  nation  of  Indiana,  that  tho  said  people,  for  the 
said  several  trac^ts  of  one  milt;  s(piare  of  land,  and  of  live  tlionuand  aeros 
of  land  hcreinht^tore  granted  and  conveyed,  shall  |iay  to  the  said  nation 
aniuially  lor  ever  hereafter,  the  siun  of  one  thonsnnd  three  hnndrtsd  dol- 
lars, at  French  Mills,  on  .-iaid  premises,  the  first  i)ayment  of  the  said 
annuity  to  he  paid  on  the  lirst  Tuesday  of  Aufinst  next,  and  the  whole 
annnity  to  he  paid  on  tht;  fa-st  Tuesday  of  August,  in  each  year  there- 
nl>er.  ' 

.Irllcle  ^.  Tho  said  St.  Regis  trihe  or  nation  of  Indians  also  covenant 
and  agree  to  depute  and  authorize  threes  of  the  chiefs  or  |)rin(Mpal  men 
of  their  trihe  to  attend  at  t  le  times  and  |)lac(!H  aforesaid,  to  receive  the 
said  annuity.  And  that  tho  recei|)t  of  the  said  chiefis  or  principal  nniii, 
so  dcp.iti.'d,  shall  he  considered  u  full  and  satisfactory  discharge  of  the 
peopl(!  of  the  state  of  New  York,  from  the  annuities  which  may  be  so 
received." 

Signed,  sea.cd,  witnessed,  acknowledged  and  recorded. 

In  consequence  of  the  great  distress  among  the  St.  Regis  and  other 
Itnlian  tribes  of  the  state,  from  the  short  crops  in  the  cold  summer  of 
181(k  the  legislature,  at  tho  recommendation  of  the  governor,  by  an  act 
passed  February  V2,  1817,  authorized  tho  ])ayment  of  annuities  to  be 
anticipated  for  that  year,  for  the  purchase  of  the  necessaries  of  life. 

The  concessions  of  the  last  treaty  being  found  not  to  covoi'  the  terri- 
tory that  had  been  leased,  another  treaty  was  held  on  the  20th  of  Febru- 
ary, 1818,  as  follows: 

"  At  a  treaty  held  at  the  city  of  Albany,  the  90th  day  of  February,  in 
the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  eight  hundred  and  eighteen,  between 
his  excellency  Dewitt  Clinton,  governor  of  the  state  of  New  York,  on 
behalf  of  the  people  of  the  said  state,  and  Loran  Tarbell,  Peter  Tarbell, 
Jacob  Froncis  and  Thomas  Williams,  on  behalf  of  the  nation  or  tribe  of 
Indians,  known  and  called  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  it  is  covenanted, 
agreed  and  concluded  as  followa,  to  wit: 

The  said  St.  Regis  Indians  sell  and  convey  to  the  people  of  the  state 
of  New  York,  two  thousand  acres  out  of  the  lands  reserved  by  the  said 
Indians,  to  be  bounded  as  follows,  to  wit:  On  the  north  and  south  by 
the  north  and  south  bounds  of  said  reservation ;  on  the  east  by  the  lands 
ceded  by  said  Indians  to  the  peoi)le  of  the  said  state,  by  a  treaty  dated 
Iclth  March,  1810,  und  on  the  west  by  a  line  running  parallel  thereto, 
and  at  such  a  distance  therefrom  as  to  contain  the  said  two  thousand 
acres;  also,  four  rods  wide  of  land  through  the  whole  length  of  their 
reservation,  for  a  pidilic  road,  to  the  west  bounds  thereof,  together  with 
four  rods  wide  of  land,  for  the  same  purpose,  commencing  at  the  bound- 
ary line  near  the  village  of  St.  Regis,  to  run  in  a  direction  so  as  to  inter- 
sect the  aforementioned  road  a  little  westerly  of  the  place  where  it  shall 
cross  the  St.  Regis  river,  which  will  be  about  one  mile  and  three-quarters 
in  length.  On  condition  that  both  the  said  roads  be  laid  out  by  Michael 
Ilogan,  with  the  assistance  of  Loran  Tarbell,  and  such  other  person  as 
his  excellency,  the  governor  of  the  said  state,  shidl  appoint;  and  further, 
that  in  case  a  turnpike  gato,  or  gates,  shall  V)e  established  on  said  road, 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


161 


nil  llio  TndiiiiiH  of  tlin  nh'kI  triho  wliall  \m  nllowi'd  to  imss  froo  of  toll,  n\u\ 
oil  tlio  fiirtlier  coiKlitioii  timt  tlioHo  on  tiio  IhikIm  tlit-y  liiivo  now  mid 
lu!i'<!toforo  Hold,  8liall  ho  comiHillod  iiefon;  tlio  stiito  frivcs  tlioiii  or  any 
(itli(;r  pt'irtoii  tititi  tiieroto,  to  pay  ii[)  the  arrouragca  of  rent  duo  on  tiio 
liiiids  occiipiod  hy  tliu  Haid  HettltsrH. 

Ill  ooiiwidiM-atiiiiiof  wliicli  enHsioii  or  f,M-aiit,  it  is  hereby  covonniited,  on 
the  pait  of  llio  naid  poopie,  to  pay  to  tlio  Maid  Indians,  anmially,  for  vvur^ 
liiiifaftor,  on  tlio  fust  Tuesday  of  Anifust,  at  Plattsl»iir<;ii,  an  annuity  of 
two  liiiiKlred  dollars.  And  it  is  further  covenanted  hy  and  hetwceii  tho 
said  parties,  that  the  annuities  payahle  to  the  said  Indians,  in  i-oiise(pieiiee 
ol  tlie  (iiriiier  treaties  hetwecii  tliciii  and  the  said  state,  shall  Inireafter 
h(!  paid  them  on  the  said  first  Tuesday  of  Auf.'iist,  at  l*lattshurf,di,  instead 
of  the  plaees  where  they  are  made  payahle  hy  siieli  treaties.  In  testi- 
mony whereof,  the  sai<l  fjovernor,  on  the  part  of  the  people  of  the  said 
state,  and  the  said  Loran  Tarhell,  Peter  Tarhell,  .Facoh  Francis,  and 
Thomas  VVillianis  have  hereunto  set  their  liunde  niid  seals,  the  day  and 
year  Hrst  above  mentioned." 

Signed,  sealed,  acknowledged  and  recorded. 

The  lands  ceded  by  tho  treaty  of  1818  were  by  an  act  of  April  20tli, 
of  that  year  directed  to  be  laid  out  into  lota  and  farms  and  sold. 

The  report  of  the  commissioners  appointed  by  the  governor  to  per- 
form this  duty,  will  be  given  in  our  account  of  Fort  Covington. 

Tho  commissioners  were  to  receive  $4  per  day  for  their  services. 

The  following  memorial  explains  itself,  and  indicates  the  necessity  of 
the  course  which  was  8ubse(iuently  to  he  pursued. 

Albany  10,  February,  1818. 
"To  his  Exceliencif,  Governor  Clinton, of  the  state  of  JSTew  York: 

The  chiefs  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  by  their  petition,  most  rospoct- 
fully  approach  your  excellency,  to  shew,  that  in  March  1802,  n  law  was 
passed  for  the  benefit  of  our  tribe,  appointing  the  trustees,  namely: 
William  (iray,  Louis  Cook,  and  Loren  Tarhell,  to  manage  and  improve 
their  affairs.  From  that  period  until  the  late  war,  they  continued  happy 
amongst  themselves,  but  the  war  having  |)ro(luced  a  feeling  of  opposite 
interests  in  the  tribe,  they  became  dividecl  almost  equally  in  number,  of 
young  men,  having  your  old  chiefs,  with  their  adherents  steady  in  the 
cause  and  interests  of  the  United  States.  In  course  of  the  war,  their 
trustee,  William  Gray,  was  taken  jirisoner  at  St.  Regis,  and  carried  to 
Uiiehec,  where  he  died  a  prisoner  of  war.  Their  other  trustee.  Colonel 
Louis  Cook,  after  being  actively  engaged  with  General  Rrown,  near 
Ikifiiilo,  died  at  that  place.  Since  his  death,  your  excellency's  pejilioner, 
Loren  Tarhell,  the  surviving  trustee,  taking  to  his  private  council  Peter 
Tarhell,  and  .Tacob  Francis,  old  chiefs,  in  whom  the  tribe  have  full  liiith, 
has  continued  to  act  as  for  the  whole,  and  has  thesatisfriction  of  assuring 
your  excellency,  that  the  trust  reposed  in  him,  has  been  discharged  con- 
scientiously, and  with  full  regard  to  justice. 

Now  your  excellency's  petitioner,  growing  old,  and  desirous  to  be  re- 
lieved in  part  from  the  responsibility  which  he  has  felt  in  thi;  discharge 
of  his  duties,  humbly  prays  your  excellency  to  get  a  law  passed,  appoint- 
ing the  above  mentione  '  I-ii-r  Tarbell  and  Jacob  Francis,  to  his  aid,  to 
fill  the  vacancies  occasioucu  ;.' the  death  of  the  former  trustees,  and 
confirming  the  acts  of  mur  j'  titioner  done  in  conjunction  with  the  lat- 
ter, since  the  death  of  v'l';  Ibriier  trustees. 


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HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


And  your  petitioner  will  ns  in  duty  hound  ever  pray  &c." 

LoREN  Tarbei/L,  (signed  by  his  mark.) 
William  I>.  Gkat,  Interpreter. 

In  consequence  of  tiie  forejfoin;;^  i)etition  and  memftrinl,  an  net  was 
passed  on  the  'Jd  of  April,  1818,  appointing  Peter  Tarhell  and  Jacob 
Francis,  chiefs  of  the  said  tribe,  to  be  trustees  in  jdace  of  Colonel 
Louis  and  William  Gray,  deceased,  and  to  act  with  the  surviving  trustee 
Loren  Tarhell. 

!\lnch  difficulty  arose  between  the  Indians  and  their  former  tenants,  in 
relation  to  their  arrearges  of  rent,  oonceniing  which  they  memorialized 
the  legislature,  and  on  the  lOtli  of  IVIarch  1824,  procured  an  act  directing 
the  Comptroller,  to  draw  his  warrant  on  the  treasury,  for  the  payment 
of  any  sum  not  exceetling  $7.35.07  in  i'avor  of  Asa  Ilascall,  district  at- 
torney, for  the  county  of  Franklin,  upon  his  certificate  or  certificates  of 
the  amount  of  rents  due  to  the  said  St.  Regis  Indians,  from  settlers  on 
certain  lands  ceded  to  them,  by  the  jieopic  of  this  state,  by  treaty  dated 
Fob  29,  1818,  and  it  was  made  the  duty  of  the  said  district  attorney,  on 
receiving  the  said  money,  to  pay  it  over  to  the  Indians  as  a  full  satisfac- 
tion and  discharge  of  their  claims. 

On  the  10th  of  April)  1824,  the  foregoing  act  was  extended  to  include 
the  lands  ceded  March  LI,  181G. 

The  mill  on  Grass  river,  and  one  mile  square  reservation,  continued 
to  be  the  property  of  these  people,  until  March  IG,  1824,  when  at  a 
treaty  held  at  Albany  between  Joseph  C.  Yates,  Governor,  and  Thomas 
Williams,  Michael  Cook,  Lewis  Doublehouse  and  Peter  Tarbell,at  which 
they  sold  and  conveyed  for  the  sum  of  $1,920,  this  y)roperty. 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  jwwer  of  attorney,  under  which  the 
deputies  of  the  foregoing  treaty  acted: 

"  Know  all  men  by  thsse  presents,  that  we,  the  undersigned,  chief 
warriors  of  the  tribe  called  St.  Regis  Indians,  constitute  and  appoint 
Thomas  Williams,  Lewis  Doublehouse,  and  Peter  Tarhell,  as  our  true 
and  lawful  attornies,  to  go  to  Albany,  and  sell  such  a  quantity  of  our 
lands,  to  the  people  of  this  state,  is  they  may  think  proper,  and  to 
transact  all  other  business  which  shall  be  thought  best  for  the  welfare  of 
our  nation,  and  whatsoever  our  attornies  shall  lawfully^act  or  do,  we  will 
ratify  and  confirm.  Done  at  St.  Regis  in  general  council,  this  eighth 
day  of  March  1821." 


Eleazer  Skarestogowa, 
Peter  Trewesti, 
Lornn  Cook, 
Charles  Williams, 
Thomas  Turble, 
Lewey  Sabonrani. 

(signed  mostly  by  their  marks.} 


Charles  Sagahawita, 
Ignace  Gareweas, 
Jose[;h  Bern, 
Evrer  Gagagen, 
Baptiste  Satchweies, 


m. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES 


163 


Tlie  appointment  made  by  tlie  legislature  in  1818  of  trustees  to  fill  the 
vacancy  made  ijy  the  death  of  Cook  and  Gray,  appears  to  have  been 
unsatisfactory  to  the  tribe,  as  is  seen  from  the  following  petition  that  w  as 
signed  by  the  same  parties  as  those  who  furnished  the  credentials  of  the 
deputies  at  the  previous  treaty. 

"To  the  honorable  the  Legislature  of  the  state  of  New  York,  in  senate 
and  assembly  convened. 

We  the  undersigned,  chiefs  and  wa'Tiors  of  the  St.  RegU  tribe  of  In- 
dians, humbly  represent  to  your  honorable  body,  that  our  old  chiefs  that 
were  appointed  as  trustees  are  all  dead,  except  one,  who  is  old  and  una- 
ble to  transact  public  business.  We  therefore  earnestly  pray  that  your 
honorable  body,  will  appoint  Thomas  Williams,  Rlitchel  Cook,  Lewis 
Uoublehouse,  and  Peter  Tarbell,  as  trustees  to  oversee  and  control  the 
affairs  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians. 

Done  in  genera!  council  at  St.  Regis,  this  ninth  day  of  March,  18Q4. 

The  following  memorial  was  also  prepared  to  be  forwarded  to  the 
legislature : 

"  At  a  public  council  or  town  meeting,  of  the  chiefs,  head  men,  and 
warriors,  of  that  part  of  the  St.  Regis  nation,  or  tribe  of  Indians,  which 
claim  the  protection  and  countenance  of  the  state  of  New  York,  and 
wiiich  receive  annuities  from,  and  held  lands  under  the  authority  of 
the  said  state;  assembled  on  this  31st  day  of  May,  1824,  on  their  reser- 
vation lands,  in  the  said  state,  it  is  unanimously  resolved,  that  in  order 
to  put  an  end  to  all  quarrels  for  power,  we  will  not  henceforth  encour- 
age any  other  individuals  to  be  chiefs,  or  trustees,  except  Thomas  Wil- 
liams, Mitchel  Cook,  Lewis  Doublehouse,  Peter  Tarbell,  and  Charles 
Cook;  and  we  do  hereby  fully  authorize,  and  empower  them  to  transact 
for,  and  on  behalf  of  our  said  tribe  of  American  St.  Regis  Indians,  all 
manner  of  business  which  they  may  deem  for  the  general  good. 

We  authorize  them,  especially,  to  receive  all  annuities,  payable  to  us 
by  virtue  of  any  bargains  or  treaties,  madj,  or  to  be  made,  by  the  state  of 
New  York,  or  of  individuals  under  the  sanction  of  law,  and  others,  and 
to  distribute  all  money  or  property,  as  received  amongst  the  said  tribe  of 
American  St.  Regis  Indians,  according  to  our. claims.  We  also  author- 
ize and  require  them,  to  execute  to  the  governor  of  the  said  state,  or 
other  proper  authority,  all  necessary  grants,  conveyances,  releases,  or  re- 
ceipts, which  may  be  required,  in  consequence  of  any  bargain  or  treaty 
heretofore  made,  or  hereafter  in  their  discretion  to  bo  made  on  our  be- 
half, and  for  our  benefit,  with  the  governor  of  the  said  state. 

We  do  further  authorize  and  require  them,  to  endeavor  to  make  such 
a  bargain  with  the  governor,  as  that  all  the  moneys  which  we  are  now, 
or  shall  be  entitled  unto,  shall  in  future  be  p,iid  on  our  reservation  lands, 
to  our  said  chiefs,  and  trustees,  and  not  elsewhere.  We  also  aiuhor- 
ize  them  to  make  such  arrangements  with  the  governor,  that  some  indi- 
vidual in  whom  the  governor,  as  well  as  our  said  chiefs,  can  place  confi- 
dence, may  hereafter  be  considered  the  only  proper  channel  of  mutual 
communication  between  the  governor  and  our  said  chiefs,  on  behalfofour 
said  tribe,  excepting  all  occasions  in  which  our  said  cliiefs  may  be  at 
Albany.  We  fidly  approve  all  that  was  done  by  our  deputies,  and  chiefs, 
Thomas  Williams,  Michael  Cook,  Louis  Doublehouse,  and  Peter  Tarbell, 
in  the  bargain  or  treaty  made  at  Albany,  on  the  16th  March  last.  We 
earnestly  request  that  the  governor  will  bear  in  mind,  these  resolutions 

II 


'  » 


164 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


IH 


«  of  the  American  St.  Res;is  Indians,  and  that  our  minds  may  be  known, 

we  have  each  ofns  caused  om*  Reveral  names  and  seals  to  he  affixed  to  this 

paper,  and  another  like  it ,  and  ordered  one  copy  to  be  delivered  to  the 

governor,  and  one  to  be  kept  by  our  said  chiels."  ' 

[Signed  by  about  sixty  Indians.]  i 

Copied  from  the  duplicate  at  St.  Regis. 

As  B  further  evidence  of  authenticity,  the  foregoing  was  accompanied 
by  a  declaration  of  allegiance,  a  copy  of  wiiich  is  here  given : 

*'  Know  all  whom  it  may  concern,  that  we,  whose  names  are  hereto 
annexed,  do  solemnly  declare  ourselves,  to  belong  to  the  American  Tribe 
of  St.  Regis  Indians,  that  we  owe  no  fealty  to  the  British  government, 
nor  receive  any  annnitips  or  benefits  from  the  same ;  that  we  were  friendly 
to  the  United  States  during  the  late  war,  and  have  continued  to  be  so 
since,  and  that  it  is  our  fixed  determination,  to  establish  and  continue  otn* 
residence  within  the  limits  of  the  said  United  States,  the  protection  and 
countenance,  and  especially  of  the  state  of  New  York,  we  hereby  claim 
for  said  tribe.  In  witness  ot  all  which  we  have  hereto  caused  our  names 
and  seals  to  be  afiixed  this  31st  day  of  May,  in  the  year  1824,  within  our 
reservation  lands,  in  the  state  of  New  York,  done  in  duplicate  one  copy 
to  be  kept  by  our  chiefs,  and  one  copy  to  be  delivered  to  the  governor  of 
the  state  of  New  York." 

[Signed  by  about  sixty  Indians.] 

The  author  has  been  unable  to  ascertain  what  action,  if  any,  was  taken 
on  this  subject  by  the  legislature,  further  than  in  a  treaty,  held  on  the 
29th  of  Jime,  1824,  between  Governor  Yates,  and  Thomas  Williams, 
Mitchel  Cook,  Louis  Doublehouse,  Peter  Tarbell,  and  Charles  Cook,  the 
latter  are  recognized  as  trustees. 

By  this  treaty,  they  ceded  in  consideration  of  $1,750  down,  and  an 
annuity  of  SfiO,  payable  on  the  1st  Tuesday  in  August,  at  the  village  of 
Plattsburgh,  to  the  said  chiefs  and  trustees,  a  tract  of  1000  acres  of  land 
bounded  as  follows: 

"On  the  northeast,  by  a  line  commencing  on  the  easterly  side  of  St. 
Regis  river,  at  the  termination  of  the  roll  way,  so  called,  about  four  or 
five  chains  northerly  from  the  mast  road,  and  running  thence  southeast 
to  ihe  south  bounds  of  the  said  reserved  lands;  on  the  south  by  the  said 
south  bouuds;  on  the  northwest  by  the  said  St.  Regis  river,  and  the  land 
leased  by  the  said  Indians,  to  Michael  Hogan,  and  on  the  southwest  bv  a 
line  to  be  run  southeast,  from  the  said  St.  Regis  river,  to  the  south 
bounds  of  said  reserved  lands." 

On  the  14th  of  December,  1824,  the  same  Indians,  who  are  styled, 
"  Principal  Chiefs  and  head  men,"  confirmed  to  the  people  of  the  state 
of  New  York,  for  a  payment  of  $1;  and  an  annuity  of  $30.5,  a  certain 
tract  of  land  which  their  predecessors  had  "  in  two  certain  indentures  cf 
lease,  or  instruments  in  writing,  imder  seal,  bearing  date  respectively,  on 
the20lhand  23d  days  of  October,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  1817",  and 
made  and  executed  by  and  between  their  predecessors  in  office,  and 
Michael  Hogan,  and  subsequently  confirmed  by  an  act  of  the  legislature." 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


165 


if 


On  the  20th  of  April,  1825,  the  legislature  confirmed  this  cession  by 
an  net,  the  preamble  and  body  of  which  set  forth  the  causes  that  led  to 
the  measure. 

"  Whereas  the  Indians  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe  did,  by  two  certain  inden 
tures  of  lease  bearing  date  the  20lh  of  October,  and  the  23d  of  October 
respectively,  in  the  year  1817,  (which  leases  were  sanctioned  and  con- 
firmed by  the  Legislature  of  this  state,)  convey  certain  ])remises  therein 
described  In  consideration  of  a  certain  annuity  or  rent  annually  to  be 
paid  for  a  term  of  years,  with  the  condition  for  the  renewal  of  the  said 
leases  as  often  as  the  same  might  expire,  and  upon  the  same  terms:  And 
whereas,  by  the  subdivision  of  said  premises  among  a  number  of  occu- 
pants, or  by  the  removal  of  the  said  Indians  from  their  present  posses- 
sions, they  may  experience  difficulty  and  loss  in  collecting  and  receiving 
the  rents,  reserved  and  annually  due,  by  virtue  of  the  conveyances  afore- 
said; Tiierefore, 

Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  State  of  JVeto  York,  That  it  shall  and 
may  be  lawful  for  the  grantee,  in  the  said  conveyances  named,  or  hia 
assigns,  to  convey  the  premises  therein  described  to  the  people  of  this 
state;  and  whenever  the  said  grantee  or  his  assigns  shall  have  paid  or 
secTired  to  be  paid  into  the  treasury  of  the  state  a  sum  equal  to  the  prin- 
cipal of  the  annuity  yearly  payable  to  the  said  Indians  by  virtue  of  the 
conveyances  aforesaid,  at  the  rate  of  six  per  cent,  per  annum,  it  shall  be 
the  duty  of  the  commissioners  of  the  land  ofiice,  to  reconvey  by*  letters 
patent  to  the  said  grantee  or  his  assigns  so  paying  or  securing  the  pay- 
ment of  the  sum  above  mentione<l,  and  tbrever  thereafter  the  annuity 
reserved  in  the  conveyances  aforesaid,  shall  annually  be  i)aid  to  the  said 
Indians,  in  like  manner  as  their  other  annuities  from  the  state  are  now 
payable." 

A  treaty  was  held  Sept.  23,  1825,  between  Governor  De  Witt  Clinton 
and  Thomas  Williams,  Mitchel  Cook,  Louis  Uoublehouse,  Peter  Tar- 
bell,  Charles  Cook,  Thomas  Tarbell,  Mitchel  Tarbell,  Louis  Tarbell, 
Battice  Tarbell,  Jarvis  Williams  and  William  L.  Gray,  by  which  the  lat- 
ter as  ciiiefs  and  trustees  for  the  tribe,  sold  a  tract  of  land,  of  840  acres, 
on  the  east  side  of  the  St.  Regis  river,  which  is  now  the  site  of  a  part  of 
the  village  of  Ilogansburgh.  For  this  they  received  $1100  down,  in  full 
of  all  demands. 

This  tract  was  bounded  as  follows: 

"  Beginning  on  the  easterly  side  of  the  St.  Regis  river,  at  the  meat 
westerly  corner  of  the  lands  ceded  by  said  Indians  to  the  people  of  si;  d 
state,  on  the  12th  day  of  June,  in  the  year  1824,  and  running  thence 
along  the  last  mention  lands,  S.  45°  E.,  to  the  south  bounds  of  the  said 
reserved  lands;  then  along  the  same,  westerly  to  ♦'le  said  St.  Regis  river, 
and  then  along  the  same  to  the  place  of  beginning." 

The  foregoing  are  believed  to  be  all  the  negotiations  that  have  taken 
nlace  between  these  people  and  the  state  in  relation  to  their  lands. 
There  remains  to  be  mentioned  some  notices  on  the  personal  history  and 
present  condition  and  habits  of  these  Indians. 


166 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


^1 


{'«'?,:■; 


^«.'. 
U 


I'lliii; 


?i:'l 


m  ?»!' 


Ill 


In  182G,  n  young  Frenclimnn.by  tho  name  of  Fovel,  who  Imd  l)een  for 
some  time  nt  Montreal,  visited  St  Regis,  and  induced  one  Joseph  Tora- 
karon,  (sometimes  known  by  his  Englisli  name  of  Tarbell,)  to  consent  to 
accompany  him  to  Europe.  Tornkaron  was  to  travel  in  the  character  of 
an  Indian  chief,  (which  office  he  then  held  at  St.  Re^is,)  and  his  com- 
panion in  that  of  interpreter,  solicitor,  treasurer  and  agent.  The  motives 
held  OMt  to  the  chief  were,  that  they  should  be  able  to  obtain  donations 
for  the  endowment  of  their  church,  and  doubtless  large  sums  as  presents 
to  themselves.  Having  made  all  necessary  arrangements,  and  being  fur- 
nished with  letters  from  St.  Regis,  Montreal  and  Quebec,  certifying  the 
standing  of  Torakaron  at  home,  the  two  proceeded  byway  s>f  New  York 
and  Havre,  to  Paris.  The  conductor  here  obtained  an  interview  with 
Cliarles  X,  and  so  favorable  an  impression  vms  made  upon  the  mind  of 
the  king,  that  he  presented  them  with  three  fine  paintings,  and  u  largo 
sum  in  money,  and  other  valuable  articles. 

Thence  they  proceeded  by  way  of  Marseilles,  to  Rome,  and  obtained 
an  interview  with  the  pope. 

During  a  conversation,  the  pope  asked  the  Indian  if  he  could  con- 
verse iu  another  language  than  his  own,  and  finding  him  able  to  use  the 
English  and  French  to  some  degree,  he  invited  him  to  a  second  interview 
alone.  The  result  was,  that  a  set  of  books  and  silver  plate,  for  the  ser- 
vice of  the  church,  a  rosary  of  jewels  and  gold,  worth  it  is  said  $1400, 
and  other  articles  of  value,  were  given  him.  They  thence  returned  to 
Marseilles,  where  they  spent  the  winter,  and  in  1828  returned  by  way  of 
Paris  and  Havre  to  New  York.  Here  the  treasurer,  or  interpreter,  or 
whatever  else  he  might  be  called,  evinced  his  true  character  by  abscond- 
ing with  every  article  of  value,  except  the  rosary  and  paintings,  leaving 
Torakaron  without  means  even  to  return  home.  He  was  enabled  to  do 
so  through  the  charity  of  friends,  and  the  paintings  were  soon  af\er 
deposited  in  their  destined  place.  Two  are  now  at  St.  Regis,  and  tl)t' 
third  at  the  church  in  Caughnawaga.  Of  the  former,  those  who  visit 
the  church  will  recognise  in  a  painting  over  the  altar,  the  portrait  of  St. 
Regis,  and  in  the  one  to  the  left,  near  the  pulpit,  that  of  St.  Francois 
Xavier. 

They  are  both  evidently  by  the  same  hand,  of  the  size  of  life,  and  very 
well  executed.  The  third  is  the  portrait  of  St.  Louis,  and  is  in  the 
church  dedicated  to  that  saint  in  the  Indian  village  near  Montreal. 

St  Regis  is  represented  in  the  attitude  of  preaching;  St  Francois  its 
reclining  on  a  bank,  with  a  book  before  him  and  pointing  to  a  cross,  and 
St.  Louis  as  n  king,  in  royal  robes,  bowed  in  the  attitude  of  the  deepest 
humility,  in  prayer. 

Fovel  subsequently  visited  the  Iroquois  settlements  of  New  York,  as  a 


11 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


167 


priest,  und  occasioned  inucli  trouble,  whicli  rendered  it  necessary  for 
Bisliop  Dubois  to  visit  tliose  places. 

He  allerwards  went  to  Detroit,  juid  apjieared  us  a  priest  among  the 
I'reiicii  at  tliat  city. 

Ill  tlie  spring  of  1829,  the  email  pox  appeared  at  the  village  of  St. 
Regis,  and  swept  off  great  numbers.  All  the  tribe  were  then  vaccinated, 
by  direction  of  the  British  government. 

In  1832,  the  Asiatic  cholera  broke  out  at  this  place,  on  the  20th  of 
.Iinie,  at  first  appearing  in  a  mild  form,  for  which  the  priest  prescribed  suc- 
cessfully for  a  short  time,  by  administering  large  doses  of  laudanum  and 
hot  brandy.  Of  the  first  sixty  cases  thus  dealt  with,  there  are  said  to 
have  been  but  two  that  wer«  fatal. 

Dr.  3IcAuley,  of  Cornwall,  was  sent  over  by  government,  to  attend 
the  sick,  and  Dr.  Bates,  of  Fort  Covington,  was  also  employed.  The 
latter  has  remarked,  that  two  in  fitleen  of  those  remaining  in  the  village, 
(lied  of  this  pestilence,  and  that  when  the  east  wind  blovved,  there  were 
sure  to  be  new  cases.  In  one  instance,  a  family  of  eleven  were  attacked, 
and  but  one  survived.  About  340  persons  had  the  disease,  some  two 
or  three  times,  making  iu  all  perhaps  500  cases.  Friends  became 
frightened,  and  fled  away,  leaving  the  sick,  in  some  iustonces,  to  die 
unattended,  and  all  mourning  for  the  dead  ceased. 

This  alarming  pestilence  was  attende  d  by  the  typhus  fever,  but  it 
was  observed  that  the  two  diseases  did  not  attack  the  same  persons, 
although  they  raged  with  equal  severity.  The  cholera  raged  but  eleven 
days,  in  which  time  78  died,  and  the  number  of  those  who  died  in  the 
year  1832,  of  this  und  other  diseases,  was  134. 

As  a  natural  consequence,  this  fearful  visitation  caused  the  greatest 
terror  throughout  the  whole  country,  and  exaggerated  reports  of  its 
ravages  at  St.  Regis  spread  ra])idly  to  the  neighboring  villages,  and  led 
to  the  issuing  of  an  order  from  the  brigadier  general  of  militia  in  the 
county,  to  the  subordinate  officers  under  his  command,  to  take  measures 
for  preventing  all  intercourse  with  the  infected  village.  Several  persons 
volunteered  to  guard  the  road  leading  to  Hoga'isburgh,  and  this  vigilance 
was  maintained  about  a  week.  It  appeared  to  be  unnecessary,  because 
the  epidemic  limited  itself  to  the  vicinity  of  the  river,  and  the  village  of 
Hogansburgh,  two  miles  distant,  was  but  very  slightly  affected. 

In  1849,  the  cholera  again  appsarcd,  taking  off  29,  und  in  the  sums 
year,  the  small  pox  broke  out,  with  500  cases,  of  which  30  were  fatal. 
Bergen,  of  Cornwall,  was  employed  by  the  British  government  on  this 
occasion. 

In  1850,  the  typhus  raged  the  whole  sunmier. 

A  remark  was  made  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Marcoux,  which  i»  worthy  of  the 


16S 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


Si'   ' 


w 


ntteiitioii  of  the  medical  profession,  tliat  the  cholera  and  the  typhus 
were  asNOciated  in  both  casoy,  although  tliey  did  not  attack  the  same 
persons;  and  that  they  admitted  and  required  alike  a  sustaining  and 
stimulating  course  of  treatment. 

The  filthy  and  negligent  habits  of  these  people  ai»pear  to  have  rendered 
them  fit  subjects  for  any  pestilence  that  might  chance  to  make  its  appear- 
ance ;  and  the  observation  so  often  made  has  been  here  confirmed,  ihnt 
rigid  cleanliness  and  suitable  regard  for  neatness,  are  the  best  preventives 
of  contagion,  and  more  efficient  than  cordons  of  troops,  or  quarantine 
regulations, 
•y  The  aiuiuities  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians  continued  to  be  paid  at  Platts- 

burgh,  until  1832,  when,  by  a  law  passed  April  24,  the  place  of  payment 
was  transferred  to  the  town  of  Fort  Covington. 

By  this  act  the  comptroller  was  directed  to  appoint  an  agent,  who  was 
to  receive  a  sum  not  exceeding  two  percentum  on  all  such  disburse- 
ments. 

He  was  directed  to  pay  each  of  the  heads  of  families  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  trustees  of  the  tribe,  their  equal  shares  of  the  annuities,  taking 
the  necessary  receipts  from  the  legal  trustees  of  said  tribes,  for  the  an- 
nuities received. 

As  the  village  of  St.  Regis  was  theil  in  the  town  of  Fort  Covington, 
these  annuities  have  since  been  generally  paid  at  that  place. 

The  agents  appointed  by  the  comptroller,  to  pay  these  annuities,  since 
this  office  was  created,  in  1832,  have  been,  James  B.  Spencer,  Amherst 
K.  Williams,  John  S.  Eidridge,  Phineas  Attwater,  Wm.  A.  Wheeler, 
J.  J.  Seaver,  and  James  C.  Spencer. 

During  the  summer  of  1834,  these  Indins  remonstrated  against  the 
payment  of  any  part  of  the  annuity  of  1796,  to  the  Caughnawagas,  urg- 
ing that  previous  to  the  war,  a  release  was  executed  by  the  latter  to  them. 
During  the  war,  the  latter  had  not  received  their  share.  A  few  years 
after  the  war,  through  the  agency  and  interference  of  Peter  Sailly,  of 
Plattsburgh,  that  moiety  of  the  annuity  was  restored  to  them,  with  the 
express  understanding,  that  $50  annually  of  that  portion  should  bo  paid 
to  Thomas  Williams,  who  had  left  that  tribe,  with  his  family,  during  the 
war,  at  a  great  sacrifice,  and  joined  the  Americans.  Williams  was  paid 
without  objection,  till  1833,  when  the  Caughnawagas  entered  a  protest, 
and  he  was  not  paid. 

Before  the  war,  the  St.  Regis  Indians  were  allowed  to  hold,  in  common 
with  their  brethren  in  Canada,  all  the  Indian  lands,  and  also  to  receive 
the  rents  and  profits  of  them.  Since  the  war,  the  British  government 
refused  them  the  privilege  of  even  occupying  the  lands  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence river,  in  common  with  their  brethren  in  Canada. 


AND    KRANKUN   COUNTIES.  169 

For  tli'ip  rcusoii,  tliey  conceived  tlint  tlie'y  had  nn  exclusive  right  to  the 
8tnte  annuities.  They  urcordinfjly  <i|ip)ied  to  the  legislature,  in  1835, 
f(»r  the  |)aynient  to  them  of  the  annuity  which  had  been  previously  shared 
hy  the  Caughnawagas. 

They  also  asked  that  the  payment  of  their  annuities  might  be  made  at 
a  more  convenient  season  of  the  year,  and  to  those  who  reside  in  the 
state  of  New  York,  or  within  the  Uniied  States  only. 

They  also  applied  ibr  a  change  of  the  existing  law  for  the  election  of 
trustees,  and  desired  that  the  governor  might  be  empowered  to  appoint 
not  less  than  three  nor  more  than  six  principal  Indians,  who  should  be 
called  chiefs,  an*l  hold  their  otiice  during  pleasure,  a  majority  of  whom 
were  to  act  tor  the  tribe. 

This  memorial  was  referred  to  A.  C.  FJagg,  the  comptroller,  who 
made  a  report  to  the  legislature,  in  which  he  reviewed  the  history  of  the 
Indian  title,  and  from  which  we  will  take  the  liberty  of  making  u  few 
extracts. 

Atler  briefly  enumerating  the  several  treaties  made,  by  whom  and  for 

what  consideration  he  gives  the  following  summary  of  the  compensation 

and  annuities  received  for  their  lands. 

Sum  paid  at        Amount  of 
the  treaty.  annuities. 

Treaty  of  1796  with  the  Seven  Nations, $3,179-9G  $533-33 

"        1816        "        St.  Regis 1,300-00 

"        1818        "               "       200-00 

1824        "               "       1,920-00 

«        1824        "               "       1,750-00                     6000 

"        1824  and  act  of  1825     305-00 

"        1825  with  the  St.  Regis 2,100-00 


$8,949-96 


$2,398-3:3 


In  relation  to  the  claims  of  these  Indians,  the  comptroller  said: 

"  It  should  be  borne  in  mind,  that  the  treaty  was  originally  made  with 
British  as  well  as  American  Indians,  which  treaty  is  in  the  nature  of  a 
contract,  on  the  {)art  of  the  state,  to  pay  annually  a  certain  sum  of  money 
in  consideration  of  the  relinquishment,  by  the  Seven  Nations,  of  Canada, 
of  certain  lands  belonging  to  them.  When  the  treaty  was  made,  the 
Caughnawagas  were  British  Indians,  as  much  as  they  are  now ;  the  state 
did  not  refuse  to  treat  with  them,  and  purchase  their  lands,  because  they 
resided  in  Canada;  and  having  made  tlie  treaty  with  them,  shall  the  state 
refuse  to  fulfill  it  ? 

If  the  annuity  is  to  be  confiscated  because  the  Caughnawagas,  or  some 
of  them,  may  have  taken  up  arms  against  the  United  States  during  the 
late  WcU',  then  the  question  would  arise,  whether  the  confiscation  should 
be  made  lor  the  benefit  of  the  slate  treasury  or  the  St.  Regis  tribe;  and 
if  the  Caughnawagas  are  to  be  cut  off,  because  some  of  their  warriors 


i!       « 


T:B»l'V4=---!».-f-^ 


i 


170 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


■.*i; 


«««:; 


aided  the  enemy,  tlio  sutno  riilo  would  doprivo  the  St.  Regis  Indiniin  of 
tlicir  nniiuitios,  since  some  of  tlieir  warriors  wore  understood  to  linvo 
joined  the  British  army  diu'iii;;  the  war.  It  siionld  ho  recoiioctcd,  how- 
ever, tlmt  the  Cuiighnawnga  Indians  did  not  promise  nlleginnce,  l)y  the 
treaty  of  17U0,  nor  did  tliey  owe  allegiance  to  tlie  United  Stales,  or  this 
Btute,  when  the  war  of  181^  was  declared. 

A  request  is  mude  in  the  meinorial,  that  the  annuity  of  fiV^H'SB  miiy 
hereafter  be  paid  only  to  such  of  the  St.  Regis  trihe  as  reside  in  this 
Btute,  or  the  United  States.  Hy  the  treaty  of  \7W,  It  was  agreed,  that  if 
the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  would  relinquish  their  lands  to  the  people 
of  this  state,  they  should  receive  forever  an  annuity  of  i*5;i'J';};}.  After 
the  Indians,  in  pursuance  of  this  agreement,  have  relin(|uished  their 
lands,  and  uller  the  state  has  taken  |>osse8sion  of  and  ^old  them,  can  the 
government  of  this  state  retiise  to  fulfil  the  stipulations  of  the  treaty,  he- 
cause  the  Indians  do  not  reside  on  the  Americuu  side  of  the  national 
line? 

The  St.  Regis  Indians  represent  that  Thomas  Williams  left  the  Caugh- 
nawagas  during  the  war,  with  his  family,  at  a  great  sacrifice.  It  is  true 
that  he  joined  the  American  side  during  the  war,  and  for  doing  this,  his 
property  may  have  been  confiscated.  But  it  will  be  seen  by  referring 
to  the  treaties,  that  Thomas  Williams,  who  in  1796  was  a  Caughnawaga 
chief,  iu  181G,  had  become  one  of  tiie  chiefs  and  head  men  of  the  St. 
Regis  tribe,  and  assisted  in  securing  to  the  latter  tribe  an  annuity  of 
$1,300  for  the  sale  of  lands,  reserved  in  the  treaty  with  the  Seven  Nations 
of  Canada.  By  joining  the  St.  Regis  Indians  and  aiding  in  the  subse- 
quent sale  for  the  pole  benefit  of  this  tribe,  of  the  lands  raserved  by  the 
treaty  of  1796,  Williams  would  of  course  lose  all  fiivor  with  the  tribe  to 
which  he  had  originally  belonged.  • 

The  exclusion  of  the  Caughnawagas  from  a  participation  in  the  annu- 
ity secured  by  the  treaty  of  1796,  is  only  one  of  the  disturbing  cjuestions 
with  which  the  St.  Regis  Indians  are  agitated.  There  are  two  parties 
in  the  tribe,  one  denominated  the  American  party,  and  the  other  the 
British  party;  and  as  they  elect  trustees  imder  the  authority  of  the  laws 
of  this  state,  the  British  Indians,  it  is  alleged,  join  in  and  iu  some  cases 
control  these  elections. 

The  strife  in  relation  to  the  choice  of  trustees  may  have  been  increased 
and  aggravated,  from  the  circumstance  that  these  trustees  have  been  m 
the  habit  of  issuing  due  bills,  which  are  circulated  and  form  a  kind  of 
paper  currency.  These  due  bills  are  made  payable  on  the  first  Tuesday 
in  August  succeeding  the  date  thereof,  and  are  based  of  course  on  the 
money  in  the  treasury  and  which  is  payable  to  the  Indians  on  that  day," 

The  comptroller  advised  against  changing  the  time  or  mode  of  paying 
the  annuities. 

In  1834,  there  had  been  paid  to  one  hundred  and  three  families,  com- 
prising three  hundred  and  thirty-six  individuals,  $2,131*66  to  the  St. 
Regis,  and  $266'67  to  the  Caughnawaga  tribe. 

It  is  stated  that  when  the  government,  afler  the  war,  decided  to  restore 
one  half  of  the  annuity  of  1796,  to  the  latter,  that  Mr.  Denniston,  the 
agent,  told  their  deputies,  that  Williams  having  been  a  party  to  the  treaty, 
ought  to  have  a  share  of  the  money,  and  accordingly  $50  had  been  paid 
to  him  annually. 


AND  FRANKLIN    COlTNTIES. 


171 


Tliose  who  wish  to  pursue  tliis  examination,  will  find  by  referring  to 
tlie  nssenibly  docunieuts  of  1835,  n  furtiier  st(itt'r;i«int,  with  u  co|)y  of  tho 
puper  purporting  to  confer  upon  the  tit.  Kogis  Indians,  authority  to  ru- 
coive  tiie  aiuuiitiea  of  17UG,  wliicii  the  coin|)troller  decided  to  he  spurious; 
and  also  a  corrcs|)ou(ience  of  Jatnes  Jt.  Spencer,  at  tliat  time  the  agent, 
and  documents  sliowing  tiiat  tiie  St.  Kegis  were  deprived  of  certain 
rights  previotmly  enjoyed,  in  consequence  of  the  course  ado|)ted  in  the 
war.    Our  space  does  not  admit  of  furtiier  reference  to  this  question. 

The  Caughnawagas  being  decided  to  be  entitled  to  a  portion  of  the 
annuity  above  mentioned,  continued  to  receive  it  until  1B41,  (May  25,) 
when  the  commissioners  of  the  land  office  were  authorized, 

"To  direct  the  payment,  in  their  discretion,  to  the  Caughnawaga  and 
St.  Regis  tribes,  representing  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  or  any  part 
or  portion  of  them,  of  the  principal  of  the  atmuities,  or  such  portion 
thereof  as  they,  the  said  commissioners,  may  from  tune  to  time  deem 
proper,  remaining  tuuler  the  control  of  this  state,  for  the  benefit  of  said 
Indians,  or  any  portion  of  them.  They  were  authorized  also,  to  treat 
with  any  remaining  tribes  of  Indians  in  the  state  for  their  lands,  or  the 
payment  of  moneys  belonging  to  them,  or  in  relation  to  roads  running 
through  their  lands. 

The  acts  of  these  commissioners  were  to  be  submitted  to  the  governor 
for  his  approval,  before  they  could  have  effect.  Actions  for  trespass 
were  to  be  prosecuted  by  the  district  attorney  of  the  counties  where  they 
were  committed,  and  the  excess 'recovered,  af\er  paying  the  expense  of 
prosecution,  was  to  be  distributed  among  the  Indians.  Three  of  the 
chiefs  of  the  tribe  might  in  like  manner  bring  a  suit  for  its  benefit,  with 
the  written  approbation  of  the  sui)ervisor  of  the  town  where  the  land 
was  situated,  or  of  any  judge  of  the  county  courts,  and  security  for  costs 
in  the  latter  case  being  given,  approved  by  the  supervisor  or  judge,  at 
any  time  before  or  on  the  return  of  the  first  process  in  the  suit." 

The  Caughnawagas  have  accordingly  been  paid  the  principal  of  their 
share  of  the  annuity. 

By  an  act  passed  April  27,  1841,  the  trustees  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe 
duly  elected,  at  a  regular  meeting,  were  authorized  with  the  advice  and 
consent  of  the  agent  for  the  payment  of  their  annuities,  to  execute  leases 
to  white  persons  for  any  part  of  their  unoccupied  lands,  for  any  term  not 
exceeding  twenty-one  years,  for  such  rents  as  may  be  agreed  upon.  The 
income  of  these  leases  was  to  be  divided  for  the  general  benefit  of  the 
tribe.  The  district  attorney  of  Franklin  county,  was  to  prepare  the  form 
of  the  lease,  and  none  were  to  take  effect  unless  with  the  written  consent 
of  the  district  attorney,  or  Indian  agent,  endorsed  thereon.  The  fee  foi 
preparing  the  lease,  attending  to  its  execution,  and  endorsing  it,  was 
fixed  at  three  dollars. 

In  pursuance  with  powers  thus  granted,  considerable  portions  of  the 
reservation  have  been  leased,  mostly  to  Canadian  Frenchmen. 


172 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Tlic  qiicBtioii  ot'lho  iiiopiiety  of  tliis  rrienHiirn,  lius  ovor  Imcn  n  Biilijcrt 
of  eontonlioii  uiid  party  strifo  aiiioii^  tliciii.  nt  tlicir  Mnniial  olrctioii  ol 
tni8l(;uM.  For  several  yearn,  tlie  party  opposed  to  leacitij;  land,  liaa  hceii 
in  tliu  utfcciiduiicy,  uiid  tlio  iiiennure  iiaH  hceii  discontinued. 

Tlio  gruHrt  nieudowH  on  (irass  river,  in  the  town  of  Massonn,  werw 
pnrcliuNed  from  the  Ht.  Reikis  IndiaiiH,  by  the  conitniMsioner!)  of  tiie  land 
office,  ill  |)urHnanee  of  powers  veuted  in  them  by  the  legiHlature,  on  the 
2l8t  of  February,  1845. 

The  amount  purchased  was,  nccordinj,'  to  Lay's  Map  of  1801,  two 
hundred  and  ten  acreu,  at  three  dollarH  per  acre.  It  wan  8tipulat*;d  that 
if  tlie  amount  of  land  should  be  ibuud  to  overrun,  the  excebs  uliould  be 
paid  for  at  the  Hanie  rates. 

The  Itidian  meadows  on  Gross  river  were  sm-vcyed  by  John  VV.  Tato, 
in  18;J5,  and  patented  in  small  lots  in  the  years  I84<l,  '7,'ti,  'i),  and  1851. 

By  an  act  making  provision  for  the  education  of  the  ditlcrent  Indian 
tribes  of  the  state,  j)assed  April  .'JO,  1840,  it  was  enacted:  That  the  siun 
of  two  hundred  and  lifty  dollars  slaiidd  be  appropriated  tor  the  building 
and  furnishing  of  a  school  house,  on  the  lands  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians; 
und  the  further  sum  of  two  hundred  dollars  a  year,  for  the  term  of  five 
years,  for  the  payment  of  the  wages  of  u  teacher  and  other  expenses  of 
the  said  school. 

These  moneys  wore  to  be  i)aid  frotn  time  to  *"me,  by  the  agent,  who 
was  to  give  his  usual  official  bond,  and  report  unnuully  to  the  superin- 
tendent of  common  schools,. 

This  appropriation  was  very  judiciously  expended  by  Phineas  Att- 
water,  Esq.,  the  agent,  in  the  erection  of  a  school  house,  on  the  reserva- 
tion, and  between  the  village  and  Hogansburgh. 

In  addition  to  the  amount  named  in  the  previous  act,  a  further  sum  of 
$75  was  approi)riated  May  7,  1847,  out  of  the  United  States  deposito 
fund,  to  be  expended  by  the  agent  paying  annuities,  in  completing  the 
school  house  on  the  St.  Regis  reservation,  and  in  improving  the  school 
lot. 

The  act  of  1846  was  so  amended  as  tc  give  $300  per  annum  for  the 
years  1847,  1848,  for  the  payment  of  a  teacher. 

The  novelty  of  the  measure,  with  other  causes,  made  it  at  first  very 
popular,  and  the  school  was  \  cry  fully  attended.  The  parents  evinced 
an  interest  in  the  measure  that  was  surprising,  and  often  visited  the 
school,  and  took  a  deep  interest  in  its  success;  but  it  became  necessary 
to  discharge  the  teacher,  and  those  who  have  since  been  employed  have 
failed  to  awaken  the  interest  which  was  at  first  felt. 

The  British  government  have  also  maintained  a  school  here  for  seve- 
ral years,  but  witli  no  better  success. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES- 


173 


The  nulivcH  liuvo  oftnn  uxprcHHud  tlieir  seiiHc  of  tlie  do^i-ndin^  iii- 

fliiciicos  whicli  the  i.so  of  urdont  npiiits  liavo  ••xoitcd  to  tlieir  injury. 

'VUn  following  iiiiMnorial  tVoiri  tin;  <Jiii!i(iiiM,  iriorc  tiinn  fiHy  y«:ai-tt  ago, 

iiddrcHHiMl  to  tlio  iej^iHlutiire  aH  coming  t'roiii  tliu  ditVcroiit  Indian  triiieN, 

|ii)!4aet*f4cs  a  intdnnclioly  inturnM,  and  cnKapen  oin*  flyni|(athy  an  exprcMBive 

of  a  retiniMJ  HcntinitMit  of  tin;  licHi't,  and  a  fueiintr  that  wonhl  do  honor  to 

man's  natme,  if  cxproHsed,  not  hy  the  iihtorati;  Hayago,  hnt  by  one  vvlio 

liad  enjoyed  all  the  advuntagCH  which  civilization  )iaa  conferred  upou 

him. 

"  To  the  Lrgistature  of  the  State  of  Xeio  York: 

Brothers : 

We,  the  sachems  and  chiefs  of  the  ditierent  nations,  desire  yonr  nt- 
teiition.  You  have  often  manifested u  respert  to  our  welliue,  hy  way  of 
f,'ood  comicil.  Von  have  iild  us,  that  we  sliouid  love  one  another,  unit 
to  live  in  peace.  You  also  exhorttnl  us,  to  abandon  our  savage 'life,  to 
adopt  your  mode  of  life  in  cultivating  our  land;  to  raise  grain;  to  be 
sober  and  many  other  good  things.     We  have  made  atf.i""*"(  to  follow 

still  de- 
.e  are  to 


the  good  path  you  have  pointed  out  tor  us,  but  fmd  otirselv)"' 
ficient.    And  you  seem  to  blame  us  for  our  backwardness,  and 
be  blnmed. 

Brolliera  : 

We  have  been  often  consulting  upon  our  welfare,  n.  d  to  |)romote  it — 
we  made  bi  t  slow  progress.  For  we  find  our  great  obstacle  yjiich  we 
look  upo. .  .14  our  eneiny,  by  whose  means  our  nations  are  alriiosf  reduced 
to  the  ground.  Our  young  men  seem  to  be  willing  to  bei Dtnc  slaves  to 
iiiis  tyrant,  who  goes  in  the  name  of  SPIIIITIJOUS  LIQUOH.  Tons  he 
is  a  servant  of  evil  spirit.  When  we  found  that  our  own  eiuleavorB  anil 
powers  were  too  weak  to  prevent  such  an  enraging  tyrant,  we  united  our 
voices,  two  years  ago,  t«»  you  for  your  assistance,  that  you  might  bind 
this  tyrant.  But  you  refused  to  give  your  asaistance,  which  one  brother 
had  right  to  expect  from  another. 

Brolh(rs: 

If  such  of  your  color,  as  sell  us  tliis  article,  were  or)liged  to  keep  us  in 
their  houses  while  we  are  distracted  with  it,  and  suffer  us  in  tfie  duaola- 
tion  it  makes,  we  then  lielieve  they  would  willingly  call  out  as  loud  ast 
wo  do  for  help,  and  existence.  Therefore  we  can  not  but  hope  and 
firndy  believe,  that  you  will  at  this  time,  give  all  possible  relief. 

BroHiers  ; 

Remember,  that  we  were  willing  to  assist  you  to  fight  against  your 
enemy.  We  were  willing  to  let  you  have  our  lands  when  you  needed. 
We  were  willing  to  maintain  the  chain  of  friendship  with  j'ou,  and  we 
desire  to  live  in  peace,  and  to  enjoy  all  your  |)rivileges.  But  how  can 
we  come  to  this,  so  long  as  you  as  it  were  willing  to  see  us  destroyed  by 
this  tyrant.  In  consequence  of  which,  numberless  audiences  have  taken 
place  amongst  us.  And  besides  that  you  of>en  told  us,  that  the  Great 
Spirit  will  send  all  drunkards  to  everlasting  fire  after  death. 

Brothers : 

You  are  wise  ])eople,  and  you  know  the  mind  of  the  Great  Spirit. 
But  we  are  ignorant  peo|tle,  ard  you  often  call  us  savages.  We  know 
but  little,  and  can  do  but  little.  And  as  you  are  our  brothers,  we  woidd 
again  look  to  you  for  help  to  lessen  abundantly,  that  distracting  article 


174 


HISTOUY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


\h  »   1. 


¥ 


\i 


i'^ 


by  some  law  oC  yours  that  we  may  have  fair  trial  to  Walk  in  tliat  jiatli 
wliicli  you  ^o  liiffjily  recoiiimctirlud  to  us. 

And  in  i  ompiiance  with  litis  oiu*  re(|uest,  we  shuli  ever  ackuowieilgc 
your  Iriendsliip,  and  we  leuVc  it  to  yonr  wisdom  and  lujnianity."  , 

Uy  a  general  act  passed  April  10,  1813,  it  was  enacted: 

"  That  no  pawn  taken  ol'nny  Indian  within  this  state  for  any  spirituous 
liquor,  shall  be  retained  by  the  person  to  whom  such  |mwn  shall  be  de- 
livered, but  tiie  thinjr  so  pawned  may  be  sued  for,  and  n^covered,  with 
costs  of  suit,  by  the  Indian  who  may  have  deposited  the  same,  belbre 
any  court  huving  cognizance  thereoti" 

It  was  made  a  penal  offence  to  sell  liquors  to  certain  tribes  by  this  net. 
By  a  law  passed  April  11,  182(),  the  provisions  of  a  previous  general  act 
restricting  the  sale  of  ardent  spirit,  was  extended  to  tlie  Seneca  and  St. 
Regis  tribe;  and  in  this  was  ])rohihited  the  selling  to  any  Indians  of  said 
tribes,  &r  residing  or  visiting  with  them,  any  rum,  brandy,  gin,  or  other 
ordent  spirits. 

The  traffic  and  use  of  ardent  spirits  with  these  people,  was  still  further 
restricted  by  an  act  of  Ajtril  20,  1835,  which  provides: 

"That  if  any  person  shall  knowingly  sell  or  furnish  to  any  Indians, 
belonging  to  or  residing  with  the  St.  Regis  tribe,  any  rum,  brandy,  gin, 
or  other  spirituous  liquor,  within  the  counties  of  Franklin  or  St.  Law- 
rence, such  person  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  nusdemeanor,  and  on 
conviction  thereof  shall  be  lined  at  the  discretion  of  tJie  court,  not  ex- 
ceeding twenty-live  dollars  lor  one  offence,  or  may  be  imprisoned  not 
exceeding  thirty  days,  and  shall  also  forfeit  for  every  such  offence  the 
sum  of  live  dollars,  to  l)e  recovered  with  costs  in  un  action  of  debt  by 
any  person  who  will  sue  lor  the  same,  one  half  of  which  forfeiture  to  be 
paid  to  the  prosecutor  and  the  residue  to  the  commissioners  of  con  nion 
schools  in  each  town;  and  that  on  tiie  recovery  of  such  forfeiture,  the 
offender  shall  not  be  liable  lor  any  other  or  further  prosecution  lor  the 
same  offence." 

The  act  of  1826  was  by  this  repealed.  A  still  more  stringent  law  was 
passed  April  IG,  184D,  which  forbade  the  sale  or  gill  of  ardent  spirits  to 
the  Indians,  or  receiving  pawns  from  them,  under  a  penalty  of  not  less 
than  twenty-live  dolliirs  for  the  former,  and  a  Ibrfeiture  of  ten  times  the 
value  of  the  latter  for  each  off'ence. 

Notwithstanding  the  most  stringent  and  explicit  laws  prohibiting  the 
sale  or  gill  of  ardent  spirits  to  the  Indians,  it  has  been  found  hitiierto 
imj)ossible  to  restrain  many  Irom  habits  of  intem|)erence,  although  there 
is  far  less  of  this  now,  than  formerly.  The  influence  of  the  present 
priest  appears  to  \te  decidedly  in  favor  of  temperance. 

The  state,  in  its  negotiations  with  the  Indian  tribes  within  its  borders, 
has  regarded  them  as  a  foreign  power,  so  fur  as  the  cession  of  their  hinds 
is  concerned,  and  as  wards  or  minors  as  relates  to  their  internal  affairs, 
and  their  intercourse  with  individuals. 


to 


01 

ni 


lili. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


175 


A  ciniise  in  nn  act  passed  April  11, 1808,  directed  tlint  tlie  district  at- 
torney in  the  connty  of  Washington,  should  advise  and  direct  the  St. 
Rejris  Indians,  in  the  controversy  among  tliernseives  and  vvitli  any  other 
persons,  and  defend  all  actions  brought  against  any  of  them  by  any  white 
person,  and  commence  and  prosecute  all  such  actions  for  them  or  any  of 
them  as  he  might  find  proper  and  necessary. 

On  tiio  11th  )f  April,  1811,  the  substance  of  the  foregoing  act  was  re- 
passed, with  the  following  preamble  and  provision: 

"And  whereas,  by  the  rules  and  customs  of  the  said  Indians,  (many 
of  whom  are  infiuits,)  they  are  all  tenants  in  conunon  of  their  property, 
and  all  suits  brought  by  tliem,  or  in  their  behalf,  must  be  brouL'lit  in  tile 
niiiiie  of  all  of  tin;  iiidivi<luals  of  the  said  tribe.     Therefore; 

He  it  enacted,  that  it  shall  aiul  may  be  lawful  for  the  said  districrt  at- 
torney, in  all  suits  which  he  may  find  pro[)er  and  necessary  to  commence 
and  prosecute  on  behalf  of  the  said  Indians,  to  bring  it  in  the  name  of 
the  Ht.  Regis  Indians,  without  naming  any  of  the  individuals  of  tire  said 
tribe,  any  law,  custom  or  usage  to  the  contrary  notwithstanding." 

The  district  attorney  of  Washington  county,  continued  to  be  charged 
with  the  trusts  reposed  in  him  by  the  foregoing  acts,  until  April  21,  1818, 
when  a  law  was  passed  directing  the  governor  to  appoint  district  attor- 
neys in  each  of  the  counties  of  the  state,  and  making  it  tiie  especial  duty 
of  the  one  in  Franklin  county  to  perform  all  the  duties  previously  re- 
quired of  the  district  attorney  of  the  fii':h  judicial  district  relative  to  the 
at.  Regis  Indians. 

It  has  since  continued  the  duty  of  this  officer  to  act  in  their  behalf, 
hut  it  is  said  that  he  is  seldom  called  upon  to  settle  the  internal  difficul- 
ties of  the  tribe,  although  upon  several  evasions  individuals  have  be- 
come amenable  to  the  laws  ond  have  been  dealt  with  accordingly. 

In  their  internal  affiiirs,  they  have  seldom  troubled  their  neighbors, 
and  have  been  at  little  or  no  expense  to  their  town  or  county  as  paupers. 

The  St.  Regis  are  at  present  nominally  divitled  into  five  bands: 

1st.  Orawaho,  the  wolf.     At  present  the  most  numerous. 

2d.  Ratiniatkn,  the  big  turtle.      Second  in  numbers  to  the  former. 

lid.  Okwari,  the  bear.  Third  "  " 

4th.  Rotinesiio,  the  plover.  Fourth  "  " 

Sth.  Rotisknnakehte,  the  little  turtle,  the  least  numerous. 

This  division  is  a  traditionary  one,  the  purport  ai  meaning  of  which 
are  entirely  lost. 

It  anciently  related  to  war  parties,  and  rude  pictures  of  these  several 
objects  wer*^  used  as  distinctive  marks  in  designating  or  recording  events. 
A  satisfactory  account  of  these  and  other  bands,  will  be  seen  in  the  first 
volume  of  ili(>  Documentary  History  of  New  York. 

These  distinctions  deisceud  in  a  line  by  hereditary  successiou,  from 
mother  to  sou. 


m^ml. 


k 


1' 


r 


M,      >* 


iiiili 


r»/- : 


j! 

If! 

li"' 

f 


176 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


The  femaln  succession  is  common  among  nil  Indian  tribes,  and  is  ac- 
connted  forhy  them  in  n  clinracteristic  maimer,  by  saying  that  the  mother 
of  a  person  may  be  known  with  certainty,  bnt  not  the  father. 

This  classification  is  somewhat  similar  to  that  of  the  clans  of  Scot- 
land, and  probably  had  its  origin  under  similar  circumstances,  namely, 
petty  wars,  led  by  small  parties  and  extending  not  far  from  the  locality 
where  they  originated. 

The  marks  became  distinctive  symbols  by  which  they  were  known, 
and  constituted  a  kind  of  heraldic  designation,  when  painted  on  their 
garments  and  weaj)one,  or  marked  upon  the  bark  of  trees  to  indicate  the 
elass  or  band  to  which  the  wearej*  or  maker  of  the  device  belonged. 

The  St.  Regis  Indians  observe  none  of  the  festivals  or  ceremonies  of 
their  ancestors,  and  no  public  demonstrations  are  made,  except  those  im- 
posed by  the  canons  of  the  catholic  church.  The  principal  rites  of  that 
sect  are  here  observed,  and  none  with  more  pomp  and  parade  than 
corpus  christi,  which  is  depended  upon  easter,  and  falls  generally  in  the 
first  half  of  .Tunc.  Preparations  for  this  often  occupy  weeks;  the  streets 
are  lined  with  green  boughs  and  garlands  of  flowera,  a  military  company 
from  among  their  number,  joins  in  the  processions,  and  the  ceremony 
usually  attracts  hundreds  of  curious  spectators  from  the  neighboring 
towns. 

St.  Regis  day  is  not  observed,  but  by  a  regulation  of  the  bishops  of 
Quebec,  made  several  years  since,  the  anniversary  of  patron  saints  of 
chmrhcs,  is  observed  on  the  first  Sunday  of  November.  This  day  is  ob- 
served with  ceremonies  in  all  the  catholic  churches  in  Canada. 

The  only  national  pastime  which  these  Indians  appear  to  possess,  is 
that  of  hall-plaxfing,  in  which  they  engage  with  much  zeal,  and  for  which 
they  evince  a  strong  passion. 

The  instrument  which  is  used  for  this  purpose,  is  formed  of  a  rod  aboii 
four  feet  in  length,  bent  as  in  the  following  figure,  and  having  drawn 


across  its  curvature  a  net  of  deerskin  thongs.    The  manner  in  which  the 
game  is  conducted  is  as  follows:  • 

About  a  dozen  Indians  divided  between  two  parties,  and  having  no 
clothing  but  a  girdle  around  the  middle,  and  each  with  a  bat  like  that 


%'■    |,i:. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


1  77 


above  represented,  repair  to  some  spacious  plain,  in  the  midille  of  wiiicli 
is  laid  n  hall.  Tiio  game  consists  in  seizing  the  ball  on  the  net  and  tos- 
sing it  from  one  to  another  till  it  arrives  at  the  side  of  the  field.  Each 
narty  has  its  goal,  to  which  it  endeavors  to  toss  the  ball,  and  the  rivalry 
\vhi»'h  it  excites,  leads  them  to  the  most  active  efforts.  The  ball  is  seldom 
allowed  to  touch  the  ground,  and  it  rebounds  from  side  to  side,  alternately 
lavoring  one  and  the  other  party.  As  a  natural  consequence,  it  often  re- 
sults in  personal  injuries,  from  blows  aimed  at  the  ball,  but  received  by 
the  ball  players. 

A  company  of  these  has  lately  held  public  exhibitions  in  our  larga 
towns  and  villages. 

The  exact  number  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe  at  the  time  of  the  athor's  visit 
in  June  1855i,  was  1120,  of  whcm  632  souls  belonged  to  the  British,  and 
488  to  the  American  party.  Of  this  number  there  is  said  to  be  not  one 
individual  of  pure  Indian  blood,  being  all  more  or  less  mixed  with  the 
French  and  other  white  races. 

The  war  created  a  division  which  lias  since  continued,  and  the  British 
party  still  adhere  to  the  election  of  their  twelve  chiefs,  who  liold  their 
jffice  for  life. 

Their  affairs  with  government  are  transacted  thoiigh  an  agent  or  clerk 
who  resides  in  Cornwall,  on  the  opposite  shore  of  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  American  party  elect  three  trustees  annually,  for  the  transaction 
of  business,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  May,  in  pursuance  of  statute. 

The  British  party  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe,  at  present,  receive  $1,000  as 
interest  for  a  tract  of  land  sold  to  that  government.  It  will  hereafter  be 
somewhat  greater.  Besides,  they  receive  rents  for  lands  in  Dundee, 
amounting  to  $1,000  annually,  and  blankets  and  clothing  at  certain  rates, 
depending  upon  the  age  of  the  individual. 

From  five  to  nine,  a  child<%eceives  the  value  of  $l-.')0.  From  nine  to 
fourteen,  about  $2*50,  and  after  that  period,  the  worth  of  $4  or  $5; 
besides,  1  pound  of  powder,  and  4  pounds  of  shot  and  balls,  for  hunting. 
A  woman  receives  the  value  of  $4  in  blankets  and  cloth. 

Several  of  the  British  islands  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  above  and  opposite 
St.  Regis,  belong  to  these  Indians,  and  they  ctdtivate  or  rent  all  that  are 
valuable. 

No  section  of  the  coimtry  possesses  greater  fertility  or  value  for  agri- 
cultural pmposes,  than  most  of  these  islands  in  the  St.  Lawrence. 

The  American  party  receive  their  annuity,  amounting  now  to  $2,131'67 
equally  divided  between  men,  women  and  children,  to  the  amount  of  ,$4 
per  head.  Jksides  this,  they  receive  rent  for  a  tract  of  land  near  Ilogans- 
bargh,  on  the  Indian  reservation,  amounting  to  about  $700. 

The  money  now  paid  by  the  state,  is  disbursed  by  an  agent  who  isap- 


vC 


iK* 


178 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


pointed  by  the  comptroller,  and  holds  liis  office  at  the  will  of  the  appoint- 
ing power.  He  receives  at  present  a  salary  of  $70.  The  money  is  paid 
to  heads  of  families  in  specie,  in  proportion  to  the  number  of  members 
in  each.     It  is  equally  divided  among  all. 

A  methodist  mission  has  for  some  time  existed  at  St.  Regis,  and  they 
have  a  chapel  in  the  village  of  Hogansburgh,  on  the  line  of  the  reserva- 
tion, and  as  near  the  Indian  village  as  a  title  for  land  on  which  to  bnild 
a  church  could  he  procured.  In  the  year  1847-8,  the  Rev.  Ebenezer 
Arnold,  of  the  Black  River  Conference,  who  was  laboring  in  an  adjoining 
charge,  was  led  among  them,  and  after  preaching  to  thorn  u  few  times 
succeeded  in  exciting  that  interest  which  resulted  in  the  formation  of  n 
small  and  flourishing  society,  to  which  on  the  following  conference  the 
Rev.  J.  P.  Jennings,  was  appointed  missionary. 

Through  the  indefatigable  exertions  of  this  gentleman,  assisted  by 
others  who  participated  in  his  interest  for  the  mission,  and  especially  by 
Bishop  Janes,  who  has  the  charge  of  the  Indian  mission  for  the  time 
being,  the  present  elegant  chapel  was  erected  at  an  ex|)ense  of  over 
$1,500,  furnished  with  a  fine  toned  bell,  and  having  a  convenient  parson- 
age, pasture,  and  garden,  the  whole  costing  from  $2,000,  to  $2,500.  At 
the  end  of  the  second  year  of  his  labors,  Mr.  Jennings  was  succeeded 
by  tiie  Rev.  R.  E.  King,  tlie  present  incumbent. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  a  work  entitled  Episco])al  Methodism  as 
it  Was  and  Is,  by  the  Rev.  P.  D.  Gorrie,  for  most  of  the  above  data  in 
relation  to  the  methodic t  mission  at  St.  Regis. 


Indian  Names  or  Places. 

It  is  scarcely  two  centuries  since  the  ten-itory  now  the  United  States, 
was  an  unbroken  wild,  traversed  only  by  the  rude  natives,  who  pursued 
the  l>ear,  and  the  moose,  and  set  his  simple  snares  for  such  wild  game 
as  served  to  feed  or  clothe  him.  The  advent  of  the  European,  was  his 
misfortune;  and  step  by  step  he  has  retreated  before  trie  march  of  civili- 
zation, leaving  nothing,  but  here  and  there,  his  names  of  rivers  and  lakes, 
and  even  these,  in  too  many  instances,  have  been  with  a  most  singular 
injustice,  and  bad  taste,  exchanged  for  those  of  foreign  origin,  or  of  no 
signification  of  themselves. 

The  sonorous,  and  peculiarly  appropriate  names  of  the  aborigines, 
have  often  been  made  the  subject  of  commendation  by  foreigners,  and 
should  in  most  instances  take  the  preference  of  those  of  modern  origin. 

In  some  cases  this  would  be  difficult,  but  in  a  new  and  growing 
country  like  ours,  in  which  new  sources  of  industry  are  dailj'  bejng  de- 
veloped, and  new  places  springing  up,  might  we  not  with  peculiar 
propriety  adopt  the  euphonious  and  often  elegant  names  of  the  Indians 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


179 


instead  of  the  common  place  appellation  of  "- 


-'s  Mills,"  or  «- 


Corners;"  words  which  convey  no  association,  but  those  of  the  most 
rommon  and  indifferent  ciiarnrter,  and  which  usually  Jose  all  their 
npplic.'ition  after  tiie  first  pennration. 

Let  any  one  compare  tiio  splendid  names  of  Saratoga,  Niagara,  and 
Ontario,  with  Sackett's  llarlmr,  German  Flats,  or  Lake  George,  and  he 
will  see  the  contrast  between  them,  and  can  not  fail  to  ap[)rove  the 
taste  that  would  restore  the  aboriginal  names  of  places,  where  it  may  be 
found  practicable. 

In  making  his  inquiries  into  the  history  of  the  mission  at  St,  Regis,  in 
June,  1)^52,  the  author  took  special  pains  to  obtain,  not  only  the  Indian 
names  of  places  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state,  and  immediately  with- 
in the  territory  embraced  in  the  work,  but  also  of  whatever  other  locali- 
tiers  he  might  chance  to  be  able,  not  doubting  but  that  the  subject  would 
be  regarded  as  one  of  general  interest. 

At  tiie  Indian  village  of  Caughnawaga,  near  the  Saut  St.  Louis,  the 
author  mot  an  intelligent  half  breed,  Mr.  A.  Geo.  De  Lorimier,  alias 
Oronliiatekha,'who  is  well  acquainted  with  the  Mohawk  and  other 
Indian  languages,  from  whom  he  also  derived  some  assistance,  especially 
relating  to  distant  and  M'ell  known  localities.  The  names  derived  from 
this  source,  will  be  designated  by  a  f  prefixed  to  the  word. 

Acknowledgements  are  especially  due  to  the  Rev.  F.  Marcoux,  of 
St.  Regis,  for  essential  assistance  in  this  and  other  inquiries.  Those 
names  received  from  this  source  will  be  thus  marked,  J. 


RIVER   ANP    STREAMS. 

Black  River. — ( t  Ni-ka-hi-on-ha-ko-wa )  "  big  river."  Mr.  Squier,  in 
a  work  entitled  The  Aboriginal  Rlonuments  of  New  York,  has  given 
the  name  of  this  river  as  Ka-mar-go.     His  authority  is  not  cited. 

In  a  map  accompanying  L.  H.  Morgan's  work  entitled  The  League  of 
t!ie  Iroquois,  the  name  given  is  Ka-hu-a-go,  wliich  is  a  Seneca  word. 

Vliateaugay. — This  by  some  is  supposed  to  be  an  Indian  name,  but  it  is 
French,  nieaning,  gay  castle,  Tiie  St.  Regis  call  it  JO-sar-he-hon,  "  a 
place  so  close  or  diHicult  that  the  more  one  tries  to  extricate  himself 
tiie  worse  he  is  off."  This  probably  relates  to  the  narrow  gorge  in  the 
river  near  the  village. 

Cliippewa  Creek. — In  Hammond,  (JTsi-o-he-ri-sen).  This  name  also 
ni)piies  to  Indian  Hut  Isla'ul. 

'^  er  Kiver — (JOie-ka-ront-ne)  "trout  river."  The  name  also  applies 
to  the  village  of  Helena,  at  its  mouth. 

French  Creek. — (|A-ten-ha-ra-kweh-ta-re)  "the  place  where  the  fence 
or  wall  fel;  down."  The  same  name  applies  to  the  adjoining  island. 

Gananoqiii.— Not  Iroquois,  sujiposed  to  be  Huron,  and  said  to  mean 
"wild  potatoes,"  .ipios  tuherosa,  (flvah-non-no-kwen)  "a  meadow  rising 
out  of  the  water." 

Grass  River. — (tNi-kent-si-a-ke,)  "  full  of  large  fishes  "  or,  "  where  the 
fishes  live."  In  former  times  this  name  was  peculiarly  applicable.  Before 

13 


mm 


'W 


uw: 

MX. 


'fM 


L'i'jj 


III 


180 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


dnms  and  saw  mills  were  erected,  enlmon  nnd  other  fisli  not  now  cnueht 
were  tnkeii  in  tlio  greatest  abnndunce,  nn  fiir  up  as  Russell.  Its  Ii^nglitjh 
iinine  was  siiguested  by  tlie  grass  meadows  n(!ar  its  montli.  On  an  old 
map  in  the  clerk's  oiTico  it  is  nmrked,  Ey-en-saw-ye.  Tlie  letter  y,  does 
not  occur  in  the  Ironuois  language. 

Indian  Rivej; — On  Morgan's  map,  (O-je-quack).  The  St.  Regis  name 
it  by  the  satne  appellation,  as  Black  Lake,  wiiich  sec. 

OswcgelcJtic,  and  the  village  otOgdenshurgh.  (J:  Swe-kat-si),  sui)posed 
to  be  a  corrupted  Huron  word  meaning  "  black  water."  Tliis  river 
in  early  times  was  sometimes  called  Black  rhtr. 

Ohio. — (O-hi-on-hi-o,)  '■  handsome  river."  The  French  designation 
of  Ln  Helle  Riviere,  was  a  translation  ot"  the  original  name. 

Raqitette  River. — A  Fi'encli  word  meaning  a  "  snow  shoo."  It  is  said 
to  hav'j  'jeen  first  so  called,  by  a  Frenchman  named  Parisein,  long  be- 
fore settlements  were  begun  in  this  quarter,  and  that  the  name  was  sug- 
gested by  tlie  shape  of  a  marsh,  near  its  niouth.  The  Iroquois  name 
f  i\i-ha-na-wa-tt,  or  "rapid  river,"  is  peculiarly  applicable.  It  is  said 
that  Colonel  Louit!,  tiie  Indiun  cliiet",  told  Benjannn  Raymond,  wiien 
surveying,  that  its  Indian  name  meant  "  noisy  river,"  for  wiiich  reason  it 
has  been  usually  written  Rackcf. 

As  rapids  are  always  noisy,  this  name  would  have  an  application,  Imt 
we  shall  retain  in  the  ma))  the  original  orthography.  The  St.  Francois 
name,  us  ol)tained  by  Protl  Emmons,  was  ]\las-le-a-gni.  On  Morgan's 
map,  above  quoted,  it  is  called  Ta-na-w;i-deh,  supposed  to  be  a  Seneca 
word. 

St,  Latcrencc  River. — (t  Cat-a-ro-qni,)  said  to  be  French  or  Huron. 
Signification  luiknown.     On  Morgan's  map,  Ga-na-wa-gc. 

St.  Regis  River  and  Village. — (jAk-wis-sas-ne,)  "  where  the  partridge 
drums." 

Salmon  river. — (tKent-si-a-ko-wa-ne,)  "big  fish  river." 

Schoharie. — (llo-iisko-ha-rc,)  "a  natural  bridge,"  as  that  formed  by 
tindter  floating  down  stream,  and  lodging  firndy,  so  as  to  Ibrm  a  bridge. 

^Tioinata. — A  small  river,  tributary  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  above 
Brockville.    Signifies,  "  beyond  the  point." 

LAKES. 

Black  Lake. — (tO-tsi-kwa-ke,)  "  where  the  ash  tree  grows  with  largo 
knobs  for  making  clubs." 

Champlain. — (JRo-tsi-ich-ni,)  "  the  coward  spirit."  The  Iroquois  are 
naid  to  have  originally  possessed  an  obscure  mythological  notion,  of  three 
supreme  beings,  or  s|)iiits,  the  "  good  spirit,"  the  "  bad  spirit,"  and  the 
"  coward  spirit,"  Tlie  latter  inhabited  an  island  in  lake  Champlain, 
where  it  died,  and  from  this  it  derived  the  name  above  given. 

How  far  this  fable  jirevailed,  or  what  was  its  origin,  could  not  be 
ascertained  from  the  person  of  whom  it  was  received. 

Grass  Lake. — Rossie,  {^O  sa-ken-ta-ke,)  "  grass  lake." 

Ontario. — (fO-non-ta-ri-io,)  "  handsome  lake." 

Tupper^s  Lake. — (iTsit-kan  i-a-ta-res-ko-wa,)  "  the  biggest  lake."  A 
small  lake  below  Tupper's  lake  is  called  |Tsi-kan-i-oii-wa-res-ko-wu, 
"long  pond."  The  name  of  Tupper's  lake,  in  the  dialect  of  the  St. 
Francois  Indians,  as  obtained  by  Professor  Emmons,  while  making  the 
geological  survey  of  the  second  district,  is  Pas-kum-ga-meh,  "a  lake 
going  out  from  tlie  river,"  alluding  to  the  peculiar  feature,  which  it  jire- 
eents,  of  the  lake,  lying  not  in  the  course  of,  but  by  the  side  of,  Raquette 
river,  with  which  it  comniunicafoB, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


181 


Yellow  Lake. — In  Rossie,  (Kat-sen-e-kwa-r,)  "a  lake  covered  with 

yellow  lilies." 

ISLANDS. 

BarnharVs  Taland. — (INi-ion-en-lii-a-se-ko-wa-ne,)  ''  big  stone." 

Baxler'3  Island. — Ujiper  Long  Saut  Isle,  (tTsi-io-wen-o-kwa-ka-ra-te,) 
"  hijili  islatifl.' 

Cornwnll  Island. — (tKn-wen-o-ko-wa-nen-ne.)  "  big  island." 

Isle  uu  Gallop,  ami  the  rapid  beside  it,  (JTsi-ia-ko-teii-iiit-ser-ron-ti-e- 
thn.)  '■  where  the  cnnoe  must  be  pushed  up  stream  with  jjoles." 

Isle  nil  Rapid  Plat. — Opposite  Wuddington,  (|Tie-hoti-wi-ue-tlia,) 
"  where  a  canoe  is  towed  with  a  rope." 

Lower  Long  Saut  Isle. — (JKa-rou-kwi.) 

Sheik's  Island. — (tO-wns-ne,)  "  feather  island." 

St.  Regis  island. — Sufne  name  with  river  and  village. 

NAMES   or    PLACES. 

Brasher  Falls. — (tTi-o-hi-on-lio-ken,)  "  where  the  liver  divides." 

Brasher  Iron  Works. — (flVit-ka-res-ton-ni,)  "  where  they  make  iron." 

Canada. — (+Ka-na-ta,)  "  village." 

Cayuga. — (fKoi-ok-wen,)  "  from  the  water  to  the  shore,"  as  the  land- 
ing of  prisoners. 

\Cataroqui, — Ancient  name  of  Kingston,  "a  bank  of  clay  rising  out  of 
the  waters." 

Hochelaga. — Former  name  of  Montreal,  or  its  vicinity,  (fO-ser-a-ke,) 
"  Beaver  datn." 

Helena. — The  same  name  as  Deer  river. 

Hoganshurgh. — (|Te-kns-wen-ka-ro-rens,)  "  where  they  saw  boards." 

Kmtuchj. — (fKen-ta-ke,)  "among  the  meadows." 

Mtlone. — (t'lVkau-o-ta-ron-we,)  '•  a  village  crossing  a  river." 

Massena  Village. — Same  name  as  Grass  river. 

Massena  Springs. — (tKan-a-swa-stak-e-ras,)  "  where  the  mud  smells 
bad." 

Moira. — (|Sa-ko-ron-ta-keh-tas,)  "  where  small  trees  are  carried  on  th* 
shouidtu-." 

Montreal. — (|Ti.o-ti-a-ke,)  "  deep  water  by  the  side  of  shallow." 

,\ew  York. — (JKa  no-no,^  signification  not  known. 

\orfolk  Village.. — (|Kan-a-tas-e-ke,)  "  new  village." 

Lower  Falls  in  Norfolk  on  Raquette  river,  (Tsit-ri-os-ten-ron-we,) 
"iinturnl  dain." 

The  Oxbow,  produced  by  the  bend  of  the  Oswegatchie  river,  (JO-non- 
to-iien,)  "a  hill  with  the  same  river  on  each  side." 

Potsdam. — (JTe-wa-ten-e-ta-ren-ii  ^,)  "  a  place  where  the  gravel  settles 
under  the  feet  in  dragging  up  a  canot." 

Quebec. — (JTe-kia-tan  ta-ri-kon,)  "twin  or  double  mountains." 

Raymondville. — (|Tsi-ia-ko-on-tie-ta,)  "  where  they  leave  the  canoe." 

Saratoga. — (+Sa-ra-ta-ke.)  "  a  place  where  the  track  of  the  heel  may 
be  seen,"  in  allusion  to  a  locality  said  to  be  in  the  neighborhood,  wliero 
depressions  like  footsteps  may  be  seen  on  the  rock." 

Schenectady. — (JSka-na-ta-ti,)  "  on  the  other  side  of  the  pines." 

Ticonderoga. — (fTia-on-ta-ro-ken,)  "  a  fork  or  point  between  two  lakes." 

Toronto. — (fTho-ron-to-hen,)  "  timber  on  the  water." 

Wculdinglon. — (];lva-na-ta-ra-ken,)  "  wet  village." 

We  will  conclude  our  account  of  St.  Regis,  by  a  biographical  notice  of 
some  of  the  more  prominent  of  those  who  have  flourished  there. 


182 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


1^ 

Mi 

III 

if 

1  n 

if- 

' 

TinKus,  nn  Oswegntcliie  Indian,  known  ns  Peter  tlie  orntor,  wns  n 
niun  of  great  natural  talent  ns  a  spenkor.  Ho  was  tirowned  iihout  war 
time  in  crossing  the  St.  Lawrence,  lie  was  an  American  Intiian,  and 
his  dcHccndants  still  live  at  8t.  Regis.  On  nnnierous  occasions  in  conii- 
cil,  he  produced  a  great  effect  from  his  eloquence. 

A  half  breed  Indian,  who  usually  was  known  as  Pkter  the  Bio  Speak, 
was  a  son  of  Lesor  Tarbell,  one  of  the  lads  who  had  Iteen  stolen  away 
from  Groton  by  the  Indians,  and  who  siibsecpiently  became  one  of  the 
first  settlers  who  preceded  the  founding  of  St.  Regis. 

lie  was  a  man  of  nnich  address  and  ability  as  a  speaker,  and  was 
selected  as  the  mouth  piece  of  the  tribe  on  the  more  important  occasions 
that  presented  themselves  in  their  coiuicils. 

At-i-aton-ha-uon-kwen,*  better  known  as  Louis  Cook  or  Col,  Lotos, 
was  luiquestionably  tlie  greatest  man  that  lias  ever  flourished  at  St.  Regis, 
among  the  native  population.  His  influence  with  his  tribe  was  very 
great,  and  they  always  relied  upon  his  council,  and  entrusted  liim  witii 
the  performance  of  their  more  important  business,  not  only  with  the 
other  tribes,  but  also  with  the  two  governments. 

In  all  the  treaties  we  liave  seen,  and  in  all  the  reports  of  councils  that 
are  preserved,  we  uniformly  find  him  mentioned,  as  one  of  the  deputies 
of  the  tribe.  He  had  the  misfortune  oi"  being  illiterate.  Had  he  pos- 
sessed the  advantages  of  education,  combined  with  his  great  native 
snength  of  mind,  and  soundest  judgment,  he  would  have  shone  witii 
distinguished  reputation  in  his  day. 

The  following  narrative  of  his  life  we  have  derived  from  his  daughter, 
Mary  Ka-wen-ni-ta-ke,  at  St.  Regis,  through  the  kindness  of  the  Rev. 
F.  3Iarcoux,  as  interpreter,  and  from  a  biographical  notice  written  by  the 
Rev.  Eleazer  Williams,  which  was  obligingly  loaned  lor  the  purjiose. 
The  author  has  ulso  availed  biniself  of  whatever  else  came  in  his  way, 
among  the  public  archives  at  Albany. 

Louis  Cook  Mvaa  born  about  1740,  at  Saratoga;  his  father  being  a 
colored  man,  in  the  service  of  one  of  the  government  officials  at  Mont- 
real, and  his  mother,  a  St.  Francois.  In  his  features  he  strongly  indi- 
cated his  African  parentage. 

In  an  attack  made  upon  Saratoga,  tpwards  the  clpse  of  1755,  the  pa- 
rents of  young  Louis,  were  among  the  captives. 

It  is  said  tliat  a  Frencji  ofiicer  seized  the  boy,  and  would  claim  him  ns 
his  property,  but  his  mother  incessantly  cried  out  "uh-ni-ho-wa!,"  that 
is,  "  he  is  my  child."  No,  no,  said  the  officer,  he  is  a  negro,  and  he  is  mine 
The  afllicted  mother  made  an  appeal  to  the  Iroquoischief  warriors,  for  the 

•  This  word  signifies  "  one  who  pulls  down  the  people." 


JWND   FKANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


183 


lestnration  of  her  cliilil,  wlio  iiritned'mtely  (leinaiidcd  oftlie  officer,  to  have 
liliii  lUilivered  ii|)  to  them  ns  one  of  tlieir  own  ]>Gople,  and  h«  rehictuntly 
pive  up  his  prize,  Tlie  mother  out  of  {gratitude  to  lier  Jiidiun  friends, 
would  necoiiipjuiy  tlietn  homo  on  tlicir  rotm'n,  mid  she  repaired  to 
Cauf,'hnawaj;a  witli  them,  where  she  spent  the  remainder  of  her  life, 
and  where  she  died.  The  .Tesiiit  father  of  the  mission  persuaded  young 
Lu\iis  to  live  with  him  as  an  atterulant,  and  here  he  acquired  tlie  French 
hmi.'ua;ie,  wliicli  lie  spoke  with  ease. 

His  youth  was  not  distiiiiruished  by  any  peculiarities  differing  from 
those  of  his  ajs^e  and  condition,  further,  tliun  that  he  indicated  nn  enijuir- 
irig  mind,  and  took  an  interest  in  what  was  going  on  in  the  councils  of 
the  tribe,  which  was  unusual  for  those  of  his  age. 

From  these  councils,  he  often  said  in  his  old  age,  he  learned  his  first 
lessons  of  wisdom.  His  religious  principles  very  naturally  inclitied  with 
his  early  associations,  and  he  became  and  continued  through  life  a  cath- 
olic, but  there  was  nothing  of  intolerance  or  illiberality  in  his  deportment 
towards  others. 

In  the  war  between  the  French  and  Finglisli,  which  began  in  1755, 
and  ended  by  the  complete  success  of  the  latter  in  17(»0,  Louis  took  up 
arms  for  the  French,  in  common  with  his  tribe,  and  was  sent  to  watch 
the  movements  of  the  English  on  Lake  George.  Early  in  the  spring  of 
17.jU,  being  in  the  vicinity  of  Ticonderoga,  he  was  one  of  a  scouting 
imrty  sent  out  against  the  English,  and  encountered  a  party  of  the  latter, 
under  Major  Rogers,  and  a  skirmish  ensued,  in  which  he  was  wounded. 
Tlie  wound  which  he  received,  was  long  a  source  of  annoyance,  nut  his 
conduct  had  gained  him  a  cha'-acter  for  courage  as  a  warrior,  which  he 
ever  afterwards  maintained.  He  was  with  the  French  troops  at  the  de- 
feat of  Braddock,  on  the  Ohio,  and  was  also  present  at  the  taking  of 
Oswego.  At  a  later  period,  he  was  with  the  Ibrces  against  Abercrombie 
at  Ticonderoga,  where  he  first  received  the  command  of  a  small  party 
of  Iroquois,  for  wiiich  service  he  was  chosen,  on  account  of  his  general 
reputation  for  consistency,  and  courage,  and  his  command  of  the  French 
us  well  as  Indian  languages. 

In  the  attempt  to  retake  Quebec  which  the  French  made,  he  was  pre- 
sent, but  after  the  conquest  of  Canada,  his  war  spirit  entirely  ceased,  and 
he  returned  to  |)rivate  life,  and  the  gaining  of  a  livelihood  by  the  chase, 
respected  by  the  In<lians  and  the  whites  so  far  us  he  was  known.  His 
predilection,  like  those  of  the  greater  part  of  his  race,  were  still  with 
their  former  allies,  the  French,  and  although  the  opportunity  for  its  ex- 
hibition did  not  recur,  it  prevented  him  from  engaging  zealously  in  the 
afl'airs  of  the  English. 

The  troubles  which  preceded,  and  led  to  the  American  revolution,  at- 


II 


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in 


:^ 


.Vi 


4: 


f. 


n 

ffil 

ii!:i 


184 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


traded  his  curiosity,  as  he  lieard  the  matters  ilisciissed  among  the  whitcM, 
and  he  is  said  tu  have  made  once  or  twice  n  journey  to  Albuiiy,  to  (ret 
information  on  tiie  subject.  From  General  Schuyler,  and  others,  he  de> 
rived  an  account  of  the  difficulty,  and  news  that  he  carried  with  him  to 
Caughnawaga,  is  believed  to  have  interested  the  chiefs  of  tiiat  tribe  in 
behalf  of  the  American  cause. 
>/  When  the  storm  which  had  so  long  darkened  the  political  horizon  nt 
'engtii  broke,  and  the  crisis  had  arrived  when  every  one  must  choose  a 
part,  this  independent  minded  Indian  ado|)ted  a  course,  which,  undur 
the  circumstances,  must  be  consitlered  remarkable,  and  resolved  to  iden- 
tify his  interests  with  those  of  the  revolted  colonies. 

It  is  difficult  to  assign  a  ]irobable  reason  tor  this  course,  us  his  resi- 
dence was  remote  from  the  theatre  of  civil  commotion,  and  his  people 
could  scarcely  complain  of  the  grievances  which  arose  from  the  stamp 
net,  or  the  traitunels  upon  conmierce  and  industry,  of  which  the  colonies 
loudly  and  justly  complained. 

It  may  perhaps  be  ascribed  to  a  dislike  for  his  old  enemy  the  English, 
and  a  willingness  to  side  with  any  party  that  would  attempt  their  defeat. 
Whatever  may  have  been  the  motive,  the  result  was  certain,  that  he 
enlisted  with  ardor  in  the  cause  cf  the  revolution;  served  tl'ie  interests 
of  the  colonies  with  zeal  and  ability  in  his  sphere,  and  rendered  essential 
service  to  his  adopted  cause,  by  the  weight  und  influence  which  his  abili- 
ties secureil  him  among  his  race.  He  telt  and  ''.eclared  that  the  cause 
was  just,  and  would  succeed;  he  had  witnessed  the  militory  character  of 
the  provincials  in  the  lute  war,  and  knew  them  to  be  brave,  and  he  felt 
that  the  objects  for  which  they  contended  were  worthy  of  the  trials  and 
the  sufferings  which  it  would  cost  to  achieve  them. 

After  General  Washington  had  assumed  the  command  of  the  Ameri- 
can army  before  Boston,  Louis  Cook  resolved  to  pay  him  a  visit. 

In  a  letter  to  the  president  of  congress,  dated  at  the  camp  iu  Cam- 
bridge, August  4,  1775,  General  Washington  says: 

"  On  the  first  instant,  a  chief  of  the  Caughnnwaga  tribe,  who  lives 
about  six  miles  from  Montreal,  came  in  here,  accompanied  by  o  Colonel 
Bayley,  of  Coos.  His  accounts  of  the  temper  and  disposition  of  the 
Indians,  are  very  favorable.  He  says,  they  have  been  strongly  solicited, 
by  Governor  Carlton,  to  engage  against  us,  but  his  nation  is  totally 
averse:  that  threats  as  well  as  entreaties  have  been  used,  without  effect; 
that  the  Canadians  are  well  disposed  to  the  English  colonies,  and  if  any 
expedition  is  nteditated  against  Canada,  the  Indians  ui  that  quarter  will 
give  all  their  assistance.  I  have  endeavored  to  cherish  that  favorable 
disposition,  and  have  recommended  him  to  cultivate  them  in  return. 
What  I  have  suid,  I  have  enforced  with  a  present,  which  I  understo(  1 
would  be  agreeable  to  him;  and  he  is  represented  as  being  a  man  of 
weight  and  consequeuce  in  his  own  tribe.    1  datter  mybelf,  hia  visit  will 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


185 


hnvo  n  good  effect.    His  nccoiint  of  Gonernl  Carlton's  force  nnd  sitimtion 
of  St.  Joliiis,  correspond  ">villi  whnt  wo  Iimvc  IiikI   from  tlint  (jimrtcr. 

( H'ushinglon's  Life  and  ff'rilin^s,  by  Sparks,  vol  Hi,  p.  53J       >t. 

The  nature  of  thu  present  which  our  Indian  chief  received  at  thia 
time,  is  not  known. 

In  nfter  lilc,  he  was  wont  to  exiiiint  to  his  friends  a  silver  pipe,  liaving 
neatly  carved  upon  tiie  howl,  tlie  initials,  G.  W.,  as  the  dearly  prized 
gift  of  n  man  ho  adored  almost  as  his  maker;  and  it  admits  of  tiie  conjec- 
ture, tliat  tills  mny  have  heen  the  token  which  he  received  at  the  hands 
of  Washington,  on  this  occasion. 

Tiiis  visit  of  Louis  afforded  tlie  general  court  of  Massacliusetts,  then 
in  session,  un  opportunity  to  learn  something  in  relation  to  the  existing 
condition  of  the  Indians  of  Canada,  and  of  the  internal  affairs  of  that 
province.  Tiiere  must  have  heen  an  air  of  sincerity  and  intelligence  in 
tiie  Indian  chief,  to  have  secured  tiiis  notice. 

The  minutes  of  the  Massachusetts  house  of  representatives  for  the 
2d  of  August,  1775,  contain  the  following  memoranda: 

"  Ordered,  That  Mr.  Winihrop,  Mr.  Foster  and  Mr.  White,  with  such  as 
the  honoriihle  House  shall  join,  ho  a  connnittee  to  confer  with  Louis,  n. 
chief  of  the  Vaus:hnnicttgn  trihe  of  Indians,  (who  is  now  in  town,  beitig 
conducted  iierc  by  Colonel  Bajileij  of  Cohoss,)  in  order  to  gain  from  him 
all  the  intelligence  they  can,  respecting  the  temjier  and  designs  of  the 
Canadians  and  Indians  towards  these  colonies,  or  any  other  matter  it 
may  he  of  imj)ortance  to  us  to  know ." 

Read  nnd  concurred  in,  and  3Ir.  Howard,  3Ir.  Balchelder,  Dr.  Church 
and  Colonel  Orne,  are  joined  to  the  committee  of  the  honorable  board. 

On  the  following  day,  "  i\Ir.  Chauncetj  brought  down  the  report  of  the 
cointnittce  of  both  Houses,  who  were  appointed  to  confer  with  Louis,  a 
cliiel'  of  the  Caughnawaga  tribe  of  Indians,  viz : 

"  In  Council,  ^lugust  3,  1775. 

"The  committee  appointed  to  confer  with  Loui'.?,  a  chief  of  the  Caugh- 
nawaga tribe  of  Indians,  (who  is  now  in  town,  being  conducted  here  by 
Colonel  Bciyle}/  of  Cohoss,)  concerning  the  temper  and  designs  of  the 
Canadians  utu\  Indians  towards  these  colonies,  have  attended  to  that  ser- 
vice, and  beg  luave  to  lay  before  tliis  honorable  Court,  the  several  ques- 
tions proposed  by  the  committee  to  the  said  Louis,  and  the  answers  luade 
by  hini;  which  were  as  follows,  viz: 

(Question.  How  many  are  there  in  the  Caughnawaga  trihe? 

Answer.  Five  hundred  men  able  to  bear  arms. 

Q.  How  many  in  St.  Frangois? 

*^.  I  do  not  know.     They  are  a  different  nation. 

Q.  How  many  in  ^Ironok  ? 

Jl.  I  do  not  know. 

Q.  Is  there  any  other  nation  of  Indians  near  your  tribe  ? 

^i.  Yes,  Cannastaug.    The  number  of  them  I  can  not  tell. 

Q.  Has  the  Governor  of  Canada  prevailed  on  the  St.  Franpoia  Indiana 
to  take  up  arms  against  these  colonies? 

Jl.  The  Governor  sent  out  Messrsv  St  Lue  and  Bcehpasaion,  to  invite 


m 


\*  ,'l 


186 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


I  •    ^ 

1  f  ■  i.'.' 
■■'■It  , 

ill 


,  »4 


h 


Si: 


IH!^ 


'  'ill' 


tlin  Hcvcrul  triliofl  of  Indians  to  tnk«  )i|»  nrrns  nirniiiHt  you.  At  iiift  doHiie 
tlitiy  liclil  a  (Jriiiid  Coiim-il,  niul  llnj  I'Wncli  ofjicera  >,'avi!  oiicli  iiiiim  IiiiII'  a 
jioiiikI  of  pnwdttr  uiid  a  drink  of  Ixaiidy,  and  an  o.\  anion^'  tlicMi,  lur  u 
Ibai^t.  'I'lioy  anHwcrtid,  noliody  liad  taken  iirniH  M^'Min!<t  tlicni,  and  tlicy 
woidd  nut  tako  arms  aji^ainst  any  liody  to  tronltltt  tiiitni;  and  tiicy  cIiohu 
to  rest  in  ncacf.  I'pon  tiiis  answer,  ilii'ollictr.s  told  tlicni, '  it  yon  do  not 
take  u|)  arms  the  Yunktca  will  eomc  and  dct*troy  yon  ail.'  'I'lic  Indiinm 
nnswert.'d  apiin,  vvlnii  these  men  come  liert;  to  desiroy  lis,  tlien  >vo  will 
take  np  arms  and  delond  ourselves;  hnt  we  will  no.  ^'o  to  seek  |)eoplL>  to 
(plane!  with  tlieni.  The  otlicers  then  told  them,  it'  yon  will  nr)t  take  up 
arms,  tlio  rejinlars  will  come  and  destroy  yon,  and  take  yonr  lands. 
They  answered,  they  may  come  as  soon  as  they  have  a  nnnd  to ;  and  wlio- 
ever  comics  Xu  attack  ns,  \V(!  will  take  up  innis  and  deti-nd  ourselves. 

The  otlicers  tried  to  eiifrajro  their  yoimj,'  men  to  take  up  arms,  by  put- 
ting two  johanneu  apiece  into  their  hands;  hut  when  the  chiet's  knew  it 
they  took  tiie  money  from  them,  and  returned  it  to  the  ofHcers,  and  tohl 
the  young  men  if  tiiey  otiered  to  en<.'aire,  they  would  put  them  to  death. 

<^.  Did  you  lieur  of  uny  other  nations  ot  Indiana  that  conseiitud  to  tako 
arms  ? 

•  i.  Tliere  is  another  nation,  called  Oltoiv(is,ntii  greater  distance,  which 
tlie  governor  endeavored  to  engage,  telling  them  that  the  other  nations 
had  agreed  to  do  it.  Upon  which  the  Oltuinta  sent  twenty  ot"  their  tiihe 
to  the  General  Council  lielore  mentioned,  t(j  intbrm  them  of  the  go- 
vernor's message,  and  eiKpiire  whether  they  had  agreed  to  take  arms? 
They  answered  they  liad  not;  and  if  tlitjy  had  any  tiionght  of  it,  tiiey 
would  have  given  them  notice.  The  Frnnch  officers  liud  further  told 
them,  that  New  York,  and  all  the  other  governments  to  tlio  soutliward, 
were  going  to  take  arms  against  tlm  Ynnkees. 

Q.  Wliat  do  you  know  of  the  disposition  of  the  French  Canadians 
towards  us? 

4^.  Their  disposition  is  the  snnieas  tliatof  the  Indiana.  Tiie  (Governor 
tried  last  winter  to  raise  two  thousand  troops,  hut  he  could  not  engage 
uny.     They  were  disposed  to  remain  upon  their  own  land  in  peace. 

Q.  Wiiat  numher  of  re^fulars  is  there  in  Canada? 

«'i.  About  five  lumdred  in  all. 

Q.  Where  are  they  stationed? 

.*.  A  sergeant  and  live  privates  at  Quebcck,  twenty  at  Montreal,  anil 
the  rest  are  gone  to  St.  Johns. 

Q.  What  account  ("id  the  French  officers  give  of  us? 

Ji.  When  I  went  for  my  [)ass,  the  governor  told  me  that  you  were  not 
capable  of  defending  yourselves,  ami  read  me  a  letter  purporting  that 
the  king's  troops  had  killed  two  thousand  of  your  people,  without  reck- 
oning the  wounded,  and  burnt  one  of  your  towns. 

All  of  which  is  huiid>ly  submitted. 

My  order  of  the  committee." 

♦  J.  WliNTHROP. 

(Jimerican  jlrchivea,  fourth  series,  vol.  Hi,  p.  [iOl.) 
Impressed  with  the  warmest  f'oelinj  s  of  patriotism,  and  an  earnest 

desire  '.o  twrve  the  cause  of  the  colonies,  he  returned  to  his  home,  and 

impart".!  to  his  fellows  the  things  he  had  seen  and  heard. 

in  a  letter  from  Sir  (Juy  Carlton  to  General  Gage,  written  in  August, 

1775,  which  was  intercepted,  the  Canadian  governor  says: 

"  Many  of  the  Indians  have  gone  over  to  them  (the  Americans),  and 

large.nuinbers  of  the  Canadians  are  with  theiii, 


AND   FKANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


1H7 


I  IiimI  1i<i|m'9  of  lioldiiiir  out  for  tliiHycnr,  tli()iif,'li  I  nenni  ntinmlorii'  1  by 
III!  tli(;  world,  liail  llu;  .savai;i;N  i-iMimiiiiid  linn.  I  can  not  It'  inio  iIm-nu 
|M»nr  |i(!()|ilii  liir  .scciirinK  llitMnMidvcM,  an  tln-y  stui  inultitii  vh  of  tlio 
eiioniy  at  hand,  and  no  nnccor  t'roMi  any  part,  tlionjili  it  •  now  liiur 
montliH  Hince  tlieir  opurationN  a^'ain:«t  ns  liiNt  hc^Mni." 

Tliis  occnrred  in  tlio  MinninPi-  ot"177r>.  The  corn  liarvcMt  havinj,'  ht'eii 
aiM-ined,  and  Monin  HJiulit  pi-t;|)aration!:i  for  winter  iH!in^  made,  liti  induced 
11  dozen  of  tlio  (Juiif.'linavvaf,'a  warriorn  t(»  viwit  wiili  liini  tlio  Ainoncan 
caiiip,  that  tli>-y  nii^'ht  icurn,  ti'oin  actual  olmcrvation,  thu  condition  of 
the  caiitie  which  ho  was  iii;,'ing  tlinin  to  ch|iouko.  Thuy  first  procecdf d 
to  the  (piarters  of  Genenil  Schuyler,  and  repaired  thence  to  Ciinihridjje. 
lie  had  been  prohahly  advistid  to  this  course,  by  iiiii  tiicnd  (ieneral 
Schuyler,  whom  he  had  repeatedly  visited,  on  his  journeys  to  Albany,  to 
%  gain  iu'cllijfunceof  the a|iproucliin{|  struggle.     Tho  latter  had  previoiiHly 

notified  the  coinmander-in-ehief  of  the  nature  of  the  visit  which  )io 
ini;,'ht  soon  expect  to  receive,  but  tho  journey  was  delayed  a  little  longer 
than  was  expected.  We  find  the  occurrence  inentioiied  in  the  corres- 
pondence of  (jleneral  Washington,  who,  in  a  letter  to  iMajor  General 
Schuyler,  (hited  at  Cambridge,  Iti  .Fanuary,  J77G,  says: 

"  Our  Caiiglinawaga  fiiends  are  not  arrived  yet.  1  will  try  lo  mnko 
suitable  provisions  for  them  durin;.'  their  stay,  and  use  every  means  in 
my  power  to  contirm  tlii;ir  fiivorabh!  disposition  towards  iis.  'I'hey  will 
not.  I  am  fearhd,  have  such  ideas  ot'oiir  strength,  as  I  could  wish. 

This,  however,  shull  be  strongly  inculcated." 

(Sparks^s  fyushinirton,  vol.  tli,  p.  245.^ 

Very  soon  after  this  letter  was  written,  Louis  with  his  comrudcs  arrived 
in  the  American  camp,  to  tender  their  allegiance  to  the  cause  of  Liberty, 
and  testify  their  respect  to  the  character  of  the  commander-in-chief. 

Ill  a  letter  to  the  itrcsident  of  congress,  dated  Cambriilgc,  January  24j 

177ti,  General  Washington  says: 

"  On  Sunday  evening,  thirteen  of  tho  Cnughnuwuga  Indians  arrived 
here  on  a  visit.  1  shall  take  care  that  they  be  so  entertained  during  their 
stay,  that  they  may  return  im|)ressed  with  sentiments  of  friendship  for 
us,  and  also  of  our  great  strength.  One  of  them  is  Colonel  Louis,  who 
honored  me  with  a  visit  once  before." 

(Sparks^s  Washington,  vol.  in,  p.  2G0.^ 

Louis  had  un  ambition  for  military  distinction,  and  it  appears  li-oni 
what  Ibllows,  that  there  was  a  hesitancy  on  the  part  of  the  Ainericnii 
generals  in  granting  this. 

To  entrust  responsible  jjosts  in  the  lumdsof  Indians,  of  whose  charac- 
ter or  history  they  knew  little,  would  be  unwise.  To  send  them  off 
without  notice,  would  tend  to  make  them  dissatislied,  and  for  aught  that 
could  bo  known,  might  serve  to  render  them  disgusted  with  the  cause. 

The  perjilexity  which  the  commander-in-chief  experienced  from  this 
cause,  is  expressed  in  the  t'ollowing  extract  from  his  letter  to  General 
Schuyler,  dated  Cambridge,  January  27,  1776: 


m 


188 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


li  :i.. 


y  i 


1 


"  I  nm  a  little  ernhnrrassfd  to  know  in  wliut  mnnner  to  conciiict  myself 
with  respect  to  the  Caiijjrhninviifirii  Indians  now  here.  Tlicy  have,  not- 
withstandiiij^  tiic  treaty  of  ncntraiity  which  I  tind  they  entered  into  widi 
yon  the  other  da\',  afrret^ahly  to  what  ajtpears  to  he  the  sense  ot'con<5ress, 
tii;,'i)ified  to  me  a  desire  of  tnkinir  nj)  arms  in  behalf  of  tiie  united  eolo- 
ifies.  The  chief  of  them  who.  I  inulerstan ',  is  now  tlie  tnst  man  of  tlie 
nation,  intends,  its  it  is  intimated,  to  ap|)l\  iv>  me  for  a  coimnission,  with 
the  assnnmce  of  raisinjr  loin-  or  five  Imndred  men,  when  he  returns. 

My  embarrassment  does  not  proceed  so  inudi  trom  the  itniJiopriiMy  of 
encoiM'ai;infi;  tinse  people  to  depart  tVoMi  ihcir  nentndily,  or  raliier 
ucceiiiing  tlieir  own  voluntary  offer,  as  from  the  expense  wiiicli  probably 
may  Ibllow. 

I  am  sensible  that  if  they  do  not  desire  to  be  idle,  they  will  be  for  or 
pgaiiist  us.  1  am  sensible  also,  that  no  artifices  will  be  lel't  nnessayed  to 
en;;aue  them  ajrainst  us.  Their  protfin-ed  services,  thereibre,  ouf;lit  not 
to  be  rejected;  but  how  far,  with  tlie  little  kiiowledj^e  I  have  of  their  real 
intentions,  and  your  want  of  their  aid,  1  oiijrht  to  jro,  is  the  rpiestion  that 
puz/les  me.  I  will  endeavor,  however,  to  please  them,  by  yieltling,  in 
appearance,  to  their  demands;  reservin;:,  at  the  same  time,  the  power  to 
you  to  regidate  the  number  and  movements,  of  which  you  shall  be  more 
fully  informed,  when  any  thing  is  fixed." 

In  answer  to  this.  General  Schuyler  wrote: 

"It  is  extremely  difliciilt  to  determine  what  should  be  done,  in  what 
you  mention,  respecting  the  ort'er  mad"  by  the  Cauglmawaga  Indians; 
but  if  we  can  get  decently  rid  of  tlniir  offtr,  I  woidd  jirefer  it  to  employ- 
ing them.  The  expense  we  are  at  in  the  Indian  deitartiiKMit,  is  amazing: 
it  will  be  II. ore  so,  when  they  consider  th(;mselvcs  in  our  service;  nor 
Avould  their  intervention  be  of  much  consecpienee,  unless  we  could  pro- 
cure that  of  the  other  nations.  The  hauteur  of  the  Indians  is  much 
diminished  since  the  taking  of  ^lontreal:  they  evidently  see  that  they 
can  not  get  any  supplies,  but  through  us." 

(Sparks^s  ff'ashlngton,  vol.  Hi,  p.  2G2.J 

There  is  preserved  a  traditionary  account  of  the  interview  between 
the  Indian  delegates,  and  the  American  general,  at  the  audience  or 
council  which  he  gave  them  on  this  occasion.  It  was  related  by  the 
Kev.  Samuel  Kirklaiid,  the  missionary  of  the  Oneidas,  who  is  said  to 
liave  acted  as. interpreter  to  the  one  from  whom  we  receive  it. 

One  of  the  Caughaawaga  chiefs  arose  and  said : 

"lie  jierceived  there  was  a  war  cloud  rising  in  the  east,  which  may 
make  great  trouble,  and  i)ring  much  distress  mmoii  the  AuK.'rican  people 
on  accotinf  of  which  his  very  soul  troubled  him.  War  was  a  great  e\  il 
to  any  nation  or  people.  He  knew  this  by  •Pad  ex[ierience,  in  the  war 
between  the  English  and  the  French,  by  which  the  latter  were  brought 
to  ruin. 

lie  rejoiced  to  see  the  Americans  had  such  independent  spirits, 
ns  to  tiike  up  arms  and  deleiid  their  rights  and  liberties,  ami  tliat 
they  woiild  succeed  because  he  believed  that  (Jod  was  on  their  side, 
but  that  this  must  be  gained  at  the  exjieiise  of  much  blood,  and  great 
distress,  upon  the  people.  That  the  kinir  of  KiiHland  was  a  powerful 
king,  or  he  could  not  have  coiirpitred  the  Kreiich  in  Canada,  but  the 
king  of  Heaven  is  stronger  than  any  earthly  king  and  will  dett;ml  tht! 
oppressed ;  and  with  a  sti-ong  voice'  be  added,  '*  brother  Bostoniuns,  be 


"4 
1 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


189 


stronjj  nnd  cotirnftcoiis ;  your  cause  is  good,  you  will  assuredly  be  sup- 
ported by  the  Great  Spirit  above,  wliose  ouinipoteiit  ariri  will  defend 
you,  and  in  the  end  will  give  you  a  victory;  a  victory  that  will  resound 
ihrough  all  the  ear»h,  and  this  shall  be  a  i^ahbath  day  with  you,  and 
your  children,  and  it  shall  be  celebrated  with  joylid  hearts,  us  long  as 
the  true  American  Spirit  shall  beat  in  their  breasts.  Your  true  Indian 
liien(l!<  in  the  north,  will  do  what  they  can  in  your  favor.  Indians  are 
horn  liee  |)eople;  they  love  liberty,  yes,  they  would  wish  to  live  as  free 
as  the  ileer  in  the  forest,  and  the  fowls  in  the  uir.  iJrother  Bostonians, 
you  are  a  great  people,  and  able  to  meet  the  king  of  England,  in  the 
battle  field.     We  are  leeble  coni|)ared  to  what  we  were  once. 

You  will,  I  hope,  always  retnendter  the  leeble  i)eople  who  were  once 
the  lords  of  till' soil,  but  who  are  now  much  reduced  both  in  members 
biid  strength.  But  the  war  spirit  is  still  in  us,  and  we  will  do  what  we 
can  to  aid  you,  when  the  opportunity  shall  offer,  even  should  it  result  in 
the  destruction  of  our  village  by  the  British  your  enemies.  Hemeniber 
brother  Bostonians,  the  words  of  your  brothers  of  Caiighnawaga. 

Never  forget  that  a  portion  of  them  are  your  friends  at  heart,  and  pray 
to  the  Great  Spirit,  that  you  become  a  free  people,  as  the  Indians  your 
biotliers." 

Having  been  civilly  treated  at  the  camp  the  Indians  returned  to  Al- 
bany, where  they  had  an  interview  with  General  Schuyler,  John  Bleecker 
acting  as  interpreter;  and  here  they  again  tendered  their  services  to  join 
the  American  cause. 

After  a  considerable  hesitation  from  the  causes  above  indicated,  it  was 
resolved  to  grant  the  request,  and  Louis  Cook,  received  a  commission  in 
the  American  army.  From  this  time  his  residence  at  Caughiiuwagu 
became  unsafe,  and  he  returned  thither  no  more  during  the  war,  unless 
stealthily. 

A  portion  of  the  i)arty  remained  with  him,  and  others  returned  to 
Caiiglinawaga,  warm  in  their  friendo'uip  to  the  cause,  and  intending  se- 
cretly to  jironiote  it  as  they  might  find  themselves  able. 

These  movements  attracted  the  notice  of  Governor  Carlton,  of  Canada, 
who  endeavored  to  secure  their  adherence  to  the  royal  cause,  but  with- 
out etTect. 

In  the  winter  of  1777-8,  Colonel  Louis  repaired  *o  Oneida,  to  raise  a 

company  of  warriors  among  that  tribe,  and  in  this  he  succeeded.     This 

is  confirmed  liy  a  statement  made  in  a  petition  of  one  Edward  Johnson, 

to  till   legislature,  for  u  griflltof  land  for  services  rendered,  in  which  he 

says: 

"That  winter!  got  acquainted  with  Louis  Cook,  a  French  Mohawk, 
who  'ame  lO  Oneida  to  get  as  many  men  to  join  him  as  he  could  in  the 
American  cause  against  Great  Britain,  for  which  he  received  a  Lieutenant 
ColonelV  commission  fiom  the  first  Congress,  and  said  Louis  asked  me 
if  I  was  willing  to  serve  the  country  with  him." 

We  also  find  a  metnorandum  that  the  Oneidas  entered  Schenectady  in 
July,  1780,  under  Col.  Louis. 


•7^ 


X 


N 


l.di     . 


kl 


190 


HISTORY    OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


■  r 


I 

I  J 


^1 


t  «    )r 


k 

i 

This  tiil)c  as  is  well  known,  was  tiie  only  one  that  rendered  efficient 
service  to  the  American  oanse  duriny  tlie  revolutionary  war.  The 
Mohawks  were  influenced  hy  tlie  Joiinson  families  to  take  up  the  hatchet 
ngainst  the  colonies,  and  it  is  well  known  that  the  western  Indians  of  New 
York  deserved  the  chabtisement  they  received  at  the  hands  of  General 
Sullivan. 

In  the  sinnmcr  of  1780,  Connt  deRocliamhcaii,  with  a  French  fleet  and 
army,  arrived  in  the  United  States,  as  their  allies,  in  their  struggle  lor 
liberty. 

'•It  was  deemed  advisable  by  General  Schuyler,  and  others,  that  a  de- 
putation of  friendly  Indians  .should  be  encoiiarjrod  to  visit  the  French 
army  and  fleet  at  Newport.  Many  of  the  Irotpiois  liad  been  stror.jjly  at- 
tached to  the  French  in  early  times,  particularly  durini;  the  last  war,  arxl 
ihey  still  retained  a  lively  remembrance  the  amicable  intercourse  that 
had  then  existed.  When  IM.  de  Vaudreuil  surrendered  Canada  to  the 
British,  he  gave  to  the  Indians  as  tokens  of  recognizance,  a  golden  cru- 
cifix anrl  a  watch;  and  it  was  su[)poseil  that  a  renewal  of  the  imfires- 
sions  wliir.h  had  in  some  degree  been  |)reservecl  among  the  tribes  by 
tliese  emblems  of  friendshi|),  would  have  the  elTect  to  detach  them  from 
the  British,  and  strengtiien  their  union  witii  the  Americans  and  French. 
For  this  end  their  journey  to  Newport  was  planned. 

General  Schuyler  who  was  at  Albany,  selected  eighteen  Indians  for 
this  deputation.  Thirt'ien  of  these  were  Oneidas  and  Tnscaroras,  and 
the  other  five  Caglmawagas,  from  the  Saut  of  St.  Louis,  near  Montreal. 
'J'hey  were  accompanied  by  Mr.  Dcaiie,  who  was  thoroughly  acfpiainted 
with  their  language.  They  arrived  at  Newport  on  the  20th  of  August, 
1780,  and  were  received  with  u  jrreat  deal  of  ceremony  and  attention  by 
the  French  commatulers.  Entertainments  and  military  shows  were  [ire- 
})ared  for  them,  and  they  expressed  nuicli  satisfaction  at  what  they  saw 
and  heard.  Suitable  presents  were  distribut  ,  among  them;  and  to  the 
chiefs  were  given  medals,  representii;g  the  coronation  of  the  Frenc^li 
king.  Wlien  they  went  away  a  written  address  was  delivered  to  tbeni, 
or  rather  a  kind  of  proclamation,  signed  by  Count  de  Rochambeau, 
copies  of  which  were  distributed  among  the  friendly  Indians.  It  was  in 
the  following  words: 

"The  king  of  Fiance,  your  father,  has  not  forgotten  his  children.  As 
n  token  of  remembrance,  I  have  |)rest!nted  gifts  to  your  deputies  in  his 
name.  He  learned  with  concern  that  many  nations  deceived  by  tiie 
I'jUglish  who  are  his  enemies,  had  attacked  and  lifted  u|)  the  hatchiit 
against  his  good  and  (iiithiul  allies,  the  United  Stat(!.s.  He  has  desired  me 
to  tell  you,  'hat  be  is  a  firm  and  I'aithl'nl  friend  to  all  the  friends  of 
America,  and  a  dcv-ided  enemy  to  all  its  foes,".  He  hopes  that  hischildren 
whom  be  loves  sincijrely,  will  take  part  widi  their  father  in  tliis  war 
against  the  I'lnglisb." 

This  paper  was  written  both  in  the  French  and  English  languages,  and 
spiilf  d  ami  signed  in  due  form," 

(Sparks\s  Jfashuiu:lon,  I'ol.  vii,  p.  W'\) 

General  Washington  in  a  letter  to  the  Count  de  Rochambeau,  of  Sept. 
H,  1780,  says: 

"The  visit  vi.u  have  had  from  the  Indians,  gives  me  great  pleasure.  I 
felicitate  you  on  that  uhicli  you  must  have  had  in  the  comiiany  of  such 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


191 


nijirrnMo  and  respectable  piiests.  I  dnre  say  the  reception  tlioy  met 
with,  will  liave  u  good  effect.  It  lias  heeii  t'lie  policy  of  the  English 
ill  reifaid  to  tliein,  to  discredit  the  accounts  of  an  alliance  hetweeii  France 
and  America;  a  conviction  ofwliich  on  the  sniistantial  evidence  of  your 
nrniy  and  fleet,  and  not  less  of  your  presents  and  good  cheer,  will  not  fail 
to  iiiive  a  Jiappy  influence."  (lb.,  p.  ISil.j 

These  Indians  were  principally  useful  as  scouts,  to  carry  intelligence 
and  get  information — a  kind  of  service  for  which  they  are  peculiarly 
adapted  by  nature,  from  the  knowledge  which  they  have  of  the  forests, 
and  the  wary  look-out  they  maintain  against  surprise  or  detection  by  their 

enemy. 

On  several  of  these  occasions,  Col.  Louis  was  employed  successfully. 
Once  he  was  engaged  to  convey  information  to  Canada,  in  connection 
with  the  expedition  that  was  sent  thither  under  General  Montgoinery, 
and  at  anotiier  time  was  sent  to  meet  a  messenger  from  Canada,  at  a  de- 
signated place,  near  Lake  Champlain.  This  duty  he  performed  success- 
fully, but  when  he  reached  the  camp  of  the  Americans,  fie  was  almost 
starved,  having  lost  his  provision  bag,  in  crossing  a  river.  He  could  not 
hunt  on  the  way,  as  the  British  had  Indian  scouts  in  the  Avoods. 

On  several  of  his  expeditions  as  a  bearer  of  dcspatclies,  he  crossed  Lake 
Champlain  and  the  Green  3Iountains,  to  the  upjier  settlements  on  the 
Connecticut. 

In  whatever  enterprise  he  undertook,  he  uniformly  acquitted  himself 
with  credit,  and  in  every  act  of  his  life  he  confirmed  the  esteem  which 
lie  had  acquired  among  the  officers  of  the  army,  who  not  only  learned  to 
trust  his  fidelity,  but  ask  his  opinion  on  subjects  connected  with  Indian 
warfare,  and  varied  affairs  connected  with  the  Indian  tribes. 

He  continued  in  active  service  till  the  peace,  and  then  not  daring  to  re- 
turn to  liis  former  associates  at  Caughnawaga,  frotn  the  active  partizan 
course  wliich  he  had  pursued,  he  repaired  to  Oneida,  where  he  continued 
to  reside  until  about  llie  year  1789. 

Many  of  the  Caughnawagas  had  like  him,  lost  their  residence  and  their 
homes,  by  joining  the  Americans,  and  from  some  neglect  no  provision 
lad  been  made  for  them,  as  for  the  Canada  and  Novia  Scotia  lefiigees, 
vho  for  a  like  reason  had  become  exiles  ;ti)ese  jiatriotic  Indians  wandered 
here  and  there  homeless,  and  a  iiart  of  them  finally  settled  at  St.  Ilegis 
o  which  as  Catichnawagas  they  had  a  claim. 

There  can  be  litde  doubt  that  the  claims  of  these  Indians  have  been 
overlooked,  as  one  may  search  in  vain  the  public  records  for  evidences 
that  they  have  ever  been  remunerated  by  grants  of  land  or  otiierwise,  f<)r 
their  services,  with  the  exception  of  Colonel  Louis. 

Some  time  al\er  the  revolution  he  visited  31ontreal,  Caughnawaga, 
nd  St.  Francoin,  ond  from  his  known  influence  with  the  Indian  tribcM, 


i 

41 

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193 


HISTORY  OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


he  wns  treated  with  respect  by  the  nfjents  of  that  government,  who  it  ia 
said,  tendered  him  strong  inducements  to  engage  liis  friendship,  but  he 
rejected  them  all,  that  he  might  be  free  from  this  species  of  ohhgation, 
His  wife,  however,  who  accompanied  him,  accepted  a  gift  of  twenty 
dollars,  with  which  she  f)urcliased  a  store  that  Is  said  to  be  still  owned 
by  her  descendents  at  St.  Regis. 

Tlie  western  Indians  towards  the  close  of  the  lust  century,  began  to 
show  symptoms  of  hostility  to  the  United  States,  and  endeavored  to 
excite  tiie  same  feeling  among  all  the  Indians  in  the  country,  to  whom 
they  sent  messages,  inviting  them  to  meet  in  general  council,  to  concert 
meas(U'es  for  promoting  their  measures,  and  of  urging  certain  claims 
against  the  general  government.  The  Canada  Indians  were  also  invited, 
and  attended.  The  cou'se  which  they  pmsued  will  be  inferred  from 
the  following  extracts. 

"  Colonel  Louis  of  the  Cougnawagas  also  came  here  to  inform  the 
government,  that  the  Seven  Castles,  so  called,  in  Canada,  had  been  in- 
vited to  tiie  cotmcil,  to  be  iield  at  the  Miami  River,  of  Lake  Erie.  He 
also  being  convinced  of  tiie  justice  of  the  United  States,  promised  to  me 
his  influence  towards  a  j)eace.  (Letter  of  Gen.  Knox,  Ftb.  10,  1702. 
American  Slate  Papers,  Indian  affairs,  vol.  i,  12,  35.) 

The  deputies  of  these  tribes  accordingly  attended  the  Indian  council 
at  the  rapids  of  the  Miami,  on  the  13th  of  August,  1793,  and  in  the  reports 
of  the  commissioners  appointed  on  the  part  jf  the  government,  it  is 
recorded,  that  they  used  their  influence  in  settling  the  troid)les  then 
existing  between  the  western  tribes  and  the  United  States,  which  subse- 
quently ripened  into  open  iiostilities. 

They  however  with  the  others  insisted  that  the  Ohio  river  should  be 
the  boundary  between  the  whites  and  the  Indians. 

His  residence  on  the  frontier  ol'  St.  Regis  was  at  first  quite  unpleasant 
as  well  as  unsafe,  from  the  hostility  which  his  former  course  had  created 
among  the  zealous  loyalists  who  settled  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  after  the 
war. 

During  a  por'jon  of  his  life,  before  the  war,  he  had  resided  at  St.  Regis, 
and  occupied  a  tract  of  land  afterwards  known  as  the  Mile  Square,  near 
the  present  village  of  Massena.  This  he  endeavored  to  have  secured  to 
him  by  letters  patent.  The  following  is  the  petition  iu  which  he  solicited 
this  favor. 

To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  Assemhhj  of  the  State  of  JVeip  York, 
in  Legislature  convened; 

"  The  petition  of  the  subscriber  resf)ectfully  showeth :  That  at  the 
commencement  of  the  late  war,  he  resided  near  the  village  of  St.  Regis, 
within  this  state,  and  adjoining  the  north  bounds  ihereofl  That  lie 
occupied  there  a  certain  tract  of  land,  lying  on  the  Niconsiaga  River, 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


193 


frjrinnlns  on  tlie  first  falls  on  the  said  river,  and  extenditiff  up  the  same 
oil  hoth  sides  tiiernof,  aimiit  one  mile,  wiiicii  land  had  descended  to  hini 
by  iiilioritance,aiid  is  his  own  distinct  property, 

Thiitat  the  coirnneiirenient  ofthe  late  war,  lie  left  his  said  habitation, 
and  joined  tiie  American  army,  and  continued  to  serve  his  country  in  a 
niiiitiiry  capacity,  tin-onjrlioiit  the  war,  and  that  from  tiie  part  he  had 
tiikf'ii  ill  the  American  c;iiise,  he  finds  it  inexpedient  to  return  to  his 
former  residence,  alllioiigh  the  land  so  owned  hy  him  is  still  held  and 
rented  out  iiy  liiin.  That  your  petitioner  is  desirous  to  have  the  said 
lands  secured  to  him  and  his  posterity,  by  a  title  to  the  same,  under  the 
antliorit_    of  the  state. 

Your  p(,'titioiier  therefore  most  humbly  prays,  that  the  legislatm-e  will 
be  pleased,  in  consideration  of  the  premises,  to  direct  letters  patent  to 
be  issued  to  him,  for  the  said  tract  of  land. 

And  your  petiitoner  will  as  in  duty  bound  ever  pray,  &c. 

Louis  Cook. 

Albany,  8th  January,  1789. 

The  Journal  of  the  senate  of  the  state  of  New  York  for  1789,  contains 
the  following. 

January  10,  1789. 

"The  petition  of  Louis  Cook,  alias  HadaguetoarhronKwen,  praying  that 
his  title  to  a  ceitaiii  piece  of  land,  may  be  contirined  to  him  under  the 
aiitiioiitv  of  the  state,  was  read  and  committed  to  Mr.  Clinton,  ,Mr.  Haw- 
thorn, aiul  3Ir.  Tredwell."    [p.  30.) 

February  19,  1789. 

yi\:  Clinton  from  the  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of 
Louis  Cook,  li:is  Hadaiiiietoiihiongwen,  relative  to  his  claim  to  a  tract 
of  land  lying  on  the  Niconsiaga  Uiver,  near  the  village  of  St.  Regis, 
within  this  state,  reported  that  if  was  theo[)inion  of  the  committee,  that 
the  prayer  ofthe  petitioner  ought  to  be  granted,  and  that  a  provision  be 
made  to  direct  the  commissioners  of  tlie  lanil  ofHce,  to  grant  letters 
pat  nt  to  the  said  Louis  Cook,  for  such  tract  of  land  lying  on  the  Nicon- 
siaja  river,  beginning  on  the  fust  falls  on  the  said  river,  and  extending 
up  the  same  on  both  sides  thereof  as  they  shall  find  to  be  his  distinct 
pro|iorty;  provided  the  same  has  not  been  otherwise  apjiropriated; 
wliich  report  lie  read  in  bis  jilace,  and  delivered  the  same  at  the  table 
where  it  was  again  read,  and  agreed  to  by  the  senate."    {p.  (!8.) 

This  petition  produced  the  passage  of  an  act  in  his  relief. 

The  Kith  section  of  an  act  passed  February  '28,  1789,  directed:  "That 
it  sliall  and  may  be  lawlul  fbr  the  commissioners  of  the  l.ind  office,  to 
grain  letters  patent,  to  Louis  Cook,  alias  llachiquetoghrongwen,  fbr  such 
tract  of  land  lying  or.  the  Niconsiaga  River,  beginning  on  the  first  falls 
on  said  river,  and  extending  up  the  same  on  both  sides  thereof",  as  they 
sh.ill  find  to  be  his  distinct  property;  provided  the  same  has  not  been 
otiierwise  appropriated." 

It  is  nti  known  to  the  author  whether  this  tract  was  ever  confirmed 
to  him  as  his  individual  pro[)erty,  or  what  was  the  result  of  the  action 
directed  in  the  act  for  his  relief. 

It  is  probable,  that  Colonel  Louis  was  induced  to  return  to  St.  Regis, 


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m 

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1. 

.' 

K|': 

194 


mSTORT   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


by  those  people,  who  were  solicitous  of  securing  his  infliienee  in  settling 
the  chiim  which  they  had  against  the  state  of  New  York,  for  lands,  and 
in  seeing  that  justice  was  done  them  in  tlie  matter  of  running  tiie 
boimdary  between  the  two  governments,  wliicli  passed  througli  their 
village. 

He  was  not  at  first  safe  in  his  residence  at  St.  Regis,  being  on  several 
occasions  in  danger  of  his  life,  from  the  violence  of  the  Mohawks.  His 
friends,  however,  |)romptly  informed  Jiim  of  the  plots  laid  against  him, 
in  time  for  him  to  avoid  them. 

There  is  said  to  have  been  an  especial  feeling  of  ill  will  between 
Brant  and  Louis,  arising  from  the  active  partizan  course  which  they  had 
pursued  on  opjiosite  sides  in  the  previous  contest. 

Colonel  Louis  took  a  leading  part  in  the  negotiations  which  finally 
resulted  in  the  treaty  of  May  31,  17t)G,  at  tiie  city  of  New  York,  by 
which  the  claims  of  tlie  St.  Regis  Indians  to  the  lands  in  the  northern 
I)art  of  the  state  wore  extinguished,  with  the  exception  of  tlie  reserva- 
tions then  made.  A  liistory  of  the  negotiations  which  preceded  and 
attended  this  treaty,  we  have  given  in  the  foregoing  pages.  It  will  be 
seen  that  the  terms  offered  by  the  agents  of  the  state,  bore  no  compari- 
son with  the  demands  of  the  deputies  of  the  Indians,  but  here,  as  else- 
wliere,  and  ever,  the  latter  found  themselves  at  the  mercy  of  tiiosc  whose 
will  was  law,  and  were  constrained  to  accept  the  terms  offered,  or 
none  at  ail,  having  no  tribunal  of  arbitration  or  appeal,  by  which  to  sus- 
tain their  claims. 

In  sustaining  his  claims,  Colonel  Louis  was  seconded  by  Captain 
Thomas  Williams,  a  chief  of  the  tribe,  and  a  descendant  of  the  Rev. 
John  Williams,  of  Deerfield,  and  by  William  Gray,  a  chief  and  interpre- 
ter, who,  although  a  white  by  birth,  had  in  every  respect  become  an 
Indian  in  tastes  and  habits. 

After  the  conclusion  of  the  treaty,  Colonel  Loifis  had  an  opportimity 
of  attending  to  his  own  private  affairs,  and  he  continued  to  be  occupied 
with  these,  and  with  business  connected  with  the  internal  management 
of  matters  connected  with  the  tribes  with  whom  the  St.  Regis  people 
were  associated,  until  the  breaking  out  of  the  war  in  1812. 

By  an  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  in  1802,  he  was,  with  Loren  Tar- 
bell  and  William  Gray,  made  the  trustee  of  his  tribe,  for  the  purpose  of 
leasing  a  ferry,  and  a  tract  of  land,  and  of  establishing  a  school  among 
the  Indians. 

Although  without  education  himself,  yet  he  was,  for  this  reason,  the 
more  desirous  that  his  people  should  acquire  it;  but  the  prejudices  of 
the  tribe  were  against  it,  and  -jo  iar  as  we  can  learn,  there  was  none 
established  until  a  very  recent  period. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


195 


Louis  was  ever  opposed  to  the  leases  and  sales,  by  which  the  Indians, 
from  time  to  time,  nliennted  their  lands  in  the  vicinity  of  Salmon  river, 
insisting  most  strenuously,  that  they  belonged  not  to  ihem,  but  to  their 
children. 

It  is  not  our  purpose  to  investigate  the  motives  which  were  brought 
to  operate  in  producing  a  contrary  course,  or  the  propriety  of  it. 

On  the  declaration  of  war,  Colonel  Louis,  although  borne  down  by  the 
weight  of  more  than  seventy  years,  and  passed  that  time  of  life,  when  one 
would  scarcely  be  expected  to  encounter  the  rugged  toils  of  war;  yet  he 
felt  rising  within  him  tlie  ancient  martial  spirit  which  had  inspired  him  in 
former  times,  and  he  felt  his  age  renewed,  when  he  thought  on  the  perils 
and  tlie  victories  in  which  he  had  participated,  and  longed  again  to  serve 
that  cause  which,  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  vigor  of  youth,  he  had  made 
liis  own. 

TIk!  British  early  endeavored  to  secure  the  St.  Regis  people  in  their 
interests,  and  their  agent,  who  had  come  up  from  Montreal,  with  the 
customary  presents,  which  that  government  annually  distributed  in  the 
payment  of  their  annuities,  returned  without  making  the  distribution, 
because  they  would  not  agree  to  take  up  arms  for  them. 

Tlie  residencn  of  Colonel  Louis,  in  consequence  of  his  engaging  in 
the  American  cause,  having  become  unpleasant,  if  not  unsafe,  at  St. 
Regis,  he  repaired  to  Plattsburgh,  where  he  spent  a  considerable  portion 
of  the  summer.  We  notice  the  following  in  Niles's  Weekly  Register,  of 
tiiat  period : 

Oct.  17,  1812.  "Gen.  Louis,  of  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  a  firm  and 
undcviating  friend  of  the  United  States,  and  his  son,  have  been  in  this 
village  (Plattsburgh),  for  several  weeks.  The  St.  Regis  Indians  are  dis- 
posed to  remain  neutral,  in  the  present  contest;  but  what  effect  the 
British  influence  and  British  success  may  have  upon  them,  we  know 
not,"  &c. 

We  have  noticed,  in  the  foregoing  [lages,  the  miserable  condition  to 
which  the  St.  Regis  people  were  reduced  by  the  war;  as  they  could 
scarcely  go  out  of  sight  of  their  village,  without  exciting  alarm  among 
the  whites,  and  they  had  nothing  to  subsist  upon  at  home. 

Colonel  Louis  represented  this  condition  of  things  to  the  governor, 
who  directed,  in  consequence,  that  five  hundred  rations  should  be  deliv- 
ered daily  to  them,  and  they  were  thus  enabled  to  avoid  giving.alarm  to 
their  white  brethren. 

During  the  summer  of  1812,  he  visited  General  Brown,  at  Ogdens- 
burgli,  where  he  was  received  with  attention :  a  new  commission  was  pre- 
sented him,  and  through  the  liberality  of  Mr.  David  Parisl,  of  that  place, 
he  was  furnished  with  a  new  and  elegant  military  dress  and  equipage, 
corresponding  with  the  rank  which  his  commissions  conferred.     On  his 

retiun  to  his  family,  his  ap[)earance  was  so  changed,  that  they  did  not 
13 


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ii' 


i  m  in 


> 


196 


HISTORY    or    ST.    LAWRENCE 


know  him,  and  his  chilHren  fled  from  the  proftered  cnreBses  of  their 
father,  as  if  he  lind  been  tiie  spirit  of  evil. 

His  age  and  infirmities  prevented  him  from  active  duty,  but  his  ivjlv- 
ence  with  the  Indian  tribes,  jrave  him  an  importance  in  the  army,  which 
was  of  signal  service  to  the  American  cause. 

On  the  arrival  of  General  Wilkinson,  at  French  Mills,  he  joined  that 
army,  and  accompanied  General  Brown  from  thence  to  Sacketts  Harbor, 
in  February,  1814. 

In  June  Ibllowing,  he  repaired  to  UufUdo,  with  his  sons,  and  several 
St.  Regis  warriors,  and  was  present  and  actively  engaged  in  the  severiil 
engagements  that  took  place  on  the  Miagani  frontier. 

In  August,  1813,  an  affair  had  tak^n  place  near  Fort  George,  in  which 
several  Caughnawagas  and  British  were  taken  prisoners;  and  colonel 
Louis  was  induced,  from  motives  of  humanity,  to  undertake  a  mission 
to  Niagara  for  their  release. 

To  excite  a  prejudice  against  liim,  some  of  his  enemies  wrote  to  nn 
officer  in  the  American  army,  that  he  was  on  a  visit  to  their  camp,  on  a 
secret  mission,  which  reaching  its  destination  before  his  arrival,  led  to 
his  arrest,  and  he  was  lield  a  prisoner  eight  days,  when  some  officers 
from  Plattsburgh  arriving,  lie  was  recognized,  jjid  set  at  liberty.     A  fur- 
ther investigation  was  desired,  and  instituted,  and  be  appeared   before 
the  commission,  and  answered,  with  great  modesty,  the  several  questions 
that  were   put   to  him,  by  the   young  officers:   but  the  impertinence 
of   some  of  them  aroused    his   spirit,    and    he    replied  :    "  You    see 
that  I  am  old,  and  worn  out,  and  you  are  young,   and  know  little 
of  the  service.     You  seem  to   doubt  what  I  have  been,  and  what  I 
am   now.      It   is  right  that  you   slioidd  watch  the   interests   of  your 
country  in  time  of  war.     My  history  you  can  have."     lie  then  gave  them 
the  names  of  several  prominent  officers  of  the  northern  frontier,  as  refer- 
ences, and  with  a  heavy  hand,  laid  a  large  black  pocket  book  upon  the 
table,  and  bid  them  examine  its  contents.     It  contained  hisconmiissiniia 
as  lieutenant  colonel;  general  Washington's  recommendatory  letters,  and 
tliose  of  generals  Schuyler,  Gates,  Knox,  Mooers,  and  governor  Tomp- 
kins, and  a  parchment  certificate  of  membership,  in  a  military  masonic 
lodge  of  the  revolution. 

These  abundantly  satisfied  them,  but  he  further  insisted,  tliat  they 
should  write  to  Plattsburgh,  which  they  did,  more  to  gratify  him,  tiiaa 
to  satisfy  themselves.  The  result  was,  of  course,  his  complete  exonera- 
tion from  any  motives  but  those  entirely  consistent  with  honor  and  prin- 
ciple. 

But  time  was  having  its  work  upon   the  frame  of  this  worthy  Indian 

chief,  and  an  injury  which  he  sustained,  by  a  fall  from  this  horse,  at  the 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


197 


their 


head  of  n  party  of  Tuscaroras,  in  one  of  the  sitirmishesof  the  campaign, 
wns  found  to  have  serionsly  afFocted  iiim,  and  he  desired  to  he  carried 
fo  file  Indian  settlements,  to  yield  liislast  advice,  and  give  up  his  parting 
hreath  among  the  people  whose  interests  ho  had  so  long  and  so  faithfully 
served. 

Colonel  Biddle,  of  the  11th  regiment,  the  son  of  his  former  old  friend, 
in  Coos  county,  often  sent  to  enquire  aller  his  welfare.  Louis  at  length 
sent  for  ilie  colonel,  who  hastened  to  his  wigwam,  and  found  him  in  a 
flying  condition,  but  able  to  speak.  He  spoke  at  some  length,  on  the 
iiitoreHt.  he  ever  felt  for  the  American  cause,  and  the  gratification  ho 
experienced  in  being  able  to  die  near  their  camp.  He  bid  him  remember 
him  to  his  family  at  St.  Regis,  to  colonel  Williams,  of  that  place,  and  to 
his  friends,  whom  he  named,  at  Plattsburgh. 

To  his  son,  he  gave  his  two  i  .jmmissions  which  he  had  cherished  as  a 
treasure,  and  bid  him  carry  lliem  to  his  family  at  St.  Regis,  but  this 
worthless  fellow  on  returning  pawned  them  at  an  inn  for  grog! 

Colonel  Louis  died  in  October  1814,  and  was  buried  near  Buffalo. 
His  death  wns  announced  by  the  discharge  of  cannon,  as  was  due  to  his     i 
rank  in  the  army. 

lie  was  twice  married,  the  first  time  at  Caughnawaga,  and  the  second 
at  Onondaga,  where  he  is  said  to  have  lived  a  short  time  after  the  revo- 
lution. 

He  had  three  sons,  of  whom  one  died  at  Caughnawaga,  one  at  St.  Regis, 
ill  1832,  and  the  third  near  Brasher  Falls  in  1833,  while  on  a  hunting  ex- 
niision. 

lie  had  several  daughters,  one  or  two  of  whom  still  reside  at  St.  Regis.'' 

Colonel  Louis  was  tall  anrl  athletic,  broad  shouldered  and  strongly 
built,  with  a  very  dark  complexion,  and  somewhat  curly  hair,  which  in 
old  age  became  gray. 

He  was  very  reserved  in  his  speech,  and  by  most  people  would  be 
called  taciturn.  He  seldom  spoke  without  having  something  to  say, 
and  what  he  said,  was  received  with  deference,  for  it  always  had  amean- 
iag,  andin  all  his  deportment  he  strongly  evinced  possession  of  pru- 
dence, discretion  and  sense,  and  when  once  enlisted  in  any  pursuit,  he 
followed  it  with  a  constantcy  and  perseverance  seldom  equalled  in  the 
Indian  character.  He  was  prompt  and  generally  correct  in  arriving  at 
conclusions,  and  hisyudgment  was  relied  u[)on,  and  his  opinions  sought 
by  the  otKcers  of  the  army,  with  whom  he  was  associated,  with  much 
confidence,  and  he  possessed  in  a  high  degree  the  control  of  the  affairs 
of  his  tribe,  by  whom  he  was  beloved,  respected,  and  obeyed. 

He  was  illiterate,  but  spoke  several  languages  with   freedom.    His 


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HISTOR\    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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portrait  was  taken  wliile  at  Albany,  Imt  we  have  been  unal)Io  to  ascnrtian 
Avhother  it  bo  still  reserved. 

William  Cray. — Probably  no  white  person  has  bad  more  inflDonn 
witb  the  Indian  tribe  of  St.  Regis,  in  their  nepociations  than  ft'illium 
Graj/,  and  his  name  is  constantly  found  as  interpreter,  or  agent  on  the  old 
treaties  and  other  papers  which  were  executed  by  these  people.  He 
was  born  at  Candiridge,  N.  Y.,  joined  the  revolutionary  army,  at  the 
age  of  seventeen.  With  a  few  others  he  was  taken  by  surprise  nrar 
White  Hall,  and  carried  to  Quebec,  where  ho  remained  till  the  peace. 
lie  then  repaired  to  Caughnawaga,  and  resided  for  some  time,  from 
whence  he  removed  to  St.  Regis,  and  married  an  Indian  woman,  and 
raised  a  family.  lie  adopted  the  language,  and  customs  of  the  trilie 
and  become  their  chief  interpreter.  While  there,  rcturne'd  to  Cam- 
bridge, and  induced  a  large  number  of  his  father's  family  to  remove  to 
St.  Regis,  where  they  remained  some  time,  but  never  inter  married  with 
the  natives.     His  parents  died  on  the  Indian  reservation. 

He  had  acquired  the  rudiments  of  an  eciucation,  which  was  subse- 
quently of  much  advantage  to  him  in  his  capacity  of  interpreter  and 
chief. 

Possessing  considerable  native  enterprise,  he  acquired  an  ascendency 
with  the  Indians,  and  his  advice  was  received  with  attention.  At  a  very 
early  period  he  erected  a  saw  mill  at  what  is  now  the  village  of  Hogans- 
burgh,  and  engaged  in  mercantile  business  at  the  Indian  village. 

He  acted  as  interpreter  at  most  of  tlie  treaties  held  previous  to  his 
death;  and  his  conduct  at  that  which  occurred  at  New  York  in  l/iHi, 
was  such  as  secured  him  the  following  recommendation  from  the  gover- 
nor to  the  legislature. 

Gentlemen : 

"The  agents  who  on  the  part  of  this  state,  concluded  the  agreement 
which  has  been  laid  before  you,  with  the  Indians  called  the  Sevon  i\a- 
tions  of  Canada,  at  the  treaty  held  at  New  York  in  iMny  last,  have  npie- 
sented  to  me,  that  William  Gray,  one  of  the  deputies  from  theso  Indians 
at  that  treaty,  was  during  the  late  war  captivated  in  this  state  by  the  In- 
dians of  St.  Regis,  that  they  adopted  him  into  that  tribe,  and  on  the  21  si  of 
March,  1781,  gave  bim  the  tract  of  land  specified  in  the  copy  of  the  deed 
from  them  to  him ;  with  which  a  copy  of  the  proceedings  of  that  treatv, 
accompanies  this  message,  and  which  he  left  with  the  said  agents  for 
your  information. 

That  they  have  no  reason  to  supi)Ose  otherwise,  than  that  the  said 
transaction  was  at  the  time  intended,  did  take  place  between  him,  and 
the  said  Indians  in  good  faith;  that  diirinj:  the  negotiations  at  the  tieaty, 
his  conduct  was  fiiir  and  |)roper,  and  rather  than  that  the  treaty  should 
be  in  the  least  impeded  by  his  claims,  he  readily  consented  to  waive  the 
making  of  any  6ti[)ulations  in  his  favor,  and  to  rely  entirely  on  the  stale 


■i 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES 


199 


for  mich  coni])etisation  or  gratuity  as  the  legislature  should  tliiiik  rcasoii- 
abic." 

John  Jay. 
Albany,  28tli  February,  1797. 

Tliis  liowever,  failed  to  secure  him  the  justice  which  he  cluitiied,  and 
iiu  uccordingly  presented  at  a  subsequent  session,  the  following  ineino- 
I'iul,  ill  which  his  claims  are  set  fbrth. 

"  To  the  Honorable,  the  Ltigislature  of  the  State  of  JVew  York. 
Tiie  petition  of  William  Gray,  respectfully  shewcth : 

Tiiut  your  petitioner  was  born  in  the  county  of  VVasliington,  in  this 
slate;  that  when  a  boy  he  was  taken  prisoner  in  the  year  eighty,  in  tiie 
lute  war,  by  the  Indians  of  the  Seven  Nations  of  Canada,  among  whom 
he  has  ever  since  continued  to  reside;  that  by  adoption  and  marriage,  ho 
has  become  entitled  to  all  the  rights  and  i)rivileges  of  one  of  that  people, 
and  consecpiently  is  with  them  a  proprietor  of  the  lands  secured  to  them 
by  treaty  with  tlie  state;  that  he  now  has  a  family  of  children  vviiom  he 
wishes  to  educate  in  the  manner  of  their  civilized  ancestors,  and  leave 
some  proiierty  to  make  them  respectable  and  useful  in  society;  that  ac- 
coiding  to  the  customs  of  the  tribe  at  St.  Regis,  the  place  where  he  re- 
sides, individuals  have  lands  assigned  to  them  for  cultivation  in  severalty, 
yet  the  laws  of  the  state  can  not  take  cognizance  of  it;  that  the  nation  of 
which  he  is  a  member,  have  set  apart  to  him  and  wish  to  have  confirmed 
to  him  a  tract,  as  his  exclusive  proportion  of  the  lands  257  acres,  bounded 
on  the  north  by  the  Salmon  river  mill  tract,  on  the  east  by  the  east  boun- 
daries of  the  large  reservation,  on  the  west  by  a  line  parallel  thereto,  and 
on  the  south  by  the  south  bounds  of  said  reservation,  now  held  in  com- 
mon in  their  reservation,  near  the  village  of  St.  Regis.  Your  petitioner 
tiierefore,  in  consideration  of  all  these  circumstances,  prays  that  it  may 
be  lawful  for  him  to  receive  such  a  grunt  from  the  nation,  and  that  it  may 
receive  the  sanction  of  government,  and  your  petitioner  os  in  duty  bound, 
shall  ever  pray." 

William  Ghay. 

Albany,  the  19th  February,  1800. 

This  petition  secured  him  the  advantages  which  he  sought,  in  the  pas- 
sage of  the  following  act,  April  4,  1801,  during  the  session  next  follow- 
ing: 

"  And  whereas,  William  Groy  of  the  village  of  St.  Regis,  having  been 
early  in  life  taken  prisoner  by  the  Indians  calling  themselves  the  Seven 
Nations  of  Canada,  and  since  continued  to  reside  among  them,  and  being 
in  consequence  of  adoption  and  marriage,  considered  as  entitled  to  all 
I'iglits  and  privileges  as  one  of  their  nation,  whereby  he  is  equally  and 
with  others  of  them  interested  in  the  lands  secured  by  the  people  of 
this  state  to  the  Indians  residing  at  the  village  of  St.  Regis; 

And  whereas,  it  ajjpears  that  the  said  Indians  are  disposed  to  give  to 
the  said  William  Gray,  his  j)roportion  of  their  common  property  to  be 
held  in  severalty  by  him  and  his  heirs:  therefore, 

Be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  governor 
to  direct  the  said  agent  to  obtain  from  the  said  Indians,  their  grant  to  the 
people  of  this  state,  and  to  issue  letters  patent  under  the  great  seal  of  this 
state,  to  the  «ai(l  William  Gray,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  l()rever,  lor  two 
hundred  and  fdty-seven  acres,  Itounded  on  the  north  by  the  tract  reserved 


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HISTOKY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


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and  Hiirveyei]  for  tliu  hii'kI  IiuliiiiiH,  and  which  iiichul«;rt  tli*>  mill  on  Hiihnnn 
river,  (III  tlic  moiiiIi  liy  i  he  sinitli  IioiiimIm  ol' iIk;  triirt  ct^nul  to  isi.x  iiiileM 
H<|iiiire,  n'HiM'ved  tu  the  hiiIiI  liiiliaiis,  iiii  tlit!  eiiHt  hy  the  east  IioiiiiiIh  (iI'iIim 
t<ai(i  rt'sei'vatioii,  and  on  thu  wcMt  by  a  Iiim>  |(ai'<;llcl  tiioreto,  niii  I'riiin  tliu 
ulevcnrli  mile  murk,  made  hy  the  hiirveyor  genera!,  in  the  .•'oiitli  IioiiikU 
oCthe  t^aid  reHervation,  hein;;  in  len<L;tli  north  and  Noiitli,  oni!  iiimdred  and 
i<ixty-i()iir  chains  and  Neventy  links,  and  in  width  uiiMt  and  wettt,  tillcuii 
ciiaiiiH  and  ^ixty  linkh." 

A  t'nitlier  iiistory  ot'  the  tract  tliiiH  conveyed,  >vilj  ho  given  in  our  uo 
coiiiit  oi'  l'\irt  Covington. 

His  residence  during  ii  few  years  previous  to  the  war,  was  in  what  Ik 
now  the  village  ol  Hoganshurgli,  west  ot"  the  river;  and  this  |iluce  ut 
that  period  bore  the  name  ot'  (Cray's  iMiJls. 

Ill  the  war  ot"  Itil'-i,  he  took  part  witii  the  Americans,  and  was  em- 
ployed by  Colonel  Young  to  eondiict  the  party  tlirougli  the  woods  tioin 
F'rencli  i'Mills,  which  siir|)ri8ed  and  ca|itiire(l  a  company  ot' British  at  St. 
Kegis,  in  tiie  tiiil  ot'  IHlii.  Being  considered  a  dangerous  parti/an,  ho 
was  surjirised  and  taken  hy  a  |)arty  ot'  the  enemy,  on  the  east  side  ot' the 
St.  Regis  river,  near  the  village,  in  Decemljcr,  1813,  and  taken  to  Quebec, 
where  ho  was  confined  in  prison,  and  where  he  died  in  April  or  May  fol- 
lowing. 

In  his  death  the  tribe  lost  a  true  friend  and  faithful  servant.  His  de- 
Bcendunts  still  reside  at  St.  Regis. 

Te-ho-ua-gwa-ne-qkn,  alias  'Thomas  Williams,  whose  name  we  have 
BO  oflen  had  occasion  to  mention  in  connection  with  the  St.  Regis  tribe, 
was  born  about  1758  or  17o!>,  at  Caiighnawaga,  and  was  the  third  in 
descent  from  the  Rev.  John  Williams  of  Deerliold.  A  daughter  of  this 
person  by  the  name  of  Eunicn.  who  was  taken  prisoner  with  him  in  1704, 
became  assimilated  with  the  Indians,  and  afterwards  married  a  young 
chief  by  the  name  of  De  Ko^uerg,  to  whom  she  bore  three  children, viz: 
Catharine,  Mary,  and  John.  Mary  was  the  mother  of  Thomas  Williams, 
the  subject  of  this  notice.  She  died  wlieii  her  sou  was  an  infant,  and 
he  was  reared  hy  his  aunt  Catharine,  whom  he  ever  regarded  as  iiis 
mother.  Having  no  cousin,  he  was  the  sole  object  of  affection  by  his 
kind  protector,  and  grew  up  iji  active  and  sprightly  lad,  in  every  respect 
of  language  and  habits  an  In  Jinn. 

In  1772,  the  Rev.  Levi  F,  i'^l^ee,  was  sent  into  Canada  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Wheelock,  of  Dartmouth  College,  who  visited  Caughnawaga,  and  took 
especial  notice  of  Thomas,  whose  New  England  parentage  was  known 
to  him  and  he  obtained  with  some  difficulty,  the  consent  of  his  adopted 
parents  to  take  him  to  Hanover,  and  place  him  in  the  Moore  Charity 
School  at  that  place,  but  sickness  prevented  him  from  attending.  Hin 
adopted  father  often  took  him  into  the  forest  with  him,  on  hunting  excui- 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


201 


IriMiii 

lllilOH 

•  I'llio 
II  tlie 
iiiiiilt) 
I  ami 
irtccii 


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fiitiiiA,  find  lie  lincQiiiu  utlnclird  to  liis  kind  of  life,  ui'ttMi  vicitinp  in  liis 
rnnililes,  Crown  I'oint,  Liiko  (i«;orjro,  iind  vicinity  of  Fort  Kdunrd. 

On  tlic  ontliniik  ol"  tiid  revolution,  Ik;  is  Hiiid  to  iiavc  imrticipnted  in 
kl'vitmI  ol  tiio  oxpuditioiis  n):iiin!<t  the  colonicH,  Inn  tlio  Icmsoiih  Iks  lind 
ifceivfd  ii'oni  IiIk  ^'riindiiiotlii-r  Eiinico,  led  iiini  to  exert  hid  intluencu  in 
liivor  of  protecting  deleiicuiesM  women  uiid  cliildren. 

Ill  1777,  he.  heeanic  u  chief,  and  ^'radiialiy  accpiinid  tlio  estpotn  of  tliH 
Uriliwli  odlccrs.  In  tlic  fduu;  year  lie  was  called  upon  with  others  of  his 
tribe,  to  join  (iciicral  Jtiirgoync,  hut  hif  feelings  had  begun  to  lieenliHtcd 
ill  I'lvor  of  tli(!  Americans,  and  ho  nccoiiipanit;d  rather  with  the  hope  of 
l)eiii<r  ahle  to  spare  the  eHiision  of  hlood,  than  of  promoting  the  canse 
of  his  army,  which  he  joined  at  Cumberland  Head  On  the  retreat  of  tlio 
provincials  from  Ticondeioga,  he  was  directt-d  to  ])ursne  them,  but  mi- 
ller the  prtftcnscof  titlling  upon  their  flankH,  lie  is  t<nid  to  have  purposely 
led  his  party  liy  a  too  ciniiiitons  route  to  eft'ect  their  object. 

He  was  also  sent  with  the  detachment  of  the  enemy  against  Benning- 
loii,  hut  did  little  tiir  the  service  in  whicli  he  was  engaged,  and  in  the 
event  almost  came  in  collision  with  some  of  the  British  oHicers  engaged 
on  that  expedition. 

It  is  said  that  on  the  occasion  of  the  death  of  Aliss  Jane  McCren, 
which  formed  so  striking  a  tragedy  in  that  campaign,  that  Thomas  was 
solicited  to  undertake  to  bring  lier  to  the  camp,  but  that  he  refused. 

This  service  was  according  to  the  Rev.  E.  VVilliatns,  our  informant* 
afterwards  accepted  by  some  of  the  Indians  of  tho  Western  tribes,  who 
in  two  parties,  each  ignorant  of  the  designs  of  the  other,  started  on  the 
expedition. 

One  of  them  had  persuaded  the  girl  to  attend  them  to  the  British 
cnni|),  and  they  were  on  their  way  thither,  when  they  were  met  by  the 
other:  an  altercation  arose  between  tliein,  and  in  the  strilii  that  ensued 
the  girl  was  brutally  tomahawked  by  one  party,  that  the  other  might  not 
bo  able  draw  the  reward  which  had  been  offered  by  the  young  lady's 
lover,  for  bringing  her  in. 

Our  informant  received  this  frotn  a  Winnebago  chief,  at  Green  Bay,  who 
acknowledged  having  a  hand  in  the  murder,  which  some  have  attributed 
to  St.  Regis  Indians. 

This  shocking  barbarity,  so  alihorrerrt  to  human  nature,  led  to  a  rebuke 
from  Burgoyne,  which  is  said  to  have  weakened  the  attachment  of  the 
Indians  for  his  course,  and  they  afterwards  left  him. 

Williams,  among  the  rest  of  the  Indians,  abandoned  the  camp  and  re- 
turned home.  In  i778,  he  joined  an  expedition  to  Oswego,  with  the  view 
of  invading  some  of  tho  frontier  settlements,  but  returned,  and  in  the  fol- 


^mam 


202 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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Mi^ii 

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1 

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iti 

;i 

lowing  year  was  one  of  the  party  who  ravaged  Royalton  in  Vermont,  and 
afterwards  participated  in  expeditions  to  Penobscot,  Schoharie,  &c. 

In  1783  he  visited  for  tlie  first  time  his  relatives  in  New  England,  aiid 
at  Stockbridge  met  with  the  llev.  Samuel  Kirkland,  the  Indian  missionary, 
who  served  him  as  an  interpreter.  Among  those  whom  lie  wished  to  visit, 
was  the  Rev.  Dr.  Stephen  Williams,  the  brother  of  his  grandmother  Eu- 
nice, but  he  found  him  dead. 

He  subsequently  visited  repeatedly  the  friends  of  his  grandmother,  both 
in  Massachusetts  and  Vermont,  and  always  evinced  a  commendable  re- 
gard for  their  welfare. 

After  the  war,  he  I'esumed  his  hunting,  and  often  visited  Albany,  and 
had  a  friendly  intercourse  with  General  Schuyler. 

When  the  question  of  setdement  of  claims  against  the  state  came  to 
be  discussed,  Thomas  Williams  was  entrusted,  in  company  with  Gray 
and  Cook,  with  the  negotiation,  the  history  of  which  we  have  given.  In 
January,  1800,  he  visited  his  relatives  in  New  England,  and  took  with 
him  his  two  boys,  whom  he  lell  to  be  educated  at  Long  Meadow,  Mass. 
The  names  of  these  lads  were  John  and  Eleazer. 

In  1801,  with  a  party  of  Caughnawugas,  in  die  service  of  the  North- 
west Company,  he  made  a  journey  to  the  remote  western  prairies,  and 
nearly  to  the  Rocky  mountains.  In  1805,  with  his  wife,  ho  visited 
his  sons,  and  the  mother  insisted  on  having  John  return,  which  he  did, 
much  to  the  regret  of  the  benevolent  gentlennn,  who  oi  account  of 
their  ancestry,  felt  a  peculiar  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  youths. 

The  other  remained  some  time  longer  at  the  school,  and  required  a 
god  English  education,  and  subsequently  became  an  episcopal  clergy- 
man, and  was  employed  as  a  missionary  for  many  years  among  the 
Oneidas  and  Onondagas,  and  also  with  the  St.  Regis  Indians.  For 
several  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  settl(3nients  of  the  Green  B;>y  emi- 
grants, from  the  New  York  tribes,  and  is  at  present  living  near  St.  Regis, 
engaged  in  endeavoring  to  establish  a  school  among  the  natives. 

During  the  war  of  1812,  he  is  said  to  have  held  a  colonel's  commis- 
sion, and  to  have  been  repeatedly  engaged  on  responsible  services  for 
the  Americans. 

On  the  declaration  of  war,  Williams  resolved  to  take  no  part  with  the 
British,  which  led  him  to  be  reported  with  Colonel  Louis,  as  refractory. 

In  August  1812,  an  agreement  was  entered  into  between  Gen.  Dear- 
born and  Col.  Bnynes,  that  neither  party  should  act  offensively  before 
the  decision  of  certain  measures  then  pending  ahould  be  known. 

A  conference  vfas  sul)sequciitly  held  between  agents  of  the  two  go- 
vernments, at  which  it  was  agreed  that  the  St.  Re^is  tribe  should  remain 
neutral,  but  as  aAerwards  appeared  this  was  subsequently  but  little  re- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


203 


i 


garded.  During  the  war  Thomas  Williams  continued  to  exert  an  influ- 
ence favorable  to  the  Americans,  and  his  two  sons  took  active  but  oppo- 
site sides  in  the  contest.  In  1815  he  visited  Albany,  and  Washingnn,  to 
urge  certain  claim.?  against  government,  but  not  being  furnished  with 
the  necessary  papers,  he  failed  in  his  purpose. 

In  consideration  of  tlie  active  part  which  he  took  in  the  treaty  of  1796, 
he  for  several  years  after  the  war,  till  1833,  received  $50  annually  of  the 
annuity  which  was  paid  by  virtue  of  that  treaty. 

He  died  at  his  native  village,  August  IG,  1819.  In  person  he  was 
above  the  common  size,  with  an  intelligent  countenance,  and  with  that 
in  his  manner  and  deportment,  which  bespoke  a  superiority  above  his 
people  in  general. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  the  Rev.  Eleazer  Williams,  of  St.  Regis,  for 
most  of  the  data  from  which  the  above  account  is  written.  Our  space 
has  not  allowed  the  full  use  of  the  voluminous  materials  furnished. 


A 


!• 


^^mm 


204 


HlStORY    or    ST.    LAWRENCE 


V 


^'-     ,.] 


p^ 


CHAPTER   III. 


ORGANIZATIOiX  OF  TllK  COINTIE!?,  PUBLIC  HUILDINGS,  &c. 


JIE  ciiuscs  wliieli  led  to  the 

ioifraiiizatioii  of  St.  LuvvrmK'tj 

i/(!oiiiity  aro  sot  tortli  in  tlio  I'ol- 

|5\^lo\viiifr  iiilerestiiij:  (lociiiiieiit,  wliicli 

"^  is  the  original  |)etition  for  its  ert.;tioii, 

and  is  |)rcsorved  anion<f  the  arcii- 

ives  of  tiie   state,  and    possesses   niucli 

\aln(N  from  its  beinjr  snid  to  contain     .9 

si;rnatnres  of  nearly  all  tiio  citizens  t,    ./ 

liviii"    in   the   (;oi:niy.      The   orifrinal  is 

written  in  a  remarkably  neat  and  (!lei,'ant  hiind,  and  the  signatures  are  in 
every  instance  in  the  autograph  of  tiie  signers, 

"  To  the  Honorable  the  Senate  and  .'hseniMy  of  the  State  of  JSihv  York. 

'J'hc  i)etition  of  tlie  inhabitants,  residing  within  die  ten  townsiiip^, 
Vipon  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  beg  leave  Innnbly  to  represent  the  great 
inconvenience  and  liardships  they  lalcir  under,  by  the  ten  townships 
being  formed  into  one  town,  and  annexing  tiie  same  to  the  county  of 
Clinton."  'J'he  princijial  inconvenience  your  petitioners  labor  under  is 
the  very  remote  distanee  tiiey  are  placed  fmm  riattsbin-gh,  which  is  the 
comity  town  of  the  conniy  ot"  <yliiiton.  Not  any  of  your  pt;titioners  are 
less  than  one  hundred  and  twenty  miles  from  Plattsburgh,  and  a  great 
majority  ot'  them  arc  from  one  liimdied  and  thirty  to  lorty  miles. 

IJetween  the  ten  townships  and  I'lattsburgh,  much  of  the  way  there 
is  no  road,  ami  the  lemainder  of  the  way  is  a  very  liad  one;  tliis,  to- 
gether with  the  great  inconvenience  and  expense  whicli  necessarily 
must  arise  to  those  whose  private  business,  (as  |)laintiti*s  and  defendants.) 
lead  iliem  into  the  county  courts,  is  such,  as  to  almost  place  your  oeti- 
tioners  without  the  reach  ot'  that  justice,  which  the  laws  <  1  our  country 
so  hajipily  provide  tor.  'J'his  is  a  me'lancholy  fact,  whu  n  several  of 
your  |»etitioners  have  aln-ady  experiem'ed,  and  to  w  liich  all  are  ec]ually 
opposed,  and  when  we  add  if)  this,  t!ie  e.Mn'mc  ditlicnliy,  lroublt!s,  and 
expenses  jurors  and  witnesses  must  be  subjected  to,  in  attending  at  such 
a  distance,  together  willi  the  attendance  at  I'lattsbnrgh,  lor  arraixfing 
nnd  returning  tin;  luwn  iiu.-incss,  increases  the  burthen  and  expoii  h<- 
jdiid  the  al)ilily  of  your  pinitioiiers  to  bear.  Vour  petitioners  li)i.  ,  ■  / 
mention  many  other  incoiivenionces,  tiio' sensibly  felt,  jour  |)etitioners 


•  III  llie  previous  \i"ir.  i.lie  tin\  11  01' I, i>l.iiii  whs  fiecleil.  ami  aliaulied  lo  Ciiiuoii  Co. 
'he  original  pe'itioii,  4o.  in  our  account  of  i.ha'  lowii 


SfB 


11 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


205 


!«> 


Sc« 


* 


presiiiue  tliey  will  naturally  occur  to  the  miuds  of'cvery  indiviilual  irietn- 
lii'r  oC  your  lioiiorable  body.  J^oiiie  of  yoiu"i)etitiotiers,  prosoiited  a  pe- 
tition to  your  hoiioral)le  l)0(iy,  at  their  last  session.  ])raying  for  the  tbrnia- 
tion  of  tlie  town,  and  annexinjf  it  as  it  now  is,  but  tiiey  did  not  tiien 
(neither  could  they,)  anticipate  llie  inconvenience  and  expense  they  rind 
upon  experunent  attaches  to  their  heinff  so  connected. 

Yoin-  y)etitioner8  therel(:)re  bejr  leave  linmbly  to  state,  that  much  less 
hardship  and  expense  would  arise  to  them,  by  havinir  a  coiuity  set  oti", 
upon  the  river  Ht.  Lawrence,  anil  jour  petitioners  iumibly  pray,  that  a 
county  nitiy  he  set  off  upon  the  aforesaid  river,  in  such  manner  as  jour 
honorable  body  siiall  deem  most  proper;  and  your  petitioners  woidd 
bej;'  leave  further  to  shew,  that  one  of  the  old  stone  buildinjrs  at  the 
Old  Oswtjratchit  Fort,  (which  the  proprietors  are  willing  to  ap|)r0" 
priate  until  tlie  county  is  able  to  build  a  court  house,)  may  at  a 
small  expense  be  repaired,  and  which  when  so  repaired  will  make  good 
accouunodations,  not  only  for  the  |)urpose  of  holding  coiu'ts,  but  also  for 
a  gaol,  and  your  petitioners  pray,  that  place  may  be  assigned  ibr  tlie 
above  purpose. 

Your  petitioners  would  beg  leave  fiuther  to  state,  that  Plattsburgh  is 
totally  out  of  their  route  to  the  city  of  Albany,  which  is  the  place  to 
which  they  imist  resort,  for  their  couunercial  business — Flattsburgli 
being  as  far  distant  from  Albany,  as  the  ten  towns,  consequently  your 
jjetitioners  are  turned  out  of  .neir  way  the  v.'liole  distance,  between  the 
ten  towns  r.ud  Plattsburgh,  which  is  not  less  than  one  hundred  and  thirty 
miles  froi;i  the  centre  of  the  townships. 

The  peculiar  inconvenience  and  hardships  your  petitioners  labor  un- 
der, is  such,  that  your  petitioners  doubt  not  that  relief  will  be  cheerfully 
granted  by  your  honorable  body,  and  your  petitioners  as  in  duty  bound 
will  ever  pray." 


Nathan  Ford, 
John  Tibbets, 
Elisha  Tibbetts, 
Josei)h  Edsall, 
Aiex'rJ.  Turner, 
John  Tibbits,  Jr., 
Alex'r  Bough, 
Jacob  Redington, 
Benjamin  Stewart, 
Joel  Burns. 
James  Cf.  Stewart, 
Asliael  Kent,* 
Challis  Fay, 
Joseph  Gihlerslieve, 
IClias  Deuunick, 
tlphraim    Smith   Ray 

mond, 
IMoscs  Patterson, 
Uriiiy  Allen, 
Edward  Lawrence, 
Jonathiui  Allen,* 
James  Peimock, 
Asa  Freemiui, 
Truman  Wheeler, 

•Uujerlsiii 


Jacob  Flemmen, 
John  Lyon, 
Daniel  Barker,  Ju:j. 
Jacob  Morris, 
Sauuiel  Fairchild, 
Alexander  Leyers, 
Daniel  Sharp,* 
Festus  'i'racy, 
Septy  Tracy, 
John  Armstrong, 
Miutiu  Easterly, 
Alexander  Brush, 
James  Harrison, 
Stillmau  Foot, 
Alex'  Armstrong, 
Jacob  Cerner,  Jun.,* 
Christian  Cerner,* 
Jonathan  Tutile, 
Benj'n  Bacon,  Sen., 
Benj'n  Bacon,  Jun. 
Oliver  Linsley, 
Ilenrv  ILrwin, 
Nathan  Shaw, 
Caleb  Punnoy, 


James  Sweeny, 
George  F(.ot, 
Ashbel,  £.kes, 
John  Farwell,  Jr. 
Joseph  Erwin, 
Moses  McCoimel, 
Benjamin  Campbell, 
Godtrey  3'yers, 
Seth  Gates, 
James  Kilhorn, 
James  Ferguson, 
Solomon  Linsley,  Sen* 
Isaac  Bfutholomew, 
Solomon  Linsley,  Jun., 
Nathan  Smith, 
.lacob  Cerner,  Sen.,* 
William  Sweet, 
William  Morrison, 
Dan'l  Barker, 
Sam'l  Avens, 
E!isha  .rohnes, 
.Tohn  Smith, 
Benjamin  W^alker, 
David  Layton, 


^^m 


ir 


206 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


1  •  • 


hM 


Coney  Rice, 
Andrew  Riitlicifonl, 
Walter  Uutlierfbrtl, 
Ricliard  Rntlierforil, 
Tliomiis  Rutlierforil, 
Isaac  Parll,* 
Jonathan  Ingralmm, 
Josej)!!  Tliurber, 
John  Thnrber, 
Tlionias  J.  Davies, 
Renben  llurd, 
Aaron  Wehon, 
George  Davies, 
Rial  Dickonson,* 
Major  Watson, 
Tiionias  Lc  Gard,* 
Benj.  Mellis,  * 
Elijah  r;i-Ifly, 
Adam  V     1'     >!•■' 
David  Cult 
William  Slia.  ^ 
John  Kin<r, 
Thomas  Kingsbury, 
Peter  yiiarp, 
James  Salisbury. 
Zinu  B.  llawley,* 
John  Lyttle, 
Ezekiel  Palmer, 


Capt,  Eben  Arthur, 
William  Scott, 
Jaocb  Pohhnan, 
David  Rose, 
John  Stewert, 
Samuel  Thacher, 
John  Sharp, 
John  Armstrong, 
David  liinsley. 
Jacobus  Bouge,  * 
David  Girtin, 
William  Peck, 
Jedutliaii  Baker, 
Kelsey  Tliurber, 
John  Cook, 
James  Harrington, 
Joel  Harrington, 
Samuel  Umberston, 
Stephen  Foot, 
J(;reiniah  Comstock, 
Daniel  Mackncel, 
Robert  Santbrd, 
Justin  Hitchcock, 
Jediithan  Furrell, 
Holden  Farnsworth,* 
Richard  Harris, 
James  Higgins, 
Samuel  Steel, 


John  Pecor, 
Peter  Woodcok, 
John  Barnard, 
Benj'n  Nichols, 
Seth  Raniiey, 
Lazur  I-aryers,* 
Titus  Sikes,  .'kl, 
William  Lyttle, 
William  Lyttle,  Juii., 
William  Osborn, 
Hira  Pain, 
Joseph  Orciit, 
Eli|)halet  Elsworth, 
Robert  Sample, 
Isaac  Cogswell, 
Reuben  Field, 
Henry  Reve,* 
Asa  Fen  ton, 
Joshua  Fenton, 
Jason  Fenton, 
Joseph  Freeman, 
Josiali  Page, 
Peter  Dudley, 
Ahab  Harrington, 
Calvin  Hubbard, 
Amos  Lay, 

David  ,* 

John  Storring. 


This  ])etition  was  received  in  the  Assembly  on  the  8tli  of  February 
180'^,  read  and  referred  to  a  coinmitteo  consisting  of  the  following  gen- 
tlemen: 

Mr.  Dirck  Ten  Broek,  of  Albany  County. 

Mr.  SobOMOit  Martin,  of  Otsego  County. 

Mr.  Archibald  McIntyre,  of  Montgomery  County. 

Mr.  William  Bailey,  of  Clinton  County. 

Mr.  Abel  French,  of  Denmark,  then  Oneida  County. 

The  bill  passed  the  house  of  assembly  on  the  18th  of  that  month, 
and  subsequently  resulted  in  the  passage  of  the  tbllowing: 

".iji  act  to  erect  part  of  this  State  into  a  County,  by  the  name  of  the  County  of 

St.  Lawrence. 

Passed  March  3,  1802. 
1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  People  of  the  Slate  ofJVew  York,  represented  in  Se- 
nate and  Jlssemhly,  That  all  that  tract  of  land,  beginning  in  the  line  of  die 
River  St.  Lav\'rence,  which  divides  the  United  States  from  the  dominions 
of  the  king  ol'  Great  Britain,  where  the  same  is  intersected  by  a  continu- 
ation of  the  division  Hue  of  great  lots,  numbers  three  and  ibiu",  of  Ma- 
comb's purchase;  thence  running  soiitlieasterly, along  the  said  line,  until 
it  comes  opposite  to  the  westerly  c(jrner  of  the  townshi|)  of  Cambray ; 
then  in  a  straight  line  to  the  baid  corner  of  Cambray ;  then  along  the  rear 

♦Uiicerla'ri 


ill 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


207 


lines  of  tlin  snitl  township  of  Cnmbray,  and  the  townsliips  of  Do  Xalb, 
Canton,  Potsdatn  and  Stockliolni,  distin^nisiied  on  a  map  of  tlie  said 
township,  and  tiled  in  tiie  secretary's  office  by  the  surveyor  general; 
then  by  a  line  to  be  continued  in  a  direct  course  frorti  the  line  of  the 
said  township  of  Stockholm,  until  the  same  intersects  the  division  line 
of  tlit;  fjreat  lots  numbers  one  and  two  in  Macomb's  purchase;  thence 
iiorihi;rly  along  the  same  to  the  lands  reserved  by  the  St.  Regis  Indians; 
then  westerly  along  the  bounds  thereof,  to  the  dominions  of  the  king  of 
Groat  Uritain;  thence  along  the  same  to  the  place  of  beginning,  shall  be, 
and  is  hereby  erected  into  a  separate  county,  and  shall  be  called  and 
known  by  the  name  of  St.  Lawrence. 

II.  And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  all  that  ])art  of  the  said  county  lying 
westward  of  tin;  boundary  lines  of  the  townshi|)s  of  Lisbon  and  Canton, 
as  distinguished  on  the  map  aforesaid,  shall  be,  and  hereby  is  erected 
into  a  town  by  the  name  of  Oswegatchie ;  and  the  first  town  meeting  in 
the  said  town  shall  be  held  at  the  house  of  Nathan  Ford;  and  the  said 
townshi[)s  of  Lisbon  and  Canton  shall  continue  and  remain  one  town  by 
the  name  of  Lisbon.  And  that  all  that  part  of  the  said  county,  known  and 
distinguished  in  the  map  aforesaid  by  the  townships  of  Madrid  and 
Potsdam,  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  erected  into  a  town  by  the  name  of 
Madrid;  and  the  first  town  meeting  in  the  said  town  shall  be  held  at  the 
house  of  .loseph  Edsall.  And  that  all  the  remaining  part  of  the  said 
county,  shall  be,  and  hereby  is,  erected  into  a  town  by  the  nameof  Mns- 
sena;  and  that  the  first  town  meeting  in  the  said  town  shall  be  held  at 
the  house  of  Amos  Lay. 

III.  A)id  he  it  further  enacted,  That  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of 
the  several  towns  erected  or  continued  by  this  act,  shall  be,  and  are 
hereby  empowered,  to  hold  town  meetings,  and  elect  such  town  officers 
as  the  freeholders  and  iidiabitants  of  any  town  in  this  state  may  do  by 
law;  and  that  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the  several  towns,  and 
tlie  town  officers  to  be  by  them  elected  respectively,  shall  have  the  like 
|)ower8  and  privileges  as  the  freeholders,  inhabitants  and  town  officers 
of  any  town  in  this  state. 

IV.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  there  shall  be  l>old,  in  and  for  the 
said  county  of  St.  Lawrence,  a  court  of  conunon  pleas  and  general  ses- 
sions of  the  peace,  and  that  there  shall  be  two  terms  of  the  same  courts 
in  every  year,  to  commence  and  end  as  follows,  that  is  to  say:  The  first 
term  of  the  said  court  shall  begin  on  the  first  Tuesday  in  .Tune,  in  every 
year,  and  may  tontinue  to  be  held  until  the  Saturday  following,  inclusive; 
and  the  second  term  of  the  said  court  shall  begin  on  the  second  Tues- 
day of  November,  in  every  year,  and  may  (;oiiiinue  to  be  held  until  the 
Saturday  following,  inclusive:  And  the  said  courts  of  common  pleas, 
and  gener.'d  sessions  of  the  peace,  shall  have  the  same  jurisdiction,  powers 
and  authorities,  in  the  same  county,  as  the  courts  of  common  pU'as  and 
general  sessions  of  the  peace  in  the  other  counties  of  this  state,  have  in 
tlanr  respective;  counties;  Provided,  always.  That  nothing  in  this  act 
contained  shall  be  construed  to  affect  any  suit  or  action  already  com- 
menced, or  that  shall  be  commenced,  before  the  first  Tuesday  in  .June 
next,  so  as  to  work  a  wrong  or  prejuclice,  to  any  of  the  parties  therein, 
or  to  affiict  any  criminal  or  other  proceedings,  on  the  ])art  of  the  j)eople  of 
this  state;  but  all  such  civil  and  criminal  |)roceedings,  shall  and  may  be 
|)rosecuted  to  trial,  judgment  and  execution,  as  if  this  act  had  never  been 
passed. 

V.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  imtil  legislative  provision  be  made 
ill  the  premises,  the  said  court  of  conunon  pleas  and  general  sessions  of 
the  peace,  shall  be  held  in  the  old  barrack-    so  called,  in  the  said  town 


I 


Hi; 


208 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


K     . 


fk^ 


'^■■4 


of  Osvvepatcliie,  which  fihnll  be  deemed  in  law,  the  court  house  and  jnil 
of  the  snid  county  of  St.  Tiiiwrence. 

VI.  'Ind  he  it  J'urtlicr  enacted,  That  tlie  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of 
the  said  county,  shall  have  and  enjoy,  within  the  same,  all  and  every  of 
the  said  rights,  powers  and  privilef;es,  as  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants 
of  any  county  in  this  state,  are  by  law  entitled  to  have  and  enjoy. 

VJI.  .^nd  be  it  furl  her  ennrtcd,  Th  .t  it  shall  not  be  the  duty  of  the  su- 
preme court  to  hold  a  circuit  court  in  every  year  in  tiie  said  county,  un- 
less, in  their  judj^ineiit,  thoy  shall  deem  it  proper  and  necessary;  any 
law  to  the  contrary  notwithstandinjr. 

VIII.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  said  county  of  St.  Lawrence, 
shall  be  considered  as  part  of  the  western  district  of  this  state. 

IX.  And  be  it  further  enacted.  That  all  the  residue  of  the  tract  of  land 
lyinjj  between  the  division  lines  atbresaiti,  of  j^reat  l-)ts  nnnd)ers  three 
and  four,  and  of  jrreat  lots  numbers  one  and  two,  in  IVlacomb's  purchase, 
and  the  nortii  bounds  of  Totten  and  Crossfield's  purchase,  shall,  until 
further  legislative  provision  in  the  premises,  be  considered  as  i)art  of 
the  town  of  Alassena,  in  the  said  county  of  St.  Lawrence:  And  all  that 
part  of  Macomb's  jturchast!,  inchnled  in  great  division  number  one,  and 
the  Indian  reservation  at  the  St.  Regis  village,  shall  be  annexed  to,  ami 
form  i)art  of,  the  town  of  Chateaiigay,  in  tiie  county  of  Clinton. 

X.  .Ind  be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  said  county  ot  St.  Lawrence, 
shall  be  annexed  to,  and  become  jiart  of  the  district  now  composed  of 
the  counties  of  Herkimer,  Otsego,  Oneida,  and  Chenango,  as  it  res|)ects 
all  proceedings  under  the  act  entitled,  'An  act  relative  to  district  attor- 
neys.' 

XI.  And  he  it  further  enacted,  That  until  other  jjrovision  be  made  by 
law,  the  inspectors  of  election  in  the  .several  towns  in  the  said  county  of 
St.  Lawrence,  shall  return  the  votes  taken  at  any  election  for  governor, 
lieutenant  governor,  senators,  members  of  the  assetnbly,  and  members 
of  congress,  to  the  clerk  of  the  county  of  Oneida,  to  be  by  him  estimated 
as  a  part  of  the  aggregate  nun)ber  of  votes  given  at  such  election,  in  the 
county  of  Oneida." 

In  accordance  with  t'lis  law,  one  of  the  stone  buildings  west  of  the 
Oswegatchie, '  jis  fitted  up  as  a  court  house,  and  a  bomb-proof  magazine 
on  the  premises  as  a  jail.  Here  the  first  courts  were  held,  and  first 
delinquents  confined  until  the  completion  of  the  court  house  in  ISQ'i, 
under  the  provisions  of  a  clause  in  an  net  passed  April  2,  1803,  which 
provided  as  follows : 

"And  be  it  further  enacted,  That  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  supervisors 
of  the  county  of  St.  Lawrence,  and  they  are  hereby  authorized,  to  receive 
the  moneys  subscribed  by  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  county,  for  building 
a  court  house  and  gaol,  on  the  east  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie 
river,  opposite  to  the  old  barracks:  and  to  ajjply  such  moneys  for  build- 
ing the  said  court  house  and  gaol,  in  such  manner  as  they  or  the  ma- 
jority of  them  shall  judge  most  for  the  interest  of  the  said  county;  and 
shall  account  for  the  expenditures  of  the  said  money  with  the  judges  of 
the  court  of  conmion  i)leas  for  the  said  county. 

And  l>e  it  further  enacted,  That  as  soon  as  the  said  supervisors,  or  a 
majority  of  them,  shall,  by  writing  under  their  hands,  certify  to  the  sheriff 
of  the  sai<l  county,  that  the  gaol  hereby  authorized  to  be  built,  is  fit  for 
the  reception  of  prisoners,  it  shall  and  may  be  lawful  for  the  said  sheriff, 
after  filing  the  said  certificate  in  the  office  of  the  clerk  of  the  .said  county, 


ivmk 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


209 


to  •.•Rmovo  the  i)risoners  into  tlie  sm'uI  •jnol;  which  pnol  thereafter  slmil 
he  lh(!  jraoi  nt"  the  said  county;  and  that  as  soon  as  the  said  court  honse 
is  finished  snfticientiy,  so  as  to  ho  coin(<>rtahlc  for  hohiinir  conrt,  and  a 
ccrtilicatc!  thfM-cof  hy  tiie  said  snpeivisors,  or  a  majority  oC  tiiern,  delivered 
to  the  judges  ol'  the  said  conrt,  and  fi\in\  in  tiie  clerk's  office,  shall  tliere- 
at'tei-  he  the  onrt  honse  for  tin;  sail!  comity,  to  ail  intents  and  pnrposes. 

.Ind  be  it  fuiilier  enacted,  That  nntil  Inrfher  onhsr  of  the  legislature,  it 
phall  not  he  necessary  lor  the  sheriff  of  the  said  county,  to  <iive  honds  to 
the  ])eo|ile  of  this  state,  for  a  larj.'er  sum  than  four  thousand  dollars,  and 
six  sureties  of  five  himdred  dollars  each." 

An  act  of  Feh,  13,  1813,  required  the  hoard  of  supervisors  to  raise  n 
tax  of  )S900,  for  the  purpose  of  erectinfr  a  fire-proof  clerk's  office.  Pre- 
vious to  the  completion  of  this,  the  records  were  kept  in  the  ofiice  af 
Louis  Hashronck,  the  clerk.  The  date  of  the  first  record  in  the  office 
is  May  29,  1802. 


~w^ 


Tlie  house  in  which  the  clerk's  office  was  kept  for  several  of  the  first 
years  is  represetitcd  in  the  acconi[)anying  cngravinj;,  which  possesses  an 
additional  interest  from  its  having  hecn  one  of  the  first  dwellings  erected 
in  Ogdenshurgh.  It  was  completed  in  1804.  The  lot  on  which  it  stood 
was  sold  to  Mr.  Ilasbronck  lor  a  guinea.  Its  central  locatiou  has  ren- 
dered it  worth  several  thousand  dollars. 

This  venerable  «lwelling  was  unfortunately  consumed  in  a  destructive 
fire  that  occm-rcd  in  the  autunni  of  18r)2,  together  with  the  modern 
block  of  stores  represented  in  the  cut,  and  much  valuable  property  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  street. 

The  engraving  was  taken  from  a  daguerreotype  by  E.  A.  Olds. 

The  following  resolutions  in  relation  to  the  act  authorizing  the  erection 
of  a  new  clerk's  oiiice,  were  passed  by  the  board  of  supervisors  in  Oct., 
1821: 


! 


f. 


.* 


I!      > 


\\    ', 


\h 


\<f 


ii': 


210 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


"RIoved  thnt  tlio  sum  of  .1(100  be  raised  and  levied  for  the  piirpose  of 
building  a  fire-|)roof  clerk's  otiice. 

Action  postponed  for  the  present. 

It  was  i)roposed  to  amend  this,  hy  inserting  $500,  and  this  amendment 
was  passed. 

Voted  that  the  building  should  be  erected  in  the  village  of  Ogdens- 
burgh.  Louis  Hasbrouck,  David  C.  Judson,  and  Bishof)  Perkins,  were 
ap[K)inted  a  committee  to  determine  the  size  and  plan,  and  to  superin- 
tend its  erection  and  finishing.    It  was  further  Resolved,  that, 

"Whereas,  by  an  act  of  the  legislature,  [)assed  February  12,  1813,  au- 
thorizing the  board  of  supervisors  of  the  county  of  St.  liawrence,  to  raise 
money  to  build  a  fire-proof  clerk's  office,  in  said  county;  and  whereas, 
it  is  considered  probable  that  a  division  of  the  coimty  may  take  place, 
and  in  such  case,  a  location  at  Ogdensburgh  would  not  benefit  such  now 
county;  it  was,  therefore,  resolved,  that  in  case  of  such  a  division,  such 
sum  as  may  be  assessed  on  the  territory  so  set  off  into  a  new  county, 
should  be  refunded  to  such  new  county." 

In  pursuance  of  the  foregoing  resolution,  a  stone  building  was  erected 
on  the  corner  of  Ford  an<l  Green  streets  in  the  village  of  Ogdensburgh. 
It  is  now  the  land  oflice  of  the  Hon.  Henry  Van  Rensselaer. 

The  proprietors  and  settlers  of  the  central  and  southern  sections  of 
the  county,  were  never  entirely  satisfied  with  the  location  of  the  public 
buildings  at  Ogdensburgh,  and  by  referring  to  the  letter  from  Judge  Ford 
to  S.  Ogden,  dated  Jan.  11,  1805,  it  will  be  seen  that  secret  jealousies 
were  entertained  on  this  subject.  In  1818,  the  first  direct  effort  was 
made  to  efiect  a  removal,  which  was  defeated  through  the  efforts  of  per- 
sons residing  in  Ogdensburgh. 

Among  the  arguments  then  adduced  in  favor  of  the  measure,  were 
the  exposed  situation  of  the  frontier,  and  liability  to  hostile  incursions  in 
case  of  war,  the  inconvenience  of  the  public  buildings,  and  insecurity  of 
the  jail,  and  especially  the  distance  from  the  centre  of  the  county  and 
the  southern  settlements. 

The  petition  for  the  appointment  of  commissioners,  to  select  a  new 
site  for  public  buildings,  had  700  signatures,  and  the  remonstrance  762. 
The  inhabitants  of  Potsdam,  also  petitioned  for  the  removal  of  the  public 
buildings  to  their  village. 

Against  the  removal  of  the  county  seat,  it  was  urged  —  that  the  con- 
dition of  the  buildings  at  Ogdensburgh  did  not  call  for  a  change ;  that  a 
large  amount  of  money  was  about  to  be  expended  upon  roads,  whicii 
would  make  that  place  easily  accessible;  that  the  county  buildings, 
worth  $2,000,  would  become  forfeited,  by  reversion  to  the  proprietor; 
that  the  taxable  inhabitants  then  numbering  2,000,  were  then  thinly 
scattered ;  and  an  uncertainty  still  existed,  where  the  weight  of  popula- 
tion would  ultimately  preponderate. 

A  plan  was  at  this  time  proposed  for  dividing  the  county,  by  a  line 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


211 


r'liining  l)nt\veen  Lisbon  nnd  Canton  on  tlio  west,  and  ^Fndrid  nnd  Pots- 
dam on  tlif  cast,  to  extend  in  a  direct  line  to  tiio  sonthern  hoimds  of  the 
county.    Tlio  new  connty  wnB  to  liave  been  named  FajieUt, 

An  estimate  made  at  the  time,  is  inteiestinj;;,  denoting  the  number  of 
tnxpayerp  in  tlic  several  towns,  and  is  as  ioliows: 

Western  division.  Oswegatchie,  193;  Gonverneur,  89;  De  Kalb,  126; 
Russell,  11!>;  Fowler,  28;  Rossie,  Gl-,  Lisbon,  115;  Canton,  202.    Total, 

Edstern  division.  Madrid,  2(J0;  Potsdam,  HOQ;  Parishville,  1.T3;  Stock- 
holm, yj);  IIoi)kinton,  81;  Louisville,  10(5;  Massena,  85.    Total,  1,066. 

The  subject  of  removal  to  a  central  location  again  came  up  for  legis- 
lative action  in  the  session  of  J827,  but  was  permitted  to  lie  over  till  the 
next  session,  for  the  pnr|)ose  of  obtaining  a  more  distinct  expression  of 
the  popular  wish  on  the  measure;  and  under  these  circumstances,  it  be- 
came a  test  question  in  the  election  of  members  of  assembly  in  that  year. 
Party  considerations  were  dropped  for  the  time,  and  it  was  expected, 
that  tlie  canvass  would  decide  the  preferences  of  the  electors  of  the 
county  upon  the  subject  of  removal.     It  resulted  as  follows: 

For  removiitl.  Against  removal. 

Moses  Rowley,  2,364  Jason  Fenton,        2,069 

Jabez  Willes,     2,178  Phineas  Attwater,  1,688 

The  members  elected  were  nominated  by  a  convention  representing 
the  portion  desirous  of  a  change  of  site,  and  with  a  distinct  understand- 
ing thai  they  would  labor  to  effect  that  object. 

The  records  of  many  of  the  towns,  show  that  an  expression  of  opinion 
was  taken  on  this  subject,  at  their  town  meetings  in  1828. 

The  petition  upon  which  the  law,  authorizing  a  change  and  appoint- 
ing disinterested  commissioners  to  designate  a  new  site,  was  not  nume- 
rously signed,  but  embraced  tho  names  of  those  w  bo  possessed  much 
weight  and  influence  in  the  county.  It  was  dated  December,  1827,  and 
received  in  the  senate  Jan.  18,  1828. 

This  led,  after  the  most  active  opj)osition  from  many  of  those  interested 
in  Ogdensburgh,  to  the  passage  of  tiie  following  law: 

"•^n  Act,  establishing  the  location  of  Court  House  and  other  Public  Buildings 
in  Si,  Laiorencc  Cotmtj. 

Passed  Jan,  28,  1828. 
1.  Joseph  Grant,  George  Brayton  and  John  E.  Hinman,  of  tlie  county 
of  Oneida,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  a|)pointed  commissioners  to  examine, 
determine  and  fix  upon,  the  proper  site  for  the  erection  of  a  new  court 
house,  gaol  and  clerk's  otiice,  in  and  for  the  county  of  St.  Lawrence,  whose 
duty  it  sliall  be  to  go  into  the  said  county  to  examine  the  situation  of  the 
same,  with  respect  to  its  population,  its  territory,  its  roads,  and  the  means 
of  communication  between  the  several  towns  and  suttlemeuts  iit  the  said 

14 


212 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


If.',;. 


mi 


) 


It: 

■ff-: 


county,  fojjetlici*  with  tlie  immndinto  jirospcct  of  settlements,  and  nil  otlier 
tilings  wliicli  tliey  slinll  think  it  necosunry  to  cMiniine  and  onqiiiro  into, 
the  hetter  to  enable  them  to  form  a  cormct  dctcniiinntion  as  to  the  sitn 
<»(■  a  court  house,  gaol  and  clerk's  office,  for  the  said  county,  which  shall 
Itest  acconwuodate  the  population  of  the  said  county,  in  relerence  to  its 
present  territory. 

Jl.  The  said  comniissioners,  after  havinp  made  such  inquiries,  and  ex- 
aminations as  aforesaid,  and  as  to  them  shall  lie  satisfactory,  shall  on  or 
after  the  fiAeenth  day  of  August  next,  fix  upon  and  estalilish  the  site  for 
the  buildings  aforesaid,  and  sJiall  put  their  determination  in  writing,  under 
their  hands  and  seals,  or  the  bunds  and  seals  of  any  two  of  them,  and 
shall  file  the  same  in  the  oftice  of  the  clerk  of  the  said  county,  whose 
duty  it  shall  be  to  receive  and  file  the  said  paper,  without  any  compensa- 
tion for  so  doing;  and  the  determination  of  the  said  commissioners,  or 
any  two  of  them,  being  so  made  and  filed  as  aforesaid,  shall  bo  final  and 
conclusive  in  the  premises. 

III.  The  said  commissioners  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  three  dollars 
per  day  each,  for  every  day  they  shall  be  necessarily  employed  in  dis- 
charging the  duties  of  the  said  commission,  and  fifteen  cents  jier  mile 
each,  for  their  travel,  going  and  returning,  to  be  computed  from  the  resi- 
dence of  each  commissioner,  to  the  clerk's  office  of  the  said  county; 
which  shall  be  the  compensation  of  the  saiil  cotnmissioners,  shall  be  raised 
levied  and  collected  as  the  other  contingent  expenses  of  the  said  county 
are  raised  levied  and  collected. 

IV.  That  Ansel  Bailey,  David  C.  Judson  and  Asa  Sprngue,  Jr.,  he  and 
they  are  hereby  appointed  commissioners  to  superintend  the  building  of 
a  court  house,  gaol  and  clerk's  office,  in  and  for  the  said  county  of  St. 
Lawrence,  upon  the  site  to  be  fixed  upon  and  established  by  the  commis- 
sioners appointed  in  and  by  the  first  section  of  this  act. 

V.  The  commissioners  appointed  in  and  by  the  last  preceding  section 
of  this  act,  or  a  majority  of  them,  are  hereby  authorized  and  empowered 
to  purchase  materials,  contract  with  workmen,  and  do  all  other  things 
necessary  to  the  building  of  the  said  court  house,  goal  and  clerk's  office; 
to  direct  the  size,  shape  and  arrangement  of  the  said  buildings,  and  the 
materials  of  which  the  same  shall  be  constructed;  and  that  the  said 
clerk's  office  shall  be  built  of  such  materials,  and  be  so  constructed  as  to 
be  fire  proofl 

VI.  The  coniissioners  last  mentioned  shall  be,  and  they  are  hereby 
authorized  to  draw  upon  the  treasurer  of  the  said  county  of  St.  Lawrence, 
liom  time  to  time,  for  such  sum  or  sums  of  money  ns  shall  come  into  the 
treasury  of  the  said  county,  to  be  appropriated  for  the  erection  of  the  said 
buildings;  and  it  shall  he  the  duty  of  the  said  treasurer,  to  pay  on  the 
order  of  the  said  commissioners,  or  a  majority  of  them,  any  sums  of 
money  in  his  hands,  a|)propriated  to  the  erection  of  the  said  buildings. 

VII.  The  said  commissioners  ajipointed  to  superintend  the  erection  of 
the  said  buildings,  shall,  before  they  enter  upon  the  duties  of  their  office, 
give  bonds  in  the  penal  sum  of  $5,000,  with  approved  sureties,  to  the 
supervisors  of  the  said  county,  conditioned  that  they  will  faithfully  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  the  said  commission,  and  the  moneys  which  shall 
come  into  their  hands,  as  such  commissioners,  and  that  they  will  punc- 
tually and  honestly  account  to  the  said  supervisors,  for  all  such  moneys; 
and  the  said  commissioners  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  each  the  sum  of 
two  dollars  per  day,  for  each  day  they  be  necessarily  employed  in  the  dis- 
charge of  their  duties,  under  this  act,  to  be  audited,  levied  and  collected 
as  the  other  contingent  charges  of  the  said  county  are  audited,  levied  and 
collected." 


AND     FRANKLIN    rOUNTIES. 


213 


The  f  iibstnnco  of  the  roinaining  sections  will  only  bo  given, 

VIII.  A  tax  of  .$•^,500  to  bo  Invicd  on  the  county  for  the  builrling. 

IX.  The  board  of  siipf-rvisors  to  ,«<'ll  tiio  old  court  house,  gaol  and 
clcik'H  oflicc,  uud  apply  the  proceeds  towards  the  new  building,  &c. 

X.  Supervisors  to  |)rocure  u  deed  in  fee  simple  of  the  new  site, 
XL  The  site  to  bo  piud  for  out  of  the  jn-occedi?  of  the  old  buildinffs. 

XII.  The  supervisors  to  levy  u  sum  in  18^9,  not  to  exceed  ;J«'4,.500,  to 
finish  the  new  buildings. 

XIII.  Commissioners  to  give  notice  to  the  judges  of  the  county  court, 
of  the  coni|)letion  of  the  l)uildings. 

XIV.  The  judges  to  meet  and  (ix  upon  the  gaol  liberties, 

XV.  The  sherirt'to  remove  prisoners  to  the  new  gaol,  when  directed  by 
Ui(!  judg(^s  of  the  courts, 

XVI.  The  sheriff  alone,  liable  for  escape  of  prisoners  on  removal. 

XVII.  'J'he  clerk  to  retnove  records  when  directed  by  juflges, 

XVIII.  After  the  above,  the  new  buildings  shall  be  deemed  the  county 
court  house,  gaol  and  clerk's  otlice,  to  all  legal  intents, 

XIX.  Vacancies  among  first  commissioners,  to  bo  filled  by  governor. 

XX.  Vacancies  in  building  commissioners,  to  bo  fdlcd  by  county 
judges. 

The  sum  designated  by  the  foregoing  act  being  found  inadequate  to 
complete  die  buildings,  an  net  was  passed  April  IC,  !8.'{0,  audiorizing  the 
supervisors  to  raise  $()C0  more  for  that  purpose. 

The  first  record  made  at  the  clerk's  office  alter  its  removal,  was  on  the 
8th  of  January,  1830,  on  which  day  it  was  opened. 

The  following  extract  from  the  report  to  the  supervisors,  of  the  com- 
missioners appointed  to  erect  the  county  buildings,  at  Canton,  describes 
their  original  construction : 

"  Each  building  is  of  stone.  The  courthouse  is  two  stori'^"  in  height, 
44  feet  by  40.  The  lower  story  is  divided  into  four  rooms,  besides  pas- 
sages and  stairways,  viz,  a  grand  jury  room,  a  room  for  constables  and 
witnesses  attending  the  grand  jury,  and  two  rooms  for  petit  jurors.  The 
upper  story  is  devoted  entirely  to  a  court  room,  41  feet  in  length,  by  37 
in  breadth. 

The  clerk's  office  is  of  the  same  height  and  size  of  the  private  clerk's 
office,  and  differing  in  its  construction  only,  in  making  the  front  room 
siniiller,  and  the  rear  one  larger,     *     *     * 

The  gaol  is  .3(5  by  40,  with  the  basement  story  rising  about  five  feet 
out  of  the  ground,  and  a  story  and  a  half  above.  About  12  feet  of  tlie 
easterly  end  of  all  the  stories  is  appropriated  to  prison  rooms,  except  a 
small  room  in  the  lower  story,  for  a  sheriff's  office,  where  the  stove  is 
l)laced  intended  to  give  warmth  to  all  the  criminal  rooms  in  the  upper 
story,  as  well  as  tlie  debtor's  room  immediately  back  on  the  same  story. 

The  plan  of  the  criminal  rooms  has  been  entirely  changed  sinrv  tha 
report  made  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  board. 

It  was  then  contemplated  to  take  the  Jefferson  county  jail,  as  a  model, 
in  the  construction  of  ours,  the  strength  of  which  consisted  in  the  size, 
and  even  surface  of  the  stone  of  which  the  walls  are  constructed.  The 
difficulty  of  obtaining  stone  of  sufficient  size  and  evenness  of  surface  to 
admit  of  dowaling,  induced  them  to  abandon  that  plan. 

The  criminals'  rooms  are  a  block  of  cells,  five  in  number,  constructed 


214 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


I 
r  ■  ■■ 


k:'- 


I 


of  wood  nnd  iron,  jdnrefl  in  th«  Hccond  storj',  within  nnd  three  feot  dis- 
tont  tVoni  tlie  outride  widln. 

Tlic  liuht  is  ndinittod  into  tlin  rt'lln  tlirnnph  pratin^'s  in  thn  upper  pnrt 
of  the  doorH  (wliicii  nro  to  ho  wliolly  of  iron),  openinjr  intotlin  linll  in  tlm 
ennterly  end  of  tlio  bnildin^  into  which  tiiu  ii^ht  \n  udinitled,  throii^'h 
fonr  stroiii;  pirated  windows. 

The  eell.M  are,  with  tiio  exception  of  one,  intended  for  thonccommodn- 
tion  of  Hinpic  prisoiuM-M  only. 

The  |)lnn,  tlioufrli  novel,  as  applied  to  ronnty  paoln,  was  nnggested  to 
the  coniiideration  of  x\w.  committee,  hy  an  examination  of  the  eoiitttrnc- 
tion  of  the  wtnte  prison,  rcecintly  ereet«'d ;  and  it  appears  to  them  to  pos- 
fiess  the  same  ndvanta<.'OH  for  n  county  prison,  which  has  <.'iven  to  tiiose 
erttahlishments  a  character  (or  nsefnhieHS,  in  the  prevention  ot'  crime,  by 
the  reformation  of  the  criminal,  in  the  measure  of  punishment  that  ium 
revived  tlie  lio|'e  of  the  philaiithrf)pist,  in  the  success  of  the  |)enitunt!ary 
system ;  that  from  the  world  nnd  from  the  contaminating'  infhionce  of  the 
society  of  his  tellow  prisoners,  who  may  he  more  hardened  in  vice,  and 
left  to  his  own  solitary  retleetions,  if  there  is  any  chance  for  reliirnialion, 
by  punisiinient,  it  is  under  such  circumstances.  'Die  salety  of  the  arran|;e- 
ment  stron^jly  recotnmended  itself  to  tiie  consideration  of  the  committee. 

Contined  sinj^ly,  there  can  I>e  no  joint  ctfbrts. 

Coniniunieulion  from  the  outside,  except  as  to  one  cell,  is  believed  to 
be  impracticable  nnd  difficult,  as  to  that;  aiul  .should  an  escape  from  a 
cell  be  efiected,  the  outside  wull  or  grating  would  i^till  remain  to  be 
forced." 

The  nccominodation  of  the  eourthouBe  being  deemed  insufficient  for 

the  wants  of  the  county,  the  subject  of  repairing  nnd  eidarging  tl"» 

building,  was  brought  before  the  board  of  uupervisors,  at  their  sessior 

1850,  and  it  was  resolved, 

"  That  tt  committee  of  five  persons  be  appointed  by  the  board,  whoso 
duty  it  shall  be  to  examine  the  present  building,  and  the  cost  and  expense 
of  on  addition  of  524  feot.  of  the  same  materials  as  the  present  building, 
nnd  of  the  same  height,  including  the  expense  of  remodelling  the  inside 
in  a  convenient  and  suitable  manner,  and  to  receive  proposals  for  the 
erection  and  completion  of  said  addition." 

This  committee  was  authorized  to  contract  for  the  erection  of  said 
addition  to  the  court  house,  provided  such  addition  shall  be  found  prac- 
ticable, for  the  sum  of  $1,G00. 

Two  doys  afterwards,  this  vote  was  reconsidered,  on  a  vote  of  11  to 
10,  and  three  members  of  the  board  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
examine  and  determine  what  repairs  and  alterations  in  the  court  house 
were  necessary.  If,  in  the  judgment  of  the  committee,  repairs  and  alter- 
ations should  be  made,  and  they  might  contract  for  the  same,  for  a  sum 
not  exceeding  $2,000,  the  committee  were  to  file  a  certificate  to  this 
efiect,  with  the  clerk  of  the  board,  and  they  then  might  borrow,  on  the 
credit  of  the  county,  at  par,  such  sums  for  seven  per  cent,  annual  interest, 
wl.ich  they  were  authorized  to  expend  in  repairs  and  alterations  of  the 
court  house. 

The  committee  were  to  give  tbeir  official  bond  far  money  lo  borrowed, 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


215 


not  excpedin;;  §2,000,  in  the  ujr(;ii';;uto,  wliirli  won  to  lie  entered  l»y  th« 
clerk  (if  tlu!  Ixmnt  in  iiis  niiniitcn,  and  ocrtitird  hy  iiiin,  homing  7  per 
cent.  intt-reNt,  piiyiihlu  uniuiully.  In  cane  tlie  uonnnitteu  should  duicr> 
mine  to  niniic  Nncii  ropnirs  und  idtcnitionH,  they  were  to  ctuine  mich 
iilterntionei  and  ruptiiiN  to  he  cutitructud  lor  and  niudo  nnder  their  initpec- 
tion  und  direction. 

A  further  lunondinont,  which  re(piircd  that  the  comniittce  in  no  caa« 
should  hnve  Authority  to  contrtict  for  the  completion  ot'  the  addition  of 
'^4  li'ct  on  the  east  end  of  the  court  house,  unlefia  the  name  could  ins  doa* 
for  §'^,000,  wns  lulopted. 

Messrs.  Picket,  Anthony,  Cogswell,  Foster,  und  Ilnzelton  were  appoint- 
cd  to  stdect  a  cnmniittet!  to  carry  the  foregoing  resolutions  into  efTect, 
and  they  reported  the  nuino  of  Mcssrti.  Fit$k,  Thalchur  and  Cogswell, 
who  were  duly  appointed. 

The  additions  conteniplated,wcro  etlected  during  the  year  IS'tl,  and  St. 
Lawrence  county  can  now  justly  honst  ofti  court  house  which  will  com- 
pare favorahlyin  point  of  convenience,  although  perhaps  not  in  splendor 
of  architectural  display,  with  that  of  most  of  county  huildings  of  the 
state. 

This  improvement  had  been  suggested  by  the  judges  of  the  supreme 
court. 

The  records  of  the  board  of  supervisors  of  St.  Lawrence  county  pre- 
vious to  1814  were  lost  in  a  fire  nt  Ogdenshurgh  in  the  spring  of  1839. 
The  first  board  is  said  to  have  been  composed  of  the  following: 

Nnthan  Ford,  of  Oawtfratchee ;  Alexander  J.  Turner,  of  Lu&on ;  Joseph 
Edsall,  of  Madrid;  Matthew  Perkins,  of  Maastna. 

The  early  action  of  the  supervisors  in  regard  to  public  buildings,  is 
not  known.    That  in  relation  to  subsequent  buildings,  bos  been  given. 

In  1835,  the  board  resolved  to  avail  itself  of  the  provisions  of  the  net 
authorizing  certain  counties  to  build  county  poor  houses,  by  filing  m  cer- 
tificate to  that  effect,  in  the  clerk's  ofiice  of  the  county. 

Carried  by  a  vote  of  11  to  7. 

The  sum  of  $2,400  was  accordingly  voted,  for  the  purpose  of  purchas- 
ing one  or  more  tracts  of  land,  and  to  erect  thereon  suitable  buildings 
for  a  poor  house.  This  sum  was  to  be  raised  iu  three  equal  onnual 
instalments. 

Stnith  Stilwell,  Jonah  Sanford  and  Chauncey  Pettibone  were  appoint- 
ed commissioners  to  locate  the  site,  and  make  the  purchase. 

At  on  adjourned  meeting,  held  in  January,  1826,  several  attempts  were 
made  to  agree  upon  a  site  for  the  poor  house,  but  without  success:  and 
the  commiasioners  previously  appointed  were  discharged  from  that  duty. 


216 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


■  «' ;  • 


W 


■il'^' 


John  C.  Perkins,  Samuel  Nortlirnp  and  Reuben  Strceter  were  stihse  - 
qiiently  appointed  for  this  purpose. 

Asa  Sprague,  Jun.,  Daniel  Walker,  Smith  Stilwell,  Samuel  Pntridj^o, 
Silas  Wright,  Jun.,  Joseph  IJarnes  and  Ephraim  S.  Itaymond  were,  at 
this  session,  appointed  superintendents  of  the  jjoor  house. 

A  lot  of  eighty  acres,  one  mile  west  of  Canton  village,  was  purchased, 
on  which  was  a  houf  e  and  barn,  for  .*1,250. 

$'iOO  was  applied  for  repr-ring  buildings,  and  stocking  the  farm.  In 
1827,  the  further  sum  of  *.'iOO  was  raised,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  an 
additional  building  at  the  poor  house 

From  the  interruption  in  the  series,  we  shall  not  attempt  to  give  in 
connected  order  a  synopsis  of  the  proceedings  of  the  board  of  supervisors 
in  St.  JiHwrence  county,  but  shall  have  frequent  occasion  to  allude  to 
them  ii  this  work. 

Louis  llasbrouck  was  first  appointed  clerk  of  the  board  of  supervisors, 
and  held  that  office  till  the  year  ]810,  when  William  W.  Bowen  was 
appointed,  and  held  till  1819.  During  the  session  of  that  year,  Chester 
Gurney  officiated,  and  at  that  time,  Bishop  Perkins,  of  Ogdensburgh, 
was  appointed  to  the  office,  which  he  held  uninterruptedly,  till  the  ses- 
sion of  1852,  when  having  been  elected  to  Congress,  he  resigned  his 
office  of  clerk  of  the  board,  whi(3h  he  had  held  with  the  entire  approba- 
tion of  that  body,  for  a  third  of  a  century,  and  Martm  Thatcher  was 
appointed  his  successor. 

On  his  retiring  from  the  office  wh','  h  he  had  held  so  long,  Mr.  Perkins 
received  a  unanimous  vote  of  the  board,  expressive  of  their  sense  of  tho 
high  esteem  with  which  they  regarded  his  services. 


3,- 


!  li' 


ORGANIZATION  OF  FRANKLIN  COUNTY. 

A  Petition  of  John  Porter,  and  others,  inhabitants 
of  the  county  of  Clinton,  ^^as  presented  in  the 
assembly,  February  4th,  1808,  praying  for  the 
erection  of  a  new  county  therefrom,  by  the 
name  of  Norfolk,  and  other  provisions 
relating  thereto,  which  was  read,  and  with 
several  similar  petitions,  was  referred  to  a 
connnittce,  consisting  of  Mr.  Joshua  Foreman 
of  Onondaga,  Mr.  Elisha  Arnold  of  Clinton, 

and  Mr.  Amos  Hall  of  Alleghany,  Genesee,  and  Ontario  counties. 
On  the  tenth  of  February,  3Ir.  Foreman,  from  the  above  conmiiltee, 

reported  as  follows: 

"  That  they  had  taken  the  facts  set  forth  in  said  petition,  into  con- 
sideration, and  do  fuid,  that  the  settlements  in  the  western  part  of  said 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


217 


county,  nre  fo  remote  from  the  site  of  the  courts  in  said  county,  ns  to 
rendtjr  their  attendance  extremely  difficult,  and  burthensome;  that  the 
territory  of  said  county  is  sufficiently  lar^e  to  admit  of  a  division,  and 
leave  to  each  county  a  territory  equal  to  the  general  size  of  counties  in 
tliis  state;  that  the  application  for  such  division,  has  been  generally 
known  in  the  county;  the  committee  therefore  presume  that  the  princi- 
ple of  such  division,  as  well  as  the  line  of  division,  are  well  understood 
and  ap'eed  upon  in  said  county;  the  committee  also  find  that  the  town 
of  Malone  is  very  nearly  central,  in  such  i)ropo8ed  county,  between  the 
«>'ist  and  west  line,  and  from  the  quality  of  the  soil  in  the  north  and 
south  parts,  the  committee  are  of  opinion,  that  said  town  will  be  at  least 
as  far  south  as  the  centre  of  population  in  said  county;  the  committee 
are  theretbre  of  opinion,  that  the  prayer  of  the  petitioners  ought  to  be 
{.'■anted,  and  that  the  place  of  holding  courts  in  the  new  county,  ought 
to  be  established  in  the  town  of  Malone;  the  committee  have  therefore 
prepared  a  bill  lor  that  purpose,  and  directed  their  chairman  to  ask  for 
leave  to  bring  in  the  same." 

Leave  being  granted,  the  bill  was  introduced;  read  the  first  and 
second  time,  and  referred  to  the  committee  of  the  whole.  On  the  15th 
the  house  us  a  committee,  spent  sotne  time  upon  the  bill,  when  the 
speaker  resumed  the  chair,  and  Mr.  Gold,  from  the  said  committee, 
reported,  that  the  committee  had  gone  through  the  said  bill,  made 
amendments,  filled  up  the  blanks,  and  agreed  to  the  same,  which  he 
was  directed  to  report  to  the  house ;  and  he  read  the  report  in  his  place 
and  delivered  the  same  to  the  table  where  it  was  again  read,  and  agreed 
to  by  the  house. 

It  was  then  ordered  that  the  bill  l)e  engrossed. 

On  the  16th,  it  was  read  the  third  time  and  passed ;  and  on  the  same 
day  it  was  sent  to  the  senate,  and  read  the  first  time. 

On  the  17th,  it  was  read  the  second  time,  and  referred  to  the  commit- 
tee of  the  whole. 

On  the  same  day  Mr.  Graham,  from  this  committee,  reported  progress 
and  asked  leave  to  sit  again,  which  was  also  done  on  the  26th.  On  the 
7th  of  March,  he  reported  that  the  committee  had  gone  through  the  said 
bill,  made  amendments,  and  agreed  o  the  eume,  which  he  was  directed 
to  report  to  the  senate,  ond  he  read  the  report  in  Iiis  place,  and  delivered 
the  same  at  the  table,  where  it  was  again  read  and  agreed  to  by  the 
senate.  The  amendments  were  ordered  to  be  engrossed,  and  on  the 
next  day  it  was  passed  and  sent  back  to  the  at  •  mbly,  where  they 
were  concurred  in. 

On  the  8th,  it  was  by  the  assembly  referred  to  the  council  of  revision, 
and  it  subsequently  received  their  sanction. 

Franklin  county,  was  erected  by  an  act,  entitled : 

"w(7«  ad  to  divide  the  county  of  Clinton,  and  for  other  /»/r/Jo,9cs." 

I'usued  March  11,  160e. 


Ii4 


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'41 


218 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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"  Be  U  enacted,  by  the  people  of  the  slate  q/W'ew  York,  represented  in  senate 
and  assembl}! :  Tliut  all  tiiul  part  of  tlie  comity  )t  Clinton,  lying  west  ot'a 
line  l)e<.'inning  in  the  line  ot' the  said  comity  ot  Clinton,  lielvveen  number 
fiix  and  seven,  of  the  old  military  townships,  and  running  from  thence 
southerly,  along  the  east  line  ot  nunilier  seven,  eight,  nine,  ten  and  eleven 
of  tlieold  military  townsliips  aforesaid,  to  the  north  line  of  the  county  of 
Essex,  shall  he,  and  is  hereby  erected  into  a  separate  county  by  the 
name  of  Franklin,  and  the  residue  of  said  county  of  Clinton,  lying  east 
of  the  aforesaid  line,  shall  be,  and  remain  u  separate  county  by  the  name 
ol  Clinton. 

.'Ind  he  it  further  enacted:  That  tlicre  shall  he  holden  in,  and  for  the 
Wild  county  of  Franklin,  a  court  of  conmion  pleas,  and  general  session 
yf  the  peace,  and  that  there  shall  be  two  terms  of  said  courts,  in  the  said 
county,  in  every  year,  to  commence  as  follows: — The  first  term  of  the 
said  court  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  sliall  bo 
holden  on  the  third  Tuesday  ot  April,  next,  and  may  continue  until  the 
Saturday  Ibllowing,  inclusive;  and  the  second  term  of  the  said  court, 
shall  commence  on  the  second  Tuesday  «if  OctobtT,  next,  and  may  con- 
tinue to  be  holden  until  the  Saturday  following,  inclusive;  and  the  said 
courts  of  common  pleas  and  general  sessions  of  the  peace,  shall  have  the 
like  jurisdiction,  power  an*l  authority,  in  the  said  county,  as  the  courts  of 
common  pleas  and  general  sessions  ol"  the  jieuce,  in  the  other  counties 
of  this  state,  have  in  their  respective  counties. 

Provided:  That  all  suits  now  pending  in  the  court  of  common  ))leas  and 
general  sessions  in  the  county  of  Clinton,  may  be  prosecuted  to  trial, 
judgment  an<l  execution,  as  if  this  act  had  not  been  passed. 

^nd  be  it  further  enacted:  That  the  said  courts  of  common  ])l-  ns  and 
general  sessions  of  the  peace  hv  holden  at  the  academy,  in  the  town- 
ship of  3Ialone,  in  and  for  the  said  county;  and  that  the  suj)ervisors  of 
the  said  county  of  Franklin  be,  and  are  hereiiy  authorized  to  raise  by  tax, 
on  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  said  county,  the  sum  of  two 
hundred  and  fifty  dollars,  to  be  ap[)lied  and  a|)[»ro|)riated  by  them  to 
strengtheii  and.  secure  one  room  in  the  said  academy,  as  a  gaol  for 
said  county,  and  the  sheritT  of  the  county  of  Franklin,  and  other 
officers,  civil  and  criminal,  are  hereby  authorized  to  confine  tlieir  prison- 
ers in  such  ••om  of  said  academy,  and  in  the  gaol  of  the  said  county  of 
Clinton,  fi    neir    iection. 

^nd  be  it  farther  enacted:  That  all  those  parts  of  the  tov^^^ns  of  Peru, 
and  Plattsburgh,  lying  within  the  county  of  Franklin,  west  of  the  old 
military  townships,  be  annexed  to  the  town  of  [larrison,  that  all  those 
parts  of  the  s;iid  towns  of  Peru  and  Plattsburgh  in  the  said  county  of 
Franklin,  within  the  old  military  townships,  be  annexed  to  the  town  of 
Chateaugay;  and  that  all  th.it  jiart  of  the  town  of  Chatenugay,  remaining 
in  the  county  of  Clinton,  be  annexed  to  the  town  of  .^looers,  in  said 
county  of  Clinton;  and  the  su|)ervisors  of' the  towns  of  Harrison  and 
Chateaugay  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  and  of  Mooers,  Peru  and  Platts- 
burgh in  the  county  of  Clinton,  shall,  as  soon  as  may  be,  after  the  first 
Tuesday  of  April,  next,  on  notice  for  that  purpose  being  given,  meet  and 
divide  the  poor  and  money  belonging  to  the  said  town  of  Peru,  Platts- 
burgh, and  Chateaugay,  according  to  the  distribution  of  the  territory  of 
said  towns,  and  the  last  tax  lists  thereof. 

,^nd  be  it  further  enacted:  That  the  said  county  of  Franklin,  shall  be 
considered  as  ]mrt  of  the  eastern  district  of  this  state,  and  until  other 
jirovisions  are  made  for  that  purpose,  that  the  inspectors  of  elections  in 
the  several  towns  of  sairl  coimty  of  Frankhn,  retiun  the  votes  taken 
therein  at  any  election  for  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  lenators,  mem- 


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AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


219 


/' 


hers  of  assembly,  and  representatives  in  congress,  to  the  clerk  of  the 
(•entity  of  Clinton,  to  bo  by  liitn  estimated  as  part  of  the  aorpregate  nnm* 
ber  of  votes  given  at  such  election  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  and  that 
the  said  county  of  Franklin  bo  considered  as  |>art  of  the  said  district  to 
vviiich  the  county  \ii  Franklin  belongs,  as  it  respects  all  proceeUin^rs 
under  the  act  entitled,  "»'in  act  relative  to  district  attorneys." 

Tiie  following  remark,  in  relation  to  the  origin  of  the  name  of  this 
county,  occurs  in  Spafford's  Gazetteer  of  the  State  of  New  York,  pub- 
lished in  lr?i;J: 

"  It  can  hardly  be  necessary  to  say,  that  this  county  received  its  name 
f'roni  the  illustrious  Franklin;  and  that  nothing  was  meant  by  attaching 
it  to  the  least  valuable  county  of  this  state,  though  the  doctor,  who  alwaytt 
saw  a  tneauing  in  every  thim:,  might  be  displeased  with  it,  should  he 
appear  here  in  his  butt  of  wine." 

It  was  from  insinuations  like  these,  that  northern  ISew  York  has 
hitherto  been  looked  upon  by  the  law  makers  of  the  state,  as  imworthy  of 
attention;  and  hence  baa  led  to  a  neglectof  the  just  claimsof  its  inhabit- 
ants to  a  participation  in  the  benefits  of  our  system  of  internal  improve- 
ments. In  1813,  there  were  four  post  offices  in  the  county,  Chateaugay, 
Constable,  Dickinson  and  Ezraville,  since  changed  to  Malone. 

By  an  act  passed  Aj)ril  3,  1801,  dividing  the  state  into  counties,  the 
territory  now  embraced  in  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  coimties  was 
made  a  part  of  Clinton  county,  which  included  "  all  that  part  of  the  state 
bounded  southerly  by  the  county  of  Essex  and  Totten  &  CrossHeld'a 
purchase,  easterly  by  the  east  bounds  of  the  state,  northerly  by  the  north 
bounds  of  the  state,  and  westerly  by  the  west  bounds  of  the  state,  and 
the  division  line  between  great  lots  No.  3  and  4,  of  Macomb's  purchase, 
continued  to  the  west  bounds  of  this  state. 

By  an  act  passed  April  7,  1801,  dividing  the  state  into  towns,  the  terri- 
tory now  embraced  in  Franklin  county,  was  made  to  comprise  the  town 
of  Chateaugay,  when  first  erected,  in  1799,  this  town  included  only  that 
^■"t  of  military  townshijis  in  Nos.  5,  6,  7  and  8, 

On  the  2ad  of  March,  1822,  township  No.  11,  in  the  Old  Militart 
Tract,  was  taken  from  Franklin  and  annexed  to  Essex  county.  The 
territory  so  transferred,  was  annexed  to  the  town  of  Jay,  and  is  embraced 
in  the  present  town  of  St.  Armand. 

The  building  erected  for  an  academy,  and  still  standing  on  the  premises 
of  the  Franklin  Academy,  continued  to  serve  the  purpose  of  a  court 
house  and  jail  until  after  the  war.  Measures  were  meanwhile  taken  as 
early  as  the  beginning  of  1809,  to  procure  public  buildings,  and  petitions 
were  forwarded  for  the  jiin-pose. 

From  the  journal  of  the  assembly,  February  20,  1809,  it  is  learned: 

"  That  it  appears  by  the  petition,  that  Noah  Moody's  dwelling  house 
which  stood  on  the  rising  ground  a  few  rods  west  of  the  bridge,  in  the  ceu- 


220 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


C  r.    ■ 


tro  of  the  town  of  Malone,  in  the  county  of  FVnnkliii ;  lins  been  selected  by 
tlie  iniiabitnntB  of  the  Biiid  county,  for  the  site  of  their  court  hoii.se  nnd 
(rnol;  that  in  consequence  of  such  selection,  the  inhabitants  of  said  town 
have  bound  thcniseivcs  to  coiUribute  tlie  sum  of  fitteen  hundred  dollars 
inwards  erecting  the  said  court  house  and  gaol  within  two  years;  that 
the  act  for  the  erection  of  said  county  does  not  designate  the  site,  by 
nvison  whereof,  it  may  be  questionable  win^thtir  the  payment  of  the  said 
bond  can  be  entbrced,  whereture  the  petitionera  pray  that  the  site  be 
designated  by  law." 

The  committee  reported  favorably,  and  the  act  subsequently  passed. 
The  location  of  the  public  buildings  of  this  county  was  accordingly 
determined  by  an  act  |)assed  March  24,  ISOU,  which  directed, 

"  That  the  coiu't  house  and  gaol  in  ond  for  the  county  of  Franklin, 
shall  be  erected  at  the  place  where  Noah  Moody's  dwelling  house  stood, 
on  the  rising  ground  u  tew  rods  west  of  the  bridge,  in  the  center  of  the 
town  of  Ezruville,  iu  said  county." 

By  nn  act  passed  March  9,  1810,  the  supervisors  of  the  county  of 
Franklin  were  directed  and  empowered  to  raise  the  sum  of  $3 ,'250,  in 
three  equal  annual  instalments,  for  the  purpose  of  building  a  court  house 
and  jail,  at  the  place  previously  established  by  law. 

The  sum  of  $250  was  to  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  preparing  a 
temporary  room  in  the  Academy,  to  answer  the  purpose  of  a  jail,  until 
one  could  be  buiitt 

The  supervisors  were  directed  to  appoint  a  committee  of  three  or  five, 
to  superintend  the  erection  of  the  county  buildings.  When  finished, 
the  sheriff  was  to  give  notice  of  the  fact  by  public  proclamation. 

By  an  act  passed  April  3,  1811,  thfe  supervisors  of  Franklin  county 
were  direcied  and  empowered  to  raise  the  further  sum  of  $500,  in  two 
equal  annual  instalments,  to  be  levied  and  collected  in  the  same  manner 
as  the  other  necessary  and  contingent  charges  are  annually  riiised, 
together  with  five  percent  in  addition  for  the  commission  of  the  r;ollector, 
nlid  one  per  cent,  for  treasurer's  fees.  This  money  was  directed  to  be 
applied  towards  building  a  rourt  house  and  jail. 

By  an  act  passed  March  5,  1819,  the  supervisors  were  directed  to 
raise  a  tax  not  to  exceed  $1,000,  to  build  a  fire  proof  clerk's  ofiice,  in 
Franklin  county. 

The  action  of  the  board  of  supervisors  in  relation  to  the  public  build- 
'ings,  will  be  given  in  the  fjllowing  lynopsis  of  their  proceedings. 

The  present  court  house  was  erected  by  Noah  Moody,  in  1811-1813 
and  contains  within  it  the  jail.  During  the  summer  of  1852,  a  separate 
and  very  appropriate  building  was  erected  for  a  jail. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES.  221 

Memoranda  from  the  Records  of  the  Board  of  Supervisors,  of  Franklin 

County,  commenang  October  4,  1808.  ' 

1808.  The  sessions,  for  several  yenrs,  were  lielrl  at  the  Academy. 
Present  at  the  first  session — Allmn  Man,  of  Conatul)le;  Nathaniel  Blanch- 
ard,  of  Harrison;  and  Gates  Iloit,  of  Chateaugay.  John  II.  llussell 
appointed  the  clerk  of  the  board. 

Accounts  audited  for  Constable, $391'30 

««  "         Chateaugay, 470-05 

«  "  Harrison 704-tJ4 

Voted,  that  two  mills  and  three-fourths  be  assessed  to  defray  county 
charges,  one  and  a  half  on  Harrison,  two  and  tlirce-fourths  on  Constable, 
and  two  and  u  half  on  Cliateaugay,  to  defray  town  charges. 

A  county  bounty  of  $10  on  wolves,  and  five  on  wolf  whelps,  voted. 

The  above  bounties  were  to  be  paid  on  certificates  issued  by  a  justice 
of  the  peace,  which  were  to  have  the  following  form: 

"  I  hereby  certify,  that  A  B,  personally  appeared  before  me,  and  pre- 
sented the  pate  and  both  ears  of  a  full  grown  wolf  (or  wolf's  whelp), 

and  made  soienm  oath  that  he  killed  the  same  in  the  town  of ,  in 

tiie  county  of  Franklin,  on  the day  of ,  1808. 

The  ears  of  which  I  iiave  cut  off"  and  burned,  and  have  given  this 

certificate  to ,  that  he  may  be  entitled  to  tlie  county  bounty,  and 

a  duplicate  for  the  town  bounty. 

Franklin  co. ,  1808.    Sworn  before  C  D,  justice  of  the  peace." 

$850  to  be  paid  for  roads  and  bridges,  as  follows  :  To  Harrison,  310; 
Chateaugay,  2'JO;  Constable,  250. 
Aggregate  amount  of  county  charges  audited,  $89-56. 

Resolved,  That  out  of  the  sum  of  $2,199-50,  the  sum  of  $250  be  appro- 
priated to  strengthen  a  room  for  a  gaol,  in  said  county  of  Franklin,  and 
the  remainder  to  be  appropriated  as  heretofore  contemplated  in  the 
several  resolves  of  this  board,  and  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  con- 
tingent expenses  of  the  county. 

On  the  7th  of  Januaiy,  1809,  the  supervisors  of  Franklin  and  Clinton 
counties,  met  to  examine  the  accounts  of  the  several  towns,  and  the  fol- 
lowing resolution  was  passed : 

Resolved,  That  no  demands  shall  be  made  by  either  of  the  respective 
counties  of  Clinton  and  Franklin,  against  each  other,  in  respect  to  the 
balance  of  town  accounts  unto  this  day.  Provided,  nevertheless,  That  the 
several  items  on  the  tax  list,  for  arrears  of  taxes  on  nonresident  property, 
which  have  been  rejected  by  the  comptroller,  for  defect  in  point  of  de- 
scription or  otherwise,  and  which  deficiency  has  been  charged  to  the 
several  towns  incurring  the  same  in  case  assessed  again  by  the  respective 
counties,  shall  be  paid,  when  recovered,  to  either  of  the  counties  entitled 
to  the  same ;  so  far  as  the  land  on  which  these  arrearages  were  assessed, 
remains,  after  the  divisions  of  the  county  of  Clinton,  the  territory  of 
either  of  said  counties. 


•  flii 


fHf'  If 


322 


HISTORY   or   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Tho  moneys  coming  hereafter  for  aiTcarngcs  of  taxes,  were  to  lie  paid 
tliree-tiftli»  to  Clinton,  and  twu-iitlhs  to  Franklin  counties. 

18U0.    'I'lie  board  audited  tli«  several  town  accounts,  which  amounted 
to  the  following  sniiiii: 


Chuteaugay, 
Malone, 


84r);)-.'i0 
4rj0-52 


Dickinson, 
Constable, 


eC)8G.73 
407-00 


Voted  $2,276*05,  it  being  tliifo  niilla  on  a  dollar,  on  the  assesH- 
inent  for  defraying  contingent  charges.  $1,000  appropriated  for  bridges, 
OH  follows: 

To  Chuteaugay,  $230;  Malone,  $ltiO;  Dickinson,  $205;  Constable, 
$325. 

1810.    The  sum  of  $l,08n,  applied  for  building  court  house  and  jail. 
The  accounts  of  the  several  towns  audited  were  as  follows: 


Chateauguy, 
Dickinson, 


$486-25  Constable,  $351-65 

(kU-OC)  IVIalono,  4til-9'J 

County  charges,  ljl,.'J2U-G5 


The  sum  of  $-2,499,  it  being  three  mills  on  a  dollar,  were  voted  ai 
follows:  $1,084  for  building  a  court  house  and  jail,  and  the  remainder 
to  defray  the  expenses  of  wolf  bounti  and  other  incidental  charges  of 
the  county. 

The  commissioners  appointed  to  superintend  tho  building  of  the  court 
house,  were  outhorized  to  draw  on  the  treasury  of  the  county  the  sum 
of  $250,  on  the  first  of  January,  and  the  like  sum  on  the  first  of  Juno 
following,  for  the  purpose  of  defraying  the  expense  of  building. 

John  MoEuzan,  Cone  Andrus,  and  James  Ormsbey,  were  appointed  a 
building  committee.  They  were  directed  to  take  for  their  model,  the 
court  house  in  Clinton  county,  as  near  as  might  be,  and  not  to  exceed 
$5,000  in  cost,  including  donations,  which  were  expected  to  amount  to 
at  least  $1,500.  In  addition  to  the  sums  above  authorized  to  be  drawn 
from  the  treasury,  the  further  amount  of  $500,  payable  in  the  month  of 
October  next,  was  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  building  committee. 

1811.    The  board  proceeded  to  audit  tlie  several  town  accounts  as 

follows: 

Constable,  $379-58  Malone,  $516*50 

Dickinson,  663*44  Chateaugay,  585*16 

County  charges,  $269*29 

The  sum  of  $100  for  Constable,  $100  for  Malone,  $60  for  Dickinson, 
was  allowed  ftir  biidges. 

The  sum  of  $2,444*72,  being  two  and  a  half  mills  on  a  dollar,  was 
voted,  out  of  which  the  treasurer  was  directed  to  pay  to  the  commission- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


223 


ronstnhlc, 
Dickiii!40i), 


era  in  chnr^e  of  the  election  of  the  court  house,  $1,35333,  towards  de- 
fraying tiiH  expeoHes  of  thnt  l)uil(lin^r. 

1812.  Tiie  board  audited  the  toliowing  occounts: 

$G5'2-75  IMnlone,  |502-79 

r)l(10l  CiintenuKay,  21101 

County  expenses,  $G4y-8() 

Among  th<'  Intter  were  .^497'75,  for  bringing  nrms  fronn  Chateaugny. 

A  coniinittce  appointed  to  draw  a  remonstrance  to  the  Ipgislature, 
against  the  division  of  the  towns  of  Constable  and  Dickinson. 

The  sum  of  .9.'],28G02,  or  four  mills  on  a  dollar,  voted  for  county  ex- 
penses the  ensuing  year,  of  which  i?!l,33Q-(i7  was  to  ho  ap[i)icd  for  build- 
ing the  court  house,  and  tiie  remainder  for  incidental  expenses. 

1813.  The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 

Cliuteaugay,         S-'i^i^-an  Dickinson,  $673-00 

Bangor,  GIJ.VIl  Malone,  (J1.'V57 

Constable,  029-22 

Gates  Iloit  directed  to  procure  standard  weights  and  measures  for  the 
county,  and  to  poy  the  necessary  expense  therefor.  County  charges 
audited,  $4()<J-44.  Three  mills  on  a  dollar,  amounting  to  $1,699-97,  voted 
for  the  ensuing  year. 

1814.  The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 


Chateaugay, 

$539-08 

Dickinson, 

$583.59 

Bangor, 

522-60 

Constable, 

49639 

Malone, 

569-72 

County  charges. 

$1,281.56 

Three  and  a  quarter  mills,  or  $1,795-60,  voted  for  the  ensuing  year. 
$178  appropriated  for  a  bridge  at  Chateaugay,  $200  for  the  same  in 
Constable,  and  $300  for  the  same  in  3Ialone,  at  the  village,  in  place  of  a 
bridge  formerly  built  at  that  place. 

1815.    The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 


Dickinson, 

$519-05                Bangor, 

$768-40 

Chateaugay, 

479-48                Constable, 

1,208-16 

Maloiie, 

752-82 
County  charges,  $775-12 

The  first  school  moneys  received  from  the  state,  distributed  as  follows: 
Bangor,  $1335;  Chateaugay,  $21-62;  Dickinson,  $9-88 ;  Malone,  $39-04; 
Constable,  $5252.    Total,  $136-43. 

The  sum  of  $900,  voted  for  roads  and  bridges,  to  be  expended  as 
follows:  Chateaugay,  $200;  Malone,  $280,  of  which  $200  was  to  be 
expended  on  a  stone  bridge  in  the  village;  Constable,  $200;  Dickinson, 
$120;  Bangor,  $100. 

Four  mills  on  a  dollar,  and  the  state  tax  of  two  mills,  voted  to  be 
levied,  amountiug  to  $7,284*25. 


224 


HISTORY    OF   8T.    I.AWRENrK 


V 
t.'' 


3- 


I)  ft  ; 


1" 

|H;lffl 

i 

If'iili 

' 

181<i.    Tlio  iKMird  aiiditoil  the  rollowiiij;  nitooiintH: 

DirkiiiHon,  l^HWCiS  Unnjror, 

CoiiNtiililu,  7()4'IH  Maloiic, 

Cliiilomigay,  7-W-l() 

County  cxpctiHCH,  i5<'2,14:{*3U 


74:M(i 


Tlio  Piiin  of  ■Xt'AflOO  U'v\(h\  to  dofiny  roiitiiiL'oiit  cliurffos.  OfthiH,  ^H)0 
applied  for  building  a  Ntone  l)ridffo  in  Malnno  village-  Tliu  Miini  of-KtOO 
liorctot'oro  granted  for  tluH  piirpoMj),  to  lie  paid  on  tiio  order  of  the  liuurd 
of  HiipcrviHorB. 

1817.  The  bonrd  audited  the  following  nccoijntR: 

Dickinson,  !?7irrlH  nangor,  $mQ-'i7>, 

IMaloiie,  77(;-H'i  Cliateniigay,  (WO'!i() 

Fort  Covington,     ()84'rt;i  (.'(.n.sta!,!t),  71571 

County  dinrges,  .*y,.'M.Vll) 

"  Reitolvfd,  That  the  board  of  supervisors  haH  doubts  respecting  tlin 
legality  ^f  allowing  bonntios  on  tKpiirrolH,  birdo,  &<*.,  or  any  other  tioxioiiM 
nnimals,  except  tlioHt;  jiartirularly  mentioned  in  tiie  statute.  Theretiire, 
resolved,  that  thirt  board  thirds  it  improper  to  allow  any  boinitics  on  tlic 
same  hereafter,  iuid  that  the  Hupervisurs'  clerk  be  directed  to  notily  eiieli 
town  in  said  county  of  thiti  resolution." 

$3.')  to  be  paid  for  each  certificate  of  the  killing  of  any  full  grown 
panther,  and  for  a  panther  whelp,  half  this  sum. 

1818.  The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 


Bnngor,  $712-1.'> 

Malone,  728-40 

Chuteaugoy,  717'!>5  Constable 

County  charges,  $2,0()4'!27 


Dickinson,  .«r)l-2-5'J 

Fort  Covington,     <i8iyri 

7y5-j«; 


1819.    The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 


Fort  Covington,  $548*67 
Dickinson,  8.51*48 

Chateauguy,  752-UO 


Malone, 

Constable, 

Bungor, 


$l,0fi8*(i4 
(W!)*2a4 
071*87 


Resolved,  that  the  sum  of  $.500  be  raised  for  the  purpose  of  building 
n  fire-proof  clerk's  office.  Benjamin  Clark,  Cone  Aiidrus,  ond  John  L. 
Fuller,  appointed  a  building  committee. 

1820.    The  board  audited  the  following  occounts : 


Malone,  $05(5*72 

Constable,  770*00  Bangor, 

Chateuugay,         1,801*02  Dickinson, 

County  accounts,  $1,7'^0*51 


Fort  Covington,  $.5711*30 
902*21 
8.50-9;i 


.$218  voted  to  complete  the  fire-proof  clerk's  office. 
1821.    The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 


Dickinson, 
Malone, 


$1,07390 
3,22()*99 


Fort  Covington,     G()9*73 


Bangor, 

Constable 

Ciiateaugay, 


$1,17.3*15 

973*71 

9,350*89 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


OOf, 


Totiil  nmoiint  of  county  chnrnfiB,  including  .lu  enormous  Imunty  al- 
lowed on  wolves,  .<lia,(»:W-I'J. 

(h\  tnotion,  it'holvoil,  that  tlio  trcnnuror  bo  dirrctoil  to  pny  to  cnoh  of 
tliu  iicr.xonN  or  ownorH  incntioixMl  in  tlio  prcccdin;^  ftclirdulu,  the  ntirnH 
iiimve  allowed  mh  clinrgeH  agiiinnt  the  county  uf  Franklin,  out  of  any 
nioneyN  in  thu  trcnHury  not  otherwiso  a|)|ir()|)riate(l. 

The  NUin  of  !?<'.2H,7!M"04  voted  to  ilefray  the  expenses  of  tli<"  ensuing 
venr.  iipportioned  among  the  several  towuH  as  l<)llows: 

Dickinson,  $n,l!t4iW  Constable,  l!i2,ir>r)-81 

r..rt  Covington,  '^():{l!>:{  Hangor,  IWl-di 

Chatenugay,        11,7h;M)4  .Malone,  (),3.><MJ) 

On  motioi",  resolved,  that  n  boimty  of  twenty  dollars  be  paid  by  tho 
county  of  Franklin,  on  each  fidl  grown  wolf  in  said  county,  and  seven 
dollars  and  filly  cents  on  each  wolfs  whelp,  tlio  ensuing  year. 

Resolved,  that  a  bounty  of  twenty-five  dollars  for  each  grown  panther, 
nnd  ten  dollars  for  each  panther  kit,  killed  in  the  county  of  Franklin  the 
eiiHuiiig  year,  bo  paid  by  tlio  county  out  of  any  moneys  not  otherwiso 
appropriated. 

I8t22.    The  board  {..oceedcd  to  audit  the  following  accoimts: 


Chatoangay,      !j(:V>H7-ftH 

"  7;w!tr. 

7;i7-7l 


<i0572 


Fort  Covington,  $7;W-r.2 

('onstablo,  (iOO'7J  Dickinson, 

Hangor,  5,811-4'i  Malone, 

Coimty  charges  amounted  to  !{l!),inO  02 

.*100  voted  for  the  agricultural  society. 

$500  voted  for  the  military  road. 

IH'2d.    The  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 

Dickinson,  $(10270  Bangor, 

Fort  Covington,      G4r)-8i  Chateaugay, 

Constable,  593-23  Malone, 

Amount  of  county  charges,  $1,887'G5 

$100  voted  for  the  agricultural  society. 

$125  voted  for  a  bell  for  the  court  house,  to  be  purchased  by  the  she- 
riH",  on  condition  that  $75  be  first  raised  by  voluntary  subscription  among 
the  inhabitants  for  tliis  purpose. 

The  sum  of  $4,000  voted  to  defray  the  state  tax,  county  expenses  the 
lust  year,  and  the  necessary  contingent  expenses  of  the  county. 

1824.    The  board  proceeded  to  audit  the  following  accounts: 

Constable,  $503-57  Dickinson,  .«f)n4-94 

Bangor,  407-22  Malone,  078-03 

Chateaugay,  .583  51  Fort  Covington,    «i()5-75 

County  charges,  $l,148-()7 


1 


u 


1825.    The  following  accounts  were  audited: 


li: 


^^1 


H'!   ',       -v' 


itSfll 


226  HISTORY   OP   ST.  LAWRENCE 

Fort  Covington,   §64927  Malone,  $910-in 

Biingor,  4i)l-()4  Constable,  52932 

Cljuteiiugay,  501-88  Dickinson,  712-6G 

182G.  The  Ibliowing  accounts  were  audited. 

Malone,                S915-9(i                Chnteaujrav,  S725-69 

Bansor,                   8-22v5                Fort  Covington,  820-12 

Dickinson,              7UH-92                Constable,  215-89 

Coi.nty  charges,  .«!l,99()-G8. 

1827.  The  following  accounts  audited. 

Constable,            $()09-8;?                Jlalone,  $(805-91 

Dickinson               (HtG-Ol                Ciiateaugoy,  681-52 

Fort  Covington,     795  G9                Bangor,"  G13-S2 

County  charges,  $1,777-12. 

1828.  The  following  accounts  audited. 

Chateaugay,          $."73-87                iMalone,  $700-17 

Constable,               G79-40                Bangor,  491-19 

Fort  Covington,     704-54               Dickii-cii,  589-43 

Moil,                     309-42               Brandon,  3G0-18 
Duane,                    29075 

County  charges  audited,  $2,2oG-47. 

Voted  that  the  treasurer  be  directed  to  pay  only  half  of  the  poor 
moneys,  and  none  of  the  wolf  bounties,  until  he  has  returns  from  the 
comptroller. 

1829.  Tiie  board  audited  the  following  accounts: 

Constable,             $353  GG                Dickinson,  $521-98 

Chateaugay,            052-12                Brandon.  438-20 

Duane,                      307-75                Malone  549-lG 

Westville                 347-55                Bangor  4(>}-2G 

Fort  Covington,    l,l-25-!>3               Moira,  353-92 
County  charges,  $2491-54. 

A  special  session  was  held  in  February,  1830,  at  which  it  was  i-esolved 
that  five  superintendents  of  the  poor  be  elected,  viz: 

Jabfz  Park'iurst  of  Fort  Covington,     Gideon  Collins  of  Chateaugay, 

Benjamin  Clark,  of  Malone,  and 

Freeman  Bell,  of  Consta' le,  Orrin  Lawrence  of  Moira. 

These  superintendents  were  directed  to  rent  a  tenement  and  lands 
not  exceeding  fifty  acres,  and  cause  the  poor  of  the  county  to  be  main- 
tained therein. 

A  special  meeting  held  June  8th,  1830,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  into 
consideration  the  propriety  of  repairing  the  military  road,  and  for  appoint- 
ing three  conmiissioners  for  superintending  the  laying  out  of  the  same, 
agreable  to  an  act  of  the  legislature  passed  April  10, 1830. 

It  was  resolved  as  the  sense  of  the  board,  that  a  sufficient  sum  be 
raised,  to  make  a  road  from  the  east  line  of  Malone  to  the  house  of 
PJyna  C.  Daggett,  in  Chateaugay,  and  Joseph  H.  Jackson,  Obediah  T. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


227 


$1785-54 
]  000-00 

2087-75 


Hosford,  and  Jacob  Smith,    were  appointed  commissioners  for  the 

purpose. 

18^0.  The  following  acconnts  were  audited : 

Bangov,  $557-37  Diiane,                  S394-69 

Brandon,  443-u9  Fort  Covington,  1I94-5G 

Chateaugav,  11 35-42  Malone,                1088-64 

Constable,  44907  Moira,                     449-99 

Dickinson,  5G5-84  Westville,              328-01 

Resolved  that  the  distinction  between  town  and  county  poor  in  the 

county  of  Franklin,  be  abolished. 

•     County  accounts  audited,  $232G-71. 

To  sujiport  poor  house  the  ensuii-t'  year, 
Bridge  money,  "  "  " 

To  defray  tiie  contingent  expenses  of  towns, 
during  the  ensuing  year, 

Resolved,  tliat  $7200  be  raised  to  defray  the  contingent  expenses  of 
towns  the  ensuing  year, 

1831.  The  following  accounts  were  audited: 

Bangor,  $5.57-21  Duane,                 $.3fi4-48 

Brandon,  4(59-88  Fort  Covington,    1013-75 

Chateaugay,  1249-85  Malone,                 li;«-95 

Constable,  288-02  Westville,               342-51 

Dickiiisoii,  5G4-68  IVloira,                     354-40 

Amount  of  county  charges,  including  $1500  for  the  support  of  the 
poor,  and  $1000  for  bridges,  with  the  expense  of  courts  &c.,  for  the 
ensuing  year,  $5G85-88. 

$8-25  voted  on  the  towns  of  Chateaugay  and  Malone,  for  the  purpose 
of  completing  the  road  for  whicli  commissioners  were  appointed  at  a 
formei-  meeting. 

Voted,  that  three  superintendents  of  the  poor  be  appointed.  They 
were  authorized  to  purchase  some  suitable  place  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  poor,  and  $2000  to  be  raised  in  five  annual  installments,  for  this 
purpose,  $500  voted  for  the  sup{)ort  of  the  poor. 


1832.  The  following  accounts  audited : 

Bangor,  $538-78  Duane, 


Brandon,  43G-33 

Chateaugay,  1115'85  Malone, 

Constable,  292-04  Moira, 

Dickinson,  470  G8  Westville, 

Amount  of  county  charges,  $5496-G2, 


$374-88 

Fort  Covington,    85600 

8J0-76 

417-35 

3.5.3.41 


1833.  Accounts  audited  at  this  session. 

Bangor,  $619-32  Duane, 

Brandon,  450-70 

Bombay,  471-79 

15 


$373-02 
Fort  Covington,  490-86 
Malone,  707-79 


Efi 


§H- ■■'^ 


^'^MiUiiWL' 


'4 


y. 

1 

#. 

\ 

1 

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229 


HISTORY   OP   8T.    LAWRENCE 


Chafeaupay,  928-90  Moira,  379-00 

Constable,  3487!)  Westville,  485-62 

Dickinson,  498-CO 

County  rhai-ges,  $6,418-73. 

The  above,  included  S2500  for  the  support  of  the  poor.  $1,0C0for 
bridges.    $962-21  for  courts,  &c. 

The  sum  of  §2500  voted  for  the  support  of  the  poor  the  ensuing 
year. 

1834.  The  following  accounts  audited: 


Bangor, 

$544-39 

Duane,                 $341-41 

Bellmont, 

755-93 

Fort  Covington,    528-09 

Bombay, 

441-95 

Malone,                 723-85 

Brandon, 

44998 

Moira,                     392-3:3 

Chateaugay, 

79939 

Westville,              346-50 

Constable, 

311-80 

County  charges,  5690-76 

Dickinson, 

449-47 

A  similar  sum  for  the  support  of  the  poo>-,  and  for  roads  and  bridges, 
as  on  tlie  previous  year. 

1835.  The  following  accounts  audited : 

Dickinson,  $489-34 

Dunne,  351-28 
Fort  Covington,    491-29 

Malone,  701-31 

3Ioira,  407-26 

Westville,  370-89 
County  charges,  $6035-48. 

The  customary  vote  of  $1000  for  bridges,  &c.,  passed. 

1836.  At  a  special  meeting  held  August  25,  1836,  it  was  resolved  that 
an  additional  bounty  of  §10  be  raised  for  the  destruction  of  wolves,  and 
$5  for  that  of  wolf  whelps. 

1S36.  At  the  annual  session  the  following  accounts  audited: 


tr»i 


for 


Bangor, 

$618-84 

Bellmont, 

765-76 

Bombav, 

63607 

Brandon, 

428-75 

Chateaugay, 

758-22 

Constable, 

316-16 

Bangor, 

$591-2}) 

Frhnklin, 

$339-40 

Bellmont, 

654-83 

Dickinson, 

539-30 

Bombay, 

559-34 

Duanc, 

339-30 

Brandon, 

4(39-58 

Fort  (yovington, 

580-39 

Chateaugay, 

991-64 

Rlalone, 

l,.365-'7 

Constable, 

320-87 

Moira, 

913-55 

Westville, 

434-84 

County  charges. 

$6,213-62 

$1,000  voted  for 

bridges,  $1,,500  for  the  poor. 

1837.  The  following  accounts  audito( 

: 

Bangor, 

$5.59-95 

Duane, 

$319-66 

Bellmont, 

681-7.5 

Fort  Covington 

613-42 

Bond)ay, 

589-08 

Franklin, 

626-63 

Brandon, 

512-17 

Malone, 

1,358-89 

Chateaugay, 

724-29 

Moira, 

470-00 

oth 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


229 


Constrble,  29874  Wcstville, 

Dickinson,  4G8-58 

County  charges,  $7,01375 


3S20-54 


CO  for 
isuing 


1838.  Accounts  audited  by  the  board : 


Dunne, 

Fort  Covington, 

Franklin, 

Malone, 

Moria, 

Westville, 


$359'r.2 
6.M7-03 
G4277 

1,614-59 


308-42 
4940G 


idges, 


Bangor,  $710-20 

Bellinont,  498-25 

Bombay,  536-00 

Brandon,  553-55 

Cliateaugay,  1,208-7-2 

Constable,  512-93 

Dickinson,  596-27 

Comity  charges,  80,122-61 

$2,500  voted  for  the  support  of  the  poor ;  $500  to  repair  the  poor  house. 

The  superintendents  empowered  to  purchase,  if  thought  advisable,  a 
tract  of  land  adjoining  the  poor  house. 

$300  of  the  sum  above,  voted  for  repairs  of  poor  house  to  be  applied 
for  the  support  of  the  poor. 

18:J9.  The  following  accounts  audited: 


d  that 
^  and 


Bangor, 

$697-85 

Duane, 

$3-9-48 

Bellmont, 

756-59 

Fort  Covington, 

871-63' 

Bombay, 

504-68 

Franklin, 

719-18 

Brandon, 

418-86 

Malone, 

1,392-21 

Chateangay, 

748-49 

Moria, 

587-51 

Constable, 

554-88 

Westville, 

521-57 

Dickinson, 

635-45 

County   charges. 

$8000-75 

).  The  following 

'  accounts  were  audited : 

Bangor, 

$67301 

Duane, 

$386-34 

Bellmont, 

1,035-27 

Fort  Covington 

62301 

Bombay, 

734-30 

Franklin, 

446-96 

Brandon, 

583-29 

Malone, 

1,137  50 

Chateaiigay, 

694-70 

Moira, 

615-62 

Constable, 

274-23 

Westville, 

457-58 

Dickinson, 

621-44 

County  charges,  $5,025*00 
$2,500  voted  for  the  support  of  the  poor. 
1841.  The  following  accounts  were  audited: 


Bangor, 

Bellinont, 

Bombay, 

Brandon, 

Chateaugay, 

Constable, 

Dickinson, 


$707-26 
91 991 
612.49 
577-97 
827-00 
515  31 
598-83 


Fort  Covington,  $569-74 
Harrietstown,         3.28'98 


Malone, 

1,17319 

Moira, 

498-88 

Westville, 

449-93 

Franklin, 

738-21 

Dunne, 

360-75 

County  charges,  $6,179-85 
$2,500  voted  foji-  the  support  of  the  poor. 

$3,679  voted  to  defray  the  expense  of  courts,  repairing  court  house,  and 
othor  contingent  expenses. 


1^  / 


l!<  * 


1% 

M 


I,* 
I 


J-  f' 


:i^ 


I 


230 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


1842.  The  following  accounts  were  audited: 


Banpor, 

$486-35 

Fort  Covington, 

.«732-4r. 

Bellriiont, 

1,02<)28 

Franklin, 

51(i-45 

Bombay, 

740-88 

llnrrietstown, 

3(12-54 

Brandon, 

a'58-02 

IMnlone, 

!tfi4-15 

Ciiateaugay, 

1,133-62 

Moira, 

373-05 

Constable, 

r>12-20 

Westville, 

380-41 

Dickinson, 

05209 

Duane, 

3(t7-6!) 

County  Charges,  $(i,410-00 

Resolved,  That  it  is  the  opinion  of  this  hoard,  that  all  those  who  have 
demands  against  the  county,  ought  not  to  demand  any  better  currency 
than  the  current  money  of  Lower  Canada. 

A  petition  of  the  board  was  forwarded  praying  the  legislature  to  ap- 
propriate a  part  of  the  tolls  of  the  military  road,  for  the  construftion  of 
a  bridge  in  Chateaugay. 

1843.  The  following  accounts  were  audited: 

Bangor,  8742-10 

Bellmont,  507-73 

Bombay,  759-21 

■    Brandon,  49287 

Chateaugay,  1,07855 

Hirrietstowu,  013-90 

Malone,  1,167-35 

County  charges,  S7,092-51 

The  vote  concerning  Canada  money  again  passed. 

1844.  The  board  proceeded  to  audit  the  following  accounts. 


Constable, 

.$354-07 

Dickinson, 

(i98-02 

Duane, 

.335-08 

Fort  Covington, 

72485 

Franklin, 

484-90 

Moira, 

453-30 

Westville, 

3-.i2-28 

Bangor, 

$739-28 

FBurko, 

551-42 

Bellmont, 

782-49 

Fort  Covington, 

$879-45 

Bombay, 

495- li) 

Franklin, 

4(;4-03 

Brandon, 

381-(i0 

llarrietstown. 

24739 

Chateaugay, 

079-9!) 

Malone, 

1 J  4321 

Constable, 

357  78 

Moira, 

410-53 

Dickinson, 

705-69 

Westville, 

605-30 

Duane, 

458-58 

County  Charges 

,  $f8,0.5611 

Resolution  concerning  Canada  currency,  renewed. 

A  special  session  was  held,  June  16,  1845,  in  consequence  of  the  loss 
of  the  poor  house  building  by  fire. 

Tiie  board  proceeded  to  consider  the  expediency  of  abolishing  the 
poor  house  system,  and  a  committee  of  six  was  appointed  to  collect  in- 
formation on  the  subject. 

Without  any  formal  report  from  the  above  committee,  it  was  resolved, 
that  the  superintendents  of  the  |)oor  be  retpiired  to  erecta  good  ami  sub- 
stantial barn,  on  the  jwor  house  farm,  and  subsequently  autiiorized  the 
erection  of  a  poor  house  of  the  same  size,  aud  on  the  same  site  of  tiie 
former  one. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


231 


The  board  reHoIved  to  petition  the  legislature  at  its  next  session  to 
nbolisli  tlie  existing  poor  house  system  in  tlie  county. 
1845.  Tlio  board  audited  tlie  following  as  town  accounts. 


IJungor, 

$751,35 

Duane, 

360-34 

Bellinont 

517,89 

Fort  Ciivington, 

915-9G 

Hoinbay, 

747,85 

Franklin, 

429-17 

Brandon, 

309,95 

Harrietstown, 

373-27 

Burke, 

594,54 

A1  alone, 

1041-87 

CImtcangay, 

(i  19,72 

]\'oira. 

467-70 

Constable, 

373,13 

Westville, 

(i21-3() 

ickinson, 

$40-426 

County  iccoiints 

$7  5G0-29. 

In  addition  to  the  above,  the  board  audited  separate  accounts  against 
the  several  towns  of  sums  varyi'ig  from  about  $25  to  $60. 

Votes  in  relation  to  Canada  currency  again  passed.  The  board  voted 
to  petition  for  the  abolition  of  the  distinction  between  the  town  and 
county  poor. 

184G.    The  following   accounts  were  audited  by  the  several 
boards. 


town 


Bangor, 

$665-99 

Duane, 

$337-24 

Belimont, 

(509-97 

Fort  Covington, 

611-38 

Bombay, 

700-90 

Franklin, 

442-29 

Brandon, 

51703 

Harrietstown, 

369-09 

Biuke, 

.594-06 

Malone, 

111-2-04 

Cliateaiigay, 

528-32 

Moira, 

465-11 

Constable, 

560-33 

Westville, 

53428 

Dickinson, 

435-39 

County  charges, 

$5401-04 

'■a 


At  an  extra  session  held  May  25,  for  the  purpose  of  fixing  the  salary 
of  tlie  county  judge,  it  was  established  at  $600. 

1847, 
boai-ds. 


The  following  accounts  were   audited  by  the  several   town 


Bangor, 

Belimont, 

Bombay, 

Brandon, 

Burke, 

Chateaugay, 

Constable, 

Dickinson, 


Voted  in  favor  of  abolishing  the  office  of  &u()erintendent  of  common 
schools. 

1848.    The  following  accounts  were  audited  by  the  several  town 

boards. 

Baiitfor,  $702-87  Duane,  $396-76 

Belimont,  525-88  Fort  Covington,    905-47 


$651-36 

Duane, 

$276-37 

531-52 

Fort  Covington, 

838-52 

678-91 

Franklin, 

494-50 

414-03 

Harrietstown, 

35204 

490-39 

Malone, 

1030-64 

51460- 

Moira, 

45943 

(m-n 

Westville, 

602-92 

533-24 

County  charges,  $,5676-49. 

H'1 


I.? 


?r^  j 


.ji':-- 


233 


'    HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Boinbny, 

807-35 

Frnnkiin, 

407-m 

Bruiiclui), 

43075 

Ilari'ictstown, 

3lJ-^-08 

Biiikc, 

3<J3-00 

Muloiie, 

137y";i9 

Cliatfjuiigay, 

5'jaj).'{ 

IMoiiu, 

45701 

Constuhle, 

5yy-()(} 

Weslville, 

06301 

Dickinson, 

554.(J0 

County  ciiarges 

$546574 

1849-     TiiB  following  accounts  wci*e  audited  by  the  several   town 
bsa:  ds. 


Bangor, 

$691.03 

Duane, 

$178-60 

Bellniont, 

4!)3-32 

Fort  Covington, 

971-88 

Boml)ay, 

787-25 

Franklin, 

508-16 

Burke, 

568.06" 

HarrietstowD, 

353-25 

Brandon, 

445-03 

Malono. 

1363-93 

Ciiateaugay, 

530-90 

Moini, 

583-27 

Constable, 

458  27 

Westville, 

080-81 

Dickinson, 

608.61 

County  chargei]  $7988-77 

$400  levied  upon  the  town  of  Moira,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a 
town  house.     The  sum  to  be  divided  between  two  years.  < 

The  board  at  this  session  passed  the  following  laws  : 

"  ^n  ad  for  the  preservation  of  deer  and  fish."  This  law  provides  that 
a  penalty  of  S5,  should  be  required  for  the  killing  of  any  wild  buck,  doe, 
or  fawn,  at  any  time  during  tlie  months  of  January,  February.  IMarch, 
April,  May,  June  or  July. 

The  fact  of  exposing  for  sale  any  green  deerskin  or  fresh  venison, 
or  having  the  same  in  his  possession,  during  the  above  months,  was  to 
be  deemed  a  violation  of  this  law,  unless  the  |)erson  having  the  same  in 
his  possesion,  should  be  able  to  prove  that  the  animals  to  which  they  be- 
longed, were  killed  by  some  other  person.  Complaint  is  to  be  made  to  a 
justice  of  the  peace,  who  may  issue  a  warrant  for  search  for  fresh  veni- 
Eon,  or  deerskins, 

No  person  was  allowed  to  kill  any  wild  buck,  doe  or  fawn,  in  the  town 
of  Duane,  dining  turee  years  iVom  January  1,  1850. 

No  person  allowed  to  kill  the  above  animals  in  Franklin,  Dickinson, 
Brandon  or  llarrietstown,  except  in  September,  October  and  November. 

Hiuitiiig  any  wild  buck,  doe  or  fawn,  at  any  time  with  dogs  or  hounds, 
forbidden. 

The  taking  of  fish  of  any  description,  at  any  time  with  a  seine  or  net 
in  any  lake  or  pond  in  the  county  of  Franklin,  in  the  soiuh  of  townships 
Nob.  5  and  7,  of  Macomb's  purchase,  great  lot  number  1,  and  of  town 
•hip  number  7,  of  the  old  military  tra(;t,  vr  in  any  sircams  coming  into 
or  coiuiecting  said  ponds  or  lakes,  was  forbidden  under  a  penally  of  $5, 
Tho  satrie  (mualty  fur  setting  any  trap,  or  tpcAr  for  deer  at  any  time. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


233 


The  above  penalties  were  to  be  prosecuted  and  recovered  by  the  over- 
seers of  the  poor  of  the  town  where  the  offence  may  be  committed,  and 
an  action  to  be  valid  must  bo  commenced  within  three  months  from  the 
commission  of  the  ofience.     This  act  took  effect  January  1,  1850. 

The  hoard  passed  an  act,  November  20, 18'4!),  ])roviding  for  a  bounty  of 
$15  to  be  paid  for  tiie  destruction  of  wolves,  and  half  that  sum  for  wolf 
wlielps,  and  $5  for  every  panther. 

One  half  of  all  bounties  tor  the  destruction  of  noxious  animals,  is  to  be 
charged  to  the  treasurer  ot"  the  state.  The  usual  precautions  were  to  be 
obsen'ed  by  persons  granting  these  certificates,  that  certificates  be  granted 
to  none  but  those  entitled  to  receive  them,  according  to  the  true  intent 
and  meaning  of  the  act. 

1850.  Tiie  following  accounts  were  auditod  by  the  several  town  boards: 


Bangor, 

$47  J -05 

Duane, 

83()4-99 

Ik'llinont, 

44(5-80 

Fort  Covington 

741-13 

Bonil)ay, 

(j:37-i)l 

Franklin 

299  40 

IJnuidou, 

219-09 

Harrietstown, 

344-51 

Durke, 

6,'n-tJ4 

Malone, 

1J7-2-15 

(Jlialeaugay, 

(1(38  02 

Moira, 

580  89 

Constable, 

409-24 

Westville, 

47(rl3 

Dickinson, 

584-89 

County  charges. 

$9,505-13 

The  member  of  assembly  from  this  county,  requested  by  the  board  to 
use  his  influence  to  -ijocuro  the  repeal  of  the  act  providing  for  the 
registration  of  births,  deaths  and  marriages,  and  of  the  present  militia 
system. 

$500  api)ropriated  for  tiie  erection  of  a  new  clerk's  office,  and  William 
Andrus  and  Joseph  R.  Flanders,  appointed  a  committee  for  superintend- 
ing the  building  of  the  same. 

1851.  The  following  accounts  were  audited  by  the  several  town  boards: 


iiangor 

8341-26 

Duane, 

$275-73 

Bellrnout, 

41(i-52 

Fort  Covington, 

447-l(> 

Bombay, 

455-(;3 

Franklin, 

589-63 

Brandon, 

3-29-0(i 

Ifanietstown, 

428-55 

Burko, 

489-(^;9 

Malone, 

613-22 

Chateaiigay, 

450-31 

Rloira, 

435-53 

(Nonstable, 

448-37 

Westville, 

449-21 

Dickinson, 

475-3-2 

County  c 

larges, 

$7,713-55 

Included  ia  the  above,  was  $1,949-23  for  school  fund,  $1,500  for  the 
poor,  81,700  for  contingencies,  $100  for  the  deaf,  dumb  and  blinJ,  and 
8600  for  a  clerk's  olfice. 

Rescdved,  That  the  board  will  not  make  any  assessment  under  the 
military  act,  during  this  sefssion. 

$1,500  raised  for  the  poor. 


234 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


'*■::. 


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'J«rj!     .> 

•t.-l  ■ ;  ■ 

'i;:W'.> 

p. 

;?','■■■■ 

7;|!  ,  '    :    i| 
&      I- 


r: 


^i 


$G00  raised  for  the  clerk's  olHce,  erected  the  previouH  year. 

llugli  Martin,  of  Franklin,  (iiiy  IMi;igs,  ot'Maione,  and  Biicl  II.  Man,  of 
Westville,  appointed  plank  road  inspoctorri. 

The  treasurer  authorized  and  recjuired,  on  or  after  the  first  day  ol'Oc- 
tober  next,  to  loan  on  the  credit  of  the  county,  from  the  state,  $5000,  lor 
a  period  not  exceeding  ten  years,  payahle  in  installnienta  as  the  board  of 
supervisors  niuy  direct,  the  interest  not  to  exceed  six  per  cent,  payable 
annually,  lor  the  repair  and  lowering  of  the  (;ourt  house,  and  for  the  con- 
Btruction  of  a  new  jail  and  jailor's  house,  between  the  court  house  unti 
clerk's  ofiice,  and  to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  u  committee  of 
three,  to  be  chosen  lor  the  |)urpose. 

The  wolf  bounty  reduced  to  t^U).  All  other  bounties  repealed.  The 
salary  of  the  county  judge  fixed  at  $700. 

James  Duune,  of  Duane,  AVilliam  Andrews,  of  3Ialone,  and  11.  B, 
Smith,  of  Chateaugay,  appointed  a  committee  to  superintend  the  erection 
of  the  jail,  and  repair  of  the  court  house,  as  contemplated  in  a  previous 
resolution.  Mr.  Smith  having  asked  to  be  excused  from  serving  on  the 
buildmg  committee,  Guy  Meigs,  of  Malone,  was  appointed  in  his  place. 

In  pursuance  of  this  resolution,  a  very  neat  and  substantial  sheriirs 
house  and  jail,  has  been  erected  between  the  new  clerk's  office,  and  the 
court  house,  f'rom  a  design  by  ]Mr.  F.  Pelletier,  the  draftsman,  in  the  em- 
ployment of  the  northern  railroad  company.  The  material  is  sandstone, 
from  the  quarries  in  3Ialone,  of  which  we  slmll  have  occasion  to  speak  at 
a  future  time. 

The  court  house  which  originally  stood  on  a  commanding  eminence, 
has  been  lowered  to  the  level  of  the  other  buildings. 

The  return  for  ]85'2,  were  received  too  late  for  insertiot. ,  Our  object 
in  laying  before  the  reader  the  foregoing  statistics,  was  to  show  that  in 
numerous  instances,  the  town  expenses  have  been  disproportionate  to 
the  population  and  wealth  of  the  respective  towns.  At  this  session,  the 
spearing  of  fish  in  any  of  the  waters,  tfec,  of  Nos.  4,5,  G,  7,  aiui  in  No.  7 
mile  tract,  or  fishing  with  seines,  nets  or  night  lines  in  the  same,  was  for- 
bidden under  a  penalty  of  $1.5.  This  act  was  to  take  effect  Jan.  1,  1853. 
The  killing  of  deer  in  Duane,  forbidden.  The  smn  of  $100  voted  for 
clothing  5  pupils  in  the  Deaf  and  Dumb  institute,  N.  Y.,  and  $].')(!  for 
supporting  2  insane  persons,  in  the  state  asylum.  $500  raised  in  Ihirke, 
for  a  town  house.  Salary  of  the  district  attorney  $400,  payable  quarterly. 
A  strong  renionstrunce  against  the  militia  law,  passed.  $2,G4y*44,  raised 
for  schools.     $1000  for  lowering  and  repairing  court  house. 

The  amount  of  county  charges  audited,  $1 1,000.     Expenses  of  session, 
$683-88. 


I 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


235 


M 


lor 
<i| 
ible 
on- 
Ill  (I 

or 


CHAPTER   IV. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  LAND  TITLES). 

IIE  title  of  lands,  by  an  establislietl  law  recognized   l»y  all 
civilized  nations,  is  naturally  vested   in  the  ])riinitive  occu- 
pants, and  can  not  be  taken  from  them  justly,  without  their 
consent. 

"The  law  of  occupancy,  or  the  taking  possession  of  those  thinp» 
whicli  belonj;  to  nobody,"  says  lilackstone  *  "  is  the  true  jiroiind  and 
foundation  of  all  jiroperty,  or  c+'l.oiding  those  things  in  severality,  which 
by  tiie  law  of  nature,  unqualified  by  that  of  society,  %vere  coniiiion  to 
all  mankind.  But  when  once  it  was  agreed,  tiiat  everything  capable  of 
ownership,  should  have  an  owner,  natural  reason  suggested  that  he  who 
should  first  declare  his  intention  o"  appropriating  any  thing  to  his  own 
use,  and  in  consequence  of  such  ition,  actually  took  it  into  possess- 

ion, should  thereby  gain  the  absolute  property  of  it." 

The  manner  in  which  the  primitive  title  to  soil  was  extinguished, 
has  been  detailed  in  our  second  chapter.  Soon  after  the  revolution,  there 
began  to  be  evinced  a  strong  tendency  for  the  extension  of  the  settle- 
ments, to  which  the  newly  ac(piired  freedom  gave  an  impulse  before 
unknown.  As  a  natural  conse(iuence,  this  led  to  a  series  of  specula- 
tions, on  a  scale  proportionate  to  the)  progressive  inoveinent;  and  it  will 
be  noticed  that  many  of  those  who  engaged  in  these  operations,  had 
been  associated  in  the  camp,  and  had  thus  acquired  by  frequent  contact, 
that  familiarity  witii  each  others  character,  and  that  degree  of  mutual 
confidence,  which  led  to  the  exercise  of  trust,  and  reliance  upon  honoi", 
ill  many  of  the  negotiations,  which  they  carried  on,  to  au  extent,  uu-, 
known  at  the  present  day. 

But  little  was  known  of  the  country  at  the  time  of  purchase,  beyond 
that  which  lay  on  the  border  of  the  St.  Lawrence  river.  Previous  to  the 
revolutionary  war,  an  extensive  portion  of  the  state,  on  the  Hudson  and 
Mohawk  r.vers,  and  to  a  great  distance  on  each  side  of  these,  had  been 
granted  in  patents  by  the  English  crown,  and  surveyed.  The  most 
northern  of  these  was  "Totten's  and  Crosstield's  purchase,"  which 
Ibrnis  the  southern  boundary  of  our  two  counties. 

This  was  purchased  at  the  request  and  expense  of  Joseph  Totteii,  and 


•  Commentaiies  on  The  laws  of  Enjlan'l.    Book  2.  iliap  16 


I- 


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236 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Steplicn  Croaslicid  niid  otlicrs,  from  tliu  Muluiwk  niid  Caiinjolmiie  tribes 
of  IiuliiiiiM,  nt  Joiinsmi's  Hull,  in  Tryoii  cuiiiity,  in  the  inoiitli  of  July, 
177'A.  It  WHS  (le^criliud  as  lyiiijr  "H  tlio  went  Hide  of  iludsoii  river,  uiid 
coiitiiiiied  by  t'Stiiimtioii  about  8(10,000  nores  of  Innd.* 

This  is  believed  to  liuve  been  8ubse(|uently  conlirmed  by  u  lioyal 
grant. 

The  snrvpyors  omployed  in  ninninf,'  out  the  tract,  found  it  a  rufffred 
and  in'iuspitable  wildernesis,  and  tlu;  turtlicr  north  they  went  the  worse 
they  tbiMid  it,  from  whidh  it  was  inferred  that  the  whole  northern 
country  was  of  the  same  charactcr.t 

la  u  niap  of  Canada  and  the  north  part  of  T.onisiana,  in  Jeilery's 
French  Dominions  in  Aineri<"a,  the  country  north  of  this  tract,  is  de- 
scribed as  thd  "deer  huntttii:;  f^roiinds  of  the  Iroquois.  !Mup  No.  74,  in 
Delisie's  Atlas  ot"  I7ti5,  (state  library,)  names  it  and  the  north  of  Vermont 
*^  Irocoisla"  or  the  land  ot"  the  iro(iuois,  and  in  an  old  niaj?,  republished 
n  the  4th  volnnie  of  the  Documentary  History  of  the  state,  it  is  called, 
Couglisagrage,  or  the  beaver  hunting  country  of  the  Six  Nations. 
Across  our  two  counties  is  written  the  following  sentence  : 

"  Through  this  tract  of  Land,  runs  a  Chain  of  Mountains,  which  from 
Lake  Champlain  on  one  side,  and  the  River  St.  Lawrence  on  the  other 
side,  shew  their  tops  always  white  with  snow,  but  altho  this  one  unlii- 
vorable  circiunstance,  has  hitherto  secured  it  from  the  claws  of  the 
Harpy  Land  Jol)l)ers,  yet  no  doubt  it  is  as  fertile  as  the  Land  on  the  East 
side  of  the  Lake,  and  will  in  tuture  lurnish  a  coiidbrtable  retreat  tor 
many  Industrious  Families. 

A  desire  to  ])romoie  the  settlement  of  the  state,  led  the  legislature  to 
take  early  measures  for  bringing  into  market  the  unpatented  lands. 

An  act  was  passed,  iMay  ,5,  17H(j,  entitled  "an  act  for  the  speedy  sale 
of  the  unappropriated  lands  of  the  state,"  creating  land  commissioners, 
and  etnpowering  them  to  dispose  of  such  unsold  lands  as  they  might  see 
proper,  within  the  litnits  of  the  state.  The  outlines  of  the  tracts  were 
first  to  be  run  into  townships  of  (54,000  acres,  as  nearly  s(|uare  as  circuni- 
Ktanees  would  permit.  Each  township  was  to  be  subilivided  into  mile 
6(piare  lots,  to  be  numbered  in  arithmetical  progression,  from  Inst  to  last, 
and  on  every  fourth  township  was  to  be  written,  "  to  he  sold  by  single  lots." 
The  maps  so  numbered  and  lotted,  were  to  be  filed  in  the  secretary's 
office,  and  the  original  thereof  in  the  surveyor  general's  ofiice; 

"And  the  said  secretary  and  surveyor  general  respectively,  shall  cause 
maps  so  to  be  filed,  to  he  ])Ut  up  in  some  conspicuous  part  of  their  re- 
f<()ective  offices,  and  shall  permit  any  person  whatever,  freely  to  insjject 
such  maps,  between  the  hours  of  nine  and  twelve  in  the  morning,  and 
three  and  six  in  the  afternoon  in  every  day,  Sundays  only  excepted,  on 

•  See  .MS.S.,  Council  Minnies,  vol.  31,  p  31. 

♦  On  the  authority  of  Hiiiry  E  Pierrepom,  Esq  ,  ef  Brooklyn 


Hi 

n 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


237 


pnying  <br  inspecting  in  morning  six  pence,  und  tlio  liku  in  tlie  alter- 
tioon. 

Atlvcrtisement  for  the  siile  of  these  hinds  tit  public  vcnihie,  wns  to  ho 
duly  jfivxMi.  Tlie  surveyor  general  wus  to  put  up  im  nearly  us  might  he, 
oik;  quarter  purt  ut'  the  unappropriated  und  unreserved  lands  in  every 
townsiiip,  in  lots  contiguous  to  each  other,  und  sell  them  to  the  highest 
bltliier;  reserving  five  acres  out  of  every  huiulred  tor  roads,  hut  not  sell- 
ing any  land  for  u  less  jirice  than  one  shilling  an  aere. 

The  first,  und  every  fourth  townsliip,  was  to  he  sold  in  single  lots. 
One  tburtli  of  the  purchase  money  was  to  he  paid  down,  and  the  re- 
mainder was  duo  within  sixty  days. 

Ill  every  township  the  surveyor  general  wns  directed  to  mark  one  lot 
''gospel  and  schools"  und  anoiher  '■^ for  promoting  literalun"  which  lots 
were  to  be  us  nearly  central  as  may  be.  The  former  wns  reserved  for 
the  support  of  the  gosjiel  and  schools  in  the  town,  but  the  latter  was  re- 
served t(>r  promoting  literature  within  the  state. 

The  land  commissioners  wercs  directed  to  designate  each  township 
which  they  might  lay  out,  by  such  name  us  they  might  deem  proper,  und 
guch  name  was  to  be  resjieclively  mentioned  in  the  letters  patent,  for 
granting  a  township  or  part  of  a  townshi]i. 

It  was  made  a  condition  that  there  should  be  an  actual  settlement 
made  for  every  six  hundred  and  forty  acres,  which  may  be  granted  to 
any  |)ersoii  or  [lersons,  within  seven  years  from  the  lirst  day  of  January 
next,  after  the  date  of  the  patent  by  which  such  lands  shall  be  grunted; 
in  fuiline  of  which  the  lands  would  revert  to  the  peo[)le  of  the  state. 

Accordingly,  in  pursuance  of  powers  vested  in  them,  the  bourd  ubove 
created,  on  the  25th  of  3Iay,  1787,  passed  the  following  resolution: 

"  Resolved,  That  the  surveyor  general  be,  and  he  is  hereby  required  and 
directed,  to  lay  down,  on  a  map,  two  ranges  of  townshijis  for  sale,  each 
township  to  contain  as  nearly  us  may  be  04,000  acres,  and  as  nearly  in  a 
squiire  as  local  circumstances  will  permit,  und  to  subdivide  eucli  town- 
ship into  lots,  as  nearly  sfpiare  us  may  be,  und  each  lot  to  contain  640 
acres,  as  nearly  as  may  be. 

That  each  range  contain  five  townships  adjoining  each  other,  and  one 
of  tiie  said  ranges  to  be  bomuled  on  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  und  the 
said  ten  townshijis  to  be  laid  out  within  the  following  limits  and  bounds, 
to  wit: 

Between  a  line  to  be  run  S.  '28°  E.,  from  a  point  or  place  on  the  south- 
ern hank  of  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  bearing  S.  28°  E.  tiom  the  N.  W. 
end  of  the  Isle  au  Long  Saut,  and  a  line  parallel  with  the  said  first  line, 
and  also  to  run  from  the  soiitli  bank  of  the  suid  river,  und  the  said  paral- 
lel lines  to  be  distant  fifty  miles  from  each  other,  and  that  the  said  sur- 
veyor general  advertise  the  said  townships,  and  proceed  to  the  sale  there- 
of, agreeable  'v.  M'\  and  that  two  of  the  said  townships  be  sold  in  single 
lots." 

(Land  Office  Minutes,  vol.  i,  p.  256.^ 


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238 


HISTORY   OP   ST.  LAWRENCE 


i  ii 


The  value  of  this  tract  was  then  but  little  known,  and  of  the  position 
and  courses  of  lakes  and  streams,  there  was  scarcely  more  knowledge 
than  we  now  possess  of  Central  Africa.  The  shores  of  the  river  wert 
well  known,  and  served  as  a  guide  in  the  laying  out  of  the  ten  towns. 

Accordingly,  in  pursuance  of  the  statute,  the  following  advertisement 
appeared  in  the  papers.  We  copy  from  the  Mbany  Gazette  of  June  7, 
1787: 

By  virtue  of  tin  act  of  the  Legislature  entitled  '  An  act  for  the  speedy 
sale  of  tlie  unappropriated  lands  within  this  state,  and  for  other  ]iur- 
poses  therein  mentioned,'  passed  the  5th  of  May,  1786,  and  pursuant  to 
a  resolution  of  the  Honorable  the  Commissioners  of  the  Land  Oltice:— 

TI.N  TOWNSHIPS  OF  UNAPPROPRIATED  LANDS, 

On  the  southeast  side  of  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  will  be  sold  at  Pub- 
lic Vendue,  at  the  Coffee  House  in  the  City  of  New  York.  The  rale  to 
commence  on  Tu  esday,  the  10th  of  Julv  next,  at  XI  o'clock,  in  the  fore- 
noon. Maps  are  filed  tor  inspection  in  the  offices  of  the  Secretary  of 
the  State,  and  Surveyor  General. 

The  <burth  and  eighth  Townships,  will  be  sold  by  single  Lots,  the  rest 
by  Qutrters of  Townships. 

Such  securities  as  are  made  receivable  by  law  on  the  sales  of  forfeited 
lands,  will  be  received  in  payment.  The  one  Quarter  of  the  Purchase 
Money  on  the  day  of  sale,  and  the  remainder  within  sixty  daya  after. 

Simeon  Dewitt, 

June,  1787.  Surveyor  General. 

The  names  of  the  ten  townships  were  established  by  a  formal  reso- 
lution of  the  commissioners  of  the  land  office,  Sept.  10, 1787,*  and  with 
their  corresponding  numbers  were  as  follows: 

1.  Louisville.  6.  Canton. 

2.  Stockholm.  7.  Dekalb. 

3.  Potsdam.  8.  Oswegatchik. 

4.  Madrid.  9.  Hague. 

5.  Lisbon.  10.  Cambrat. 

They  have  been  known  by  these  names  exclusively,  and  not  by  their 
numbers.  All  but  the  last  two,  are  still  retained.  No.  9  was  changed 
to  Morristown,  and  No.  10  to  Gouverneur.  Three  new  towns  have  sinco 
been  formed  of  these,  viz:  Macomb^  from  Gouverneur  and  Morristown; 
Depeyster,  from  Dekalb  and  Oswegatchie;  and  Norfolk,  from  Stockholm 
and  Louisville. 

A  part  of  Hague  has  also  been  attached  to  Hammond,  and  of  Dekalb 
to  Hermon. 

In  accordance  with  the  law,  and  previous  advertisement,  an  auction 
sale  took  place  at  the  Merchant's  Coffee-house,  in  the  city  of  New  York, 
at  the  time  advertised,  at  which  the  ten  towns  were  offered  for  sale,  in 

*  Land  Office  MinutM,  vol,  i,  p.  364.    Secrelai  y'l  office. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


239 


1  of  Dekalb 


qiinrters,  except  Oswegatchie  and  Madrid,  which  were  sold  in  mile 
s(|iiares. 

The  obvious  intention  of  the  law  in  causing  these  land?  to  be  offered 
in  Pinnll  parcels,  was  to  afford  an  opportunity  for  those  of  limited  means 
to  compete  at  the  sales;  but  this  intention  was  defeated  by  a  previous 
agreement,  it  is  said,  among  the  purchasers,  in  which  they  delegated  one 
of  their  number  to  hid,  and  agreed  to  not  compete  in  the  sale. 

Tiie  principal  purchaser  was  Alexander  Macomb,  who  subsequently 
acted  a  distinguished  part  in  the  northern  land  purchases. 

Mr.  Macomb  had,  for  many  years,  resided  in  Detroit,  and  is  said  to 
have  been  a  fur  trader. 

In  the  course  of  his  business,  he  had  often  passed  up  and  down  the 
St.  Lawrence,  and  thus  became  acquainted  with  the  general  aspect  and 
probable  value  of  the  lands,  and  better  qualified  to  engage  in  these  pur- 
chases, than  most  of  his  associates. 

To  cover  the  private  agreement,  certain  persons  were  employed  to  hid 
for  Macomb,  and  the  lots  so  sold  were  subsequendy  conveyed  to  him  be- 
fore patenting.  In  this  manner,  iots  Nos.  11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20  and  21 ,  in 
Madrid,  were  bid  off  by  Michael  Connoly ;  lots  Nos.  47,  56  and  57,  in 
the  same  town,  by  John  Meyers;  lots  Nos.  48  and  49,  in  the  same  town, 
by  Daniel  McCormick;  lots  Nos.  18  and  19,  in  Oswegatchie,  by  John 
Meyers;  and  lot  No.  2.3,  in  the  same,  by  Thomas  McFarren,  and  after- 
ward made  over  to  Macomb.* 

The  ten  townships  were  sold  as  foUuws,  to  the  original  patentees, 
lots  Nos.  55,  56  were  not  included  in  the  first  patents,  but  were  sold 
long  after. 

Reference  is  made  to  the  volume  and  page  of  patents,  in  the  office  of 
tlie  secretary  of  state,  where  they  are  recorded.  The  quarters  were 
numbered  as  follows:  No.  1,  the  northeast;  No.  2,  the  southeast;  No.  3, 
the  southwest ;  and  No,  4.  the  northwest  quarters.  The  gospel  and 
school  lot  (No.  55),  usually  came  out  of  No.  3,  and  the  literature  lot 
(No.  56),  out  of  No.  2.  As  these  towns  were  designated  to  be  each  ten 
miles  square,  the  full  quarters  (1  and  4)  would  contain  16,000  acres,  and 
the  smaller  quarters  (2  and  3)  15,360  acres. 

It  may  be  proper  here  to  notice,  that  the  reserve  for  roads  has  seldom 
or  never  been  regarded  by  subsequent  purchasers,  or  made  a  condition 
in  their  deeds.  The  reserves  of  gold  and  silver  mines,  have,  of  course, 
proved  superfluous. 

1.  Louisville,  patented  in  quarters,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  on  the  17th 
of  December,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  64). 


•Lnnd  Office  Miiuiteii,  vol.  ii,  p.  4. 


f 


240 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


The  literature  lot  was  patented  to  Erastus  Hall,  January  18,  1833  (b. 
32,  p.  10). 

A  tier  of  lots  numbered  from  1  to  12,  along  the  St.  Lawrence,  sold 
June  4,  1788,  to  John  Taylor  (b.  20,  p.  311,  322). 

These  contained  500  acres  each. 

2.  Stockholm  was  patented  in  quarters,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec. 
17,  1787  (i).  20,  p.  68  to  70). 

The  literature  lot  was  sold  to  Henry  Foster,  September  25,  1834  (b, 
32,  p.  205). 

3.  Potsdam  was  patented  in  quarters,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec.  17. 
1787  (b.  50,  p.  72,  75). 

4.  Madrid  was  sold  in  lots  of  640  acres,  or  one  mile  square  each,  ob 
follows :        ' 

1  to    6,  to  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  June  4,  1788  (b.  20,  p.  332). 
7  to  49,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  but  on  difterent  dates,  viz: 

7  to  10.  Dec.  17,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  96-99). 


11.  April  19, 1788  ( 

u 

267). 

12.  Dec.  17,  1787  ( 

<( 

100). 

13—14.  April  19, 1788  ( 

(1 

2(J8-9). 

15.  Dec.  17,  1787  ( 

<1 

101). 

16.  April  19, 1788  ( 

(( 

270). 

17_18.        «           «    ( 

It 

271-2). 

19.  Dec.  17,  1787  ( 

u 

101). 

20—21.  April  19, 1788  ( 

(1 

273-4). 

92  to  30.  Dec.  17,  1797  ( 

(1 

104-112). 

31  to  46.  Dec.  20,  1787  ( 

u 

112-127). 

47  to  49.  Ai)ril  19, 1787  ( 

u 

L*75-277). 

51.  Literature  lot  so 

d  to  Thomas  Peacock,  March  24,  1837  (b.  33, 

p.  226). 

52  to  95,  to  Alexander  Macomb 

,  but  at  different  times,  as  follows: 

52  to  55.  Dec.  20,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  128-131). 

56— 57.  April  19, 1788  (      "        278-9). 
58  to  86.  Dec.  20,  1787  (      "        132-160). 
87  to  95.  Dec.  22,  1787  (      «        161-169). 

The  river  lots  of  500  acres  each,  numbered  from  12  to  17,  sold  to  John 
Taylor,  June  4,  1788  (b.  20,  p.  322). 

6.  Canton,  was  patented  in  quarters  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec.  16, 
1787,  (b.  20,  p.  80,  83).  The  literature  lot  was  conveyed  to  the  trus'eef, 
of  Lowville  Academy,  Nov.  20,  1818  (b.  26,  p.  678). 

7.  Dekalb,  was  patented  in  quarters  to  31acomb,  Dec.  17,  1787,  (b.  20 
p.  84,  87).  The  gospel  and  school  lot  was  subdivided  and  sold  in  small 
lots  to  individuals  between  1829  and  1836. 

The  literature  lot,  was  subdivided  and  sold  in  small  parcels  to  in- 
dividuals, between  1829  and  1834. 


^h 


AND    FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


241 


8,  1833  (b. 
irence,  sold 

comb,  Dec. 
5,  1834  (b, 
lb,  Dec.  17. 
ire  each,  as 
332). 


1837  (b.  a% 
lows : 


>ld  to  John 

3,  Dec.  16, 
le  truB'ees, 

787,  (b.  &0 
Id  in  small 

eels  to  in- 


8.  Osivegatchie,  was  patented  in  mile  squares,  as  follows: 

1  to      9,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec.  22,  1787,  (b.  20,  p.  170,  175). 

10,  to  Henry  Remsen,  Jim.    Oct.  1.5,  1787,  (b.  20,  p.  55).    , 
11  to    12,  (the  latter  of  1160  acres)  to  John  Taylor,  June  4,  1788  (b.  20, 
p.  328). 
13,  to  Henry  Remsen,  Jun.,  Oct.  15,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  50). 
500  acres  at  the  mouth  of  Oswegatchie  river,  to  John  Taylor, 
April  22,  1789,  (b.  21,  p.  178). 
14  to    15,  (1700  acres)  to  John  Taylor,  June  4,  1788  )b.  20,  p.  329). 
16  f         ',  to  Henry  Remsen,  Jun.,  Oct.  15,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  54,  58). 
18  to    ; ',,  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec.  22,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  180,  201). 

54,  «  "  Dec.  24,  1787  (b.  20,  p.  210). 

57  to  100,  "  "  Dec.  24, 1787  (b.  20,  p.  211, 244). 

500  acres  to  John  Taylor,  April  22,  1789  (b.  21,  p.  178). 

9.  Hague,  was  patented  in  quarters  to  3Iacomb,  Dec.  17, 1787,  (b.  20, 
p.  88,91). 

The  greater  part  of  the  gospel  and  school  lots  of  this  town  came  in 
Black  Lake. 

10.  Cambmy,  wan  patented  in  quarters  to  Alexander  Macomb,  Dec. 
17,  1787  (1).  20,  p.  92). 

Ou  the  4th  of  July,  1788,  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer,  conveyed  to  Ma- 
comb, for  £275,  lots  No.  1  to  6,  in  Madrid,  and  10  and  11,  in  Lisbon. 
CSec's  office.  Deeds,  b.  2,  4,  p.  305.) 

On  the  same  date  Taylor  sold  his  lands  to  Macomb,  containing  10,830 
acres,  for  £580.  These  were  lots  No.  1  to  11  in  Louisville,  containing 
5,500  acres;  No.  12,  in  IMadrid  and  Louisville,  of  500  acres;  No.  13  to  17, 
in  Madrid,  containing  2,500  acres;  and  No.  11  to  15,  in  Oswegatchie, 
containing  2,330  acres,    (b.  24,  p.  307.) 

On  the  5th  of  April,  1788,  Henry  Remsen,  conveyed  to  Macomb,  for 
£120,  the  four  lots  he  had  bid  off  in  Oswegatchie. 

Macomb  thus  became  the  nominal  owner  of  nearly  the  whole  of  the 
ten  towns. 

On  the  16th  of  April,  1791,  he  appointed  Gouverneur  Morris,  then  in 
France,  his  attorney,  to  sell  any  portions  of  the  ten  towns  which  he 
might  deem  pro|)er,  excepting  a  tract  in  Lisbon  previously  sold.* 

So  far  as  our  information  extends,  no  sales  were  made  b;  virtue  of 
this  pow  er. 

By  an  instrument  executed  May  3,  1792,  Macomb  conveyed  to  Samuel 
Ogden,  in  ti  .  t  for  himself.  Gen.  Henry  Knox,  Robert  Morris,  and 
Gouverneur  Morris,  four  of  his  associates,  for  the  consideration  of  £3,200, 


•  Sm  Deedt,  b.  23,  p.  146.    flf  erelary'«  office. 


;  d  1 1   I 
Ml 


'if,.' 


242 


HISTORY   OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


the  four  townships  of  Hague,  Cambrny,  Oswegatchie,  and  Dekalb,  with 
the  stipulation  that  Ogden  should  convey  to  H.  Knox,  44,114  acres-  to 
R.  Morris,  60,641  acres,  and  to  Gouverneur  Morris,  60,641  acres  of  thin 
tract.* 

In  1792,  Macomb  became  involved  by  transaction  with  Wm.  Duen 
Isaac  Whippo,  and  others  of  New  York,t  by  which  he  was  compelled  to 
assign  his  interest  in  a  tract  of  land  of  1920,000  acres,  for  the  benefit  of 
his  creditors,  to  William  Edgar  and  Daniel  McCormick. 

On  the  same  date  with  the  foregoing,  be  sold  to  Wm.  Constable,  for 
£1,500,  the  towns  of  Madrid,  Potsdam,  and  the  west  half  of  Stockholm 
and  i^ouisville,  and  to  William  Edgar,  for  £12,000,  the  towns  of  Lisbon, 
and  Canton,  excepting  a  tract  in  the  former,  previously  sold  to  John 
Tibbets.  The  towns  of  Potsdam  and  Canton,  appear  to  have  been  at 
first  included  in  this  conveyance,  which  Edgar  in  an  instrument  dated 
Oct.  24,  1793,  t  acknowledged  to  have  been  a  deed  of  trust,  and  obligated 
himself  to  reconvey  the  same  to  Macomb  when  required. 

The  failure  of  Macomb,  was  in  some  way  connected  with  a  bank 
which  it  was  attempted  to  get  established,  as  a  rival  of  the  Bank  of  New 
York,  in  1792.  He  was  very  much  blamed  for  the  course  he  took  in  the 
matter,  and  on  his  failure,  was  lodged  in  the  debtor's  prison.  It  is  said 
that  even  in  this  retreat  he  was  assailed  by  a  rabble,  and  owed  his 
preservation  only  to  the  strength  of  the  building. 

At  the  time  this  embarrassment  occurred,  Macomb  was  largely 
indebted  to  Alexander  Ellice,  and  others  of  London.  To  satisfy  this 
debt,  he  had  conveyed  on  the  6th  of  June ,  1792,  the  towns  of  Lisbon, 
Canton,  Madrid  and  Potsdam,  with  the  west  half  of  Lousville  and 
Stockholm,  but  ElHce  disclaimed  this  transfer,  and  quit  claimed  his 
title  to  the  conveyance. 

The  following  is  a  brief  summary  of  the  transfers  of  the  several  towns 
of  the  first  purchases,  so  far  as  we  have  been  able  to  obtain  it. 

LouivsiLLE. — We  have  shown  how  Constable  became  the  owner  of 
the  west  half  of  this  town. 

James  Constable,  John  McVickar,  and  Hezekiah  B.  Pierrepont,  execu- 
tors of  Wm.  Constable,  on  the  15th  of  Dec.  1803,  conveyed  2854  acres  in 
a  square  at  the  S.  W.  corner  to  Gouverneur  Morris,  excepting  parts 
previously  sold.§ 

G.  Morris,  Jun.,  received  the  above  by  will  from  his  father,  and  this  is 
called  the  Morris  Tract,  at  the  village  of  Norfolk.    At  one  period  it  was 


»  Deeds,  b.  24,  p.  309,  Sec'.  Office. 

t  Recital  in  a  conveyance  of  Oct.  10,  1792.    Deeds,  b.  24,  p,  437. 

X  ib.  b.  26,  p.  42. 

t  Clerk* Office,  Deeds,  b.  2,  p  14U. 


Sec'.  Office. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


243 


owned  liy  Leray,  and  a  part   was  afterwanls    piircliOHed  by  Russell 
Attwater. 

Tiie  remainder  of  the  west  half  of  the  town  was  conveyed  by  Wm.  C. 
to  Ewcrcita  Constable,  Jan.  3,1803,*  James  McVickar  and  Ewcretta, 
his  wife,  conveyed  the  al)ovo  to  Wm.  Stewart,  Dec.  4,  1807,  who  recon- 
veyed  it  to  McVickar,  Dec.  .1,  1807.t  Tlie  latter,  Aug.  IG,  181G,  deeded 
lots,  58,  5!),  ()0,  G8,  G9,  70,  78,  79, 80,  88,  89,  DO,  to  Henry  McVickar,  t 
who  by  will  conveyed  it  to  Edwanl  McVickar. 

Tlie  remainder  of  the  west  half  of  Louisville  became  the  property  of 
tlie  McVickar  families.  The  southern  half  of  No.  IG,  17,  and  the 
wliole  of  2G,  27,  3G,  37,  became  the  property  of  John  Jay,  who  married 
a  daughter  of  Wm.  Constable.     This  is  called  the  Jay  Tract, 

Tlie  east  half  of  Louisville  and  Stockholm,  were  conveyed  June  2, 
1792,  by  Macomb  to  Wm.  Edgar,  Wni.  Luight  and  John  Lamb,  in  trust, 
to  be  divided  as  follows:  To  Edgar,  30,618 acres; to  Laiglit,  111,27  acres; 
to  Lamb,  22,2.55  acres.§ 

Edgar  sold  his  share  April  3, 1795,  to  Nicholas  Low,  John  Delafield  and 
Josiah  Ogden  Hoffman,  for  $30,618.  The  latter,  July  15, 1797,  sold  .5,103 
acres  to  Elkanah  Watson. 

To  divide  their  lands,  the  proprietors  entered  into  a  contract  in  August 
1798,  with  Amos  Lay,  to  survey  it,  and  subdivide  the  lots  by  three  quali- 
ties. Macomb  also  agreed  with  bim,  for  a  similar  survey  of  the  west 
half. 

The  survey  having  been  made,  and  a  deficiency  being  found,  this  was 
proportionally  divided  among  the  several  proprietors,  and  they  drew  by 
lot  for  their  tracts,  Feb.  18,  1799. 

Mr.  Lay  received  for  his  survey  and  maps  of  Louisville,  the  sum  of 
$500,  and  a  further  sum  of  $70,  for  cutting  a  road  through  the  town. 

In  a  conmiunication  of  E.  Watson,  to  the  proprietors,  accompanying 
the  survey,  was  the  remark  that  a  road  from  Louisville  to  St.  Regis,  was 
expected  to  be  completed  in  May  or  June,  1799. 

Our  space  will  not  admit  of  a  further  account  of  the  title  of  this  town- 
ship. 

Stockholm. — The  west  half  of  this  town  was  sold  by  Wm.  Constable,  to 
John  Constable,  Jan.  3,  1803,|1  and  the  latter  conveyed  the  same  toHeze- 
kiah  B.  Pierrepont,  Sept,  28, 1809.^ 

This  was  a  deed  in  trust,  for  V.  to  settle  and  sell  the  lands,  to  raise 
$45,000,  to  pay  C.    The  lands  remaining  unsold,  to  be  divided  equally 


*  Clerk's  Oflice,  b.  1,  p.  ?fi. 

t  Clerk's  Office,  b.  1,  p.  320,  323. 

+  Clerk's  Office,  b.  4,  p.  80(5. 

16 


§  DeeJs,  b.  24,  p.  2P0,  Secy's  Office. 
II  Clerk's  Office,  deeds,  b.  1,  p.  85. 
t  Clerk's  Office,  b.  2.  p.  390. 


fi 

fi 


J? 


f( 


244 


HISTORY  OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


',^i> 


f"' 

iJi' 


1  'W 


Hi 


lietween  them.  By  an  ngreemcnt  tinted  April  10,  ISKl,*  C.  witlulrnwstho 
4tli  quarter  of  the  town,  wliicli  agreeiiioiit  P.  si<,'ii!<,  P.  conveys  to  I).  I\lc 
Corinick,  the  3(1  quarter  of  town,  April  14,  1813.t  iMcC  conveys  Imcl-. 
the  same  April  15,  1813. 

By  a  subsequent  deed,  John  Constable,  as  heir  of  Wm.  Constable,  de- 
ceased,  releases  with  the  other  heirs  of  Wm.  C,  all  their  interest  lo  II,  ]]. 
Pierrepont.  This  half  of  the  town  has  mostly  been  setlled  under  ageiils 
of  Hezekiah  B.  Pierrepont,  and  his  heirs.  Henry  E.  Pierrepont,  Ef>(|.,  of 
Brooklyn,  has  at  present  the  management  of  this  estate,  and  of  other  ex- 
tensive tracts,  in  Franklin,  St.  Lawrence,  Jefferson,  Lewis  and  Oswe{,o 
coimties,  which  form  a  [>art  of  the  iMacomb  purchases. 

Of  the  eastern  half  of  this  town  we  have  been  imable  to  obtain  the 
chain  of  title.  Edward  W.  Laight,  Samuel  Reynolds,  Wm.  Onderdonk, 
Richard  Gouverneur,  Nicholas  Low  and  others,  were  concerned  in  tiie 
early  transfers. 

Potsdam. — Macomb,  by  way  of  Edgar  to  Constable,  as  above.  Tiie 
latter  by  deed,  dated  Nov.  18,  1802,t  conveyed  to  Garret  Van  Ilorne, 
David  M  Clarkson,  and  their  associates,  "  as  joint  tenants,  and  not  iis 
tenants  in  conmion,"  the  town  except  2  miles  wide,  onthcN.W.  side.  G. 
Van  Home  conveyed  the  above  by  deed  of  trust,  on  the  9lh  of  April, 
1821  ,§  excepting  parts  previously  sold  to  Matthew  Clarkson,  to  be  con- 
veyed to  the  following  proprietors,  in  separate  i)nrcels,  and  by  separate 
deeds,  viz:  Levinus  Clarkson,  Herman  Le  Ray,  .Xicholas  Fish,  John  C. 
Clarkson,  Garret  Van  Home,  H'm.  Bayard,  the  executors  oi  Jas.  McEvtrs, 
deceased,   Thos.  S.  Clarkson,  Levinua  Ctarksonand  G.  Van  Home. 

On  April  10,  1821,  M.  Clarkson,  as  such  trustee,  executes  conveyances 
of  separate  lots  and  parts  of  lots,  in  said  town,  to  said  persons. 

All  subsequent  titles  in  this  town  (except  the  2  mile  strip)  have  been 
derived  from  the  foregoing  proprietors. 

The  strip  by  the  side  of  Madrid,  was  divided  into  two  tracts,  of  which 
the  western  is  called  the  Of^den  Tract,  and  the  eastern  the  Le  Roux  Trad. 
riie  latter  was  sold  to  Charles  Le  Roux,  by  Constable,  A[)ril  30,  1803. 
Le  Roux  died  in  1810,  and  in  bis  will  directed  that  this  should  be  sold  liy 
his  executors,  (John  Doughty,  Charles  L.  Ogden  and  Thos.  L.  Ogden,) 
ns  expeditiously  as  found  convenient. 

These  executors  deeded  it  June  2G,  1811, ||  to  Dr.vid  A.,  and  Gouverneur 
Ogden,  as  joint  tenants  in  fee  simple.  The  latter  by  deed,  Oct.  2,  lc23,"[ 
conveyed  to  Joshua  Waddington  and  Thomas  L.  Ogden,  who,  Nov.  1, 
1824,**  conveyed  to  Waddington. 


*  lb.  b.  3,  p.  -Jes. 
t  lb.  b.  3,  p.  400,  908. 
X  lb.  b.  1,  p.  4& 
S  lb.  U  7,  p.  51,  78 


I!  Clerk's  Office,  b.  3,  p.  203,  0. 
ir  Clerk's  Office,  b,  7,  p.  44v!,  4c. 
♦*  lb,  b.  S,  p.  17,  &c. 


m 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


245 


We  liave  not  tlio  title  of  the  western  tract. 

Madrid. — ^Incomli  to  Edgnr,  Oct.  24, 1703,  ns  above.  Edgnr,  by  a  con- 
veyance, dated  June  12, 171)4,  sold  to  Wn).  Constable,  tbe  towns  of  Madrid 
and  Potsdam,  for  five  shillinjrs,  N.  Y.  currency.* 

Constable  sold  to  Abraham  Ogden,  Josiali  Ogden  Hoffman,  David  A. 
Ogden  and  Thomas  L.Ogden,  this  town,  June  G,  1706,  for  S'lO.OOO.f  This 
was  further  confirmed  by  a  deed  from  Thomas  Cooper,  master  in  chan- 
cery, June  30,  1801,  to  John  McVickar,!  who  by  deed,  dated  July  10, 
1801, §  conveyed  to  David  A.  and  Thomas  L.  Ogden,  as  tenants  in  com- 
mon. Tliese  brotiiers,  April,  1803, ||  deeded  an  undivided  third  of  tbe 
town,  to  Joshua  Waddington, 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1811,  these  parties  executed  partition  deeds  of 
lands,  previously  contracted  and  mortgaged.H 

Canto.n  and  Lisbon. — Macomb  to  Edgar,  as  above.  Edgar  to  Alex- 
ander von  Pfistcr,  by  deed  June  12,  1794,  for  five  shillings.  This  was 
douhdess  in  trust.  In  this  was  e.\ce|)ted  a  tract  of  9,G00  acres,  sold  by 
Macomb  to  John  Tibbets,  of  Troy,  Nov.  20,  1789,  for  £960.** 

Von  Pfister  conveyed,  March  3,  1795,  to  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer, 
Josiah  Ogden  Hoffman,  and  Richard  Harrison,  for  £5,068,  IGs.ff  This 
is  said  to  have  been  conveyed  to  them  in  payment  for  money  loaned. 
On  the  21st  of  January,  1805,  Hoffman,  by  deed,  released  to  Van  Rens- 
selaer his  interest  in  the  two  towns. 

By  an  agreement  between  the  parties,  Harrison  retained  one-third  of 
the  eastern  part  of  the  tract  (about  39,460  acres),  and  Van  Rensselaer  the 
remainder  (78,932  acresj.JI:  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,§§  by  deed  dated 
Sept.  13,  1836,  conveyed  all  his  estate  in  these  towns  to  his  son  Henry 
Van  Rensselaer,||||  in  whom  the  title  of  unsold  portions  is  still  vested. 

De  Kalb. — Macomb  to  Ogden  as  above.  Tlie  subsequent  transfers 
we  have  not  obtained.  Wm.  Cooper,  of  Cooperstown,  subsequently 
purchased  the  town  and  commenced  its  first  settlement.  After  ids  death 
it  was  divided  up  into  a  number  of  tracts,  among  his  heirs. 

OswEGATCHiE  was  patented  by  98  patents  as  above  stated.  Macomb 
to  S.  Ogden,  May  3,  1792,  with  three  other  towns.  Col.  Ogden  pur- 
chased the  share  of  Robert  IMorris,  as  appears  in  a  deed  recorded  in  the 
secretary's  office  January,  1793,  and  conveyed  to  the  others  their  shares 


*  8ecy's  Office,  deeds,  b.  2G,  p.  41. 
tlb.  deeds,  b.  2«,  p.  391. 
tClerk'sOffice,  b.  I,p.  17. 
j  Clerk's  Office,  b.  1,  p.  2«. 
nib.  b.  1,  p  78. 
lilb.  b.  3,  p.  191. 


»* Clerk's  Office,  deeds,  b.  3,  p.  ICO. 

tt  Secretary's  Office. 

tt  Clerk's  Office,  b.  1,  p.  111. 

ii  See  note  D,  in  this  work. 

III!  Clerk's  Office,  deeds,  b.  SS,  p.  4S8,  &e. 


I 


246 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


J     ^i 


I 


'LS 


:»:i 


'm 


'fe, 


in  tlio  to\vnslii|)8  of  Hngiio  niid  (^nmbrny.  Oii  tlin  20tli  of  Fnh.,  180H. 
S.  Og(l»!n  convtjyrd  by  (|nit  claim,  this  town  to  liis  hdw  Diivifl  II.  Ojjdtiii.* 
Oil  tho  aist  ot'Jiiiiimry,  1847,  tlio  lulter  (jiiit  cliiiiiied  to  David  C.  Judsop, 
Ksq.,  of  Offdenshurgii.t  with  whotii  arc  tho  inigiiud  |»at('.iitN. 

Nathan  Ford  and  others  purchaHcd  largo  tracts  in  this  town.  I)y  a 
deed  of  Aug.  17,  17!t8,  Ogdcn  conviiycd  to  Fordf  an  nndividol  hail'  of 
three  certain  tracts,  one  of  which  contained  10,000  acres,  and  hiy  soiiih 
of  land  at  the  outlet  of  lihiek  lake. 

The  lot  of  500  acres,  on  which  stands  tlicviJage  of  Ogdensburgii,  wns 
sold  by  .John  Taylor,  tho  patentee,  June  13, 178t>,  to  Alexander  J\lacon.b, 
for  £y.'i.§ 

Hague  and  Cambrav. — To  S.  Ogden  ns  above;  May  3, 1792,  endtrscil 
in  a  release  from  Robert  Morris  for  his  proportion,  and  nn  acknowledf,'- 
ment  signed  by  Gen.  Knox  of  tho  receipt  of  his  conveyance,  dated  Msiy 
23,  and  June  20,  17!)2. 

The  portion  of  the  above  which  came  to  the  share  of  General  Kiinx, 
lay  along  the  west  side  of  Hague  and  Cambray,  extending  from  tlie  rivor 
to  the  rear  line,  and  was  two  miles,  forty-six  chains  and  twenty-one  'inks 
wide.  Tliis  is  known  among  early  purchases  as  the  Knox  Trad,  con- 
veyed 3Tay  23,  24,  1792. 

It  was  supposed  to  contain  32,994  acres,  but  was  afterwards  found  to 
embrace  only  32,748  acres.  To  make  up  the  deficiency  of  his  44,114 
acres,  lands  in  Oswegatchie  were  conveyed  to  Gen.  Knox. 

Henry  Knox  conveyed  the  above  to  Benjamin  Walker,  June  8,  1792,  l)y 
warranty  deed. 

Walker,  Blarch  3,  1794,  executed  an  agreement  for  the  sale  and  ex- 
change of  lands  with  Samuel  Ogden,  including  the  Knox  tract,  for  tlie 
consideration  of  $1G,497.  Deeded  as  promised  Dec.  2,  17i)4.  A  stii|) 
three  chains,  forty-one  links,  bounded  on  the  north-east  corner  of  the 
G0,641  acre  tract,  was  conveyed  by  S.  Ogden  to  David  Ford,  May  27, 
1800.  Ford  exchanged  lands  Sept.  19,  1808,  with  Morris,  by  which  the 
former  receives  a  tract  on  the  east  border  of  the  town. 

&  Ogden,  March  4, 179.'>,  conveys  20,000  to  John  Delafield,  for  £0,000. 
This  tract  lay  near  the  west  border  of  the  town.  Feb.  12,  1790,  D.  sold 
to  J.  O.  Hoffman  for  $10,  one-sixth  of  this  20,000  acre  strip.  This  strip 
was  subsequently  owned  by  Messrs.  Nicholas  Low,  John  Delafield,||  and 

•  Clerk's  Office,  tlecds,  b.  2,  p.  132. 
tlO.,  B.  A.  30,  p  G7G,  &c. 

t  Oneiilu  Clerk'(>  Office,  book  U.,  No.  7,  of  deeds,  p.  49. 
§  Secretary's  Office,  deeds,  b.  24,  p.  3C'S. 

II  Delafield  was  a  greai  operator  in  fiiinncial  matters,  but  was  ullimnlcly  iintbrlunate  in  liis 
speculations.    Seixus  wns  a  Jew,  and  lived  in  New- York. 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


247 


. ,S(!i.xiiH,  and  tim  triict  wns  slill  further  dividotl  by  lincfl  ninniiifr  Ironi 

tliu  Ht.  Luwnnico  to  tlio  leur.  Ol"  tlu-se  tin;  first  on  tlio  went  wns  wnbsc- 
(|iitiitly  convoyed  to  I'liilip  Keurney.  It  uiih  (i4  i-Iiaiiis,  71  links  vvidu, 
and  iMid)raeed  10,000  urrei*.  A  portion  of  this  adjoininj,'  tiio  town  of 
UoHHie,  was  sold  to  Mr.  Parish.  Tlio  next  strip,  4*2  chains,  T.*)  links  wide, 
wns  purchased  l»y  Nicholas  Low.  Jt  eiidtraced  (KiOO'GU  acres.  A  tract, 
18  chains,  71  links  wide,  next  east  of  this,  etuliracinp  half  the  ahovo 
iiiiinlier  of  acres,  became  the  i)roperty  of  Nicholas  (louvernenr.  A  stri|» 
5'i  chains,  80  links  wide,  embracing  8,000  acres,  was  sold  to  llotlinan 
and  Ogden;  and  abont  .5,000  acres,  or  a  strip  ^G  chains,  .52  liidis  wide, 
coiistitnting  the  remainder  of  the  Knox  tract,  was  conveyed  to  (yol. 
Saniucl  Ogden.  Adjoining  the  Knox  tract,  and  embrucing  20,000  acres, 
was  sold  by  Samuel  Of>;den  to  ffm.  Constable,  for  £1,000,  Feb.  24,  17'J4. 
(Sec'if  office,  b.  mortgages  UtJ,  p.  341,  ^c.) 

Wm.  Constable  to  Gonverneiir  Morris.  Dsed  of  the  same  20,000  acre 
sstrij),  November  17,  1708.  (Clerk's  ojjice,  b.  JVo.  I,  p.  3i).)  Gonvernenr 
Morris  accpiired  of  Samnel  Ogden,  by  pnrclmse,  u  second  tract,  adjoining 
llie  last,  embracing  60,041  acres.  May  13, 1791).  (Clerk's  ojjicc,  b.  JVo.  2,  p, 
401.) 

About  9,500  acres  remained  in  these  two  towns,  which  Samuel  Ogden 
ami  Wife  conveyed  to  Damd  B.  Ogden,  Feb.  29,  1808.  (Clerk's  ojice,  h. 
Ao.  2,  p.  132-3.) 

David  B.  Ogden  conveyed  to  Gouverneiir  Morris,  July  1 ,  1808,  all  that 
was  conveyed  to  him  by  Samuel  Ogden.  (Clerks  office,  b.  JVb.  2,  p.  151.) 

Gouverneur  Morris's  title  was  subsequently  sold  to  Edwin  Dodge, 
Duvid  C.  Jndson,  Augustus  Chapman,  Abraham  Cooper,  and  others,  but 
oiir  space  will  not  allow  us  to  give  the  details. 

The  Gospei,  and  School  Lots  were  located  near  the  centre  of  the 
town,  and  were  usually  numbers  55  and  56.  The  former  have  since 
been  sold  by  the  authority  of  the  legislature,  who,  on  the  2l8t  of  April, 
1825,  passed  an  act  authorizing  the  freeholders  and  inhabitants  of  the 
several  towns,  at  their  annual  town  meeting,  to  vote  directing  the  whole 
of  the  income  of  the  gospel  and  school  lots,  to  be  appropriated  to  the 
sciiools  in  town. 

The  money  received  for  the  sale  of  these  lands,  has  in  most  or  oil 
cases  been  invested,  and  the  interest  arising  thereliom  applied  for  the 
annual  expenses  of  schools. 

The  literature  lot  in  Canton,  was  given  to  the  Lowville  academy  in 
Lewis  county,  and  that  of  Potsdam,  to  the  St.  Lawrence  academy,  in 
that  town. 

The  literature  lots  oi"  Stockholm,  Louisville,  Lisbon,  Oswegatchie, 


"^-^i^W^ 


248 


HISTORY    OK   ST.    LAWRENCE 


n  t 


Hnguo,  and  Cniiilimy,  were  hoUI  hy  tlio  wurvoyor  peiirral,  in  piirsiinnr  i 
of  an  act  of  the  l(><.M8l(itni-c,  in  \f^'-i'i,  and  llii!  aviiilH  iilaccd  in  tins  gi.'ncrul 
litcriituro  fund  of  tlio  state  Tor  (lit!  (■■iinnion  hi'nrlit  cif  iIm;  arudumiuN  and 
collogoH  miller  tiio  diroolion  of  tiio  lo^'cntH  of  tlio  iiiiivci>iiy. 

By  an  act  |)a8Mcd  IMarcli  'Hi,  \S'2'A,  tlio  litcrutiiru  lot  in  iMudiid,  was  up- 
propriutnd  to  Middlebniy  acn«lcni\,  in  tlit;  county  ot  Genesee,  ami  to  set- 
tle llin  honndaries,  a  law  was  pasNed  on  (lie  I7tli  of  Marcii,  18'^ t,  [)y 
which  the  K.,  i\.  and  W.  hounds,  as  surveyod  in  17!>7,  were  dcciareil  tho 
bounds  of  the  niiio  H(|U(U't!,  utid  tlin  Nonthern  line  ho  ran  uh  to  make  (i40 
acres.  ir[)on  rcceivinj;  a  fee  simple  eonveyancu  of  this  from  the  pro- 
prietors, the  state  released  to  thcni  their  claim  to  the  remainder  of  the 
township. 

By  an  act  of  Jlarcli  l,  18.'30,  the  itdmbitunts  of  any  of  the  towns  of  St. 
Lawrence  county  having  gospel  and  school  lots  therein,  were  authorized 
to  ap|)ly  tiio  rents  and  profits  to  the  j^ospel  and  schools,  or  cither,  as  the 
people  asscndiled  in  town  meeting  might  direct.  The  purt  applied  to 
schools  was  to  be  paid  to  the  school  cominissioncrH,  and  diut  to  the  gos- 
pel was  to  be  distributed  to  the  different  Christian  orders  in  the  ratio  of 
resident  members  in  full  communion  with  any  'egnlarly  organized 
church.  It  is  believed  that  in  no  instuucu  were  the  funds  apjilied  to  tim 
latter  use. 

OtD  MiLiTART  Tract,   in  Clinton  and  Franklin  Counties. — By 

the   same  act  under   which  the    "ten  townsiiips"  were  sold,  (passed 

May  5,  178ti).  a  provision  was  made  tor  the  laying  out  of  a  tract  of  laud 

to  pay  for  military  services,  rendered  by  persons  in  tlio  revolutionary 

war.    It  was  as  follows: 

"  And  whereas,  by  the  act  entitled,  '  An  act  to  prevent  grants  or  loca- 
tions of  the  lands  therein  mentioned,  passed  the  !25th  day  ol  July,  178"2, 
a  certain  tract  of  land  was  set  apart  (or  the  use  of  such  of  the  inhaliit- 
nnts  of  this  state,  as  had  served  in  the  army  of  the  United  States.  And 
whereas  from  sundry  circumstances,  which  have  intervened  since  the 
passage  of  the  said  act,  the  lands  intended  to  lie  granted,  would  be  of 
little  use  to  the  inhobitnnts  having  so  servd;  Th,*»refore,  Be  it  enacted, 
by  the  aiithoriti/  aforesaid,  that  the  said  commissioners  shall  he  and  are 
hereby  authorized  to  direct  the  surveyor  general  to  lay  out  the  following' 
tract  of  land,  to  wit:  beginning  at  a  certain  point,  in  the  north  bounds 
of  Jessup's  purchase,  thirty  miles  distant  from  the  north  east  corner  of 
two  certain  tracts  ol'  land,  granted  to  Philip  Skeene,  by  letters  |>  itent, 
bearing  date  the  sixth  day  of  July,  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and 
seventy-one,  and  nmning  thence  north,  to  the  north  bounds  of  the  state; 
thence  easterly  along  the  same  twenty  miles,  thence  south  to  the  nordi 
bounds  of  Jessup's  purchase,  aforesaid,  continued  easterly  to  the  jilace 
of  beginning.  All  which  tract  of  land,  shall  on  a  map  thereof,  to  be 
made  by  the  surveyor  general,  be  laid  out  ^into  townships  of  the  ten 
miles  scjuare,  and  each  township  shall  on  the  said  map  be  numbered, 
and  the  commissioners  shall  therefrom,  from  time  to  time,  devise  sncli 
regulations,  fur  laying  out  lots,  of  such  dimensions  as  they  shall  think 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTILS. 


249 


innpor,  Tor  fltitinfyiii;^  <iiit  of  tlin  Hiiid  tnirt  of  laiulri  Hiirli  cliiiiiiK  nf  nil 
such  pcisoiH  who  ai'u  or  nliall  hi)  ciititicil  to  ^'I'ltutt*  of  laiKJN,  hv  virtiiu  of 
till!  Iniitli,  I'ltivuiitli  and  foiiiKMiMtli.  )-laii!«i-N  of  tiio  net,  entitled  'An  net 
(iir  iri'.'iMtiii;.'  certain  landr<  |M'onii.'<ed  to  Ite  t'iven  aH  lioiuiiy  InndH  liy  the 
law."  of  lliiri  Htate,  and  for  other  |)iir|ioHeH  therein  nuMitioiied,  or  nncli  uf 
tlieni  as  are  still  niiNiitiHtied,  no  to  liie  said  i-oininisMionerH  hhall  appeiir 
lii'.-'t  e.'ili'iilated  to  eiialilt,'  (ho  |MM>onM  holding'  Hiieli  ri^htM,  to  |)nrlici|)nta 
iiH  ei|ii;illy  as  may  lie  in  the  inUiinla^es  dei'iv(!d  from  loeatin^'  the  snid 
IniiiU  to  whieh  they  HJiali  ho  renpectivoly  entitled.  I'rovideil,  'J'hnt  all 
liiM'.'OHiH  elainiin^  siieh  ri;.'lits,  and  who  hii\'e  not  already  e.xhihied  their 
cl.iiiiis,  shall  exhihit  their  ren|K!etive  eiainiH  to  the  Huid  conunissionerH,  on 
or  Ill-lore  the  fn'ist  day  of  January  next,  or  hIiuII  be  |irccliidt>d  from  tho 

41 


)) 


Hiinie. 

r'niir  of  the  ten  townships  so  set  apart  constitute  the  present  towns 
of  Uurko,  Chntean^'ay,  Bellmont  nnd  i'rnnklin,  in  Franklin  county. 
Thecniisos  which  led  to  this  were  ns  follows: 

•'  The  froiitic'rH  of  New  York,  in  I77!',  Iteinj^  much  exfiosed  to  hostile 
inriiisioiiH  of  the  Indian  triltes,  who  were  incited  to  iIiIh  liy  the  British, 
it  iiecame  necessary  to  provide  some  c'fRcient  mode  of  delen(!e,  and  the 
iieceKsiiy  of  the  stale  ot  New  York's  relyin^r  npoii  her  internal  resonrces, 
became  jireater,  frmri  the  tailme  of  the  several  states  to  furnish  their  re- 
spt'Clive  ipiotas  of  troops,  Hir  the  ptneral  defence.  The  state  lejfisin- 
Iiiie,  dierefl)re,  proci'eded  to  ndojit  the  measnres  requisite  to  bring  mto 
till!  tii'ld  a  fierce  snfHc'.""  tor  their  purpose,  and  passed  a  law,  cm  the 
'JOili  of  March,  1781,  |  rovulin^'  for  tne  enlistment  of  two  regimcntn  (or 
till)  dcti.'iice  ol  ''le  frontiers.  The  troops  thus  raised,  were  to  he  armed, 
»iniisisted,  and  paid  by  tlir^  United  States,  and  to  continue  in  service 
three  years,  miless  sooner  dischnr;;ed. 

The  fiiith  of  the  state  was  pledged  to  the  olflcers  nnd  privates  of  these 
rnf^iments,  that  at  the  end  of  their  enlistment,  they  or  their  heirs,  should 
receive  lands  in  proportion  to  their  rank.  Noncommissioned  officers 
and  privates,  were  to  receive  five  hundred  acres,  and  officers  ns  follows: 

A  major  general.  .^..'iOO  aer^s;  brigadier  general,  4,250  acres;  colonel, 
2,.'i00;  lieut.  c(d.  2,250  acres;  major,  2,0C0  acres;  captain  nnd  surgeon 
of  regiment,  1,500  acres  each;  chaplain,  2,000  ncres;  each  subaltern 
and  surgeon's  mate  1,000  acres.  The  lands  were  reipiired  to  be  settled 
within  three  years  after  the  close  of  the  war,  or  they  would  become  for- 
feited and  revert  to  the  ftate. 

Ill  the  following  year  Col.  Lamb's  regiment  of  artillery  was  raised, 
with  the  same  |)rivileges  and  bounties  as  the  other  regiments.  Congress 
also  granted  lands  to  these  soldiers,  which  were  located  in  the  state  of 
Ohio,  Hy  a  subsequent  agreement  between  the  stale  of  New  York  nnd 
the  L'nited  States,  any  soldier  relinipiisbing  his  claim  to  his  one  hundred 
acres  in  Ohio,  should  draw  a  fill!  right  of  (JCO  acres  in  New  York,  but 
fiiiliii;rto  reliiKpiish  his  right  by  neglect  or  otherwise,  the  100  ncres.  over 
the  500,  should  revert  to  the  state.  This  gave  origin  to  tlie  term  Stales 
Hundred,  once  so  much  used  on  the  military  tract.  ' 

A  very  large  tract  of  land,  in  the  central  part  of  the  state,  wns  sur- 
veyed out,  to  satisfy  these  claims,  and  the  townships  into  which  it  was 
divided,  were  named  after  the  most  illustrious  military  cliaracters  of 
niiiKpiity. 

In  iMay,  1784,  commissioners  were  appointed  to  settle  these  claims, 
consisting  of  the  governor,  lieutenant  governor,  the  speaker  of  assembly, 
fieoretury  of  state,  treasurer  and  auditor. 


■i^^'.'h^' 


i'-.' 


!/■*■ 


Ifir'- ' 


250 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


jC'i 


r.!   ■  ^ 


Tlie  Tndiiin  titlo  t^  tliis  tract  was  not  tlicn  extinguished,  niiil  there 
was  at  the  time,  some  doiiht  and  iiMccrlaiiity  when  thiscoidd  he;  cfUMMcd. 

Some  oi'  t!iu  ehiiinants  heeominj;  elamorotis,  an  art  was  passed  i)y  the 
lejrisluture,  as  ahove  slated,  antiiorizin;^  the  «;onnnissioners  of  th !  land 
otiiee,  to  lay  out  several  townships,  where  tlu!  Indian  title  had  Ixien  (!x- 
tinffnished  to  satisfy  these  clainianls,  and  accordinfriy  these  lands  were 
located  in  the  northern  part  of"  the  stat(\ 

These  lands  w<;re  numhered  from  sontli  to  north,  and  hack,  to  the 
numher  of  twelve  each, eontainin;^  one  hundred  S(]nan^  niiUis.  IVnnd)eis 
1,  y,  11,  and  1%  are  in  I'lssiix  county;  nuud)eis  .'},  1,  5,  and  (I,  in  Clinton 
county,  and  nuinhers  7,  H,  1),  and  10,  in  Franklin  county.  Tlie  value  of 
these  lands  compared  with  those  of  western  Mtnv  York,  hecominjr  know. i 
to  the  speculators,  who  had  houi^iit  up  many  of  the  soldier's  rijuhts,  the 
final  settlem*!nt  of  claims  was  detitrred  until  the  Indian  titiea  in  the 
center  of  the  state  were  extinguished.*'  * 

By  a  resolution  of  the  land  connnissioiiers,  of  June  19,  178(i,  the  sur- 
veyor general  was  directed  to  lay  out  the  tract,  as  indicated  in  the  act.f 

This  was  accordingly  done,  but  no  part  of  the  tract  was  ever  patented  to 
military  claimants,  being  sold  like  the  other  lands  by  the  connnissioiiers. 

Townships  number  G  and  7,  the formernow  in  Clinton,  and  the  latter 
in  Franklin  counties,  were  patented  by  the  state  to  James  Caldwell,  of 
Albany,  on  the  I25th  of  Feb.  178."),  with  the  usual  conditions  of  patents. 

On  the  Gtb  of  March,  1785,  Caldwell  sold  to  Col.  McGregor,  of  New 
York,  for  JC500,  currency,  the  above  townships 

On  the  19th  of  December,  1795,  Col.  McGregor  sold  to  John  Lamb, 
William  Bell,  (George  Bowne,  Joseph  Pearsall,  Henry  Ilaydocl;,  and 
Eilinund  Prior,  inerchnnts  of  New  York,  us  tenants  in  conunon,  but  in 
different  proportions,  of  the  lands  in  townshii)s  Gand7.  The  tract  was 
to  be  divided  into  lots,  for  which  the  purchasers  agreed  to  ballot,  accord- 
ing to  their  respective  interest  therein.  The  following  is  the  list  of  the 
lots,  that  fell  to  the  share  of  each,  so  far  as  relates  to  number  7,  or  the 
present  towns  of  Cbateaugay,  Burke,  and  a  small  part  of  Bellniont. 
Col.  McGregor  drew  nutnbers,  1,  2,  G,  to  12,  14,  to  21,  2.3,  to  27,  ;)0,  3;J, 
35,  87,  ;W, ;{«»,  41,  42,  44,  .50,  53,  54,  5i),  to  59,  Gl,  to  G5,  G8,  G9, 70,  72,  75, 
78,  to  81,  84,  to  87,  and  90. 

John  Lamb  drew,  7G,  71,3,  13,  22,  55,  82,  77. 

William  Boll,  drew  No.'s  43, 32,  t)G,20,  75,  3G,  52,  GO,  313  89. 

George  Bonne  drew  4,73,  and  .'{il. 

Joseph  Pearsall,  drew  No.'s  34  and  40, 
*  •  Henry  Hay  dock,  drew  No.  88. 

I']dinund  Prior,  drew  No.  5. 

Thomas  H.  Brantinghani,  who  owned  a  part  of  each  of  these  town- 
ichips  drew  lots  inniiber  51,  28  and  G7,  which  were  conveyed  to  Col. 
McGregor. 

*  .''ee  Claike  s  History  of  Onoiidago  for  furlhcr  facts,     t  I/niid  office  Miiimes,  vol   i,  p  1S2 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


2rA 


'I'lieso  lots  subsequently  passed  tliroiif,'li  various  liauds,  and  towiisliips 
iiuinber  seven  at  |)resent  Ibnns  almost  tlie  entire  settled  portion  of  the 
military  tract  in  Franklin  county. 

No.  8  was  patented  to  Col.  McGreitor  Feb.  25,  1795,  vvlio  sold  to  se- 
vornl  parties,  and  the  latter  divided*  it  by  ballot,  as  lollovvs: 

William  Bell,  Nos.  H,  4,  5,  7,  13,  14,  18,  M,  35,  37,  38, 3U,  40,  4'i,  87, 88, 
m,  i>4,  !)i),  43,  71,  72,  20,  2(1,  28;  in  all  25  lots. 

R.  Swartvvout,  Nos. 2, 12, 1(1 ,30,  53,  57,  (i(i,  li!»,  78,  80, 5)2;  in  all  11  lots. 

U.  L.  IJowne,  Nos.  1,  2, !»,  33,  70,  90,  91,  9(J;  in  all  7  lots. 

Leonard  Gansevoort,  Nos.  17,  21,  22, 45, 55,  Sti,  59,  GO,  73,  79,  84 ;  in  all 
11  lots. 

Sir  W.  Poultney,  Nos.  9,  15,  27,  41,  44,  4(!,  52,  58,  G4,  m,  81,  82,  97, 
98,  100;  in  all  15  lots.  His  lirst  agent  was  Col.  K.  Troop,  present  agent 
Joseph  Fellows,  of  Geneva. 

i^.dmund  Prior,  Nos.  02,  G7,  74,  8(1;  in  all  4  lots. 

Wm.  Rhodes,  Nos.  3(),  51,  54,  7(i,  85;  in  all  a  lots. 

Wm.  Ilaydock,  Nos.  32,  47 ;  in  all  2  lots. 

Hurent  Staats,  20  lots,  which  he  sold  to  the  following  individuals: 

P.  Van  Rensselaer,  Nos.  48,  49,  50,  (11,  03,  <i5,  75,  77,  83,  82,  95  ;  in  al! 
11  lots.  P.  Van  lioon  and  J.  P.  Douw,  Nos.  (>,  8,  11 ;  in  all  3  lots.  A 
Van  Schaak,  No.  25.  J.  Plush,  Nos.  10,  23,  31 ;  in  all  3  lots.  31.  Gre- 
gory, No.  19.  J.  Benson  and  D.  B.  SIingerland,No.24.  A  considerable 
mnnhcr  of  the  above  lots  have  been  sold  for  taxes,  and  many  of  the  pre- 
sent owners  hold  their  titles  in  this  way  from  the  state. 

Township  No.  9  was  patented  by  the  state  as  follows: 

Lots  Nos.  1  to  48,  to  Gerrit  Smith,  August  10,  1849;  b.  34,  p.  505 
Lot  No.  51,  to  Guy  Meigs  and  Sam'l  C.  Wead,  Jinic  20,  1849;  b.  3(),  p. 
291.  Lots  No.  (il  to  87,  to  Gerrit  Smith,  Aug.  10,  1849;  b.  34,  p.  .505. 
Lots  91  to  113,  also  IKi  to  12(J,  also  12!»  to  180,  also  182  to  201,  also  202, 
and  205  to  215, 217  to  228,  231  to  270,  272,  275  to  287,  290  to  292,  295  to 
304,  321  to  323,  325  to  329,331,  334  to  342,  355  to  3G0,  to  the  same,  at  the 
same  date  as  the  other  purchases.  Portions  of  the  remainder  have  been 
sold  to  individuals,  and  a  part  is  still  owned  by  the  state. 

Township  No.  10  was  surveyed  by  J.  Richards,  in  1813,  and  sold  in 
part  to  individuals,  between  1827  and  the  present  time.  A  large  part 
was  sold  to  Gerrit  Smith,  August  10,  1849,  and  some  lots  are  still  owneii 
by  the  state. 

Massena. — This  towt;  was  mostly  granted  in  small  and  separate  pa- 
tents, to  Jeremiah  Van  Rensselaer  and  others.  The  first  of  these  grants 
was  made  Oct.  23,  1788,  adjoining  the  present  reservation,  and  at  the 
mile  square.  These  tracts  were  designated  by  letters,  and  extended  to 
the  letter  N. 

'  ffcielari,  •«  offlre,  f.iifili,-,  b,  23,  r  303 


-^***iiMil.' 


in* 


f       '  . 


1 

1 

252 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Colonel  Louis,  tlie  Indian  cliiet'  to  wlioin  n  tract  in  this  town  was  con- 
fliiionally  grante*!,  in  ]789,  did  not  receive  u  patent,  lie  however  drew 
lots  Nos.  72  and  DS,  of  (JOO  acres  each,  and  55,  Jl  and  34,  of  5C0  iicits 
cacli,  in  Jnnins,  N.  Y.,  I'or  his  military  services. 

Macomb's  Great  Plbchase. — The  legi.'»iature  of  the  state  of  \ew 
York,  at  their  session  in  17i)l,in  order  to  promote  the  settlement  of  thoir 
lands,  passed  a  law  anthorizing  tiie  comndssioners  of  the  land  otfice  to 
ilispose  of  any  of  the  waste  and  nnappropriated  lands  of  tlie  state,  in 
snch  (piantitie^,  and  on  such  terms,  and  in  such  matmcr,  as  they  should 
judge  most  conducive  to  the  interest  of  the  pidilic. 

The  extraordinary  powers  granted  hy  this  law,  have  been  rightly  pro- 
nounced, in  the  language  of  a  report  made  not  long  since  to  the  legisla- 
ture, on  anol'ier  subject, "too  great  to  be  entrusted  to  mortal  hands." 

Governor  Clinton,  in  his  annual  message  of  I7!}2,  comtmuncated  a  re- 
port of  the  land  commissioners,  in  which  tlicy  said,  that  they  bad  during 
the  year,  sold  5,54"2,170  acres,  in  less  than  forty  parcels,  for  £4l'i2,l73 
IGs.  8(/.,  and  tiiat  they  had  endeavored  to  serve  the  public  interests  therein. 

In  a  list  of  ajiplications  that  had  been  received  for  the  tract,  was  oi.e 
from  Macomb,  in  Aprd,  for  all  the  vacant  lands  between  Lake  Champlain 
and  the  St.  Lawence,  for  6J.  i»er  acre,  in  G  years  without  interest,  wliicli 
was  rejected,  on  accoimtof  itsextent,  "and  because  it  contained  landsjoin 
ing  old  patents,  and  fronts  too  great  a  proportion  of  water  cotnmunication." 

On  tlic2tl  of  IMay,  he  api>lied  as  before,  and  it  was  accepted,  the  quan- 
tity being  reduced. 

Wm.  Henderson  had  applied  for  all  the  military  land  at  9d.  per  acre, 
which  was  rejected.     Macomb  bad  nocom|ietitors  in  his  purchase. 

This  report  being  in  order,  IMr.  Tjdbott,  of  Montgomery*  moved  a  se- 
ries of  resolutions,  in  which,  after  enumerating  the  several  acts  which 
bad  been  passed  relative  to  the  waste  lands,  and  declaring  that  the  spirit 
and  design  of  these  had  been  to  afToid  to  those  of  small  means,  the 
ability  to  purchase,  and  to  prevent  the  accumulation  of  large  landed  es- 
tates in  the  hands  of  a  few;  he  directly  intimated  that  the  commission- 
ers had  violated  the  trust  reposed  in  them.  It  a|»peared  a  mystery  to 
him,  that  this  irmnense  tract  bad  been  sold  for  8d.,  while  adjoining  tracts 
bad  been  sold  to  the  Roosevelts  for  3s.  Id.;  to  Adgate,  for  2s;  to  Cild- 
well,  McGregor,  and  Henderson,  at  is.  8J.  per  acre. 

The  sale  without  interest,  and  privilege  of  di.>icount  l)y  paying  down, 
was  severely  censured. 

These  resolutions  were  warmly  discussed  but  not  passed.  They  were 
evidently  designed  as  the  foundation  tor  an  impeachment,  but  failed  in 
their  [)urpose.  Colonel  Hmr  not  having  attendeil  the  meetings  of  the 
board,  was  not  included  in  the  charges,  us  he  appears  to  have  bceti  ab- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


253 


sent  on  official  business.     Tlie  discussion  continued  till  !i  lute  liou",  when 

the  house  adjourned  without  decision,  until  tiio  next  day.    On  tiic  lOtli 

of  April,  1792,  Mr.   Melancton  Smith  moved  the  Ibliowing  resolution 

with  a  preamble,  us  a  substitute  for  those  formerly  otFered : 

"Resolved,  That  this  house  do  highly  approve  of  the  conduct  of  the 
con)tnissioners  of  the  land  office,  in  the  judicious  sales  by  them,  asafore- 
said,  which  have  been  productive  of  the  before  mentioned  beneficial  ef- 
fects " 

This  resolution  was  ado|)ted  by  a  vote  of  35  to  20.    The  following  is 

a  copy  of  the  application  of  fllacomb,  whicli  was  received  by  the  com- 

mif^sioners: 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  commissioners  of  the  land  office,  of  the  state 
of  New  Yoik,  held  at  the  City  Hall,  in  the  city  of  New  York,  on 
Wednesday,  tiie  22d  day  of  June,  171*1. 

Present — His  Excellency  Georjre  Clinton,  Esquire,  Governor;  Lewis 
A.  Scott,  Esrpiire,  Secretary;  Gerard  Uaiicker,  Esquire,  Treasurer; 
Peter  T.  Curtenius,  Esq.,  Auditor. 

The  a[)plication  of  Alexander  Mncomb,  foi-  the  purchase  of  the  follow- 
ing tract  of  land,  was  read,  and  is  in  the  following  word.s,  to  wit: 

'To  the  commissioners  of  the  land  office  of  the  state  of  Xew  York, 
Gentlemen : 

I  take  the  liberty  of  requesting  to  withdraw  my  ap|tlicatirn  to  your 
honourable  board,  of  April  last,  and  to  substitute  the  Ibliowing  pro|)osnl, 
for  the  pmchase  of  the  waste  and  imappropiiated  lands  comprised 
within  the  bounds  herein  after  mentioned,  and  all  the  islands  belonging 
to  this  state,  in  front  of  said  lands,  viz:  lieginnins  at  the  northwest  cor- 
ner of  the  township  called  Hagiu\  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  thence 
extending'  southerly  along  the  westerly  bounds  of  the  said  township,  and 
the  township  called  Cand)rny,  to  the  most  southerly  con.er  of  the  lattcM', 
thence  extending  easterly,  northerly  and  southerly,  along  the  lines  of  the 
said  township  of  Cambray,  and  of  the  townships  of  I)e  Kulb,  Canton 
and  I'otsdam,  and  Stockholm,  to  Ihe  castermost  corner  of  the  latter, 
thence  northwesterly  along  the  line  of  the  .said  township  ot"  Stockholm, 
and  the  township  of  Louis  V^ille,  to  tlie  river  St.  Lawrence,  thence  along 
the  shore  lliereof  to  the  line,  run  lor  the  north  line  of  this  state,  in  the 
45tli  degree  of  north  latitude,  thence  east  along  the  sarne  to  the  west 
bounds  of  the  tract  Ibrtnerly  set  apart  as  bounty  lands  lor  the  troops  of 
this  state,  serving  in  the  army  of  the  United  States,  thence  southerly 
along  the  same,  to  the  north  bounds  of  the  tract  known  by  the  name  of 
TottcMiand  Crosstield's  purchase,  thence  westerly  along  the  north  bounils 
ol"  the  tract  last  jncntioned,  to  the  westermost  corner  tliereoli  thence 
southerly  along  the  westerly  boiuids  thereof,  to  the  most  westerly  corner 
of  township  number  five,  in  the  said  tract,  thence  westerly  on  a  direct 
line  to  the  northwesterniost  corner  of  the  tracts  granted  to  Oothoudt, 
thence  westerly  on  a  direct  line  to  the  mouth  of  Salmon  river,  where  it 
euiftties  itself  into  lake  Ontario,  thence  northeaslerly  along  the  shore  of 
the  said  lake,  and  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  to  the  place  beginning,  includ- 
ing all  the  islands  belougiuii  to  this  state,  fronting  the  said  tract  in  lake 
Ontario  and  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  five  per  ctMit.  to  be  dtiducted  (br 
highways,  and  all  lakes  whose  area  exceeds  one  thousand  acres,  to  be 
also  deducted,  for  which,  alter  the  above  deductions,  i  will  give  eight 
pence  j)er  acre,  to  be  paid  in  the  following  manner,  to  wit  :  One-siixth 
part  of  tho  purchase  money  at  the  end  of  otic  year  from  the  day  on 


254 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


»"V 

'm 

w  " ,,    ' 

m 

Wa 

K'- 

S^'i'' 

W 

W 

i 

XT*  i 


Ih 


whicli  this  iiro|iosnl  shall  he  iinPepted,  nnd  thu  rosidtie  in  (he  i;*|iiiil 
(iiiiiiial  iiistahiieiits  on  tlic  saitm  day,  in  tlui  rive  iio\t  siicccjediiifr  vcai's. 
Tho  1st  payment  to  he  soeiinjd  hy  hoi'd,  to  this  satisCantioii  ot  yf)iic 
lioiiorable  board,  and  if  paid  on  tiio  time  limited  and  new  honds  to  the 
satistactioii  of  the  hoard  execnted  tor  another  siixth  of  the  pnrehase 
money,  then  I  shall  he  entitled  to  a  [»atent  :'nr  onosixth  part  of  s-aid 
tract,  to  be  yet  of^'  in  a  stpian;,  in  one  of  the  corners  thereof,  and  t!ie 
same  rule  to  he  observed  as  to  tlic;  payments  and  secnritic^s  and  urant.s 
or  patents,  tmtil  the  contract  shall  he  fully  completed.  ]5nt  if  at  any 
time  I  shall  think  rit  to  iuilicipate  the  payments,  in  whole  or  in  part,  in 
that  case  I  am  to  have  a  dcMhiction  on  the  sum  so  paid,  of  an  interest  at 
the  rati!  o*"si\  per  cent,  per  annum,  for  the  time  1  bIiuII  have  |)aid  any 
such  sum  hetore  the  time  hercMU  helbre  stipidated. 
I  have  tlie  honor  to  be,  j|>entlemeii, 

with  great  respect,  jour  most  obedient  servant, 

Ai.EXANDEii  Macomb. 

New  York,  May  ^d,  ]7!>J. 

I  do  hereby  consent  and  a^rree,  that  the  islands  called  Caleton's  or 
I'nck's  islands,  in  the  entrance  of  lake  Onttu'io,  and  the  isle  An  Long 
Saut,  in  the  river  St.  LawriMice,  aiul  a  tract  ecjnal  to  six  miles  sijiiare,  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  villa<>e  of  >?t.  Ref;is,  be  excepted  out  of  the  above 
contract,  and  to  remain  the  i)ropcrty  of  the  state  :  Provided  always, 
That  if  the  said  tract  shall  not  be  hereafter  applied  for  the  use  of  the 
Indians  of  the  said  villairc,  that  then  the  same  shall  be  considered  as 
included  in  this  contract,  and  that  I  shall  he  entitled  to  u  grant  for  the 
same,  on  my  pertbrninnce  of  the  stipidations  aforesaid. 

Alexander  Macomb." 

The  board,  by  a  resolution,  accepted  this  proposition,  and  directed 
the  surveyor  general  to  survey  the  said  tract,  at  the  expense  of  Macond), 
und  reqifn-ing  liini  to  secure  the  payment  of  the  first-.sixth  part  of  the 
purchase  money. 

(Land  Office  Minutes,  vol,  ii,  p.  VJ'2.) 

On  the  10th  of  Jan,  ary,  17'J'j,  the  surveyor  general  having  made  a 
rctin'n  of  the  survey  above  directed,  and  the  security  required  having 
been  dei)osited,  (or  the  payment  of  the  southern  half  of  the  tract,  con- 
taining 1.920,000  acres,  the  secretary  was  directed  to  issue  letters  patent 
accordingly,*  which  was  done  January  10,  lyi)^.  f  This  portion  was 
tracts  Nos.  4,  5  and  (>,  in  Jefferson,  Lewis  and  Oswego  comities. 

In  the  returns  of  the  survey,  made  under  the  direction  of  the  surveyor 
general,  the  lands  were  laid  out  into  six  tracts,  of  which  number  one  lies 
entirely  in  Franklin  county,  and  numbers  two  and  three,  in  St.  Lawrence 
county. 

These  were  subsequently  subdivided  into  townships,  named  and  num- 
bered as  follows,  with  the  origin  of  each  so  far  as  is  known.| 

*  t/aiid  Olfice  Mimitcs,  vil.  ii,  p  2;H. 

t  .~>ee  Ollicij  I'uteiits,  b.  •2:i,  p.  KiO;  see  reciliil  in  pjitciit  tu  Mi.'L'uiiiiick.  ill.  Ii.  1-    |i.  Ii)-',  Ac. 
t  111  ohiuiiiiiig  tlio  origin  of  ihcso  luiinos,  llir  iiutlior  liiis  liceii  nssisieil  by  A.  O  ISrodiu,  oi 
N.  Y  .  and  Hi.'iiry  K  I  ieiiepDul.  ol  Uionkljii 


AND    FRAy-'LIN    COUNTIES. 


Ni'MBF.R  One  emhrncpd  27  tovviifsliips. 

1.  Mdcomh,  Aloxfiiidor  IMncoirib.      14.  Ennls. 

2.  Cormaclnis*  Daniel  IMcCoriiiiek.  l.'i.  /■bm/er,  Tliedosiiis  Fowler. 

3.  Condahle.  Wm.  Constable,  ](!.  Jolinsinmior,  A  son  of  Constable. 

4.  .1/oim,  a  jtlaeo  in  Ireland.  17.  6'i7cAm/,  Jonatlian  Gilciirist. 

5.  Bangor,  a  town  in  Wales.  18.  Brisxhlon,  a  town  in  Enjriand. 
(i,  .l/a/o«p,  a  name  in  tlie  itimily  of'll),  Cheltenham,    "  " 

H.  1  [arrison.  20.  Margate,         "  " 

7.  .Innastoivii,  a  dnugbter  of  Con- 21.  //((me/s/oira,  a  dangliter  of  Con- 

stable, stable. 

8.  St.  Patrick,  tlio  Irish  saint,  22.  Lor.hneagh.  n  lake  in  Ireland. 
!),  Slidah.  a  placM!  in  Ircdand.  215.  Kdlarnaj,         "  " 

10.  Jl'llli/im.iville,  a  son  of  Constable.  24.  iiarrifmore,  a  |)lace  in  Ireland. 

11.  ff'esterl}/,  U^).  Afotmt  jMorris, 

12.  EwcrettnvUle,  a  daughter  of  Con- 2(i.  Cove  Hill. 

stable.  27.  Tippcrari),  a  county  in  Ireland, 

l.'l.  />ft)//oH,  Jonathan  Dayton. 

These  were  mnnbered  from  west  to  east,  tind  from  north  to  south.  See 
ma])  of  Franklin  county,  where  the  original  names  and  numbers  are 
given. 

Number  Two  embraced  18  townships,  in  the  eastern  part  of  Pt,  Law- 
rence county,  and  south  of  the  ten  towns,  viz: 

1.  SherivooJ.  10.  Matililavnle. 

2.  Oakham.  11.  JVivk. 

'\.  Morllnke.  12.  Riverxilale. 

4.  Harewood.  Vi.  Conkhnm, 

.").  /uHfs/oii'H,  a  daughter  of  Consta- 14.  Calharinevillr, 

15.  Islington. 


_  bl(! 

Ct.  Picrcejield. 
7.  f}ran.ihuck. 
H,  Ifoltiiwood. 
'.).  Kildare. 


1(i.  Chesterfield. 
17.  Grange. 
i6.  Crumick. 


This  tract  was  numbered  from  west  to  east,  commencing  at  the  south 
west  corner,  and  ending  at  the  north. 
Number  Three  was  divided  into  15  townships,  viz: 

1.  Hammond,  Abijah  Hammond.       !).  Snrahshiirgh, 

2.  Somerville,^  a  town  in  N.  Jersey.  10.  Clifton,  a  town  in  F.ngland. 
n.  Ihiv'tt,  tlu'  surveyor  general.       11.  Portaferry,  a  town  in  Ireland. 

4.  Filz  William.  12.  ►S'mtrt,  from  (icorge  Sciiba  ? 

5.  Balljjheen,  McCormick's  native  13.  Chaumnnt,  the   name   of  T.  I). 

placf  Le  Hay. 

(1.  C/a>e,  I.  «.,..mty  in  Ireland.  14.  Bloomfeld. 

7.  Killarney,    "  "  15.  Emilf)ville,  a  daughter  of  Con- 

8.  Edwards,  a  brother  of  D.  Mc  stable. 

Cormick. 

The  numbering  of  this  tract  began  at  the  north  west,  and  ran  irregu- 
larly from  west  to  cast.     We  have  carefully  retained  these  names  and 

•  Or  MeCormick.    This  won!  is  but  a  piny  upon  tlie  name. 

tfMi  some  maps  marlieiJ  Caledouiu.    Tliis  wai  u  t'uvorile  name  of  Mr.  rari«li. 


256 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


fciffi''f!fii'''itS     .  •'  ■ 


numbers  on  our  map  of  Sl  Lawrence  county.  Nos.  3,  4,  5,  G  and  21,  in 
tlie  first  tract;  and  1,  38,  in  tlio  tliird  tract,  liave  been  applied  to  towns. 
Mostof  tbe  others  liave  been  discarded,  or  are  used  only  in  designating 
tracts       .and. 

Macomb,  soon  after  his  purchase,  appointed  VVm.  Constable  to  go  to 
Euroi)p,  nntl  sell  lands,  which  he  did,  but  as  they  are  not  within  our  i)ro- 
posed  litnits,  the  details  of  these  transactions  will  not  be  given.  The  re- 
port of  this  sale  naturally  spread  through  the  state,  and  put  a  stop  to 
further  applications,  which  led  the  commissioners  to  direct  the  surveyor 
general  (Oct.  11,  1791,)  to  advertise  in  all  the  papers  in  the  state,  that  the 
Old  Military  tract,  and  large  tracts  east  and  south  of  this,  were  still  for 
sale. 

This  was  accordingly  done.* 

The  failure  of  Macomb,  interrupted  the  sale,  and  prevented  him  from 
receiving  the  patents. 

On  the  Gth  of  June,  1792,  he  released  to  \Vm.  Constable,  his  interest 
in  tracts  1,  2  and  li.f 

As  many  of  the  transfers  that  ensued  were  confidential,  it  would  be 
tedious  to  follow  them,  if  our  space  allowed.  William  Constable  and 
Daniel  McCormick  were  the  leading  negotiators  in  this  business,  and 
after  the  death  of  the  former,  in  May,  1803,  James  Constable,  John  Mc 
Vickar  and  llezckiah  B.  I'ierrepont,  as  his  executors,  assumed  the  settle- 
ment ot  the  estate  and  sale  of  lands.  Macomb's  interest  in  the  three 
tracts  was  sold  June  '22,  1791,  to  Wm.  S.  Smith,  Abijah  Hammond  and 
Richard  Harrison,  but  the  patents  for  tliese  tracts  were  not  issued  till 
several  years  afterwards. 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1795,  the  commissioners  of  the  land  office  directed 
the  secretary  of  state  to  |ire|)arc  letters  patent  to  Daniel  McCormick,  for 
the  third  tract  of  G40,000  acres,  the  latter,  who  was  an  original  proprietor 
with  Macomb,  having  paid  the  sum  required  into  the  treasury.  This 
was  accordingly  done.J 

On  the  lOih  of  July  following,  McCormick  satisfied  the  claims  of 
Smith,  Hammond  and  Harrison,  by  deeding  one-fifteenth  part  of  tlie 
third  tract,  and  two  imdivided  tenths  remaining  after  deducting  the  said 
one-fifteenth  i)art,  and  also  one-third  part  of  the  remainder§.  The  title 
of  these  gentlemen  to  the  third  tiact  would  accordingly  be  represented 
by  the  following  formula: 

1   ,  2(i-A)_,  1-A 

15^        10       "^      3     ' 
Our  limited  mathematical  attainments  will  not  allow  us  to  trace  the 


•  Land  Office  records,  p  220- 

t  Sec.'s  office,  patents,  b.  03,  p.  394. 


t  See's  office,  patent*,  b.  23,  p.  160. 
i  Sec.'s  office,  deeds,  09,  p.  197. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


257 


complex  nnd  compound  vulgar  fractions  that  were  ein|)loyed  in  the  sub- 
seciuent  siiIhs. 

On  the  14th  of  Mny,  17f!8,  JMcCormick  applied  for  patents  for  the  first 
and  second  tracts  of  Alaconili's  jiurcliase,  which  were  ordered,  and  on 
ilie  diiy  following,  approved,  an<l  on  the  17th  of  August,  pnssed  by  the 
coinmissioiiers.*  The  first  tract  en.braced  821 ,879  acres,  and  tiie  second 
r»J3.020  acres. 

Tiie  fees  charged  for  issuing  a  patent  for  1,374,839  acres  granted  to 
McCorinick,  amounted  to  $8"i0,  of  which  half  was  paid  into  the  treasury, 
nnd  the  rest  the  land  commissioners  divided  between  them,  by  virtue  of 
an  act  of  February  25,  1789,  establishing  the  fees  which  were  a  certain 
rate  per  townshii»;t  and  of  course  proportioned  to  the  magnitude  of  the 
sales. 

On  the  21st  of  June,  1797,  the  surveyor  general  was  directed  by  the 
land  ronunissioners  to  finish  and  return  a  survey  of  the  lands  contracted 
and  sold  to  Macot'ib,  and  to  employ  none  but  competent  and  trusty  sur- 
veyors on  this  duty.  If  difilcnlty  arose  in  finding  the  starting  point,  lie 
was  to  attend  personally  to  the  ttnitter.J: 

McCormirIf,  by  deetl  to  Constable,  Septeml»er  f?0,  1793,  conveyed  an 
undivided  third  of  great  lot  No.  2,i  an<l  December  If),  1800,  a  partition 
deed  between  Macomb  and  McCoiinick  to  Constable  was  executed. 

Theodosius  Fowler,  .Jonathan  Dayton,  and  Uobert  (iilcln-ist,  having 
become  interested  in  the  tract,  a  partition  deetl  was  executed  January 
19,  1802,  in  which  Manunond,  Harrison,  Fowler,  Gilchrist,  and  Dayton, 
released  to  McCormick,  Constable  and  Macomb. 

In  July,  1804,  James  D.  LeRay,  by  pinchase  from  Constable,  became 
interestetl  in  the  townships  of  tracts  Nos.  1,  2  and  3.  He  appointed 
Gouverneur  Morris  as  his  attorney. 

We  have  prepared  a  detailed  statement  of  the  shares  received  by  each, 
in  these  transfers,  but  our  space  will  not  adnut  of  its  insertion.  The 
following  tabular  statement  shows  the  names  of  those  to  whom  the  difll'r- 
ent  townships  were  assigned.  It  is  taken  i  'im  a  copy  of  an  original 
map,  kindly  furnished  to  the  author,  by  P.  S.  Stewart,  Esq.,  of  Carthage, 
tlie  agent  of  Mr.  LeRay. 

To  condense  the  statement,  the  following  abbreviations  will  b3  used: 
L.  Le  Kay  de  Chalmo.nt.        W.  C.  W'm.  Constable. 
M.  Alex'r  Macomd.  F.  Theodosius  Fowler. 

M.  C.  Da.mel  McCormick.  G.  F.  Gilchrist  Fowler. 


*  Land  office  records,  iii,  p  GO.    Patents,  b.  13,  p.  19S,  394,  aec.'s  offict. 
fib.,  iii,  p.  57. 
til).,  iii,  p.  IS. 
.  i  Deeds,  secretai7'»  office,  b.  32. 


k'Ji'. 


»'5|f:i 


"i   ■ 


258 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


te!^ 


li'i;.- 


li 


R.  H.  Richard  ITarrisoiV.  P.  David  Parish. 

H.  Ahijam  IIammo.nd. 

Great  Tmcl  .Vo.  1,  incliidiiijr  27  towiisliips.  1,  M.;  2,  VV.  C;  .%  W. 
C;  4,  G.  F.;  5,  I\I.  C;  (i,  R.  II.;  7,  W.  C;  8,  11.;  !).  \.  J  VV.  C,  nii.l.lle 
i\  If..  S.  I  I\I.  C;  10,  VV.  C;  II,  R.  H.;  12,  VV.  C;  l.'J,  N.  VV.  I  R.II.,  E. 
h  not  miirki'd  ;  14,  not  irimkod;  1.5,  N.  VV.  \  ii.  F.,  N.  E.  \  M.  C,  south 
part  not  marked;  10,  VV.  C;  17,  N.  i  R.  II.,  middle  i  M.  C,  S.  i  VV.C; 
18,  H.;  li),  I'.;  20,  (I.  F. ;  Ul,  L.;  22,  VI.  C;  2;{,  VI.  C;  24,  N.  VV.  1  II., 
N.  E.  1  v..  F.,  S.  i;.  1  R.  II.,  S.  VV.  i  iVI.  C. ;  2."),  S.  i  V..  \\,  the  rust  not 
mi.rkodi   20,  M,  C;  27,  N.  VV,  \  M.  C,  tlie  i-JMnaindw  L. 

Great  Trad  M'o.  2,  incliidinfr  18  townsliips.  1,  N.  VV.  ,1  M.  C,  N.  E.  \ 
L.,  S.  E.  I  M.  C,  S.  VV.  i  (i.  F.:  2,  N.  VV.  1  M.,  S.  VV.  1  (J.  F.,  1',.  i  L.; 
;^,  VV.  C;  4,  N.  VV.  }  L,  N.  E.  \  II.  S.  E.  1  M.  C,  S.  VV.  •,  C;  .'.,  .VI,;  G, 
S.  h  M.  C,  N.  A  iVI.  C,  R.  K.,  II.,  O.  F.  and  L.;  7,  M.  C;  8,  N.  A  R.  VI., 
S.  4  M.  C:  !J,  R.  II.;  10,  VV.  C;  11,  VV.  C;  12,  iV.  VV.  I  P.,  N.  E.  1  R. 
11.,  S.  E.  1  II.,  S.  VV.  1  M;  i:{.  P.;  14,  P.  nnd  M.;  I.'),  H.;  I(!,  R.  II.;  17, 
E.  part  iVl.  C,  middle  |)art  I,.,  VV.  part  G.  F. ;  18,  not  markeii. 

Great  Trad  JVb.  .'5,  incliidinf,'  l.'i  townsliip.^i.  I,  II. ;  ii,  not  marked  ;  M, 
not  marked;  4,  E.  jmrt  II,  middle  part  M.  C,  VV.  part  S.,  (Madame  de 
Stan! .') ;  5,  M  C. ;  0,  i:.  h  L.,  VV.  4  S. ;  7,  G.  F. ;  8,  M.  C. ;  !>,  IM. ;  10,  N.  VV. 
\  M.,  N.  E.  1  L. ;  S.  E.  \  R.  II.,  S.  VV.  1  H.;  11,  VI.  C;  12,  M.  C;  \^,  L.; 
14,  not  marked;  1.'),  N.  E.  ri  M.  C,  N.  VV.  \  G.  F.,  S.  A  L. ;  15,  N.  E.  ! 
L. ;  N.  VV.  1  iVI.  L.,  S.  E.  \  M.  C,  S.  VV.  h  G.  F. 

Tiic  islands  in  tlie  St.  Lawrence  wera  not  patented  witii  the  ]and.s  op- 
])0.site  which  they  lay,  nor  were  tliey  included  in  the  jurisdiction  of  any 
of  the  towns,  although  included  in  the  contract  of  Macomb,  with  two 
exceptions.  It  was  not  deemed  advisable  to  patent  any  of  these  until 
the  national  boundary  was  decided.  By  an  act  passed  March  17, 181.'), 
they  were  declared  to  be  a  part  of  the  respective  towns  0|)posite  which 
they  lay,  and  this  extended  to  the  island  in  Lakes  Erie  and  Ontario,  and 
the  Niagara  river. 

The  islands  were  patented  as  follows: 

All  tlie  islands  which  lie  within  tiiis  state,  between  a  line  drawn  at 
right  angles  to  the  river,  from  the  village  of  Morristown,  situated  on  the 
shore  of  the  river,  and  a  meridian  drawn  through  tiie  western  point  of 
Grindstone  island,  in  the  county  of  .lefierson,  containing  fifteecn  thou- 
sand, four  hundred  and  two  acres,  and  nine-tenths  of  an  acre,  were 
granted  to  Elislui  Camp,  Feb.  15, 1823.  In  the  above  grant  is  included 
Grindstone  island,  containing  .5,291  acres,  Wells's  island  coutahiing  8,0G8 
acres,  Indian  Hut  island  containing  ;{01)  acres,  and  some  small  islands 
witliout  names. 

Lindif's  island,  7-92  acres,  to  Elisha  Camp,  Dec,  9,  1823. 

Nine  small  islands,  178'8acrestoHczekiah  R.  Pierrepont,  Oct.21, 1824. 

Isle  du  Gallop,        492-5    "  " 

Ticki.sland,  11-0    "  «  " 

Tibbits  island,  17-5    "  « 

Chimney  island,         0-2    "  «« 

Other  small  islands,    3-0    "  « 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


259 


M 

h 


Rapid  Plat,0,7C)3  acres,  to  Daniel  RIcCorniick,  Aii^iist,  181.1;  and  to 
McCorniick  on  the  15tli  of  December,  1823,  the  t'oll..\vinp,  with  the  num- 
licr  of  arres  in  ench.  The  title  is  recorded  in  liook  25,  p.  480,  of  pa- 
tents, at  Albany. 

.Siiiufrjrlers'  island  and  Johnson's  island,  17*72. 

An  island  near  Johnson's  island,  between  that  and  the  United  States 
shore,  2"  10. 

Siiiiy  island,  .IS^O.  Upper  Long  Saut  island,  868-80. 

Clint  island,  f»5'20.  C  island,  3-1. 

Ciuystlcr'a  island,  5280.  D  Island,  2-5. 

Hog  island,  5-2!>.  Haynes'  island,  134-56. 

Goose  Neck  island,  405-87. 

The  Isle  au  Long  Saut,  was  reserved  by  the  state  in  the  original  sale, 
from  its  supposed  importance  in  a  military  point  of  view,  and  sold  to  in- 
dividuals !)y  the  surveyor  general,  in  purs\iance  of  statute,  between  May 
5,  lHH-3,  and  the  present  time,  nt  the  land  otlice  in  Albany. 

Jinrnluirl\f  island,  in!)295  acres;  two-thirds  to  David-A.  Ogden  and 
ono-tldrd  to  Gouvcrneur  Ogden,  Dec.  \5,  1815. 

Tills  island,  near  St.  Regis,  lies  very  near  the  Canadian  shore,  and  a 
considerable  part  of  it  north  of  the  line  of  4.5°  N.  latitude.  It  was  ac- 
cordingly regarded  as  British  territory,  and  in  1795  it  was  leased  of  the 
St.  Regis  Indians,  by  George  Barnhart,  for  a  term  of  90!)  years,  at  an 
annual  rent  of  830.  The  British  government  had  made  a  practice  of 
granting  patents  upon  the  issue  of  similar  leases,  and  would  doubtless 
have  done  so  in  this  instance,  had  application  been  duly  made. 

In  1806,  a  saw  mill  was  built,  and  arrangements  made  for  the  erection 
of  a  grist  mill,  when  the  Indians  became  dissatisfied  and  insisted  upon  a 
renewal  of  the  lease,  at  an  increased  rent  Accordingly  a  lease  was 
given  for  !)ft[)  years,  at  .^OO  annual  rent.  Deeds  had  been  granted  by 
Bnrnliart,  who  with  all  the  other  inhabitants  of  the  island,  were  treated 
as  British  subjects,  until  upon  running  the  line  between  the  two  nations, 
after  tlie  treaty  of  Ghent,  the  commissioners  assigned  the  island  to  the 
United  States,  as  an  offset  for  the  half  of  Grand  island,  at  the  outlet  of 
Lake  Ontario,  which  in  justice  would  have  been  divided.  In  1823,  D. 
A.  Ogden  and  G.  Ogden  purchased  the  islands  in  St.  Lawrence  county, 
and  with  them  Barnhart's  island.  The  settlers  not  complying  with  the 
offers  made,  were  ejected  by  the  state,  and  they  in  1849  ap|)lied  for  re- 
dress at  the  state  legislature.  By  an  act  passed  April  10,  1850,  Bishop 
Perkins,  George  Redington  and  John  Fine,  were  appointed  commis- 
sioners to  examine  these  claims,  and  awarded  to  the  petitioners  the  ag- 
gregate of  86,597,  which  was  confirmed  by  an  act  passed  at  the  follow- 
ing session  of  the  legislature.  The  claimants  received  as  follows:  Wm. 
17 


4 


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260 


HISTORY   OP   ST.    LAWRENCE 


m 


Geo.  Bnrnhnrt,  $l,47r>;  Jacob  Bnnilinrt,  $3,'284;  Geo.  Robertson,  $1,127; 
Geo.  Gnllinger,  $402,  and  Geo  Siietziiiger,  8''?0!». 

Tbe  state,  in  disposing  of  its  lands,  conveys  them  by  an  instnimeut 
called  a  patent,  in  wiiich  there  appears  no  consideration  of  payment,  and 
which  ]>in'ports  to  bo  a  gift,  and  to  be  executed  by  iiut  one  party.  As 
reference  is  often  made  to  the  reservations  of  tlie  patent,  the  form  of  one 
is  here  inserted: 

"THE  PEOPLE  OF  THE  STATE  OF  NEW  YORK,  By  the 
ftraco  of  GOD,  free  and  indepnndeiit.  TO  ALL  to  wiioin  these 
Presents  shall  come  greeting:  KNOW  YE,  That  WE  HAVE  Given, 
Granted  and  Confirmed,  and  by  theso  Presents,  DO  Give,  (Jraiit  aiul 
Confirn)  nnto  [here  follows  name,  bounds  of  lands,  &c.],  TOGETHER 
with  all  and  singular  the  Rights,  Hereditaments  and  Appurtenances  to 
the  same  belonging,  or  in  any  wise  appertaining:  EXCEPTING  and 
RESER^^ING  to  oin-selves  all  Gold  ami  Silver  Mines,  and  five  Acres  of 
every  Himdred  Acres  of  the  said  Tract  of  Land  for  Highways:  TO 
HAVE  AND  TO  HOLD  the  above  described  and  granted  "PreiniseH 
unto  the  said  .  .  .,  Heirs  and  Assiu;ns,  as  a  good  and  indelensible 
Estate  of  Inheritance  for  ever. 

ON  CONDITION  NEVERTHELESS,  That  within  the  Term  of 
Seven  Years  to  be  computed  from  the  .  .  .  Date  hereof,  there  shall 
be  one  Family  actually  setUed  on  the  said  Tract  of  Land  hereby  Granted 
for  every  six  hundred  and  forty  acres  thereolj  otherwise  these  our 
Letters  Patent  and  Estate  hereby  Granted  shall  cease,  determine  and 
become  void:  IN  TESTIMONY  WHEREOF,  WE  have  cuiiscd 
these  our  Letters  to  be  made  Patent,  and  the  great  Seal  of  our  said  Stnte 
to  be  liereunto  affixed  :  WITNESS  our  trusty  and  well  beloved 
[George  Clinton]  Esquire  Governor  of  our  State,  General  and  Coni- 
niander-in-Chief  of  all  the  Militia,  and  Admiral  of  the  Navy  of  the 
eame." 

These  instruments  are  made  out  by  the  secretary  of  state,  on  the  order 
of  the  land  commissioners,  and  bear  the  signature  of  the  governor,  and 
the  great  seal  of  the  state,  which,  in  former  times,  was  a  large  waxen 
disc,  with  paper  on  each  side,  bearing  the  arms  of  the  state  on  the  face 
and  an  impression  on  the  back,  which  was  styled  "  the  reverse." 

Tax  Sales  have  caused  large  tracts  of  land  in  the  rear  townships  of 
the  great  purchase  to  change  hands,  and  many  of  the  present  ownerg 
hold  their  titles  from  this  source. 

In  March,  1834, 11G,8734  acres  were  sold  in  St.  Lawrence  and  28,323 
acres  in  Franklin  counties,  amounting,  in  the  latter,  to  $841-73  only.  At 
this  sale,  Peter  Smith  bid  off  large  amounts  in  these  and  other  counties. 
In  1839,  43,164  acres  in  St.  Lawrence  and  65,881  acres  in  Franklin 
counties,  were  sold.  In  1843,  93,690  acres  in  the  former,  and  45,457  acres 
in  the  latter. 

These  sales,  which  formerly  took  place  at  Albany,  have,  by  a  recent 
act  of  the  legislature",  been  very  judiciously  transferred  to  the  county 
seats.    These  lands  have  usually  been  sold  at  prices  scarcely  nominal. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


261 


Tlio  following nrc  examples:  17,140 acres,  S18509;  20,508  acres  $2G3'025 
ai.KirKicrns,  $G71-0.'{. 

Tlie  state  is  said  to  own  considerable  tracts,  wliicli  have  been  forfeited 
for  tiixes. 

Landholders''  Jteservcs  liave  very  frecjuently  been  made  in  the  northern 
counties,  and  generally  apply  to  mines  and  minerals.  In  some  deeds, 
these  reserves  emliraco  certiiin  8j)eci(ie  ores  or  minerals,  and  in  otiiers 
tiie  reservations  are  extended  to  mill  seats  and  mill  privileges.  A  clause 
is  commonly  inserted,  by  which  it  is  stipulated,  that  all  damages  arising 
from  entering  upon  the  premises,  in  pursuance  of  the  conditions  of  the 
reservation,  shall  be  paid. 

Tills  has  undoubtedly,  in  some  cases,  operated  as  a  drawback  upon 
the  mining  interests,  as  the  occupant,  having  no  claims  upon  ores  that 
might  exist  upon  his  premises,  would  feel  no  solicitude  about  their  dis- 
covery; and  even  would  take  pains  to  conceal  their  existence,  preferring 
the  undisturbed  enjoyment  of  his  farm,  to  the  annoyance  and  disturb- 
ance that  might  arise  from  mineral  explorations. 

These  reservations  of  ores  are  superfluous,  in  sections  underlaid  by 
Potsdam  sandstone,  or  any  of  the  sedimentary  series  of  rock  that  overlay 
this  formation ;  as  none  have  hitherto  been  discovered  or  suspected  to 
exist  in  any  of  these  rocks. 

It  is  only  in  jjrimitivo  rock,  or  along  the  borders  of  this  and  sediment- 
ary or  stratified  rocks,  that  useful  ores  have  hitherto  been  discovered  in 
this  section  of  the  state. 

T^lie  Orif^inal  Survey  of  MacomVs  Purchase. 

The  following  accotmt  of  these  surveys,  was  obtained  from  Mr.  Gur 
don  Smith,  a  pioneer  settler,  and  one  of  the  surveyors  who  run  out  the 
great  purchase. 

Tlie  north  line  ofTotten  and  Crossfield's  purchase,  was  run  during  the 
revolutionary  war,  by  Jacob  Chambers,  ami  forms  the  southern  boundary 
of  the  great  tract. 

The  ten  towns  had  been  supi)oscd  to  be  surveyed,  previous  to  1799, 
but  some  of  the  lines,  if  ever  marked,  could  not  then  be  found,  and  a 
part  of  them  were  run  out,  under  the  direction  of  Benjamin  Wright,  of 
Rome,  in  1799. 

Tiie  outlines  of  the  great  tract  had  been  surveyed  by  Medad  Mitchell, 

and Tupper;  the  former  from  New  York,  who  laid  out  the  great 

tracts  numbers  1, 2  and  3,  but  did  not  subdivide  it  into  townships.  On 
finisiiing  their  w^^rk,  they  were  at  the  extreme  south  east  corner  of 
Franklin  county,  from  whence  they  proceeded  through  the  woods 
towards  Rome,  but  bearing  too  far  to  the  north,  they  crossed  Black  river, 


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203 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


hnlow  tlic  ]V]j*\t  falls,  niul  when  tlicy  first  rocoKiiizod  tlioirsitimtioii,  wore 
ill  thn  town  of  Rcdfield,  Oswego  county,  wliero  one  of  tliem  Imil  pre- 
vionsly  surveyed. 

When  tlii-y  implied  Rome,  tlicy  were  nearly  fiiniislied,  linvin;'  Iktu 
several  diiys  on  close  idlownncc,  and  for  a  siiort  time  entirely  de(<tiiiiti'. 
From  one  of  these  surveyors,  Tnpper's  lake,  on  the  south  border  of  ilnj 
county,  derives  its  name.  In  the  winter  of  17J)H-!),  IMr.  Henjiunin  Wrijrlit, 
originally  from  Connectient,  J»nt  then  a  y<>ung  man,  residing  in  Hoim-, 
nnd  l.y  profession  a  surveyor,  ol)tained  from  the  j)ropriel()rs  in  New 
York,  a  contract  for  surveying  tlie  three  great  tracts  of  IMacoinli'^ 
purchase,  into  townships.  He  had  been  engaged  from  179r)  till  I7it8, 
in  company  with  his  cousin,  IMoscs  Wright,  in  surveying  large  triicts,  nnd 
among  others,  the  Black  river  tract,  in  Jtifrersoii,  Lewis,  and  Oswejio 
counties. 

From  hia  excellent  reputation  as  n  surveyor,  he  was  emjdoyed  08  a 
suitable  jicrson  to  su|)erintend  the  survey  of  the  great  northern  purcliiisi\ 

Early  in  June,  Mr.  Wright,  with  a  parly  of  about  twenty  men,  Htiiited 
by  way  of  Oneida  lake,  and  the  St.  Lawrence  rivers,  with  a  six  hiuwlcil 
bateau,  to  commence  their  operations  at  St.  Regis.  They  lell  arnuige- 
ments  for  three  of  their  number,  G.  Smith,  Moses  Wright,  and  Khenczor 
Wright,  with  eight  other  men,  to  come;  through  the  woods,  to  meet  tlicin 
at  Pellet's  bay,  now  the  village  French  Creek.  'I'lie  latter  party  started 
on  tlie  11th  of  June,  17W,  having  been  prevented  by  the  absence  of  one 
of  their  number  from  getting  ulF,  till  several  days  alter  the  main  part  of 
the  company  had  left;  ami  arrived  alter  a  march  of  about  four  t\t\\f,  nt 
the  point  designated,  but  instead  of  finding  their  companions,  they  found 
a  letter,  stating  that  after  waiting  in  vain  several  days,  they  had  gone 
down  the  river.  With  the  oxccption  of  a  small  supply  left  iV)r  tlicir 
support,  they  were  destitute  of  jjrovisions,  but  making  a  virtue  of  tlie 
necessity,  they  divided  their  little  stock  efpially  between  thcni,  and 
pulling  down  the  little  log  cabin  which  had  served  for  their  shelter,  nnd 
which  was  then  the  only  tenement  in  the  country,  they  made  of  its  tim- 
ber, a  raf\,  and  following  on,  came  to  where  some  Canadian  tiinbei' 
thieves  were  at  work  on  the  American  shore,  near  the  head  of  Chippewa 
bay. 

Here  they  found  provisions  for  supplying  iheir  most  pressing  hunger, 
and  from  hence  they  were  taken  in  a  boat  to  whore  IJrockville  now  is, 
then  a  small  settlement. 

From  this  they  proceeded  to  Oswegatchie  where  they  overtook  tlie 
others,  and  being  assembled,  they  descended  to  St.  Regis,  to  coimiiciice 
their  operations  at  that  place.  At  the  head  of  the  Long  Sant,  two  ofti.e 
number  intimidated  by  the  swiftness  of  the  current,  slipped  out  of  tlie 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


263 


rninpitny,  oiul  attempted  to  K'lio  ^'-  Hc^'in,  liy  lnn<l,  liiit  on  arriving  at  the 
iiioiilli  of  (JniwH  river,  they  were  obliged  to  hire  some  IiidiaiiH  who  wero 
iKisMiri);,  to  convey  them  to  ronisviill,  liom  wlieiire  th<'y  proeeeded  to 
St.  Kef-'is.  A  Hiimll  piirty  under  tin;  direetion  of  li.  Smith,  vvom  put  on 
slioie,  to  proceed  l)y  hind  from  tho  Lontj  Saut  to  St.  Kejjiw,  to  make  n 
tniver8e  of  tlie  river,  who  arrived  two  or  tiirce  days  later  than  those  who 
|ii(icecdcd  hy  vvat(!r. 

'i'lie  arrival  of  so  many  men  upon  their  hinds,  at  first  greatly  alarmed 
tiie  liiilianH,  who  siispeeted  evil  designs  upon  their  persons,  or  their 
properly,  and  (hey  asncmhled  in  arms,  to  repel  them ;  hut  at  length,  being 
sutinfitMl  that  their  denigns  were  altogether  peaceable,  they  were  received 
and  treated  with  niiieh  k'ndiiess.  The  names  of  those  ussend)led  ut 
this  place  for  Rin'veying,  were  as  follows: 

llciijiiniin  Wright,  (principal  siM'Vfyor),  Giirdon  Smith,  Moses  Wright 
iind  I'.liciie/iM-  \Vright,  (the  latter  cousins  of  It.  Wright,)  (Jhirk  I'utnam, 
E.  Ihitninond,  Henjamiti  Kaymond,  smveyors  at  the  head  of  parties,  and 
eurli  having- his  lines  assigned  him.  Much  had  two  axe  men  to  mink  thn 
lines,  and  two  chain  men.  U.  Wright,  superintended  the  o|ierations  of 
the  others,  and  had  the  direction  of  supplying  the  several  parties  with 
previsions,  at  camps,  that  were  established  at  difterent  jioints.  lie  had 
his  li<!ad  (juarters  at  the  mouth  of  Ilaipiettc  river. 

One  of  tho  first  duties  to  bo  done,  was  to  explore  the  Uaquette  river, 
uiul  ascertain  how  lin*  that  stream  was  navigable,  and  ut  what  points  it 
was  most  eligible  to  establish  camps.  To  Mr.  (i.  Smith,  was  assigned 
this  duty,  and  he  with  two  men,  followed  the  shore  as  far  up  us  tiie 
present  village  of  Potadam,  and  in  consequence  of  this,  and  other 
e.\|)lorations,  a  camp  was  established  ut  the  present  site  of  Norfolk  village 
at  the  foot  of  tho  rapids  on  the  west  side;  another  near  Coxe's  Mills  in 
Picrrepont;  another  at  tho  Canton  high  falls;  and  another  at  Cooper's 
fiills,  in  Dekalb,  and  nt  euch  of  these  u  mun  wus  left  to  take  chnrgo  of 
provisions. 

hi  commencing  operations,  IMr,  Wright  found  it  a  matter  of  the  first 
iiiiiiortaace,  to  ascertain  the  jmint  where  the  line  formerly  run  between 
the  great  lots  of  31acomb's  purchase,  intersected  the  south  line  on  the 
southern  border  of  the  county. 

To  determine  this,  Mr,  Hammond  was  despatched  to  find  the  point  of 
intersection,  but  not  only  fiiiled  in  this,  but  also  was  detained  so  long  by 
various  causes,  that  his  absence  became  u  serious  source  of  uneasiness 
with  those  who  were  left,  lie  at  length  came  in  nearly  famished, 
having  fiiiled  to  accomplish  his  object. 

Still  in  hopes  of  ascertaining  these  important  data,  Mr.  Smith  was 
next  sent,  with  directions  to  make  the  most  careful  examinations,  and 


ama 


264 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


111'. 


liiir. : 


f 


not  return  until  if  possible,  tliey  were  found.  After  traveling  nearly  as 
for  ns  was  necessary  to  reach  the  point,  tiie  party  camped  near  a  river  to 
spend  a  night,  in  ho,^es  of  being  so  fortunate  as  to  find  the  object  of  their 
search  the  following  day.  Next  morning  one  of  tin  ir  j)arty  related  a 
curious  dream,  which  he  had  drcameil  during  the  night,  in  which  he  re- 
lated, that  they  seemed  to  be  traveling  along,  and  carefully  examining 
every  oliject  for  land  marks,  when  they  came  to  a  bog  meadow,  with 
scarcely  any  vegetation  but  moss,  and  that  ozi  asolitary  bush  which  grew 
apart  from  all  others,  might  be  tbund  the  mark.  This  dream  was  treat- 
ed with  derision,  but  they  had  scarcely  proceeded  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
when  they  came  to  a  n)arsh  which  the  dreamer  declared  was  like  that 
which  had  appeared  in  his  vision,  and  on  careful  examination,  he  detect- 
ed the  bush  and  the  mark,  much  to  the  surprise  of  all. 

The  manner  in  which  this  anecdote  was  related,  leaves  no  doubt  of  its 
truth,  and  it  remains  a  subject  for  the  speculation  of  the  piiysiologist  to 
offer  a  sohuion.  He  might  have  lieard  it  related  casually,  and  years 
before,  that  such  a  mark  had  been  made  in  such  a  place,  and  this,  from 
its  trifling  nature,  might  have  made  no  impression  at  the  time,  and  was 
ibrgotten,  but  when  it  became  an  object  of  solicitude  to  ascertain  it,  the 
busy  thoughts  flitting  through  the  mind  in  dreams,  without  the  contiol 
of  the  will,  and  following  each  other  in  a  succession  of  which  wo  know 
no  law  or  order,  might  have  brought,  unbidden,  the  welcome  fact,  long 
forgotten,  and  which  no  elFort  of  memory  in  the  waking  state  could  have 
recalled.  In  no  other  rational  maimer  can  this  singular  instance  of 
apparent  revelation  be  satislactorily  explained. 

These  different  surveying  parties,  spent  the  summer  in  running  some 
of  the  principal  lines  of  the  great  purchase,  meeting  at  times  with  great 
hardships,  from  exposure  to  the  elements,  want  of  provisions,  and  niis- 
undty-stauding  of  instructions,  from  the  imperfect  knowledge  possessed 
of  the  diflTerent  lakes,  streams,  and  rivers  in  the  country. 

Towards  fall,  the  several  parties  proceeded  back  to  Rome,  where  they 
all  resided,  some  by  water,  and  two  parties,  (Smith's  and  Raymond's) 
through  the  forest. 

An  incident  occured  in  Mr.  Smith's  party,  worthy  of  record.  lie  lind 
procured  a  su[»ply  of  provisions,  about  ^5  miles  below  JTirpjier's  lake, 
of  a  party  who  had  been  sent  by  ]\Ir.  Wright,  for  this  purpose,  and 
thence  in  pursuance  of  instructions  he  had  turned  back  to  the  south  line, 
and  had  proceeded  on  this,  to  the  extreme  south  western  corner  of  St. 
Lawrence  county,  where  they  camped  for  the  night.  In  the  morning, 
it  being  foggy  and  misty,  two  of  his  men  had  conceived  that  the  course 
he  proposed  to  take,  in  order  to  reach  the  High  fidls  on  Black  river,  (S. 
25°  W.)  was  net  iu  the  direction  of  their  homes,  notwithstanding  the 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


265 


iveling  nearly  as 
(1  near  a  river  to 
16  ol)ject  of  their 
party  related  a 
,  in  wiiich  lie  re- 
efully  examiiiing 
^  meadow,  witli 
biisli  wiiicli  grew 
Ircani  was  treat- 
larter  of  a  mile 
5(1  was  like  that 
lation,  he  detect- 

!S  no  doubt  of  its 
e  physiologist  to 
iiially,  and  years 
!,  and  this,  from 

le  time,  and  was 
I  ascertain  it,  the 
tliout  tiie  control 

which  we  know 
elcome  fact,  long 
:  state  could  have 
Hilar  instance  of 


times  with  great 
visions,  and  niis- 
ivledge  possessed 

lonie,  where  they 
i  and  RaymondV) 

record.  He  had 
V  ITupper's  lake, 
his  purpose,  and 
to  the  south  line, 
ern  corner  of  St. 
In  the  morning, 
d  that  the  course 
n  Black  river,  (S. 
withstanding  the 


evidence  of  the  compass,  and  peremptorily  refused  to  accompany  him. 
The  course  they  proposed  to  take,  was  back  on  the  south  line  towards 
Lake  Chaniplain,  and  no  argument  or  e.xpostulation  could  convince  them 
that  they  were  in  error. 

Mr.  Smith,  endeavored  to  remonstrate,  by  showing  that  the  line  was 
obscure,  and  would  soon  be  lost,  and  that  they  must  then  wander  at  ran- 
dom and  i)erish  in  the  forest,  which  had  then  no  limits,  but  the  St. 
Lawrence,  Black,  and  Mohawk  rivers.  But  finding  entreaties  vain,  he 
divided  his  provisions  equal!}  between  them,  and  they  shouldered  their 
knapsacks  and  started.  At  this  irying  moment,  those  that  remained, 
tortured  with  fear  that  the  missing  men  would  be  lost,  and  that  their 
blood  would  be  required  at  their  hands,  resolved  to  remain  in  the  place 
lliey  were  a  short  time,  iu  hopes  that  the  deluded  men  would  lose  their 
course,  and  call  for  assistar.ce  before  they  had  got  beyond  hailing  dis- 
tance; and  so  it  providentially  proved,  for  their  receding  forms  had 
scarcely  disa[)peared  in  the  distance,  than,  from  the  very  anxiety  they 
felt  to  keep  their  line,  they  became  confused,  and  perplexed,  and  a  faint 
shout  in  the  distance  conveyed  back  to  those  who  remained,  the  joyful 
news  that  the  misguided  men  had  discovered  their  folly,  in  time  to  be 
saved. 

Mr.  Smith,  who  had  been  listening  intensely  to  learn  whether  such 
would  not  be  the  result,  instantly  sprang  upon  his  feet,  and  bidding  his 
men  remain  in  the  place  they  were,  he  darted  off  in  the  direction  of  the 
cry,  and  at  length  overtook  them,  much  to  the  relief  of  all  parties. 

Being  by  this  time  convinced  of  their  error,  and  willing  to  trust  that 
most  reliable  guide  the  compass,  they  willingly  consented  to  follow  the 
others,  thankful  for  having  discovered  their  folly  in  "season. 

Had  not  the  others  remained  where  they  were,  the  two  parties  would 
have  been  beyond  hailing  dislauce,  and  the  consequences  musf  havb 
been  fatal. 

The  company  on  the  third  day,  arrived  at  the  High  falls,  having 
struck  the  road,  then  newly  cut  from  that  place  to  Brown's  tract,  at  a 
point  seven  miles  fr^m  the  falls. 

In  May,  1800,  Mr.  B.  Wright,  Mr.  M.  Wright,  G.  Smith,  and  B.  Raymond, 
returned  with  men  by  way  of  Lake  Ontario,  and  finished  during  that 
season,  the  survey  c^  theii'  contract,  embracing  the  first  three  great  lots 
of  Macomb's  purchase. 

The  head  quarters  during  this  summer  was  also  at  St.  Regis,  but  no- 
thing worthy  of  notice  occurred.  In  the  latter  pan  of  the  summer,  they 
returned  home  with  their  work  finished. 


m 


m 


"W^ 


fl 


M 

f  IV';..  *»*■''- 

fi- 
fe:-:'. 


I 


266 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


CIUrTER  V. 


ORGANIZATION  AND  SETTLEMENT  OF  THE  SEVERAL 

TOWNS. 

'ITH  most  persons,  the  adventures  of  tJie  pioneer  settler,  and 
the  privations  and  inconveniences  exj)erienced  in  lorniing 
a  new  settlement,  possess  a  great  degree  of  interest;  ant!  if 
we  consult  the  annals  of  any  people,  or  of  any  age,  we  sliull  find 
that  the  origin,  and  the  first  feeble  beginnings,  of  a  new  settleineut 
or  colony,  are  those  which  have  been  described  with  the  greatest 
minuteness,  and  read  with  ihe  greatest  interest.  The  idea  of  an  era,  or 
STARTING  point,  fioiu  wliicli  futurc  eveuts  shall  be  dated,  of  itself  pos- 
sesses an  importance  which  engages  tlie  attention,  and  is  afterwards  re- 
called as  an  occurrence  not  easily  forgotten;  and  the  magnitude  of  tlie 
enterprise,  enhances  the  importance  of  the  initial  steps.  On  this  j)rinci- 
ple,  the  corner  stone  of  the  edifice,  which  is  to  be  the  pride  of  the  archi- 
tectural art,  is  laid  with  imposing  ceremonica;  and  the  first  discovery 
and  occupation  of  u  new  country,  has  been  by  voyagers  and  discoverers, 
celebrated  with  such  acts  as  were  well  calculated  to  fix  '  j  event  in  the 
memory,  and  add  to  the  importance  of  the  begimiing  Of  a  new  scries  of 
events. 

Thus  it  is  in  the  formation  of  new  settlements;  the  commencement  of 
a  labor  which  is  to  change  the  wilderness  to  the  cultivated  field,  and  the 
difiicultics  encountered  in  effecting  a  lodgment  in  a  forest,  remote  from 
sympathy  or  assistance,  and  exposed  to  all  the  hardships  which  such  u 
situation  imposes,  has  in  it  a  species  of  merit  which  deserves  to  be  com- 
memorated; and  especially,  if  there  be  in  this  any  self-sacrifice  from 
principle,  or  for  the  good  of  others,  or  the  exhibition  of  those  traits  of 
character  which  evince  courage  in  the  presence  of  danger,  perseverance 
in  defiance  of  obstacles,  or  the  exercise  of  those  ennobling  traits  of  cha- 
racter which  elevate  and  adorn  the  human  mind,  do  they  esi)eeially 
demand  our  fr,\«<;able  attention. 

Entertaining  such  a  view  of  the  sid)ject,  the  author  has  for  several 
months,  devoted  his  time  exclusively  to  the  laborious  but  pleasing  task,  of 
gleaning  from  the  memori''8  of  the  early  inhabitants,  and  the  scattered 
records  of  the  various  lowns;  fi'v/in  the  pi;riodical  press,  tiie  records  of 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


267 


societies,  and  from  tiie  public  arcliives,  the  details  wliiclj  i'ollow,  in  rela- 
tion to  the  origin,  proj^ress  and  present  condition  of  the  towns  of  these 
two  counties.  The  ditHcuities  which  atten<l  this  class  of  researciies,  can 
be  realized  only  by  one  who  has  experienced  thcni.  To  patiently  listen 
to  the  broken  and  disconnected  narrative  of  the  aged,  whose  sluggish 
memories  are  scarcely  able  to  recall  the  incidents  which  marked  their 
piiinu;  to  submit  to  the  verbose  and  disjointed  accounts  of  the  illiterate, 
and  the  loose  statements  of  those  who  talk  at  random;  to  guard  against 
the  ini])ositions  of  those  who  have  an  interest  to  be  promoted,  and  the 
misstatements  of  those  who  are  themselves  in  error,  and  from  these  to 
select  those  parts  which  have  worth,  and  reject  the  worthless  and  to 
coiuiect  and  arrange  the  whole  :n  such  a  manner  as  to  iorm  a  consistent 
and  impartial  narrative,  requires  an  anioimt  of  labor  which  is  very  great. 

It  is  hoped  that  these  statements  will  be  remembered  should  the  reader 
obsuive  any  deficiencies  or  errors  in  the  following  pages. 

f?t.  Lawrence  county,  is  at  prcsei.*  divided  into  twenty-eight  towns, 
which  were  organized  on  the  following  dates,  and  Ironi  the  following- 
towns. 

Brasher,  taken  from  .Vasserta,  April  '21,  J825 

Canto.v,  taken  i'rowi  Lisbon,  IMarcii  28,  ]8(j8. 

CoLTON,  taken  from  Parislwille,  April  1'2, 184:]. 

Df.kai.b,  taken  from  Oswe<i(ilcliie,  Februtu'v  21,  180ti. 

Defeysteu,  taken  from  Oswcfratchie  and  Dekalb,  March  24,  1825, 

I'uwAHDS,  taken  from  Fowler,  Ai)ril  27,  1827. 

Fine,  taken  Irom  Russell  and  Pierrepont,  i>huch  27,  1849. 

FowLEH,  taken  from  liossie  and  Russell,  April  l.j,  181.5. 

(fOLVER.vEUR,  takcu  from  Oawes^atcliic,  April  1."),  1810. 

Hammond,  taken  iioin  Rossie  and  Morrislown,  J\L'uch:JO,  1827. 

Her.aio.n,*  taken  from  Edwards  and  Dekalb,  April  17, 18^0. 

llopKi.vTos,  taken  from  ,)Iassena,  Maich  2,  1805. 

Lawrence,  taken  iiom  Hopkinlon  and  Brasher,  April  21,  1823. 

Lisbon,  taken  Irom  (the  Ten  lawns,)  March  (i,  1801. 

Louisvii,j,E,  taken  from  Massena,  April  5,  1810. 

JNIacomb,  taken  from  Gouvcrneur  andAIorristowu,  April  30,  184L 

AIadku),  taken  from  Lisbon,  iNIarch  .'5,  1802. 

3[assena,  taken  from  Lisbon,  March  ;3,  18u2. 

IMoRRiSTow-,  taken  irom  Osnr<>:atchie,  March  27,  1821. 

Norfolk,  taken  from  Louisville  and  Stockholm,  April  9,  1823, 

OswEGATcniE,  tak(!n  iVoiii  Lislxrn,  March  3,  J802. 

Parisiiville,  taken  from  Hopkinlon,  March  18,  1814. 

Pierrepont,  taken  trom  Russell,  April  1.5,  1818. 

PrrcAiRN,  taken  from  Fowler,  March  24,  ]83tJ. 

PoTsPAM,  takim  from  Madrid,  February  21,  180G. 

UossiE,  taken  from  Rusvcll,  January  27,  1813. 

ItussEM,,  taken  from  Hopkinlon,  Marvh  27,  1807. 

Stockholm,  taken  irom  Massena,  February  21,  1806. 

Brasher. 
Was  erected  from  Massena,  April  21,  1825,  and  the  first  town  meeting 

•  T;inlet  the  name  of  Depiac  change'l  1o  Hibmon  25,  Feb.  1334 


t 


m 


'  fj 


m- 


268 


niSTOUY   Ot^   ST.    LAWRENCE 


was  directed  to  bu  licid  at  tliii  liuiistj  of  Hciijamin  Neviii.  Tlu;  |i(mr 
Uioiioys  of  the  towns,  wero  to  lie  divi<lc(l  airiruahly  to  tluj  last  tax  list. 
h  oiijrinally  i'lidnaccd  tlio  i,ne«tcr  jtaitH  nC  townsliijis  No,  17  and  IS. 
By  an  act  of  A|)ril  II,  18vJ7,  all  that  jiart  of  No.  K!  or  Cht;.stt;ilu'I(l,  north 
of  the  south  lino  of  Stockholm,  eXloiulcd  to  the  connty  line,  was  addi.'d 
without  the  knowledge  or  consent  of  its  inhai)itants.  'J'he  latter  imrt 
was  taken  olf  in  1828,  in  lorniin<j;  the  town  of  Lawrence. 

Toivn  Ojjircrs. — 'i'he  followinir  is  a  list  of  the  (irst  town  ollicei-s,  ejcctrd 
Jiini-  (i,  I8"J."».  Uenjainin  Nevin,  Su}ieii'isnr ;  David  !Mc.Mui|ihy,  Town 
Clerii  ;  Wni,  Stowcll,  .leiiiel  StcvcMis,  and  Henjaniin  W'tUls,  .Ishcskois; 
John  Ilurroiitths,  l),ivid  Kichardson,  and  I'cttM'  (Jorhin,  Coinnii.isiouirs  of 
JfiiXliicitiiii :  IJenjandri  Watts,  Couslalile  and  Collector:  Francis  Nevin.  and 
l),ivid  li\r\uivt\>nut,  Oirmcrrs  of  tlir  Poor ;  liiiinan  Kiliiih;,  Jeliiel  Stevens, 
and  I'rancis  Nevin,  Coni'r.'i  of  Com.  Schools ;  D.ivid  Mc.Miirphy,  lienjaniin 
Ni!vin,  and  W'ni.  Stowell.  liis/iectors  of  Schools, 

Supervisors.— l&i't,  Henj.  Nevin;  "iHvit;,  David  iMcMnrphv;  18'27-8; 
Jehiel  St.-vens;  J8'J!t,  B.  Nevin;  18:{();  .I.Stevens;  J8:{1-:},  IJ.  Nevin, 
18:!4.  .F.  Stevens;  18;i,>t),  Daviil  Kichardson ;  18:57-8,  Nicholas  Wails; 
18:]!»41,J.  Stevens;  184i-:{,  .lohn  I'lielps;  1814-7,  .(osepii  A.  Jacohs, 
1848-i),  John  I'helps;  J850-1,  James  11,  Morse;  185"^,  Uamdhal  Andrews. 

Th(!  town  of  IJrasher  derives  its  naini^  from  I'hilip  iirasher,  ot'  IJrook- 
lyii,  who  ac(|nired  hy  purchase  at  dilFerent  times  from  the  eij;ht  heirs  of 
Thomas  ]Ma;"ston,  one  of  whom  was  his  wife,  n  [lortion  of  the  town, 
IMr.  IMarston  had  received  liis  title,  iMarch  J8,  180!),  from  G.  V.  Lndlow, 
INlaster  in  Chancery,  and  the  tract  thus  conveyed,  had  been  set  off  to 
Jonathan  Dayton,  in  a  division  between  Dayton,  Gilchrist,  and  Fowler, 
in  July,  1801.  Mr.  Brasher  held  for  several  years  the  ofllcc  of  nlder- 
nian,  and  mend)er  of  assembly,  and  lind  been  in  the  legislature  for  seve- 
ral years,  previous  to  the  time  the  town  was  organized.  It  was  the  in- 
tenlicn  of  tin;  petitioners  that  this  town  should  bear  the  name  of  Helena, 
and  as  such  the  bill  passed  the  assembly,  but  was  altered  in  tlie  senate. 
This  town  has  at  present  three  villages  and  i)ost  oflices,  which  were  es- 
tablished as  folio ivs:  Helena,  Feb.  1^  1827;  Brasher  Falls,  July  '2'2, 
1840;  and  Brasher  Iron  Works,  July  14,  184!>. 

This  town  end)races  most  of  the  townships  of  Grunf:;e  and  Cm- 
mack,  and  was  subdivided  into  strips  running  north  and  south,  McCor- 
inick,  one  of  the  proprietors,  conveyed  to  Jose|)h  Pitcairn  by  deed 
dated  July  (J,  1818,  the  middle  part,  and  under  this  proprietor  the 
settlement  fnst  began.  The  eastern  |)art,  winch  is  known  as  the 
Cliandler  tract,  of  iy,'iy.'>  acres,  was  conveyed  by  McCormick  to  Samuel 
Ward,  Dec.  15,171)4,  and  formed  a  part  of  19*i,000  acres  to  which  the 
latter  became  entitled  on  a  division  of  the  great  purchase.  It  passed 
thence  to  Samuel  Havens,  of  Dedliam,  Mass.,  Dec.  0,  1801),  and  in  1834 
the  tract  was  burveyed  iuto  33  lots,  and  eold  Aug.  10,  184::^,  to  T.  V. 


f'-h     i  11 


il 


i  i 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


269 


ClKindlcr.  Tlic  wost  tliird  was  coiifiniind  by  McCortnick,  Constable, 
unil  Macomb  to  Ilunison  and  otiicirs,  in  apurtition  executed  Jan  I'J,  1801, 
It  ultimately  became  owned  byTlioinas  Marston,  and  by  inlioritanceand 
jiiiri'liaNO  by  IJraslior.  Tlie  first  improv(!nient  be^an  in  town  was  tlie 
erection  ol'  a  saw  mill  on  Deer  river,  and  as  was  supposed  on  tbe  Ha- 
ven tract,  by  CJ.IJ.  R.  Gove  in  I8I5.  The  first  actual  settlement  was  madu 
March  17,  1817,  iietr  the  village  of  Helena,  by  several  families  who 
came  on  and  settled  under  the  agency  of  Russell  Attwater,  of  Norfolk, 
wiio  in  that  year  (;rected  a  saw  mill,  \vhicli  afterwards  contained  a  grist 
mill,  with  a  single  run  of  stones.  IJenjamin  Nevin  succeeded  as  agent 
ill  May,  181it.  There  were  then  living  in  town  the  following  men,  and 
their  families:  Wm.  Johnson,  Amos  Eldridge,  Jeremiah  Shnff,  Enoch 

Hall, Hrown  and  Francis  Nevin,  a  young  man.      A  grist  mill 

erected  by  Mr,  Nevin,  was  burned  in  April  18*28,  but  immeiliately  re- 
built, and  is  the  one  now  at  Helena.  The  first  religious  meetings  were 
held  by  the  i^lcthodists,  and  the  Rev,  Hrpiire  Chase,  preached  the  first 
sermon  in  town.  The  settlement  at  the  mouth  of  Deer  river,  received 
the  name  of  Helena,  from  Helen,  only  daughter  of  Joseph  Pilcairn. 
It  was  the  intention  of  this  proprietor  to  make  the  |)lace  his  home,  and 
he  caused  to  be  erected  the  larg«!  stone  dwelling  west  of  the  village,  for 
a  residence,  but  domestic  allfK^tious  prevented  him  from  carrying  this  in- 
tention into  otFoct.  This  place  is  astnall  village,  and  a  fall  in  Deer  river, 
gives  it  a  water  power  sufficient  for  common  mechanical  purposes. 

Some  importance  was  at  an  early  day  attached  to  the  navigation  of  tbe 
St,  Regis  river  in  this  town,  and  a  boat  capable  of  carrying  ten  barrels 
of  potash,  was  run  between  Ilogansburgh  and  the  landing,  seven 
miles  below  Brasher  falls.  The  iidiabitants  of  Stockholm  and  Hopkin- 
ton  availed  themselves  of  this  comnnmication,  in  reaching  market.  To 
promote  this,  an  act  of  March  2."),  1828,  made  it  the  "  duty  of  the  asses- 
sors of  the  town  of  Brasher,  to  designate  in  their  next  assessment  all 
lands  lying  west  of  and  within  two  iifdes  of  the  St.  Regis  river,  and 
above  the  ]ilace  usually  called  the  landing.  The  board  of  supervisors 
were  authorized  from  this  to  levy  a  tax  not  exceeding  twenty  cents  on  an 
acre,  in  addition  to  the  ordinaiy  tax,  to  be  expended  l)y  the  road  com- 
missioners of  the  town  in  improving  the  roads  through  these  lands."  By 
an  act  passed  April  18,  1831,  the  board  of  supervisors  were  authorized 
and  required  to  tax  tin;  town  of  Brasher  $1,000  to  rebuild  two  bridgea 
over  the  St.  Regis  river,  where  the  main  road  from  Potsdam  and  Stock- 
holm to  Hogansburgh  passes  through  the  town.  This  sum  was  not  to 
be  levied  unless  the  same  should  have  been  previously  fixed  and  de- 
termined upon  by  a  vote  of  the  Ireeholders  and  inhabitants,  at  a  legal 
lown  meeting  assembled. 


J ': 


270 


HISTORY   OP   ST.   LAWRENCE 


r 


VA 


.;<«: 


Oil  Deer  river  two  and  a  liiilf  miles  from  Helena,  is  the  small  manu- 
facturing village  of  Brasher  Iron  Works.  The  lirst  hcgiiining  here,  was 
tibout  the  10th  of  September,  18.'Jo,  by  Stilhnan  Fuller,  forni'.rly  from 
Fullerville  Iron  Woiks.  Mr.  I'itcairn  had  known  of  the  existence  oi'bog 
ores  in  this  town,  and  induced  Mr.  F.  to  come  and  examine  the  ores,  and 
if  |)racticahle  to  erect  a  furnace.  The  fust  contract  run  ten  years, 
and  allowed  ."Mr.  Ftdlcr  the  sole  right  of  diijrging  ores  on  his  tract,  by 
jmying  a  tribute  of  twenty-tlve  cents  a  ton.  The  furnace  at  Norlblk  iiad 
jireviously  bicn  in  part  su[)plied  i'rom  this  town,  but  the  new  contract 
cut  them  off  from  all  further  supplies  from  this  quarter.  A  furnace  was 
erected  on  the  lol't  bank  of  Deer  river,  which  was  til  leet  square  on  the 
ground,  of  the  same  height.  Inside  diameter,  7  feet.  Lining,  sandtstone 
from  Potsdam,  which  was  foimd  to  answer  the  purpose  of  a  fuestone  ailmi- 
rably.  It  was  nuule  a  tpiartcr  iurnace,  and  at  lirst  fed  h\  a  cold  blast.  It 
was  got  in  operation  and  the  lirst  casting  of  iron  made  on  the  'J'Jth  of  Octo- 
ber, lt*3(i.  The  lirst  blast  continued  till  the  last  of  .lanuary  following, 
without  delays  or  accidents,  and  about  1250  tons  were  made  on  the  lirst 
trial.  At  the  end  of  the  second  blast,  in  the  latter  part  of  1827,  the  i)re- 
inises  were  sold  to  Isaac  W.  Skinner,  from  IJuffilo,  and  R.  W.  IJusli^  of 
Ogdensburgh,  under  the  firm  of  Skinner  &  IJush,  who  continued  about 
three  years.  At  this  time,  Wm.  II.  Alexander,  of  Syracuse,  took  the 
place  of  Bush,  under  the  firm  of  Alexander  &  Skinner,  who  have  con- 
tinued the  business  till  the  present  time,  with  little  interruption.  It  ban 
been  run  exclusively  on  Irog  ore,  mostly  loam  ore,  which  yields  about 
twenty  per  cent,  anil  makes  a  good  quality  of  iron.  The  iron  made  has 
been  partly  exportetl  in  the  [tig,  but  since  1843,  the  greater  part  has  been 
cast  into  stoves,  and  other  castings,  upon  the  ]jremises.  Two  cupola 
furnaces  have  been  erected,  for  rcmelting  the  ii'on  for  caslings.  About 
1843,  a  machine  shop  was  erected  for  finishing  mill  irons,  and  other  ar- 
ticles, and  a  large  amount  of  this  business  has  been  done  here.  A  hot 
blast  has  been  introduced,  and  is  now  used  exclusively.  The  furnace 
has  been  three  times  burned.  At  the  first  of  these  burnings,  the  en- 
lire  premises  were  consiuued,  but  the  latter  only  burned  the  casting 
house.  Coal  is  o'ltained  within  from  1  to  .'<  nnles,  at  a  cost  of  about  $4 
per  hundred  bushels.  Two  brick  coal  kilns  have  been  built,  but  their 
use  here,  as  well  as  elsewhere,  has  been  discontiiuied,  the  coal  not  being 
Ibund  to  be  of  so  good  a  <|uality  as  that  burned  in  pits  covered  with  earth 
in  the  usual  way.  Most  of  the  iidiabitants  of  this  i)lace  are  directly  or 
indirectly  dependent  upon  the  iron  works  for  employment,  Tiie  sur- 
rounding country  is  much  of  it  still  a  wilderness,  the  settlements  being 
iiew  and  scattered,  and  |)resents  an  a|)pearance  of  desolation   from  its 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


271 


linving  been  overrun  by  a  fire  in  the  summer  of  181!).  Tliis  clcstnietive 
fire  spread  tliroii{,'h  tlie  woods,  from  Norfolk  across  the  towns  of  Brasher, 
Honihny,  fort  Covinj^ton,  and  Westvdle,  takiiifr  in  its  ooinse  every  thing 
(•onihii8til)le,  and  killing  most  of  the  standing  tinil)er,  which  still  ro- 
ninins  a  dismal  monnment  of  its  ravages.  Many  thousands  of  dollars 
worth  of  pine  and  other  choice  timber  were  destroyed;  in  son'9  places 
every  thing  vahiable  of  the  soil  was  burned,  fields  of  grain  were  over- 
rim,  miles  of  fences  swept  away,  and  many  houses  and  l)ariis  burned. 
The  work  of  destruction  continued  several  weeks,  but  was  most  violent 
and  uncontrollable  about  from  the  fifteenth  to  the  twentieth  of  July.  'J  he 
efl^orts  of  the  inhabitants  sticceeded  in  some  instances  in  checking  tho 
conflagration,  but  in  other  cases  human  eflbrts  were  unavailing,  and 
flaming  surges  swept  onward  without  restraint.  The  scenery  of  the 
burning  forests,  especially  at  night,  is  said  to  have  been  awfully  sublime 
and  imjircssivp. 

An  accident  hajipened  at  the  fiu-nace,  in  September,  184.'i,  which  de- 
stroyed the  building  and  fiitally  burned  one  of  the  laborers.  This  wnp 
caused  by  the  blowing  up  of  the  furnace,  an  accident  to  which  those 
supplied  by  loam  ore,  are  more  liable  than  others,  and  against  whiidi 
nothing  but  the  greatest  care  of  those  having  charge,  can  effectually 
guard.  It  is  caused  by  the  clogging  up  of  the  inside,  by  which  the 
mass  of  ore  and  fuel  does  not  settle  down  as  the  parts  below  waste 
away,  bclbre  the  blast,  thus  forming  a  cavern  of  intensely  glowing  heat. 
When  the  mass  above  becomes  detached  and  fiills,  the  water  in  the 
damp  ore  being  instantly  changed  to  steam,  expands  with  terrific  vio- 
lence, always  throwing  out  of  the  furnace  whatever  it  contains,  and 
usually  setting  fire  to  the  wood  work  on  the  premises,  and  efiiictually 
putting  a  stop  to  the  blast.  On  the  occasion  of  the  blowing  up  of  this 
finnace  in  Sef)tendjer,  1H43,  the  liquid  iron  at  the  bottom  was  thrown  out 
by  the  violence  of  the  explosion,  miserably  burning  one  of  the  firemen, 
who  died  a  few  hours  after  in  the  greatest  agony.  Similar  accidents 
have  ha])pened  at  Carthage,  and  other  furnaces  in  Noriliern  New  York, 
that  are  supplied  with  bog  ores. 

The  village  of  Brasher  Falls,  near  the  southwest  corner  oi'the  town  on 
St.  Regis  river,  about  a  mile  below  the  jimction  of  the  two  branches,  and 
the  same  distance  from  the  Brasher  tuid  Stocholm  depot  on  the  Northern 
rail  road,  was  first  commenced  by  John  Crapser,  of  New  York,  who,  in 
the  fall  of  182G,  built  a  dam  and  saw  mill  on  the  falls  in  the  river  at  this 
place.  The  saw  mill  was  got  in  operation  for  Imnbering,  and  two  or 
three  dwellings  erected  the  following  spring;  but  no  increase  occurred 
in  the  jjlacc  until  the  fall  of  1839,  when  Calvin  T.  llulburd,  of  Stock- 
holm, purchased  a  tract  of  six  hundred  acres  of  land,  on  both  sides  of 


# 


272 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


the  river,  incliiiling  the  site  of  tlie  present  viilnge.  In  1841  lie  com- 
tnenced  and  finislied  a  grist  mill  and  dwelling:  n  small  woolen  fuctory 
was  bnilt  soon  after.  A  bridge  Imd  been  built,  jjurtly  at  the  expense  of 
the  town,  several  years  previous  to  188!).  A  fork  and  hoe  fuctory  was 
established  by  F.  and  T.  R.  Taylor  in  J84G,  a  manufactory  of  agricultu- 
ral inii)lements,  by  Davis  &  Co.,  from  Maine,  in  1851,  and  a  foundery  by 
the  same  company  in  1852.  The  facilities  of  this  [)lare  lor  manufactur- 
ing pur[)oses,  are  worthy  of  especial  notice;  as  the  amount  of  water 
power  is  immense,  and  still  but  partly  ap|)ropriatcd,  and  its  vicinity  to 
the  railroad,  gives  it  a  direct  access  to  market.  The  St.  Regis  river,  the 
two  branches  of  which  unite  near  the  rail  road  bridge,  a  mile  above,  here 
descends  a  declivity  which,  in  a  state  of  nature,  must  have  presented  a 
rapid  of  singulor  wildiiess  and  beauty.  '1,'he  volume  of  water  is  here 
amply  sufticient  for  a  large  amount  of  poUer,  and  admits  of  being  re- 
])eatedly  used  within  a  short  distance.  Among  the  manufactories  at  this 
place,  those  of  forks  and  hoes,  by  Messrs.  Taylor,  and  of  agricultural 
implements,  by  Davis  &  Co.,  are  quite  extensive,  and  give  employment 
to  a  great  nundier  of  laborers.  The  former  of  these  deserves  mention' 
from  its  being  the  pioneer  in  the  business  of  manufacturing  cast  steel 
polished  forks  in  the  country.  Mr.  F.  Taylor  conmienced  this  business 
at  Purishville  in  1831.  In  1840,  he  erected  at  Bicknellvillo  machinery  for 
facilitating  the  business,  and  here  during  five  or  six  years,  the  number  of 
forks  and  hoes  made,  ranged  from  fifteen  to  twenty  thousand  a  year.  In 
184G  the  manufactory  was  removed  to  Brasher  Falls,  where  from  twenty 
to  thirty  thousand  forks,  and  from  six  to  twelve  thousand  hoes,  are  made 
annually,  and  exported  from  hence  to  nearly  every  state  of  the  union. 

Religions  Societies. — The  First  Presbyterian  and  Congregational 
church  of  Helena,  w.is  organized  Jime  1,  1837;  IJenjamin  Nevins, 
Linns  Kibble  and  Grant  Johnson,  trustees.     A  chinch  edifice  was  built 

in  1837-8,  and  the  Itev.  Messrs..  Uufus  R.  Demming,  of  flhissena, 

Howe  and  Charles  Jones  have  been  eni()loyed  as  a  partial  sup[)ly,  there 
having  been  no  settled  pastor.  The  First  Presbyterian  society  of 
Brasher  Falls,  was  incorporated  under  the  general  act,  February  24, 
1845.  Ebeiiezer  S.  Hiilhiird,  Martin  Smith,  Hiram  Holcomb,  Sidney 
Kel.«ey,  Justin  Bell,  Jehiel  Stevens  and  Elijah  Wood,  being  the  first 
trustees.  The  church  was  formed  July  8,  1844,  by  about  seventeen 
members,  mostly  irom  the  church  in  East  Stockholm,  who  employed  the 
Rev.  S.  S.  Howe,  as  their  first  clergyman.  He  has  been  succeeded  by 
Rev.  Charles  Jones  and  Hiram  Dyer,  the  present  pastor.  A  chiircli 
edifice  was  erected  in  1847.  The  church  at  |)iesent  numbers  about  GO. 
The  First  Society  of  the  Methodist  Ejiiscopal  church  of  Ma|)le  Ridge, 
was  inco.poratcd  February  21),  1848;  1).  Wait,  William  E.  Wait,  Luther 
S,  Carter,  Benjamin  Bell  and  V.  C  Carter,  trustees.  The  First  Society 
of  the  M.  E.  church  of  Brasher  Falls,  incorporated  A|)ril  10,  1648,  had 
David  Richards,  llenmn  Holmes,  Joseph  Eester,  Ethan  Johnson  and 
John  S.  Hall,  as  its  first  trustees.     Each  of  these  societies  has  a  cliapel, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


273 


tlic  one  at  tliG  fulls  hnvinj^  l)een  built  in  1851.  At  IJrnslipr  Iron  Works, 
n  BM|»tist  society  iins  existed,  but  lins  been  scattered.  A  Freewill  Bap- 
list  clinrcii  was  formed  in  this  town  in  July,  1848,  by  Eld.  John  Swe  it. 
ItH  first  number  was  !>,  and  present  13  members.  Kid.  A.  P.  Wnlcott  is 
pastor.  In  18.'>1,  a  cutliolic  clinrcli  was  built  lialf  mile  east  of  the 
viilajje,  by  tlie  Rev.  Mr.  Keveny,  of  lIogansburf,di. 

Canton 
Was  erected  from  Lisbon,  March  '28,  1805,  with  its  present  limits,  the 
first  town  meetinj,'  being  held  at  the  house  of  Stillman  Foote.  The  jmor 
moneys  were  to  be  divided  by  the  last  tax  list.  During  this  session,  the 
settlers  of  Oswegatchie,  Aladrid  and  Massena  had  petitioned  for  a  divi- 
sion of  these  towns,  and  Mr.  B.  Wright,  in  the  assembly,  from  the  com- 
mittee to  whom  the  matter  had  been  referred,  reported  March  2Glh,  that 
"  tliey  found  their  situation  peculiarly  inconvenient,  as  they  had  to  travel 
from  fifteen  to  tliirty  miles  to  town  meeting." 

Memoranda  from  the  Town  Records. — In  180G  and  1812,  85  bounties 
offered  for  wolves,  and  in  1810  and  161G,  .«10.  In  1810,  a  fine  of  SVi 
ini|)osed  on  all  jugglers,  mountebanks  and  wire  dancers.  $50  raised, 
for  securing  t!io  rights  and  privileges  of  fish;  and  S.  Foote,  D.  Campbell 
and  N.  Walker,  a  conunittee  for  the  i)urpose.  This  was  afterwards  a 
matter  of  solicitude  with  the  town,  and  of  legislative  action.  In  1815, 
C.  Wilson,  F.  Tracy  and  Win.  Richardson  were  nfipointed  a  comuiittee 
for  making  Grass  river  navigable  for  fish  of  all  kinds  to  come  u|)  and 
down  at  pleasure,  and  $50  voted  for  the  purjiose.  On  the  12th  of  Ajnil, 
1824,  a  law  made  Grass  river  a  public  highway,  from  its  mouth  to  the 
high  falls,  in  Canton,  and  dams  were  allowc'd  to  be  erected,  on  condition 
that  passages  or  sluices  shoidd  be  made  for  fish  to  pass.  Neglecting  this, 
or  setting  nets  or  weiers,  was  punishable  by  u  tine  of  $25.  As  early  as 
April  5,  1813^  a  law  was  passed,  "  that  no  person  should  draw  any  seine, 
set  any  net,  or  make  any  obstructions,  in  Oswego,  Racket  or  St.  Regis 
rivers,  under  a  penalty  of  $25.  The  avowed  object  of  this  law  was,  to 
protect  Salmon,  which  frequented  these  rivers  in  early  times,  and  in 
180l)-7,  were  caught  as  fiu*  up  Grass  river  as  Russell.  In  1825,  the  town 
ap|)ointed  Minot  Jenison  and  Thomas  I).  Olin  to  enquire  into  the  con- 
dition of  dams,  and  prosecute  any  violation  of  the  law;  promising  to 
indemnify  them  for  losses  arising  from  law  suits. 

In  1811,  resolved  to  preserve  in  the  town  records,  the  dates  of  births, 
, deaths  and  marriages,  which  were  to  be  reported  to  the  clerk  imder  a 
penalty  of  $1;  and  in  1812,  it  was  made  the  duty  of  t!ie  assessors  to 
coPect  these  data.  In  1823  and  1825,  §500  voted  fbr  the  support  (jf  the 
poor,  and  similar  but  smaller  sums  voted  in  other  years.  In  1835,  the 
legislature  was  petitioned  for  a  law,  to  tax  the  town  $500,  to  be  paid  to  the 
trustees  of  the  public  lands  in  trust  for  the  academy,  to  be  invested  for 
its  benefit,  on  condition  that  the  trustees  execute  bonds  for  the  convey- 
ance of  tlie  lot  and  buildings  for  a  school.  In  183(J,  M.  Jenison,  J.  H. 
Coiikey,  S.  D.  Olin,  R.  N.  Harrison,  D.  Mack,  J.  Ames,  2d,  C.  Foote,  S. 
Wright  Jr.,  L.  Moody,  D.  Clark,  If.  Barber  and  A.  Smith  appointed  a 
coimnittee  to  superintend  the  academy,  and  employ  a  teacher,  and  to 
attend  to  the  interest  of  the  town  therein.  In  1837,  voted  a  tax  of  .*500 
for  three  years  for  the  academy,  on  condition  that  a  subscription  of  an 
equal  sum  be  raised.  In  1840,  a  crow  biimty  of  one  shilling,  ami  in 
1841-2,  one  often  cents  voted.    In  184G,  81,^00  voted  for  a  town  house, 


274 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


in  tlirco  cqiml  sums.  Unnjnmin  Squires  nnd  Cyrus  Abrrnotliy  n  rom- 
miitoo  to  orect  it.  In  181!),  iit  a  s|)i'ciiil  iiu'otin;;-,  tlio  Ic^'i.sliitnrr  was 
petitioned  forii  l.nv  taxing:  the  town  .*(>,()()0,  in  hIx  eqnul  khmih,  (or  hniln- 
inir  a  plank  rond,  froiri  the  viliafre  to  town  line,  towards  (joii-  eiu-ur, 
wliicli  was  done.  Lninaii  Moody,  Theodore  (.'ahlwell  nnd  Josepii  J. 
Merriman  were  recoiuin(!nded  us  crotninissioners  to  huild  this  road. 

S'ltpfrr/aor*.— 1H0(>,  StiMnian  Foote;  1807-8,  Daniel  Walker;  lH0!t-12, 
Daniel  Campbell;  18i;}-U->,  Daniel  Walker;  J8-j:M,  Thomas  D.  Olin; 
18',>r).(),  Jediithan  Harwell;  l8->8  HO,  James  Parkili;  IftJl-H,  Silas  Raid- 
win  Jr.;  18;i4-r>,  .John  lleaton;  18:}(i-40,  Lemuel  Hnek;  1841-**,  Henry 
Barber;  1843-4,  Jiiehard  i\.  Harrison;  1845-(>,  Henry  Barber;  1847-8, 
Cyrus  Abernethy;  1841),  William  F.Calioon;  1850-'^,  Hiram  S.  Johnso.i. 

Canton  was  surveyed  by  Amos  Lay,  assisted  by  Reidten  Sherwood 
and  Joseph  Eds;dl,  in  llie  summer  of  17!!!).  Their  labors  included  hotii 
townships  of  Canton  and  Lisbon.  Amoufr  the  men  who  were  employed 
to  assist,  were  the  following:  Festus  and  Septimus  Tracy,  Nahum  Allen, 

Georf,'e  Goss,  Abner  Ilazellon,  Alvin  White,  Jacob  Uedington,  

Thompson.  The  supplies  of  provisions  for  the  suiDm'  r's  operations, 
were  boated  u|)  in  canoes,  through  Oswegatchie  river  and  Indian  cieek 
(natural  canal),  and  nj)  the  Grass  river,  to  the  site  of  the  present  village 
of  Canton.  While  working  near  the  St.  Lawrence,  their  su|>i)lies  were 
carried  directly  over  at  whatever  point  they  might  happen  to  need  them. 
The  survey  of  the  two  townships  being  comjileted,  the  hands  returned 
to  New  England  through  Canada.  While  the  survey  was  going  on,  the 
parties  engaged  on  it  were  frequently  back  and  forth  from  the  iiont 
settlements  in  Canada,  and  the  subject  of  the  value  of  the  lands  was 
much  discussed,  and  a  high  idea  was  entertained  of  tlieir  probable  valae 
for  agricultural  purposes.  This  led  to  the  Ibrniation  of  an  association, 
consisting  of  thirty  or  forty  Canadians,  who  proposed  to  form  a  settle- 
ment on  the  tract,  and  who  sent  one  of  their  number  to  Albany,  to 
negotiate  a  bargain  with  the  proprietors,  for  a  purchase.  This  agent  is 
said  to  have  effected  a  conditional  bargain  for  one-quarter  of  a  township, 
wherever  the  company  might  wish  to  locate,  in  Lisbon  or  Canton.  Upon 
receiving  this  intelligence,  the  whole  party  decided  upon  traversing  the 
tract,  to  learn  its  actual  value,  by  direct  observation;  and  accordingly, 
taking  several  days'  provisions  on  their  backs,  and  guided  by  jiersons 
who  had  been  employed  in  the  survey,  they  separated  in  striall  ])arties, 
and  pm-sued  their  course  in  various  directions,  through  the  woods.  At 
night  they  would  meet  at  an  appointed  place,  kindle  an  inmiense  fire  of 
logs  and  dry  materials  which  they  collected,  and  camp  i round  it  for  the 
night. 

Every  thing  proceeded  agreeably  for  a  while,  but  unfortunately  for 
their  harmony,  tmmbers  of  them  came  fiom  different  quarters  upon  a 
remarkably  beautiful  tract  of  land,  in  the  southeastern  part  of  Canton' 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


275 


wlierc  the  Jinrd  timber  wns  uniisuolly  clear  niid  lofty,  nml  n  menndorinR 
stream  wandered  tiiroii;,'!i  the  forest  between  banks  that,  in  their  native 
growtli  of  timber  and  lierl)affe,  and  the  soil  at  the  Bin-fuce,  betokened 
iiniisiml  richness  and  fertility.  Hero,  without  the  knowledpe  of  each 
other,  several  parties  resolved  to  locate  their  interests,  and  in  accordance 
with  the  prevalent  custom,  commenced  slight  imi)rovements,  which,  in 
their  ojjinions,  would  confer  a  preemption  right  to  the  noil.  These  pro- 
ceedings soon  became  known  to  the  whole  party,  and  the  ovorlni>i)ing 
claims  of  rivals  engendered  u  party  strife,  in  which  each  loudly  vocifer- 
ated his  claims,  and  insisted  upon  the  priority  of  his  arrival,  and  'in  an 
incredibly  short  apace  of  time,  tho  schemes  of  the  whole  party  were 
dissipated.  Of  confidence  in  each  other's  honor,  they  had  none;  atid 
the  mutual  distrust  led  to  the  dissolution  of  the  compony,  who  scattered 
immediately,  and  by  different  routes,  sought  the  St.  Lawrence,  and 
crossed  again  to  Canada.  Some  being  ignorant  of  the  course  of  the 
rivers,  wandered  from  their  way,  aiul  did  not  reach  the  great  river,  till 
they  had  arrived  in  Louisville;  and  when  they  gained  the  settlements, 
were  well  nigh  exhausted  with  hunger  and  fatigue. 

The  first  land  that  was  taken  up  with  the  view  of  actual  settlement  in 
the  town  of  Canton,  was  by  Daniel  Harrington,  a  native  of  Connecticut, 
but  who  had  afterwards  lived  in  Vermont,  and  in  Canada.  In  1800,  be 
took  up  a  tract  of  land  on  the  east  side  of  Grass  river,  where  Canton  vil- 
lage now  is,  having  commenced  a  small  improvement  the  lall  before, 
wiiich  consisted  of  a  slight  clearing,  near  the  present  agricultural  fair 
ground,  and  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  where  be  sowed  less  than  an  acre 
of  land  to  wheat,  in  the  fall  of  1800;  and  having  no  team  to  assist  him, 
he  harrowed  in  the  grain  with  a  hand  rake.  The  crop  was  sold  to  Mr. 
Foote,  and  when  harvested,  yielded  more  than  sixty  bushels,  notwith- 
tnnding  the  immense  numbers  of  squirrels  of  that  year.  By  a  striking 
coincidence,  the  officers  of  the  society  in  selecting  their  fair  grounds 
located  them  almost  exactly  on  the  spot  which  had  thus  early  betokened 
its  capabilities  for  agricultural  improvement.  The  cabin  of  this  pioneer, 
stood  on  the  spot  where  the  flag  staff  of  the  fair  ground  is  erected.  In 
the  fall  of  1799,  several  men  came  into  town,  and  made  slight  clearings, 
supposing  that  thereby  they  acqired  n  preemption  right;  but  the  first  per- 
manent settler,  was  Stillman  Foote,  Esq.,  from  Middlebury,  Vt.,  who  came 
into  town  to  look  for  lands,  in  1800,  and  purchased  the  mile  square,  on 
which  Canton  village  now  stands.  Harrington's  title,  including  the  wheat 
crop,  he  purchased  for  a  horse,  saddle  and  bridle.  In  March,  1801,  Mr. 
Foote  left  his  home  in  Vermont,  for  his  location,  with  two  teams  laden 
with  provisions  and  furniture ;  but  upon  the  approach  of  warm  weather, 
he  was  obliged  to  leave  a  great  part  of  his  load  at  Willisborough,  on  Lake 
18 


U;  .. 


276 


HISTORY    or    KT.    I.AWRENCR 


(Miniii plain,  to  l)o  tnk(!n,  toy^ctlior  witli  tlio  iroiiH  for  n  mill,  liy  tlio  mnro 
riiciiitdiiH  iniitn  of  Lnke  f;iiniM|»lniii  and  St.  I.uvvit'iire  livor  to  I,i«*l)oii, 
tlio  iM'iucKt  ncccssililc  point,  nliont  IH  niili'N  tiom  IiIh  (IrBtiiiiitioi).  A  vi-ry 
poor  roiul  coikIikUciI  o'lr  nini^jrniitH  iih  (iir  mh  ('iiiitcinigiiy,  wlicro  ovnry 
trnco  of  It  roiui  uiidnd,  nnil  tiicy  were  oliliKcd  to  K(>ek  tlie  Ht.  Lawrence  m 
St.  Kcjiiw,  where  they  erossed  iind  procijedcd  nloiifjtlu!  (^nniida  Hliore  to 
opposite;  Ijislion.  l''roin  tiiis  pliire  they  were  guided  to  (/iiiiton  liy  an  oh- 
senre  tniee  (narked  liir  a  road.  Mr.  Daniel  W.  riinrch,  who  had  heen 
expired  aNu  inillri^'ht,  fiillowed  hy  water,  iiaviii^char^eof  the  niilliroiiH 
and  remainder  of  tin;  loading  hdt  at  the  lake.  Froni  Ihh  diary  lieforn  im. 
the  following  metnoranda  are  taken: 

•'  Mnrrli  'i/th,  took  leave  of  rny  family  and  home.  SHth,  went  to  Hason 
Creek,  and  waited  some  days.  Ajtril  l.st,  yol  a  passiifre  liirrjid  iMr.  I'oote, 
[Daniel  I'.,  the  liither  of  S.  1'.,]  to  I'lattHhiirgii,  in  rompany  with  one  Mr. 
Storer,  who  had  a  sp;ire  horse  there,  and  sent  my  two  men  with  him. 
'I'houfiht  I  had  taki-n  a  |)rndent  step  to  keep  th(!  old  frenfleman  lintn 
eatehing  the  small  pox,  wiiieli  he  wonhl  he  mneli  exposed  to,  shonid  lie 
go  with  me  through  Canada.  4tli.  (lOt  onr  loading  on  hoard,  and  set 
sail;  got  myself  Sfst  on  shon;  at  (^^arlotte  to  get  mon^  loading.  'I'lie  vessel 
eoiild  not  wait;  ]  got  ahoard  of  another  with  .l<dinsoii,  and  set  sail.  Just 
at  night  the  wind  rises,  and  the  evening  is  very  dark.  The  passengiMs,  of 
whom  there  were  .10,  hegin  to  he  very  siek.  'I'he  vessel  is  jatorly  manned, 
and  I  remain  on  deek  to  assist  the  eaptain  in  working  it,  as  it  is  in  some 
(lang(>r.  linn  in  at  Pern,  and  lay  at  aiiehor  in  the  swell  all  tnglit.  (Joiilii 
hardly  see  land  when  within  SiO  yards; and  snfJ'ered  intoleraldy  with  eold, 
liaving  no  hlanket,  nor  even  great  eoaf.  .'ith.  The  wind  dies  away,  aiut 
we  set  our  passengers  on  shore,  and  sail  with  u  moderate  breeze  till  the 
morning  of  the  (Jth,  when  we  reaehed  St.  John.  IMet  with  .lohnson  and 
my  other  eompany,  and  walked  to  I.,aprairie.  8th.  Co  to  the  Indian  vil- 
lage,!)  miles  above  Laprairie,  and  ferry  aeross  to  Laehine.  The  Indinii 
village  is  the  handsomest  town  I  have  seeii  in  my  whole  voyage,  exeept 
Mt.  Real.  To  see  the  Indians  at  their  homes  was  quite  new  to  me.  Jitii. 
Went  baek  to  Mt.  Real,  on  t()ot,  aller  a  eanal  tieket.  Set  out  just  at  even- 
ing, and  it  was  dark  hefoie  I  left  the  place.  Lost  my  way, and  n'tnrning, 
was  hindered  some  titne,  but  arrived  at  my  company  in  so  short  a  time, 
OS  to  surprise  them.  lOtli.  Agree  with  Mr.  Tuttle  conc(!rning  a  boat,  us 
follows:  He  is  to  have  a  boat  and  two  hands,  or  one  hand  and  work  him- 
self; and  i  am  to  find  the  restof  the  help,  ami  |)ay  the  canal  tieket.  Tuttle 
is  clerk  to  one  Crystler,  and  takes  n  passp-e  in  another  boat,  and  agrees 
with  Mr.  Grant  to  hire  two  hands,  but  Ik  latter  can  not,  because  it  is 
seed-time  with  the  Canadians.  We  set  o'lt  without  any  help,  but  can 
not  get  along,  the  current  is  so  strong.  Happen  to  hear  ol"  two  hands, 
who  will  go  to  Ft.  Clair,  8  or  0  miles;  hire  them  and  arrive  there.  1  Itli. 
Go  to  Cedars  with  great  ditticulty.  J'.^th.  Arrive  at  the  King's  locks, 
wJiere  the  hands  being  all  beaten  out,  leave  the  boat,  and  we  hire  Cana- 
dians in  their  room.  I  go  in  the  boat  and  come  very  near  getting  lost 
in  the  rapids.  Meet  with  as  mnch  hardship  as  I  know  how  to  get  along 
with,  and  after  toiling  as  bard  as  |)ossil)le,  arrive  at  the  head  of  Lake  frt. 
Francis,  between  !>  and  10,  in  the  evening.  L3th.  Sail  across  the  lake  a 
little  below  Cornwall.  14th  Go  above  ("ornwall.  Tuttle  hires  2  hands, 
one  good,  the  other  worse  than  none.  We  find  it  itnpossible  to  get  any 
farther  with  our  loading.     15th.  Arranged  business,  and  set  out  on  foot. 


AND    FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


277 


lltli. 


Imnlly  nblo  to  stir.    (Jo  to  CryHtlers,  niid  Imvo  dfliculty  in  HnttliiiR  witli 

■  who  n'liiHf^H  to  iillow  Homc!  I)orro\vcil  moruiy.     Killi.   Airivf  iit  liin- 

lioii,  lit  tiif  lioiiHtMirjiiinoH  'I'lirin'r.  I7tli.  ]{i'ncli  t'luitrm,  with  ncviMilccn 
liliHlnrs  on  my  liand,  fx^cdHioncil  by  ro\vinf{  iitui  |iuliing  tlic  hatfini  nioii)^. 
riiMrriioinuH  down  Willi  tlio  CovKriind  affiit;." 

!Mr.  CMiui'cli  wiiH  (i(!coni|innied  i)y  LibiMi.s  Joliimon  and  hoiih;  John 
riMiiiio^ran,  a  Jonrnoyiniin,  'I'Iioiiiuh  Marvin,  an  apiiri  nticc,  and  oni;  or 
two  othorH.  IIo  found  in  the  camp  Mr.  Footo  and  liis  f'atlior,  wiio  lind 
coiiK!  tiiroii;,'ii  on  liorHoimcit,  and  others  to  the  nninher  of  twelve,  who 
nil  ncrnpied  the  waiiie  HJianty,  and  without  the  flcHt  convfMiienre ;  as  every 
ni'icle  not  of  prime  JKjecHHity,  had  been  left  at  Cornwall  until  a  road 
could  so  far  be  cleared  as  to  allow  of  the  passage  to  teams.  An  entire 
week  was  eonsumcd  in  f?ettiiif{  the  teams  from  Lisbon,  ami  on  Saturday 
iii;.'lit  they  were  still  thrcM!  miles  from  camp,  where  the  cattle  were  left 
to  browse,  and  the  men  came  on.  The  whole  party  then  proceeded  to 
return  to  tlieni,  and  the  loads  were  got  in.  The  first  clearing  was  made 
on  the  west  side  of  the  river  near  the  water's  edge  just  below  the  present 
bridge.  The  party  immediately  set  about  pre|)aring  the  frame  of  a  saw- 
mill, but  had  scarcely  begun  operations,  when  the  can)p  was  visited  by 
sickness,  and  one  of  the  number  stricken  down  by  death.  On  the  2d  of 
May,  Mr.  Church,  the  mill-wright,  was  attacked  by  an  intermittent  fever, 
ooiitiacted  the  summer  i)revioiis,  and  about  the  same  time,  the  elder  Mr 
Foote  was  taken  with  symptoms,  at  first  not  understood,  but  soon  too 
sadly  recognized  us  the  small  pox.  Five  of  the  company  hud  been  in- 
oculated, and  this  operation  was  forthwith  performed  ujion  the  other 
six.  Although  nearly  four  score  years  of  age,  the  invalid  bore  bis  sick- 
ness well,  and  at  one  time  it  was  hoped  he  would  survive.  But  on  the 
accession  of  the  secondary  fever,  he  grew  worse  and  died.  His  last 
words  were:  "God's  will  be  done."  Mr.  Church  at  this  time,  was  not 
able  to  sit  up  in  his  couch  of  hemlock  boughs,  and  the  symptoms  were 
beginning  to  ap|)ear  upon  those  who  had  been  inoculated.  Stillman 
Foote  liad  tiillen  a  tew  days  previous,  and  broken  u  rib,  which  disabled 
liini  from  rendering  assistance.  Tbey  kejit  the  corpse  until  the  third 
<-'ay,  watching  it  by  turns,  and  then  committed  it  to  the  earth,  wrapped 
in  the  hammock  on  which  lie  died,  with  a  few  hemlock  boughs  below 
him,  and  the  bark  of  an  elm  tree  for  a  coffin.  There  was  at  this  time, 
no  medical  aid  to  be  had,  nearer  than  Johnstown,  in  Canada,  anrl  even 
this  was  not  to  be  reached,  us  the  heavy  rains  had  rendered  all  the 
streams  impassable,  so  that  a  young  man  who  had  been  sent  out,  was 
obliged  to  return.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  first  death  of  a  white  per- 
son in  Canton,  and  occurred  May  lOtli,  1801.  We  will  here  resume  our 
ijuotation  from  Mr.  Church's  diary,  which  describes  the  difficulties  of 


278 


HISTORY    OP   ST.  LAWRENCE 


the  settlers  with  vivithiess.    It  covers  some  of  the  events  above  de- 
scribed: 

"  IVIny  2.  Myself  had  the  fever  and  ague.  4tb.  Had  an  intolcral)le  fit 
of  it.  Gh)omy  times,  otb.  Worl<ed.  Very  rainy  at  night;  cnmp  ieiiks 
everywh<!re ;  no  jilace  to  lay  down  in.  Slt-ep  none  at  all.  Have  fipe 
sco|)e  for  my  tlioughts,  not  having  anythinir  to  interrnpt  me,  l)ut  the 
snoring  of  tiie  rest  of  tiie  company,  soaking  in  water.  With  great  difii- 
culty  I  ])rcvent  the  rain  dropping  on  old  Mr,  Foote.  Let  any  person 
imagine  himself  in  the  woods,  tifteen  miles  from  any  honse,  sick  of  the 
fever  and  agne,  one  of  the  company  rotten  with  the  small  j)ox,  one  with 
his  ribs  broke,  one  other  ghostitied  with  the  fever  and  nfiuc,  three  in- 
oculated with  the  small  ]iox,  and  only  three  well  ones,  and  let  him 
imagine  himself  exposed  to  all  the  rains,  withont  |)hysician,  or  mnse,  or 
medicines;  then  let  him  awake  and  find  it  a  dream,  and  see  how  glnd 
he  will  be!  10th.  More  tronble;  the  old  gentleman  died,  and  I  urn 
growing  worse  every  day.  The  three  well  ones  bin-y  the  old  man  as 
well  as  they  can  in  his  liammock,  and  put  ssome  barks  over  him.  Hard 
times  for  poor  Stillman,  who  had  to  lay  his  own  fiither  in  his  winding 
sheet.  13th.  Ride  out  to  Lisbon  with  extreme  difiiculty.  I  can  not  sit 
on  a  horse.  Ride  bare-backed.  Get  wet  with  rain  through  and  throupli. 
From  Canton  to  Lisbon  settlement  is  filteen  miles  without  the  least 
opening:  very  little  road,  and  very  many  swam|)s  and  mireholes.  14ih. 
Go  to  Dr.  Adams's  ond  back  on  foot,  fourteen  miles.  Half  an  hotu"  he- 
fore  I  set  out  while  the  fever  was  on,  1  could  not  walk  across  the  house. 
25th.  So  far  recovered  as  to  ride  back  to  Canton." 

3Ir.  Church  was  soon  compelled  to  go  back  to  his  friends,  and  the  rest 
of  the  party  having  partly  finished  the  mill,  returned  back  to  spend  the 
winter  in  Vt.  In  the  spring  of  1802,  Mr.  Foote  returned  with  his  frmily 
consisting  of  a  wife,  two  sons,  and  a  daughter,  and  they  took  up  their 
abode  in  a  corner  of  the  saw-mill.  IMr.  Church  and  three  companions 
proceeded  through  the  woods  from  Chateaugay,  a  distance  of  about  70 
miles,  without  mark  or  guide,  but  a  compass.  Their  goods  were  borne 
by  a  pack-horse,  and  they  were  five  days  on  the  pathless  road,  most  of 
the  time  in  the  rain,  and  towards  the  last  of  their  journey,  so  short  of 
provisions,  that  they  were  obliged  to  subsist  upon  pork  and  jiartriilges,  of 
the  latter  of  which  they  chanced  to  kill  a  few  on  the  way.  During  this 
summer  a  single  run  of  rock  stones  driv.-n  by  a  tub  wheel,  was  got  in 
operation  in  a  part  of  the  mill,  and  this  was  the  first  and  only  grist  mill 
in  town,  until  after  the  war. 

During  the  summer  of  1802,  a  thrilling  incident  happened,  which  well 
nigh  proved  fatal  to  one  of  the  party.  On  a  sabbath  morning  about  20 
persons  had  assembled  at  the  mill  from  the  several  clearings  to  spend  a 
day  in  social  intercom-se,  and  discuss  the  news.  Two  men  were  cross- 
ing the  river  in  the  only  bo"t  in  the  place,  and  had  gaitied  an  island, 
when  the  current  unexpectedly  caught  the  boat,  rnd  was  takii.g  it  down 
stream.  One  jumped  out,  hut  in  so  doing,  tln-ew  the  bow  of  the  boat 
further  into  the  current,  and  the  remaining  one  findin^r  it  impossible  to 


p- 

t 

if' . 

AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


9.7Q 


gain  the  -sland,  jumped  overboard  with  his  setting  pole,  and  lodged  on  a 
rock  wiiere  he  could  muintain  himself  but  with  great  dithculty,  while 
the  boat  was  swept  down,  and  broken  among  the  ropids  below.  Mr. 
Church  procured  a  rope  and  swam  over  to  the  island,  where  making  one 
end  tiist  to  a  tree,  he  let  himself  down  stream  till  he  could  get  the  other 
end  into  the  hands  of  the  one  in  peril,  who  was  thus  rescued  from  what 
appeared  to  be  certain  destruction. 

lu  1802,  the  town  began  to  settle  rapidly,  and  among  others,  Peter  R. 
Leonard,  Moses  Leonard  Thomas  D,  Olin,  Chester  Dewey,  Lebeus 
Johnson,  and  five  sons,  James  Parkil,  Daniel  Walker,  Nathan  Walker, 
i'iingsbury,  most  of  them  with  families,  and  from  Vermont,  immi- 
grated. The  first  school  was  taught  in  1804,  by  William  Barker;  and 
religious  meetings  began  to  be  held  the  same  year.  The  second  death 
was  that  of  one  Osgood,  who  was  killed  in  1803,  about  three  miles  south 
of  Foote's,  by  the  fali  of  a  tree.  The  first  birth  in  town,  w.is  o  daughter 
of  L.  Johnson,  in  1803;  and  the  first  male  born  in  town,  is  said  to  have 
been  a  son  of  P.  R.  Leonard,  in  1803. 

Before  the  war,  a  forge  was  built  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  by  Mr. 
Foote,  and  run  upon  bog  ores  from  the  north  part  of  the  town.  The 
extravagant  price  of  iron  at  that  i)eriod,  justified  an  expense  fo'  its  re- 
duction, that  would  be  now  wholly  inadmissible.  A  dum  was  built  at 
the  village  soon  after  the  mill,  but  the  bridge  not  till  after  the  war.  The 
west  side  of  the  river  long  continued  to  be  the  principal  seat  of  business. 
A  Mr,  Farwell  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  settler  east  of  the  river, 
wheie  the  most  of  the  village  of  Canton  is  now  located. 

In  1831,  (April  9.)  the  legislature  voted  a  tax  of  $1,800  on  the  town, 
for  a  bridge  at  the  village,  naming  Jno.  Day,  Isaac  Heaton,  and  Thomas 
II.  Conkey,  commissioners  for  its  erection,  with  power  to  anticipate  by 
a  loan,  the  fund  to  be  raised.  This  bridge  was  destroyed  by  a  freebet 
in  June,  1843.    It  was  soon  rebuilt,  and  in  1853,  again  rebuilt. 

The  first  inn  in  Canton,  was  opened  by  Mr.  Foote,  soon  after  ho  be- 
came established,  and  for  several  years  the  tovvi;  settled  very  fa,.*.  In 
the  south  part  of  the  town,  in  the  vicinity  of  South  Canton,  Penjamiu 
Rose,  of  Dorsett,  Vt.,  began  in  180b,  and  soon  after.  Ward  Squires,  Abner 
Wells,  and  John  Rose.  The  village  of  Canton  began  to  grow  rapidly 
after  the  location  of  the  court  house,  in  1828,  and  its  central  location,  in 
f';o  'nidst  of  a  highly  cultivated  region  and  fine  water  power,  give  »t 
much  importance.  A  destructive  fire  occurred  liere  on  :he  4th  of  Octo- 
ber, 1843. 

The  village  of  Canton  was  incorporated  May  14,  1845.  Its  bounds 
were  made  to  include  the  jail  limits,  as  they  then  existed,  excepting 
tiieroout  the  bridge  across  Grass  river.    The  ofilcers  of  the  village  wero 


•  iv'f- 


■*^# 


280 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


I'^'.'h' 


to  1)6  five  trustees,  two  of  wlioui  hhnll  be  inliabitaiits  of  the  two  school 
J'.jtricts  oil  the  east  side  of  tlie  rivt  r,  and  the  tiftli  to  reside  on  t!;c  west 
side  of  tlie  river,  with  three  asse-ssors,  one  treasurer,  one  cleri<,  and  one 
collector,  who  were  to  be  elected  on  the  first  Monday  of  May  of  each 
year,  The  president  of  the  board  of  trustees  was  to  be  chosen  by  them- 
selves, out  of  their  number,  soon  after  eacli  annual  election.  The  jiowera 
of  the  trustees  extended  to  those  subjects  which  relate  to  the  interiiul  go- 
vernments of  a  viilage,  including  the  organization  and  supervision  of  a 
fire  department,  the  care  of  roads  and  public  squares,  &c.,  coupled  with 
tlie  power  of  enibrcing  their  regulations  by  fines  within  certain  limita- 
tions fixed  by  statute.  The  following  is  a  list  of  the  trustees  whicii  have 
been  elected  annually  in  the  village  of  Canton,  since  its  organization. 
The  persons  elected  as  president  are  given  in  italics: 

1846,  Prosper  Barrows,  Benjamin  Squire,  Nathan  Pratt,  Burzillai  Hod- 
skin,  and  J\alhaniel  Hodskin, 

1847,  Ebenezer  Miner,  Daniel  Mack,  E/i'rt;t  G.  Page,  Harry  Smith,  Or- 
ville  Page. 

1848,  lObenezer  Miner,  B.  Hodskin,  Cahin  AVilliams,  Harry  Smith, 
Prosper  Barrows. 

18'!),  P.  Barrows,  S.J.Bingham,  Harvey  M.  Chihls,  H.  S.nith,  Paul 
Boipiton. 

1850,  E.  Miner,  Darius  Clark,  A.  R.  Kipp,  O.  Page,  Nathaniel  Hodskin. 

1851,  Win.  Blanehard,  Theodore  Caldwell,  Vincent  Coan,  Mariiu 
Thatcher,  P.  Boynton. 

185'i,  Benjamin  Squire,  Luvmn  Moody,  Clapp  Bailey,  O.  Page,  L.  B. 
Storrs. 

By  an  act  passed  April  21,  184(),  the  board  of  snpervisors  were  di- 
rected to  levy  a  tax  of  !?333'3n  annually,  for  three  years,  in  Canton,  for 
the  erection  of  a  town  house  in  that  village,  to  be  paid  to  Benjamin  Scpiire 
and  Cyrus  Abernethy,  who  were  named  in  the  act  as  commissioners  to 
expend  the  above  sum  for  this  jiurpose.  The  supervisor  of  the  town  is 
ex-ofllcio  the  trustee  of  the  house,  and  has  control  of  the  same.  The 
town  house  was  accordingly  erected,  and  stands  fronting  a  public  square 
before  the  county  buildings,  and  near  the  academy. 

On  the  11th  of  April,  1832,  the  Canton  Social  Library  was  incorpo- 
rated; Darius  Clark,  Moses  Whitcomb,  Wru.  Perry,  Jr.,  Lyman  Langdon, 
Win.  F.  Gaboon,  Elias  C.  Page,  {;nd  Benjamin  Walker,  being  first  trustees- 
Like  most  other  library  associations  this  is  believed  to  have  become 
extinct  since  the  formation  of  school  district  libraries. 

On  both  sides  of  Grass  river,  but  mostly  on  the  west  bank,  and  near 
the  north  part  of  the  town,  is  the  village  of  Morleij,  which  name  it  re- 
ceived in  1835  from  the  family  name  of  the  Harrison  relatives.  It  was 
formerly  called  Long  Rapids,  and  first  began  to  be  settled  in  the  sp'^ing 
of  1810,  by  S.  Foote,  of  Canton,  who  built  a  saw  mill  here.     In  1811,  a 


^ 


(trv 


AND    FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


281 


i 


second  saw  mill,  and  in  1815  a  wooden  grist  mill,  wore  built,  the  latter 
by  Cliristonlier  Wilson.  Mr.  F.  sold  liis  interest  in  Mi\2.  The  sum  of 
ff]')0  was  in  1817  voted  for  a  bridge  at  this  place.  The  present  stone 
iiiill  was  built  lor  Mr.  Harrison,  the  jjroprietor.  It  is  a  place  of  consider- 
able business,  having  two  saw  mills  (one  a  gang  mill  of  35i  saws),  four 
siiiiigle  machines,  a  sash  factory,  tannery,  two  wagon  slio|)s,  a  tavern, 
three  stores,  and  about  fifty  or  s./.:y  families.  A  plank  road  ti*om  Can- 
ton to  the  Northern  Rail  Road  passes  tbrougli  the  village. 

Near  the  north-west  corner  of  tha  town,  on  the  Oswegatchie  river, 
and  11  miles  distant  from  Ogdensburgb,  with  which  place  it  communi- 
cates by  [ilank  road,  is  the  village  of  Rensselaer  Falls,  which  began  in 
]8:!9,  by  the  erection  of  a  forge,  by  Tate,  Chalice  &  Co.  It  fust  had  the 
imuie  of  Talevilk,  from  Robert  Tate,  of  the  above  firm,  but  it  lias 
been  more  generally  known  as  Canton  Falls,  until  the  recent  establish- 
ment of  a  [)ost  otKce.  The  forge  was  west  of  the  river,  and  at  first  had 
time  fires,  and  was  worked  on  specidar  ore  from  Hermon,  and  bog  ores 
iioni  Lisbon.  A  saw  mill  was  built  in  MHiU  •  y  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  the 
1  roprietor,  and  in  184G  ihj  present  stone  gristmill.  This  village  has 
been  surveyed  into  i(>t2,  and  the  Oswegatchie,  which  here  has  a  fall  of 
about  six  feet,  gives  it  an  abundant  water  ])ower.  A  congregational 
church  was  formed  here  in  1842,  and  a  society  in  1847,  who  erected  a 

cliurch  edifice  in  1843.    Tlie  Rev.  Parsons,  and  Rev.  Goreham 

Cross,  have  been  employed  here.  A  cemetery  association  at  this  place 
was  inc"r[)orated  April  15,  1852,  with  Jacob  Shull,  B-  Morrison,  Augus- 
tus Johnson,  A.  G.  Pierce,  G.  W.  Cooper,  and  Caleb  S.  Joluison, 
trustees. 

Near  this  village  the  JVatural  canal,  wliicli  forms  so  striking  a  feature 
of  the  counfy,  joins  the  Oswegatchie.  It  was  originally  open  both  at 
this  ail'"  ('E-OJS  river,  and  navigable  fbi'  small  boats,  and  became  the  high- 
way *  Jiii!  by  the  pioneers  This  channel  is  six  miles  long,  and  from 
5  to  I  .;  I  veil  25  rods  wide,  with  a  descent  of  three  feet  towards  the 
Ot  X  ..  ••  :e  It  runs  through  an  alluvial  fiat,  of  about  4500  acres, 
covered  i,  forest  of  black  ash  and  soft  ma|)le,  which  has  hitherto  been 
too  wet  to  cmiivate,  but  is  now  in  process  of  reclaiming.  The  outlet  on 
the  Oswegatchie  h;is  been  closed,  and  a  canal  cut  along  tlie  bank  to  be- 
low the  dam,  by  w  liidi  the  water  is  expected  to  he  lowered  about  four 
feet.  It  has  cost  about  $(J000.  The  outlet  on  Grass  river  has  long  since 
been  closed.  This  channel  is  known  on  some  maps,  and  among  the  in- 
habitants, as  Indian  creek. 

In  181G,  an  act  of  1807,  relating  to  the  gosjiel  and  school  lots  of  central 
?<•?'.  Y  jik,  was  extended  to  this  county,  and  authorized  the  supervisor,  and 
iv  o   .'mmissioiiers,  chosen  nt  a  town  meeting,  to  lease  them  for  a  term  not 


'"'i 

'<:* 


■-;f 


■-:M- 


282 


HISTORY  OF    ST.    LAWRENOE 


I:-; 


!.i 


over  21  years,  niul  to  upply  the  proceeds  to  tlic  aiijjport  of  the  jj;ospel  or 
seliools,  or  bolli,  as  liio  town  iniglit  vote.  On  tlic;  JilMt  of  lAIareli,  18"JM,  a 
law  was  passed  allowiiij;  tlinjo  trustees  to  be  clioseri,  with  powers  aiiuilar 
to  those  of  the  town  of  lAlailrid  previously  ereated. 

Aiiout  a  nfile  below  the  High  tails  on  Grass  river,  near  the  south  part 
of  (^'aiiton,  wiierc  that  river  issues  from  a  roniautic.  rocky  ravinu,  its 
chaiuiel  broken  by  rapids,  and  its  banks  discolored  by  redilish  and  yel- 
low stains  Ironi  the  elllorescence  of  iron  pyrites,  which  here  lorui  an  im- 
portant constituent  of  the  rock,  stand  the  remains  of  a  niaiuitiictory  of 
copperas  and  alum,  which  have  for  many  years  been  f,'oin{,'  to  rum. 
This  manufactory  was  commenced  in  the  year  ISJW,  liy  S.  &  II.  Fooie, 
of  Canton,  who  on  the  followin;^  suunner  were  joined  by  G.  W.  Sliej)- 
nrd,  and  J.  C.  Bush,  of  Ofrdensburgh,  the  premises  having  l)een  leased 
for  ten  years  lor  till  c  ,.  ■  ;.  During  the  first  year,  but  little  was  done, 
but  getting  die  woriv  rder,  and  (Meeting  suitable  fixtures  for  the 

manufacture.  In  the  su  ners  ol  1633-4-."),  and  a  part  of  183(5,  from 
sixty  to  ei/,'lity  hands  were  employed,  but  the  enterprise  being  Ibiiiid  one 
that  did  not  remunerate  it  was  abandoned.  The  |)rocess  of  the  muiui- 
facture  depends  upon  chemical  principles  and  was  as  follows.  The 
rock  abounding  in  iron  pyrites,  (sulphuiet  of  iron)  was  first  ting  and 
broken  by  liai:d,  a  process  easily  effected,  from  the  tender  and  porous 
texture  of  the  mineral.  A  clay  bed  having  been  ]H-epared  on  the 
ground,  and  a  rpianty  ;>f  wood  tirst  laid,  it  was  covered  with  the  jnilver- 
ized  stone  and  Ignited.  When  once  fairly  on  fire,  it  would  burn  of  itself, 
from  the  great  percentage  of  sulphur  in  the  mineral,  and  it  needed  no 
further  care  than  to  wirow  on  new  ore,  with  water,  to  reduce  the  pile  to 
a  smouldering  heap,  charged  with  the  saline  substances  sought,  which 
were  lixiviated  by  the  application  of  water;  the  ley  collected  and  boiled 
in  u  large  leaden  tank,  ten  or  twelve  feet  square,  and  two  feet  deep,  and 
when  sutliciently  concentrated  pumped  into  vats  and  allowed  to  crystal- 
ize  on  racks  hung  in  them  for  the  purpose.  After  the  first  crop  of 
crystals  of  copperas  was  obtained,  the  residual  lirpior  was  again  boiled 
with  the  addition  of  certain  proportions  of  potash,  and  the  second  time 
set  to  crystalize,  when  alum  was  obtained.  The  proportions  obtained 
were  three  parts  of  copperas  to  one  of  alum. 

The  fumes  which  arose  from  the  burning  and  smounldering  lieaps 
were  very  disagreeable,  and  so  noxious  that  a  great  number  of  trees  in 
the  vicinity  were  destroyed  by  those  poisonous  emanations.  More  than 
a  thousaml  tons  of  cojiperas,  and  a  third  as  much  of  alum,  were  made 
here  while  the  works  were  in  ojieration.  Most  of  it  found  its  way  to 
the  New  York  market.     Unlimited  (luuntities  of  iron  pyrites,  exist  ut  tlfw 


f-i 


h  t'Sn 


f?m 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


293 


l''.1 


place  which  may  liercafter  oti'cr  imhicements  for  the  renewal  of  this 
jiiamil'uctiirc,  or  the;  iiiakiiif,'  of  soda  ai<h,  fslioiiid  lacilities  for  transporta- 
tion to  niarliot  he  infu'eased,  or  ciicaper  and  more  ellicient  nictliods  of 
iiianniiictnrc  J)0  discovered. 

iidiitious  Societies.-— '\'\u'.  earliest  rolif,'ioiis  orjianization  in  town  was 
hy  tiie  I'resbytcM'ians,  wiio  nnited   nnder  tlic,   lie\ .   Atnos   l'ettin;;ill,  in 
[^07.     He  was  a  inisHionary,  sent  liy  tiie  New   llainpshire  Missionary 
Society,  and  was  instrninenlal  in  fonninir  scvcn-al  of  tiie  ehun-hes  ot"  tifiH 
oriler  in  th(!  county,  for  whicii  reason  a  hrief  hio^rrapiiieai  notice  may  he 
appropriate.     J\Ir.    I',  was  horn  at  ,Sai<!ni,  IS'.  II.,  Aiifr.  1),  1780,  and  in 
17.')H,  lie  entered  Atkins(ni   Academy,  and  afterwards  Harvard  <'olle}:e, 
as  a  charily  student,  where  he  f;raduated  in  1805.     In  June,   180(),  he 
was  appointed  a  missionary  to  travid  tJn'ongh  the   new  settlements,  he- 
tween  Lalvi.'S  Champlain  and  Ontario,  and  .spent  sixteen   weeks  on  this 
service,  'which  hy  reason  of  the  fijwness  of  the  irdialiitants,  the  hadnesM 
of  the  roads  and  the  frequent  want  of  comfortahh;  lodgiii-rs,   involved 
liardsifip.s  little  less  than  perilous,'*     In  Decemher  lie   was  ordained  as 
an  evaniielist,  and  employed  hy  the  Missionary  Society,  of  IVIass.,  and  he 
the  iie.xt  y(!ar  returned  to  his  former  lahors,  and  in    i807,  was  installed 
over  a  chinch  in  Cliam|)lain,  where  he  continued  till  after  the  war.     He 
buhseqiiently  ])reached  in  several  places,  and  died  Au^'.  ID,  iHliO.     In 
Ibrniing  the  Canton  chinch,  he  was  a.«sisted  hy  the  Kev.  Ilhenezer  Hih- 
liard,   of  Vt.     It  consisted   of  the   lollowing  persons:     (ieor},'e  Foote, 
John  Richardson,  VVeltha  Foote,  Hetsy  I)onei,dy,  M.  (.'onkey,  Jane  Ross, 
and  1'.  Richardson.     They  were  only  occasionally  supplied  hy  the  minis- 
try until  18'^'{,  wIkji)  the  Rev.  Hiram  S.  Johnson,  hecame  juislor,  who 
remained  until   1837,   when   he    was   dismissed   from   ill    health,   and 
in  Feh.   ]8.'W,  the  Rev.  Roswcll    Pettibouet   was  installed,    who  still 
remains    tin;    pastor.     The 
First  Presbyterian    Society 
in  the  town  of  Canton,  was 
iiicor|)orate(l,  July  2'i,  18'2."», 
Klias  C.  Page,  Silas  Wright, 
Jr.,  Joseph    IJarnes,  Henry 
Foot,  Win.  Richardson,  and 
Eden  Ray,    being  tho  first 
trusti'es. 

The  church  has  received 
more  than  300  members,  but 
Iroin  deaths  and  removals, 
they  number  at  present,  but 
I8:i.  In  ]8"2t!  or  7,  the  pub- 
lic square  in  li-ont  of  the 
church  and  parsonage,  hero  _ 

rejiresented,  was  presented  >^cJT^*M^^S^ 
to  the  town,  by  Silas  Wright,         '^     " 

and    Joseph    Barnes.       The  Presbyterian  Clmrcli  iind  Parson.ii^c.  Cnntcm. 

church  in  the  census  of  18.')0,  is  reported  capable  of  seating  1200,  and 
worth  .*««),500.     It  is  built  of  Potsdatu  sandstone,  and  is  quite  ornamental 
to  the  village. 
The  First  Congregational  Society  in  the  town  of  Canton,  was  incor- 

•  Memoir  of  Amos  Pettiiigill,  from  which  these  fucu  uie  derived. 
X  W«  are  indebted  to  Mr.  P.  for  the  above  date. 


MM 


,V'] 


^'tl 


1^^ 


284 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


r  - '  ', 

"'I 


pornted  Jan.  IG,  1815.  Geo.  Foote,  Ilo.sen  Cntlin,  and  llul)bard  Clink, 
trustees.  Tlie  First  lAIethodist  Sociuiy  in  tlie  town  of  Canton,  was  in- 
corporated, Nov.  3,  181i);  Jesse  iJarnes,  liiigli  Montgoniery,  Isaac  Hull, 
Jedntlian  Farwell,  Wni.  Perry,  and  Win.  Richardson,  trustees.  As  u 
farther  account  of  the  denomination  will  be  given  by  itself,  tintner  no- 
tices, except  the  dates  of  incorporation  will  be  omitted.  The  Frst  ]Jii|j- 
tist  Evangelical  Society,  of  Canton,  was  incorporated  Dec.  10,  Ib^IJ;  U. 
Uaclieller,  T.  D.  Olin,  "and  Jno' Paul,  trustees.  Mendiers  of  this  order 
bad  associated  as  early  as  1814-1."),  under  the  Kev. Ruppe  Butcheior, lioni 
Addison,  Vt.,  and  in  June  1817,  l<)rined  a  church  of  12  members.  Mr.  1{. 
was  ordaine<l  in  1818,  and  in  1819,  Justin  Ulin  and  Jose|ih  Olin,  were 
ui)itointod  deacons.  Meiitings  were  first  held  in  the  north  jmrt  of  the 
town,  and  afterwards  at  the  village.  Eld.  Richard  Palmer  succteded  us 
pastor,  in  \62~),  Eld.  Joel  Peck,  in  1831,  and  subsecpiently  Henry  (ireeiie, 
O.  Scott,  Clement  Havens,  Silas  Pratt,  George  Lile,  ami  in  Jan.  184ti, 
L.  D.  Ford.  Alter  about  two  and  a  half  years,  Cha'sNickols,  succeeded 
who  remained  two  years.  On  the  8th  of  Dec.  1847,  Eld.  John  Wilder, 
succeeded,  from  whom  these  dates  are  derived.  For  several  years  from 
1831, a  branch  existed  in  the  south  |)art  of  the  town,  which  bus  since 
been  united  with  the  main  body.  About  1830,  this  society  united  wiih 
the  Universalists,  in  building  the  brick  church,  and  in  1848  they  built  u 
separate  chinch  on  an  adjoining  lot,  at  a  cost  of  $l'!iOO,  which  was  dedi- 
cated by  a  sern)on  from  Eld.  Jose|)li  Sawyer,  Feb.  8,  i84L».  In  a  revival 
that  soon  ibilowetl,  about  forty  members  were  added;  the  [)resent  num- 
ber is  130.  The  First  Calvaiustic  Congregational  Society,  of  Canton, 
was  incorporated  Sejit.  15,  18'^3,  Jeduthan  Farwell,  Wtn.  Hatch,  Luther 
Brown,  and  Sanniel  Clark,  trustees. 

The  First  Universalist  Society,  in  the  town  of  Canton,  was  incorpo- 
rated March  10, 183();  Lemuel  Buck,  Joseph  Ames,  2d,  and  31inot  Jeni- 
son,  trustees.  This  society  bus  an  elegant  brick  church,  fronting  the  puli- 
Jic  s(piare,  which  in  the  census  of  1850,  is  reported  capable  of  seating 
1000  persons,  and  worth  $5,000.  This  society  has  a  church  organiza- 
tion, and  nundters  about  300.  Tne  Jiext  society  incorporated  in  town, 
was  Gruce  Jhurcli,  in  die  town  of  Canton,  Aug.  22,  183(i.  Richard  N. 
Harrison,  Roswell  Green,  Wardf-iis;  John  D.  Burns, Darius  Clark,  Elam 
Russ,  Harry  Foote,  Lyman  Eiisworth,  Tbos.  Viner,  Chauncy  Foote,  and 
Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  V^estrymen.  A  church  was  built  in  1841-2,  and 
consecrated  Sept.  3,  1842,  by  the  Bishop  T  .Onderdonk.  At  its  organi- 
zation it  numbered  19,  and  at  present  it  has  tifty  mendiers.  The  clergy- 
men employed  here  have  been,  Richard  Bury  (183(J),  Wm.  Tutham, 
Johnson  A.  Br  yton,  Thos.  P.  Tyler,  F.  J.  Hawley,  Wtn.  G.  French, 
Winot  ftl.  Wells,  und  Abel  Ogden,  now  presiding.  Richard  F.  Harrison, 
present  clerk. 

The  First  Methodist  and  Free-Will  Baptist  Union  Society,  of  the 
village  of  Morley,  was  incorporated  Feb.  1,  1842;  Wm  F.  llolleid)eck, 
Henry  Wells,  Stephen  D.  Arnold,  Thomas  G.  Meredith  and  Wesley 
Byington,  trustees.  The  First  Wesleyan  Methodist  Society,  of  the 
village  of  Morley,  was  incorporated.  Sept,  23,  1843;  D.  Clemens,  Joel 
Soger,  Zelotus  Whitney,  John  Allen,  Wm.  Allen,  Thonms  Bufiiini,  trust- 
ees. This  society  has  a  cbm-ch  which  in  the  census  of  1850,  is  report- 
ed $1,000.  M'be  first  Congregational  Society  of  Canton  Falls,  whs 
incorporated  July  19,  1847,  John  Sliull,  Jun.,  Wm.  Huima,  Theophilus 
T.  Ruthbone,  trustees.     This  society  has  erected  u  church. 

COLTO.V, 

Wu8  erected  from  Parishville,  April  12,  1843,  embracing  townships 


r*'  *, 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


286 


10,  7,  4,  and  1,  The  first  town  meeting  wus  directed  to  be  held  at  tlie 
inn  nearest  the  post  office  in  jMatiidavule.  This  act  took  eliiict  on  the 
Ist  of  February,  1844.  Pain  Converse  was  appointed  to  preside  at  tlio 
tirst  town  meeting.  JJy  an  act  of  the  board  of  supervisors  |)asse(l 
November  18,  1851,  that  part  of  the  town  of  Parisiiville,  known  as  Mile 
Squares,  nund)er  one,  six,  and  twelve,  and  all  that  i»urt  of  Mile  Square 
lot  number  two,  west  of  Raquette  river,  was  taken  from  that  town  and 
Hiuiexed  to  Colton.  This  act  was  to  take  etitjct  on  the  Ist  of  February, 
following. 

Tiie  town  of  Colton  was  erected  in  compliance  with  u  petition  fiom 
the  town  of  Parisiiville,  which  at  the  town  meeting  of  184;i,  voted  for 
the  formation  of  a  new  town,  by  the  name  of  Springtield.  The  present 
name  is  derived  lioni  the  middle  name  of  Jesse  C  lligley,  an  inhabit- 
ant. A  post  office  by  the  name  of  MalildavUle,  had  been  previously 
established,  but  this  was  soon  changed  to  agree  with  that  of  the  town. 

Memoranda  from  records. — The  first  set  of  town  officers  elected,  were, 
Pain  Converse,  siipervi.ior ;  James  II.  Bridge,  clerk;  Zina  Hepburn, 
Siliis  Hawley,  Hiram  Pierce,  J;w<i'ces;  Silas  Ilawluy,  Jcssey  C.  lligley, 
inspectors  of  elections;  J.  C.  lligley,  James  S.  Ellis,  Clark  D.  Nonis, 
assessors;  J.  C.  lligley,  stip.  schools;  Israel  C.  Draper,  Pliineas  Hepburn, 
Henry  (libbins,  com.  of  lilghwaijs ;  Zina  Hepbm-n,  Hiram  Pierce,  over- 
seers  of  poor;  Hiram  Leonard,  collector  and  constable;  Wait  Perry,  sea/er 
of  weifitds  and  measures. 

In  1844,  the  poor  moneys,  from  Parishville,  voted  for  the  support  of 
schools.    In  1848,  voted  against  a  tlivision  of  the  coimty. 

Smervisors :  1844,  Pain  Converse;  1845-7,  James  g.  Ellis;  1848-9, 
James  II.  Bridge;  1850-1,  Silas  Ilawley;  185'2,  Lorezizo  Chamberlain. 

The  first  settlement  in  this  town  was  made  in  March,  18"24,  by  Abel 
Brown,  and  his  sou  Jatnes  Brown,  and  were  very  soon  succeeded  by 
Asahel  Lyman  and  Win.  Bullard,  who  connnenced  their  improvements 
a  short  distance  south  of  the  j)resent  village.  In  1825,  Horace  (jiarfield, 
from  Potsdair),  erected  a  saw  mill,  and  in  1828,  Samuel  Partridge  built  a 
forge  of  two  fires  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Raquette  river,  near  the  head  of 
the  falls.  It  was  kept  in  operation  until  about  1840,  and  was  run  u|)on 
magnetic  ores  chiefly.  Some  bog  ores  were  used,  but  tiie  adventure 
was  considered  rather  as  an  experiment,  and  proving  unprofitable,  was 
abandoned.  A  starch  factory  was  built  here  in  1844,  and  continued  a 
few  years,  making  about  thirty-five  tons,  atmually,  fiom  potatoes.  In 
1828,  a  grist  null  was  built  by  Jonathan  Culver.  The  recent  impulse 
which  has  been  given  to  the  lumbering  business,  by  the  comiiletion  of 
the  northern  rail  road,  which  has  given  new  value  to  the  immense  forest 
which  covers  the  southern  part  of  the  county,  has  created  at  the  village 
of  Colton,  a  lumbering  interest  of  tnucli  importance,  and  more  than 


286 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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doulilud  the  size  of  tlio  \Aiu:c  within  two  yoaiH.  Ahout  1850,  A.  M. 
Adsit  &  Co.,  erected  in  the  east  hnnkof  the  river,  ngniiff  mill,  of  nhoiit 
70  saws,  whicii,  workinjr  day  and  nigiit,  iiianuCartmc  H5,00()  fecit  of 
boards,  ihiily,  and  in  ISrr^,  IMcssrs.  I'nitt,  IJaelieller  &,  Co.,  erected  on 
the  o|)posite  hanU,  a  similar  mill  of  (>0  saws.  In  185'.^,  E.  ll.iSonthworth, 
hnilt  a  gang  mill,  on  tlie  west  hank,  two  miles  above. 

The  lojrs  which  t^iipply  these  mills  and  seVerul  others  below,  come 
down  the  Uatinette,  in  the  spring  floods,  from  the  remote  recesses  of  ihe 
forest,  on  the  sonth  border  of  the  county,  and  from  Franklin,  llamilton 
und  Essex  counties.  So  long  as  this  supply  lasts,  the  village  of  Coltoii 
will  jiosscss  importance,  and  when  it  is  gone,  the  superio  water  |iower, 
nnd  vicinity  of  iron  ores,  and  fuel,  may,  if  properly  employed,  make  it  a 
mamifiictming  plact;  of  considerable  consequence.  The  river  at  the 
village  plimges  down  a  steep  declivity,  to  the  depth  of  about  sixty  feet, 
und  it  is  said  to  have  a  fall  of  three  hundred  feet,  within  two  inilc/!.  The 
Avildness  and  grandeur  of  these  rapids,  when  the  river  is  swolen  by  the 
melting  of  snow,  can  not  bo  sulticiently  admired. 

The  first  school  in  town,  was  taught  in  the  summer  of  IS'^O,  by  Miss 

Young.     The  first  death,  was  a  child  of  James  Brown,   in  18QI). 

The  first  religious  meetings  were  held  by  the  Christian  sect,  at  the  house 
of  Mr.  Lyman.  There  are  at  |)resent,  two  religious  organizations  in  town; 
the  Methodist  and  Univeraalist,  each  of  which  were  in  1852,  engaged  in 
erecting  a  church. 

De  Kalb. 

This  town,  end)racing  the  original  township  of  ten  miles  square,  wns 
erected  from  Oswegatchie,  by  the  same  act  which  fortned  Stockholm 
from  3Iassena,  and  Potsdam  tiom  Madrid,  by  an  act  which  finally  passed 
the  council  of  revision,  February  21,  1800. 

The  first  town  meeting  was,  by  the  provisions  of  the  statute,  to  be 
held  at  the  hotel,  in  said  town.  The  limits  of  De  Kalb  have  been  twice 
curtailed.  In  1825,  Depeyster  was  formed  out  of  all  that  part  of  the  town 
lying  north  of  Beaver  creek,  and  in  1830,  a  strip  one  mile  wide,  and  six 
long,  lying  in  the  southeast  corner,  adjoining  the  township  of  Fitz  Will- 
iam, was  annexed  to  Depau,  afterwards  Hermon. 

De  Kalb  derives  its  name  from  an  illustrious  personage  of  revolution- 
ary memory. 

"  The  Baron  De  Kalb,  knight  of  the  roynl  military  order  of  merit,  was 
u  native  of  Alsace  (a  German  province  ceded  to  France),  and  was  edu- 
cated in  the  art  of  war  in  the  French  army.  He  was  connected  with  the 
quarter-master  general's  department,  and  his  experience  in  the  duties  of 
that  station  rendered  his  services  very  valuable  to  the  American  army. 
Toward  the  close  of  the  Seven  Years'  War,  he  was  dispatched  to  tin; 
British  colonies  in  America,  as  u  secret  agent  of  the  French  government. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


287 


He  trnvolod  in  disjiuisp;  yot  on  one  orcnsion,  ho  wns  so  stronjjly  biib- 
pcctrd,  lliiit  lin  vviis  nrnvsterl  as  a  snspicioiiH  person.  Notliin;,'  heinp 
IoiiikI  to  confliiii  tlio  suspicion,  Ik;  was  released,  and  soon  allcrwnrd 
iptiiinetl  to  Europe.  I)e  Kalli  raino  to  Anieiira  again,  in  tlie  Hprinx  of 
1777,  with  La  Fayettco  and  other  (oreifin  otVicers,  and  was  one  of  tho 
party  wlio  acrotnpanied  tlio  iTiaripiis  in  iiisovciriand  joinncy, from  South 
Carofnia  to  I'hilaih'Iphia.  Iloldinj,'  the  oOiee  of  hrigadier  in  tlie  Frencli 
service,  anil  coining  highly  niconunenderl,  Congress  rornniissione<!  hini 
a  iii.'ijor  g(!neral  on  the  fdleenth  of  Septeinljer,  1777.  He  immediately 
joined  the  main  army  under  Washington,  and  was  active  in  the  (nents 
which  i)receded  the  encampment  of  the  troops  at  Valley  i'orge.  He 
was  afterward  in  command  at  I  jlizabetiitovvn  and  Arnl)oy,in  New  Jersey; 
and  while  at  lAIorristown  in  the  spring  of  17H0,  was  placed  at  the  lieud 
of  the  JMaryland  division.  With  these,  and  the  (Continental  troo|)s  of 
Deiaware,  he  marched  southward  in  April,  to  reiniijico  Cieneral  Lincoln, 
but  was  too  late  to  afford  him  aid  at  Chtirleston.  (Jates  siicceiided 
Lincoln  in  the  command  of  the  Southern  army,  and  reached  iJe  Kalb's 
nanip,  on  the  Deep  river,  on  the  28th  of  July,  17t?().  In  the  huttle  near 
Canidem,  which  soon  followed.  Do  Kalh,  while  trying  to  rally  the  scat- 
tered Americans,  fell,  [)ierred  with  eleven  wounds.  He  died  at  Camden 
three  days  afterwards,  and  was  hiiried  there.  y\ji  ornamental  tree  was 
placed  at  the  head  of  his  grave,  and  that  was  the  only  token  of  its 
place  until  a  lew  years  since,  when  the  citizens  of  Camden  erei;led  over 
it  an  elegant  marhic  monument.  Tlie  corner  stone  was  laid  hy  La  Fay- 
ette in  18*25.  It  is  upon  the  green,  in  front  of  tlu^  I'reshyterian  church, 
on  De  Kalh  street.  The  large  base,  forming  two  steps,  is  of  granite;  the 
whole  monument  is  about  fifteen  feet  in  height." 

(hossing's  Field  Book  of  the.  Revolution,  ii,p.  Gfi7,  note.) 

Memoranda  from  the  Toivn  Records. — 1808.  Voted  that  the  we»-d  called 
tory  weed  (Cynoglossiim  officinale),  shall  not  be  allowed  to  grow  on 
any  man's  improvements,  or  in  the  roads.  Penalty  .*!  for  every  neglect 
to  destroy  it,  after  ten  days'  notice.  This  law  passed  annually  until 
1810.  180i>.  A  penalty  of  .91  for  allowing  Canada  thistles  to  go  to  seed. 
Renewed  till  1810.  1810.  82  offered  for  every  wolf  scalp.  1813.  A 
committee  appointed  to  enforce  the  destruction  of  thistles  ami  tory 
weed,  or  exact  the  penalty.  1818.  The  supervisor  and  town  clerk  a 
committee  to  petition  for  n  road,  to  be  laid  out  from  Indian  river  to 
Hamilton  (Antwer))  to  Waddington).  1820.  .*.500  raised  for  the  support 
of  the  poor.  810  bounty  on  wolves  and  panthers.  Voted  that  all  the 
public  books  in  town  be  sent  to  the  town  library,  and  subject  to  its  regu- 
lations, but  not  to  be  taken  by  persons  out  of  town.  1823.  Wolf  bounty, 
$5.  The  avails  of  the  gospel  and  school  lots  ap|)lied  to  common  schools. 
18J8.  Resolved,  That  it  is  inexpedient  to  pass  any  resolution  in  relation 
to  the  county  buildings.  1849.  A  special  town  meeting  called  March 
27,  to  consider  the  necessity  and  propriety  of  petitioning  the  legislature 
for  a  grant  to  pledge  the  credit  ol"  the  town  to  raise  money  to  build  n 
plank  road  on  the  main  stage  road,  through  the  villages  of  lliehville  and 
De  Kalb.    The  petition  was  not  sustained. 

Supervisors.— l^Qij,  Isaac  Stacy;  1807-15,  Isaac  Biirnham;  1816-18, 
Gideon  Townsley;  1819-20,  Elisha  Griffin;  1821-8,  Asa  Sprague,  Jr.; 
1829-30,  Jonathan  Round;  1831,  Nathaniel  Martin:  upon  his  failing  to 
qnalilV,  Roswell  White  was  appointed  to  fill  vacancy.  1832-5,  Asa 
Sprague;  1830-9,  Seth  Alexander;  1840-2,  Harlow  Godard ;  1843-5,  Asa 


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288 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Sprnsriif! ;  1840,  Dwifrlil  Spencer;  1847-9,  Orin  M.  Fisk;  1850,  Edwnnl 
II  Hn|ikiiis,  III  Supteinlior,  Oiiu  M.  Fisk  uppointei]  to  fill  vncniicy; 
1851 -'2,  Oriii  M.  Fink. 

Tlic  ioiiowing  is  a  list  of  the  jurors  in  the  town  of  Do  Kiilb,  in  Seji- 

temlier,  18()(>: 

Joseph  Anderson,  Elins  Alrxnndor,  Seth  Alexander,  lohahod  Arnold, 
Isaac  IJiirnhaiii,  Thomas  15.  Benedict,  James  Burnett,  Amos  Comly, 
.Tames  Fnrr,  James  Fair,  Jr.,  Elislia  Gritrin,  Potter  (lotr,  Natlinniel  Unit, 
Levi  Molt,  Jonathan  llaskins,  Horatio  (J.  .lohiison,  Obediah  Johnson, 
Israel  Porter,  Solomon  Pratt,  Solomon  llicli,  Isaac  Stacy,  Henry  Smith, 
Nathaniel  Smith,  Timothy  Utley,  Aimer  Wright,  Joseph  Woodhoii..e, 
Williaiii  Woodhoiiso,  Joshua  Sweet. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  electors  in  the  town  of  Be  Kalb,  on  the 

9d  of  December,  1807,  made  by  Thomas  B.  Benedict  and  Joseph  Wood- 

lioiise,  who  were  appointed  to  take  the  census  of  the  electors  of  that 

town.    It  einhrnces,  with  one  exception  (N.  Holt),  the  heads  of  fuinilies: 

Joseph  Anderson,  Ichahod  Arnold,  Elias  Alexander,  Seth  Alexander, 
Daniel  Barker,  Kalpli  K.  Bell,  jMansfield  Bristol,  Truman  Bristol,  James 
Burnet,  Isaac  Bmiiham,  Barton  Carver,  Abraham  Cole,  Elisha  (Jook, 
James  Cooper,  William  Cleghorn,  Abel  Cook,  Dnvid  Day,  James  Farr, 
Elisha  Farr,  Joseph  Fisk,  Kphraim  Fisk,  MathewGrover,  Elisha  (irithii, 
Potter  Gofi;  Kiissell  Goff,  Nathaniel  Holt,  Levi  Holt,  Philo  Hurlbtit,  John 
Jackson,  David  Judson,  Philo  Lord,  Abial  I-yon,  Richard  M(!rrill,  James 
Merrill,  Solomon  Pratt,  Jacob  Preston,  Sanuiel  Pheljis,  Solomon  Hicli, 
Salmon  Rich,  Jose[)h  Rounds,  William  Sloan,  Nathaniel  Smith,  Joshua 
Sweet,  John  Seeley,  Isaac  Stacy,  Elijah  Stockwell,  Marvil  Tliair,  Josinii 
Thornton,  Samuel  Thatcher,  Timothy  Utley,  William  Van  Booscirk, 
William  Woodhoiiso,  Abner  Wright,  Eseck  VVhi|)ple. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  a  part  of  the  present  town  of  Dciieyster 
was  a  part  of  De  Kalb,  when  the  above  census  was  taken. 

De  Kalb  was  purchased  from  Samuel  Ogden,  by  judge  William 
Cooper,  the  father  of  J.  F'enimore  Cooper,  the  illustrious  author. 

In  May,  1803,  judge  Cooper,  of  Cooperstown,  with  a  company  of  thirty- 
four  i)ersons,  mostly  from  the  towns  of  Cooperstown  and  Richfield, 
Otsego  county,  started  to  form  a  settlement  on  his  purchase,  in  the  town 
of  De  Kalb.  A  part  of  these,  with  two  wagons,  each  drawn  by  a  span 
of  horses,  and  a  cart  drawn  by  two  yoke  of  oxen,  proceeded  by  way  of 
the  Black  river  country  and  the  old  state  road,  to  the  clearing  of  Ahrani 
Vrooman,  near  the  present  village  of  Ox  Bow.  Here,  from  the  extreme 
badness  of  the  road,  it  became  necessary  to  build  boats  for  a  part  of  the 
loading,  and  two  log  canoes  were  made  under  the  direction  of  Jehiel 
Diinick,  which  were  lashed  together,  and  loaded  with  a  part  of  the 
freight.  The  party  consisted  of  William  Cooper,  the  proprietor,  Salmon 
Rich,  Isaac  Stacj',  Eseck  Whipi)le,  Richard  Merrill,  Elisha  Cook,  William 
Brown,  Gardner  Brown,  William  Stone,  Asa  Ransom,  Timothy  Utley, 
Elijah  Utley,  Abner  Wright,  Andrew  McCollorn,  Asa  Ransom,  Jun., 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


2HD 


Jninps  Fnrr,  Elijah  Finr,  wife  and  wife's  sister,  .Iosp|)Ii  Woodiiouao, 
Williiiiii  Woodlionse,  Dr.  Koliort  (^iiinplioll,  Haipli  R.  Rcli,  wit'n,  Histor 
niid  (i(iii;.'liti'r,  Klijnli  Htockwcil,  .Fcliicl  Dimick,  .loliii  lltnvlftt  iiiid 
Williaiii  Sloan.  Of  thesn,  Diinick,  Ricii,  Hell  and  Ihiwlctt  came  down 
tlin  Os\V(!jtaf<diie  river  with  the  load,  and  the  remainder  alon;.'  the  road 
tnwnrils  Oj;densl)m;rh.  Tiin  first  nijrht  was  spent  at  a  desi-rted  shanty, 
five  miles  tiom  the  Ox  Row,  and  in  the  lujrlit  the  party  were  alarmed  hy 
tlie  oties  of  one  of  their  nnmher,  who  discovered  that  a  lar),'e  dry  hireh 
tree,  whicli  they  had  fired  to  keep  off  the  mns()nitoe8,  was  idtoiit  to  fall 
upon  them.  They  fled  in  the  jrreatest  haste,  just  in  tim(!  to  save;  theni- 
scivos,  li)r  the  tree;  tell  with  a  heavy  crash  upon  the  hovel,  crnshinK  anil 
consumin}^  it.     A  part  of  their  ht.'ddinj^  was  lost  hy  this  misfortune. 

On  the  second  ni;,dit,  they  arrived  at  Bristol's,  in  the  present  town  of 
Depeyster,  where  the  women  were  left,  and  the  men  proceeded  to  open 
a  roiid  through  to  l)e  Kalh.  This  was  effected  in  eijiht  days,  and  they 
proceculed  to  their  location,  just  ahove  Cooper's  falls.  Alexander  McCol- 
loin.  Potter  Goff  and  Stephen  Cook,  wlio  formed  a  part  of  the  original 
])nrty,  came  up  tiie  3Iohawk,  with  goods,  which  .ludge  Cooper  liad 
houjjlit  in  Alhany,  f()r  the  purpose  of  opening  a  small  store,  and  with 
these,  they  reached  the  location  in  I)c  Kalh,  hy  way  of  Oneida  lake,  the 
St,  Lawrence,  and  the  Oswcgutchic,  arriving  on  the  12th  of  Jime,  1803, 
with  the  other  parties,  at  the  present  village  of  Dekalh.  On  the  first  day, 
they  put  up  the  hody  of  a  house,  and  sl(;pt  without  a  roof  over  their  heads, 
the  first  night.  On  the  second  day,  another  house  was  huilt,  aiul  on  the 
third  day,  a  store,  which  like  the  others,  was  of  logs,  and  covered  by 
Imrks,  (loff,  Camphell  and  Aiulrew  McCollom,  were  sin-veyors,  and  se- 
veral farms  were  run  out.  Salmon  Rich,  took  up  11,850  acres,  in  the 
south  corner  of  ihe  town,  3Ir.  Farr,  a  larger  tract,  in  the  eastern  corner, 
and  Stacy,  another  large  tract,  near  the  north  j)art  of  the  town.  Most  of 
these  afterwards  reverted  to  Mr.  Cooj)er's  heirs.  Clearings  were  begun 
in  various  places,  and  a  party  was  set  to  work  in  prejjaring  to  erect  a 
Tiiill  at  the  falls.  A  canal  was  blasted,  andoneor  two  houses  huilt.  Win. 
Brown  cleared  and  got  in  two  acres  of  winter  wheat.  A  saw  mill  was 
raised  during  1803. 

Three  farrilies,  and  most  of  the  party  remained  the  first  winter.  During 
the  winter,  and  following  spring,  several  finnilies  came  in,  among  whom 
were  Salinon  Rich,  Lsaac  Stacy,  James  Farr,  Jonathan  Haskins,  James 
Merrill,  Richard  Merrill,  Timothy  Utley's  family.  Sackett  Dodge,  Dr.  J. 
Secley,  Barton  Carver,  Setli,  and  Elias  Alexander,  Elijah  Pooler,  James 
Burnett,  Nathaniel  Holt,  James  Cooper,  a  brother  of  the  i)ro|)rictor,  Elisha 
Criflin,  and  many  others.  In  1805,  Philo  Lord,  Thomas  B.  Benedict 
Horatio  Johnson,  Obadiah  Johnson,  Jacob  Preston,  Wm.  Cleghorn, 
Daniel  Smith  and  sons,  Harvey  John,  Nathaniel,  Daniel,  Phinneas  and 


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290 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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Riclinrd.  Tlie  latter  were  from  Cnnndn.  Solomon  I'rntt  nnd  mniiy  otlicru, 
cnine  in.  In  the  sprinj;  of  1H04,  Mr.  Coopfr  comninncod  tlu*  erortion  of 
n  t'rist  mill,  nndnr  tli»i  dirc<'ti()ii  of  tiiroc  hrotliorH  h\  \\w  m\\u^^  f(f  Jnrk- 
Hon,  (CyniH,  Asuliel  uiul  Asn,)  and  at  iIh!  raissinj;  of  the  fninic,  Awa  Jack- 
Hon  was  sev«'roly  llnirt  by  falling  upon  liis  iicad.  Dr.  John  Heeley  per- 
formed till!  operation  of  trcpliininjr,  with  no  other  instrnment  than  a  nirtl 
thimhie,  which  was  fashioned  into  an  aimular  naw,  and  tilted  on  n  linndlc 
This  was  the  lirst  Hiirt^ical  operation  perlbrmed  in  town,  and  wa«  suc- 
ccssfnl.    Dr.  Seeley  died,  May  94,  182t». 

On  the  IMtli  of  Sept.  1804,  commenced  n  violent  rain,  which  continued 
Bcveral  days,  and  produced  n  freshet,  which  was  very  destructive,  an<l 
raised  the  Oswegatehie  as  high  as  lias  since  been  known.  CJeo.  Cowdry, 
one  of  the  settlers,  was  drowned  in  going  over  the  falls,  at  this  time,  and 
was  the  fn-st  white  person  known  to  have  died  in  town.  Early  in  ]Mny, 
J804,  the  first  hirth  occin-red  in  the  family  of  .lehiel  Diniick.  The  seoniKi 
was  a  daughter  in  the  laniily  of  Salmon  Rich,  May  Kith,  of  the  same 
year.  The  first  marriage  was  3Iay,  27,  1804,  of  Elisha  Cook  to  Lelta 
Wiiley,  nnd  the  ceremony  was  performed  by  Sfillmnn  Foote,  Esq.,  of 
Canton,  then  the  nearest  magistrate.  The  second  was  Alexander  Mc 
Collom,  and  Olive  Sprague,  on  the  day  following,  and  by  the  same  ma- 
gistrate. The  first  school  in  the  town  was  taught  by  Bella  Wills,  a  metliod- 
ist  minister,  in  the  winter  of  1807,  at  De  Kalb  village,  then  called  Coop- 
er's village.  In  1805,  Judge  Cooper  erected  a  large  hotel,  on  a  hill  in  the 
village,  which  was  three  stories  high,  sixty  feet  square,  and  a  curb  roof, 
and  was  the  first  public  house  in  town.  After  a  few  years,  it  fell  into 
decay,  and  has  since  been  entirely  destroyed.  Isaac  Stacy  was  the  first 
tenant,  and  was  soon  succeeded  by  Wm.  Cleghorn,  who  kept  the  house 
for  some  time. 

The  early  settlers  were  often  annoyed  by  their  horses  escaping  into  tlie 
woods,  and  wandering  oflT  in  tiie  direction  of  their  former  homes.  Se- 
veral were  thus  lost,  and  an  incident  occurred  while  in  pursuit  of  some  of 
these,  which  is  worthy  of  notice.  Late  in  December,  it  being  very  cold 
and  the  ground  covered  with  snow,  two  men  started  in  pursuit  of  some 
horses,  which  were  tracked  to  a  distance  of  many  miles  to  the  south- 
west, about  into  the  present  town  of  Fowler.  The  pursuit  led  them  much 
further  than  anticipated,  and  they  had  not  provided  themselves  with 
provisions  sufficient  for  sup|)orting  the  hardship  of  their  journey,  and  in 
returning  were  oppressed  with  excessive  hunger,  cold  and  fatigue.  Yield- 
ing to  these,  one  of  them  wished  to  lie  down  and  rest  on  the  ground,  a 
course  which  the  other  knew  would  be  fatal,  and  against  it  lie  remon- 
strated in  the  strongest  manner,  but  to  no  purpose,  for  the  inclination  to 


«?; 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


291 


giecp  was  iircHi>*til)l(5,  uiid  iirKiiiMuiits  wero  of  no  aviiil  with  oii«  who  lout 
in  tiirit'i-KcnciiiM  ut'  ilio  niomt'iit,  all  control  ol  his  rciiHoninv'  poworn,  niul 
nil  lii)|M?  ot'Hali'ty,  hy  contiiniin;:  on.  11*;  accon!inf:ly  tlnx'u  liiinMciriipon 
tilt;  Miotuid  to  ^4luu|),  bnt  ii'it*  companion  actin<:  upon  tlio  principN;,  that  iho 
end  jnwtitiesthe  nieuna  proviilcd  hinicwlfwilli  a  jjiccn  hecch  iwi^'  ofKiif- 
ticieiit  len^'th  and  weight  to  f^ivu  it  etlect,  and  with  thiu  hu  uroiiHcd  tliu 
sIccpiT  hy  wevcral  f('v«  ro  hlowti,  and  ihns  he  contiinii"!  to  apply  the  rod, 
as  occasion  indicated,  di.sioi;ai'din^  tho  |ircMt!nt  oH'ccl  upon  the  loniiierot* 
hie)  Iricnd,  initil  they  reached  tho  hottlcini;nt.s,  both  nearly  exhausted  uiid 
luiiii^iied  hy  the  liardHhipH  they  had  eiicoinitercd. 

Tho  rtt.  Regis  and  8t.  Francois  Indians  sonietinies  vinited  the  Nettle- 
iiicnts  on  hiniting  expediiionti.  They  wero  entirely  jieaceahle,  except 
when  intoxicated.  In  IriUtJ,  'I'oni,  a  8t.  Uej^isi  Indian,  and  Joe,  his  liither- 
iu-law,  got  into  a  (juarrel  over  a  (piart  of  whiskey,  and  Joe  got  badly 
woanded,  but  finally  recovered.  It  was  oiiserved  that  although  nnich 
uddicicd  to  drink,  at  least  one  woulil  ke<jp  sober  to  take  cart;  ot'  the  ginis 
knives  and  tomahawks,  which  were  concealed  till  the  rest  were  sober. 

The  first  settlement  of  Uichville,  originally  called  Rich's  .Settlement, 
was  made  in  the  sjiring  of  1804.  In  March,  Salmon  Rich  and  Jonathau 
Hubkiiis,  having  loaded  a  sleigh  with  provisions,  cooking  uteiiM  and 
camp  apparatus,  at  Cooper's  village,  with  the  assistance  of  three  or  lour 
hired  men,  drew  it  by  hand  up  the  river  on  thu  ice,  u  distance  of  teu 
miles,  opposite  the  present  village  of  Richville,  where  they  formed 
a  camp  and  commenced  clearing.  On  the  approach  of  warm  weather, 
tliuir  shanty  got  overflowed,  and  they  were  driven  to  nnothor  stand.  In 
April,  a  small  log  house  was  built  by  Jonathan  lluskins  near  the  river, 
and  in  June  following  I'.  Rich  begun  u  clearing  at  the  present  village,  and 
erected  a  log  house  covered  with  bark.  A  house  afterwards  built  by 
Uaskins,  a  little  southeast  of  the  present  tannery,  became  the  first  school 
house  a  few  years  afterwards.  Joseph  Kneeland  was  the  first  teacher. 
He  was  shot  ut  the  taking  of  Og<lensburgh.  About  1807,  the  first  tavern 
was  kept  hy  Solomon  Frutt.  About  1810,  Clias.  Roreland  erected  u  grist 
mill,  the  second  one  in  town,  on  the  stream  which  bears  his  name,  a 
mile  and  a  half  above  Richville.  He  Imd  erected  a  saw  mill  the  year 
previous. 

In  1824,  on  the  establishment  of  a  post  office,  tho  place  received  the 
name  of  Richville,  and  John  C.  Rich  was  appointed  post  master.  This 
ofKce  he  held  for  about  twenty-five  years.  The  village  at  i)resent  con- 
tains two  churches,  three  stores,  a  tavern,  post  ofiice,  taimery,  grist  mill, 
two  saw  mills,  the  usual  variety  of  mechanic  shops,  and  about  thirty 
families. 


,  ■>» 


^il 


.-y^i 


^ 


iiwaB 


292 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


In  tliis,  as  in  some  other  towns,  a  large  amount  of  poor  money  had  ac- 
ciuiiuhitetl,  by  tuxes  levied  osteiisihly  lor  the  support  of  the  poor,  for 
.vhich  there  was  no  use  alter  the  adoption  of  the  poor  liouse  system, 
IJy  an  act  of  Fei).  22,  J^IJO,  the  overseers  of  tlie  poor  in  this  town  were 
directed  to  pay  $1,000  to  the  trustees  of  tlie  public  lots,  to  bo  invested 
lor  the  support  of  schools.  From  this  source,  and  the  sale  of  the  school 
lot,  this  town  has  acquired  a  larger  fu  id  than  any  other  in  the  county. 
The  location  of  the  two  reserved  lots  jviis  at  first  not  known,  and  tiiey 
were  sold  by  Mr.  Cooper.  Tills  afterwards  became  a  subject  of  dittrr- 
ence,  to  settle  which,  Simeon  Devvitt,  tlie  surveyor  general,  was  empow- 
ered by  an  act  jmssed  April  3,  '811,  to  settle  with  the  legal  rcpresent- 
ativ<,';' of  Wni.  Cooper,  on  such  terms  as  he  might  deem  just  and  rea- 
sonable, lor  any  litterences  which  might  have  arisen  between  the  state 
and  the  said  Cooper,  in  consequ  ^nce  of  any  mistakes  committed  in  lo- 
cating the  public  lots  in  Do  Kalb.  In  the  general  law  relating  to  the  gos- 
pel and  school  lots  of  these  towns,  De  Kalb  was  excepted. 

Relisfious  Societies. — The  first  religious  organization  in  town,  was  stiid 
to  have  been  the  Methodist,  but  they  did  not  form  a  legal  society,  until 
Feb.  25.  i>^'!!),  when  the  First  Society  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Chiiicli, 
in  l)e  Kalb,  was  incorporated,  with  Seth  Alexander.  Dwiglit  Spencer, 
Oba.iiah  11.  Ruiidell,  Orin  C.  Spencer,  Elijah  Pooler,  Thomas  S|)affnr(l 
and  John  1).  Smith,  trustees.  The  First  Presbyterian  Church  and  Son.iety 
in  the  town  of  De  Kalb,  was  incorporated  Dec.  7,  1H18,  with  Seth  ?on.c- 
roy,  Joshua  Dewy,  Isaac  Burnham,  Elisha  Griflin,  Is.iac  Stacy,  Jun.,  and 
Jonathan  llaskins,  trustees.  Elisha  Griflin  declining  to  serve,  Gideon 
Townsley,  was  on  the  18th  of  December,  of  thf  same  year,  chosen  in  liis 
place.  A  church  had  been  formed  August  30,  1817,  through  eUbits  of 
missionaries,  sent  out  by  a  missionary  society  of  Massachusetts.  T'e 
Kev.  Jam(!9  Johnson,  who  was  in  the  service  of  that  society,  in  1817,  made 
an  appointment  to  preach  in  the  adjoining  town  of  Russell,  and  at  the 
urgent  (olicitation  of  Sefli  Pomeroy,  of  De  Kalb,  he  consented  to  visit  his 
town,  which  he  did,  and  preached  on  a  week  day,  and  consulted  with  the 
inhabitants  on  the  practicability  of  forming  a  church.  He  recommended 
that  all  who  telt  interested  should  mer't  and  consult  on  the  subject,  on  the 
next  Lord's  tlay,  and  notice  to  that  effect  was  given.  In  relation  to  tlie 
prosjtf'cts  of  forming  a  religious  society  at  that  time,  we  can  not  do  better 
than  cop>  liom  an  original  narrative  drawn  up  by  one  of  the  lirst  foun- 
ders. 

"  Tlie  people  were  in  general  moral,  but  us  to  Christian  or  praying  ones, 
1  did  not  know  any,  except  a  ita|itist  elder,  who  preached  one  half  of  the 
time,  and  an  old  man  with  his  wife,  who  were  Methodists.  You  can  not 
picmre  to  your  -jlf  a  more  unlikely  place  to  form  a  church;  the  prospert 
to  mo  was  ^11  barren  and  dry,  and  1  thought  there  was  nothing  to  liirnia 
cliiirch  with,  unless  it  was  dry  trees.  It  was  a  time  of  anxiety  and  prayir 
to  the  Great  lleati  of  the  churcli.  The  day  arrived,  and  there  came  two 
elderly  men  who  >vere  many  years  ago,  professors  of  religion,  but  wlio 
had  wandered  a  great  way  Irom  the  Ibid  of  God.  Tt  was  aflectiiig  to 
bear  them  give  an  account  of  tiiemsehes.  Their  wives  were  also  pro- 
fessors, and  one  of  them  did  indeed,  pray  earnestly  that  Goil  would  ap- 
pear and  build  up  his  cause.  Just  as  the  meeting  was  opened,  a  kind 
Providence  sent  us  a  minister,  the  Uev.  M.  Bunt,  liom  Massena,  who 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


293 


was  of  great  service  to  us,  and  before  the  meeting  broke  up,  it  vvns  evi- 
dent tiie  Lord  was  tiiere.  Tlie  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson,  came  soon  after,  and 
the  subject  was  pursued  till  we  found  in  all,  seven  professors,  and  three 
who  gave  evidence  of  piety, — ten  in  all.  These  on  the  last  Sabbath  in 
August,  1817,  were  organized  into  a  church,  and  the  Lord's  supper  was 
for  the  first  time,  administered." 

A  revival  soon  after  occurred,  and  about  seventy  jirofessed  to  be  con- 
verted, of  whom  forty  or  fifty  joined  the  Methodist,  and  fifteen  or  twenty 
tiie  Baptist  churc'ies. 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Johnson,  was  employed  about  eighteen  months,  when  lie 
left  for  Vermont,  and  the  Rev.  Tlionias  Kennan,  was  hired  to  preach 
three  (juarters  of  the  time,  for  three  y(;ars.  The  organization  subserjuendy 
was  at  onetime  nearly  lost,  from  death  of  members 

The  first  religious  society  formed  in  Richville,  was  the  United  Religious 
Society,  June  15, 18'i7;  Orson  White,  Orson  Sliead,  Josiah  Walker,  Henry 
C.  Milier,  John  C.  Rich  and  Marsiiall  Allen,  trustees.  This  was  succeeded 
by  the  United  Baptist  and  Methodist  Religious  Society  of  Richville, 
March  16,  18S6,  of  which  Nathan  Barker,  Harlow  Godard,  John  Chase, 
JainoH  Phelps,  Danford  Johnson  and  Russell  Johnson,  were  trustees. 
By  this  society  the  church  edifice  by  the  cemetery  in  Richville,  was 
built  in  3837,  mostly  by  the  Baptists,  and  the  other  party  not  having 
assisted  on  the  2d  of  Oct.,  1837,  the  First  Baptist  Society  of  Richville, 
was  formed,  having  Eleazer  Dewey,  Jacob  C.  Temj)le,  Jabez  Bozwortli, 
John  C.  Rich,  H.  Godard,  and  Simeon  Millen,  trustees. 

The  First  Congregational  Church  and  Society  in  DeKalb,  was  formed 
Dec.  J82D,  Stephen  Thompson,  Jun.,  Orson  White  and  Marshall  Allen, 
trustees.  A  church  was  formed  in  Richville,  in  1827  or  8,  as  a  branch 
from  the  First  Presbyterian  Church  in  DeKalb,  which  was  in  a  year  or  two, 
changed  into  a  Congregational  one.  On  the  llthofFeb.,  1840,  the  First 
Congregational  'ociety  of  Richville,  was  formed,  having  Marshall  Allen, 
Darius  Wiser,  Jonathan  Barker,  Josiah  Walker,  Orson  White,  and  A. 
V.  Chandler,  the  first  trustees.  The  Presbyterians  and  Methodists, 
iiave  each  a  church,  on  the  Gouverneur  and  Canton  plank  road,  and 
soutli  of  DeKalb  village;  the  lormer  reported  in  the  census  of  1850, 
worth  $!»00,  and  the  latter  $800.  The  Baptist  and  Congregational 
societies  have  each  a  church  in  the  village  of  Richville,  the  tbrmer  worth 
$1000,  and  the  latter  $(300.  The  years  1826  7,  were  marked  by  religious 
revivals  at  the  latter  place. 

De  Pevster, 

Was  erected  from  Oswegatchie  and  DeKalb,  by  i  act  v/hich  passed 
the  legislature  on  the  24th  of  March,  1825,  but  did  not  take  effect  till  the 
first  of  April  following.  The  poor  moneys  belonging  to  the  several 
towns,  were  to  be  ecjuitably  divided.  It  was  first  proposed  to  name  the 
town  Stilwell,  from  Mr.  Smith  Stilwell,  who  was  at  the  time  a  pron.  ..ent 
citizen  m  town,  and  many  of  the  inhabitants  were  very  anxiou  that  it 
should  receive  this  name,  but  Mr.  Stilwell  declined,  on  the  gro.jnd  that 
some  one  among  the  proprietors,  might  be  willing  to  make  the  town  a 
liberal  present,  for  the  privilege  of  giving  it  their  name.  A  correspond- 
ence was  opened  with  Mr.  Frederick  DePeyster,  of  NewYork,  who  owned 
a  portion  of  the  part  that  had  been  in  DeKalb,  and  resulted  in  the  selec- 
tion of  this  name,  for  the  new  towu.    Its  location  rendered  au  organiza- 


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294 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


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tion  necessary,  for  it  was  separated  from  the  greater  part  of  Oswegalcliie 
by  Black  lake,  an<l  the  Oswegatcliie  river,  and  from  tiie  settlements  of 
DeKiiib,  by  an  intervening  wilderness. 

Frederick  DePeyster,  was  an  extensive  sliipjiirg  mercbant  for  many 
years  in  tiie  city  of  New  York,  and  distinguislied  lor  iiis  integrity, 
liberality  and  pnnctuniity  in  business.  At  an  early  day  be  purchased  of 
.Iud;.'e  Coopec,  a  part  of  the  town  of  DeKaib.  On  the  erection  of  u 
Union  church  in  DeKaib  he  presented  $:300  to  assist  in  it;  and  in  1840 
his  son  mado  a  present  of  a  fine  bell  weighing  about  seven  hundred 
pounds,  which  had  belonged  to  u  Spanish  convent,  and  which  was 
forwarded  to  its  destination  free  of  cost. 

Ahmomnda  from  the  Records.  Tlie  iirst  town  meeting  was  held  in  pnr- 
siumce  of  statute,  at  the  house  of  Timothy  Morris,  ftlay  3,  1825.  Sniitli 
Stilwell,  elected  supervisor;  Timothy  i^lorris,  clerk;  John  Wilson,  Moses 
King,  Horace  Plympton,  assessors;  Jonathan  3Iorris  and  Bela  Bell,  over- 
seers of  the  poor. 

Voted  to  raise  a  subscription  for  a  town  house  and  church,  and  a  com- 
mittee of  three,  consisting  of  Smith  Stilwell,  Nathan  Dean,  and  Piiilo 
Hmlhert,  wei-e  appointed  lor  this  pm-pose.  A  special  town  meeting 
was  held  on  the  last  ftlonday  of  June,  to  decide  on  the  subject  of  a  town 
house,  and  it  was  resolved  to  erect  one,  at  a  cost  not  to  exceed  §1,500, 
The  church  in  DePeyster  village  was  erected  accordingly. 

The  IJelhel  Union  Society,  which  owns  this  church,  was  incorporated 
Oct.  ii3,  18^7.  Bela  Bell,  Luke  Dean,  Joseph  Sweet,  Zenas  King, 
Jonathan  Curtis,  Horace  Plympton,  and  Smith  Stilwell,  being  named 
asthetirst  trustees.  1828,  voted  in  favor  of  the  High  falls  on  Grass  rivet', 
as  a  coiuity  seat.  1841,  voted  to  have  those  parts  of  Morristown  and 
Goiivcrneur,  annexed  to  this  town,  which  were  afterwards  Ibrmed  into 
the  town  of  Macomb. 

Supervisors — 1825-9,  Smith  Stilwell;  on  the  7th  of  November,  Luke 
Dean  elected  to  fill  v^  aiicy  occasioned  by  the  removal  of  Mr.  Stilwell; 
1830-4,  Horace  Pl\;iipto'i;  1835-!),  Johnathan  Curtis;  1840,  Ahner 
3IcMurpliy;  1841-3,'  Sylvester  Johnson;  1844,  Jonathan  Curtis;  18-15, 
John  Blaisdell;  184ti-7.  David  Fidler;  1848,  Thomas  D.  Witherell; 
1849-51,    Levi  Fay;  1852,  Thomas  D.  Witherell. 

The  first  settlement  in  the  present  limits  of  Dc  Peyster,  was  made  by 
Samuel  Bristol  originally  from  Sandgate,  Vt.,  but  who  had  for  a  short 
time,  liv(!d  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  four  miles  above  Ogdensburgii,  in  the 
month  of  November,  1802.  His  location  was  on  lot  No.  12,  on  the  ex- 
ireme  south  border  of  the  township  of  Osvvegatchie,  and  two  ana  a  linlf 
miles  trom  the  line  of  Hague.  This  location  had  been  selected  the  sum- 
mer previous,  and  he  had  been  sent  thither  by  Judge  Ford,  to  form  a 
stopping  place  lor  the  accommodation  of  travelers  who  about  this  time 
were  begimiing  to  come  into  the  coimtry  from  the  central  and  southern 
parts  of  the  state,  in  considerable  numbers.  He  had  u  large  family. 
During  the  first  summer,  he  had  cleared  about  thirty  acres,  and  got  three 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


295 


of  them  sowed  witli  wheat,  and  n  house  erected  for  a  tavern.  No  other 
settlers  arrived  wntil  tlie  next  winter  (1803-4),  when  Thomas  Wilson, 

from  Hebron,  N.  Y.,  .Joseph  Round,  Samuel  Barnard, Green,  Icha- 

hnd  Arnold,  nnd  Robert  Hill,  from  Ithode  Island,  Frederick  Plympton, 
from  Sturbrid<re,  Mass.,  and  David  Day,  most  or  all,  (ixcept  tiie  latter, 
having  fiimilies,  moved  into  town.  The  first  school  was  opened  at  the 
house  of  Samuel  Bristol,  in  the  winter  of  ISOo-G,  by  Bela  Willes.  He 
was  also  the  first  i)reacher  who  held  regular  meetings  (Metliodist),  al- 
tliougli  traveling  ministers  had  casually  happened  to  stop  and  hold 
meetings.  Silas  Kellog,  in  180l),  came  in  and  erected  a  tavern  some 
ilistnnce  west  of  the  corner.  The  first  store  was  ojieiied  l)V  .Tames 
Averell  2d,  near  Kellog's  tavern.  Mv,  Averell  was  then  a  yoinig  man  of 
about  eighteen  years  of  age,  and  was  established  in  business  bj'  his  father. 

Cr.pt.  Rufiis  Washburn,  who  removed  in  ]80G,towhat  is  now  Macomb, 
wns  among  tiie  first  settlers  of  De  Peyster.  In  I800,  Smith  Stilwell,  then 
from  Albany,  but  a  native  of  Saratoga  county,  came  in,  and  purchased 
lands,  hut  did  not  remove  with  his  family  mitil  the  year  following. 

This  town  suffered  its  full  share  from  the  cold  and  backward  seasons 
wliich  form  a  striking  epoch,  from  which  many  of  the  oldest  s(tttlers  are 
able  to  date  events.  In  I8i'),  but  little  was  raised  in  consequence  of  the 
cold,  and  most  of  fliat  little,  was  cljiimed  by  the  birds  and  squirrels, 
which  in  that  ye»r  are  said  to  have  been  extremely  numerous. 

In  181G,  many  families  were  obliged  to  live  without  bread,  as  flour 
was  verv  expensive,  and  diflicult  to  be  bought  at  any  price.  During  this 
year,  the  first  barley  in  town  (about  two  acres),  was  raised  bv  Mr.  Stil- 
well. While  it  was  still  growing,  it  was  watched  by  the  nei  ors  with 
great  interest,  and  they  would  stand  by  the  fence  which  enclu.-.-.!  it,  and 
count  the  number  of  days  tl-.at  would  elajise  before  it  would  be  suit;  (tn 
to  cut,  with  an  anxiety  which  proved  how  nnich  their  hopes  depended 
upon  that  little  field  lor  food.  It  was  scarcely  rifte,  when  with  the  own- 
er's permission,  it  was  reaped,  dried,  threshed,  and  ground  in  small 
quantities,  by  his  neighbors.  Oats  ami  potatoes  sold  for  i?!  per  bushel, 
and  wheat  at  from  .*'2  to  8-'?  a  bushel. 

This  settlement  long  bore  the  name  of  Bristol's  settlement,  from  the 
first  .settloi". 

The  story  of  Putnam  and  the  wolf,  has  been  often  quoted  as  an  in- 
stance of  the  dis[)Iay  of  courage,  which  has  elicited  the  admiration  and 
excited  the  interest  of  every  class  of  readers,  but  an  occurrence  which 
happened  in  this  town,  about  the  year  1821,  may  be  regarded  as  perhaps 
equally  wirthy  of  our  attention,  although  its  hero  never  wore  epaulettes, 
or  shone  in  public  life  a.s  a  prominent  character. 


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296 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


A  son  of  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers,  who  on  sundry  occasions  hnd 
evinced  tliat  acuteness  which  led  to  his  being  called  by  his  father,  "  his 
ingenious,"  was  distinguished  for  nothing  so  much  as  for  personal  cour- 
age, and  a  disregard  for  consequences,  in  the  attainment  of  his  objects. 
This  lad,  being  at  the  time  of  the  incident  about  to  be  related,  but  seven- 
teen years  of  age,  was  out  with  a  dog  and  gun  hunting,  late  in  the  fall  of 
the  year.    A  light  snow  being  on  the  ground,  he  discovered  the  tracks 
of  an  unknown  animal,  which  he  traced  some  distance,  to  a  place  where 
they  entered  a  cave.    Determined  not  to  be  hindered  from  the  attainment 
of  bis  object,  and  finding  the  opening  of  convenient  size  for  entering,  he 
crept  in  some  distance,  with  gun  in  hand,  keeping  his  dog  behind  him, 
until  having  reached  a  part  of  the  cave  where  it  was  quite  dark,  he  dis- 
covered at  no  great  distance  from  him,  two  globes,  of  fire  like  brilliancy, 
which  gleamed  in  the  dim  obscurity  full  upon  him.    He  here  paused, 
and  bringing  his  gun  to  bear  upon  a  point  directly  between  them,  he 
deliberately  fired.    His  dog  upon  this,  rushed  past  him  to  attack  what- 
ever the  enemy  might  be,  wlnle  he  retreated,  and  was  soon  followed  by 
his  dog.    Hearing  no  noise,  or  signs  of  life  within,  he,  after  a  short  delay, 
again  ventured  into  the  den,  and  listened  for  some  time,  but  heard  no 
noise,  and  at  length  ventured  up  nearer,  and  groping  in  the  dark,  he  laid 
his  hand  upon  the  paw  of  an  anirriai,  evidently  dead,  which  he  with 
much  difficulty  dragged  out,  and  found  to  be  a  panther,  of  large  size, 
which  on  being  measured,  was  found  nine  feet  four  inches  in  length.    The 
hall  had  entered  a  vital  part  of  the  brain,  and  proved  instantly  fatal. 

The  truth  of  the  above  narrative  is  vouched  for  by  a  very  respectable 
authority,  and  it  may  be  received  as  reliable. 

Deer  were  at  an  early  day,  quite  numerous  here,  and  still  occur  in  the 
forest  which  extends  through  portions  of  this  town,  and  the  adjoining 
sections  of  Macomb,  Gouverneur  and  De  Kalb.  it  is  said  that  on  one 
occasion,  five  wore  shot  by  a  hunter  within  a  brief  interval,  without  re- 
moving from  the  place  in  which  he  stood. 

Many  of  the  inhabitants  of  De  Peyster  and  vicinity,  having  been  much 
annoyed  by  wolves,  in  the  fall  of  183G,  ii  public  meeting  was  called  on 
the  17th  of  December,  of  that  year,  and  a  committee  of  about  forty  ap- 
pointed to  make  arrangements  for  a  general  wolf  hunt,  on  an  appointed 
day,  and  advertised  in  the  county  papers,  inviting  citizens  generally  to 
attend  and  participate  in  the  enterprise. 

Religious  societies. — Besides  the  one  above  mentioned,  two  others  have 
been  incorporated.  The  First  Society  of  the  Methodist  P^piscopnl 
Church  in  De  Peyster,  Oct.  23,  1827,  Bela  Bell,  Luke  Dean  and  Joshua 
Sweet,  trustees ;  and  the  First  Congregational  Society  of  De  Peyster, 
July  29,  1850,  John  Humphrey,  Joseph  McCoy,  an('  Chester  Dyke, 
trustees. 


II 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


297 


Edwards 

Was  orgnnized  from  Fowler,  April  27,  1827,  niul  nt  first  comprised 
townships,  Noh.  8  and  4,  or  Edwards  and  Fitz  William,  now  Ilcrmoii. 
Tlie  first  town  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Wm.  Martin.  'I'iie 
township  of  Fitz  William,  was  taken  off  in  eroding  Depcnu,  and  by  an 
net  of  the  board  of  supervisors,  passed  Novendier  17,  1852,  all  that  part 
of  the  town  of  Ilermon,  situate  at  the  north  east  corner,  known  as  the 
south  end  of  the  east  third  of  townsliip  luunber  4,  of  great  tract  number 
3  of  Macomb's  purchase,  being  subdivision  lots,  numbered  .32  to  37, 
according  to  Asliman's  old  survey,  was  annexed  to  the  town  of  Edwards. 
This  act  took  effect  on  the  first  of  February,  following,  and  ga»e  the  town 
of  F.dwards  its  present  limits. 

First  Town  Officers,  1827. — Orra  Shead,  supervisor;  .Tohn  C.  Ilailo, 
clerk;  3.  C.  Ilailc,  Asa  Brayton,  Jr.,  Wm.  Tcall,  assessors ;  Hoswoll  Lillie, 
Arhu  Collisier,  Peleg  Haile,  commissioners  of  hif!;hwmfs;  .T.  C.  Haile,  Asa 
Pliei|)s,  Wilkes  Richardson,  cominissioners  of  scliools ;  Warren  Stn^eter, 
ihiy  FmyI,  overseers  of  poor;  J.  C.  Haile,  George  Alien,  Wm.  Teall,  m- 
specfors  of  schools. 

Supervisors.— 1817-8,  Orra  Shead;  1820,  Wm.  Tcall;  18.%-3,  Orra 
Shead;  ]834-.'r>,  Hubbard  Goodrich;  18.3(;-4(),  .Tohn  C.  Haile;  1841-2,  J. 
B.  I'ickit;  ]H4.'}-5,  Jngraham  Winslow;  1840-7,  .lames  Noble;  18-13,  I. 
Winsjow;  184!),  Elijah  Shaw;  1850,  J.  B.  Pickit;  1851,  Elijah  Shaw; 
1852,  Horace  Barnes. 

This  town  derives  its  name  from  Eilward  McCormick,  a  brother  of 
Daniel  McCortnick,  the  [)atentee  of  tracts  1  and  2.  of  the  great  purchase. 
He  was  a  sea  captain,  in  the  East  India  trade,  and  was  for  many  years, 
engaged  in  voyages  between  New  York  and  various  ports  in  the  Indies. 

Edwards  was  suiveyed  in  the  summer  of  180(1,  by  Reuben  Ashman  of 
Russell,  and  subsequently  settled  by  agents  of  .Tosepli  Pitcairn  and  A.  0_ 
Brodie.  Mr.  Pitcairn  received  his  title  from  RIcCormick,  and  in  his  will 
dated  May,  f),  1887,  lyiade  Mr.  Brodie  his  executor  and  heir.  The  town 
of  Pitcairn  has  the  same  ownership  and  title. 

In  January,  1812,  Asa  Brayton  and  family,  made  the  first  location  in 
this  town,  on  the  line  of  the  St.  Lawrence  turnpike.  This  road  had  been 
commenced  in  1810,  and  was  budt  in  this  and  the  two  following  years, 
and  from  this  improvement,  the  first  settlement  of  several  of  the  towns 
in  the  county  date.  The  portion  through  Edwards,  was  built  by  Enos 
Chapin,  contractor,  Joseph  M.  Bonner,  John  Britton,  Samuel  and  Elijah 
Jones,  and  several  families  by  the  name  of  Johnson,  settled  in  1812-13. 
In  1814,  Orra  Shead,  from  Russell,  built  a  grist  mill. 

The  first  death  in  town,  was  that  of Partridge,  who  was  killed  by 

an  accident  at  a  raising,  in  1813.     The  first  birth  in  town,  was  that  of  John 
B.  Brayton,  a  son  of  Asa  Brayton,  in  the  fall  of  1812.     In  1817,  the  set- 


298 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


>  I 


.  I 


■^l 


tlement  was  considemhly  increased  by  several  Scotcli  en(ij,'rnnts,  amon" 
whom  were  Robert  Wntsoii,  Robert  JJrowii,  Alexander  Noble,  WiHiiiin 
Cleveland,  Alexander  Laidiaw,  Alexander  Kerr  and  Jnnics  Grieve.  In 
1819,  Georjre  Allen  arrived  as  an  agent  for  Mr.  Pitcairn,  bavin;;  been  pre. 
ceded  in  this  office  by  Phinoas  Attwater. 

Near  the  south  border  of  the  town,  is  n  settlement  known  as  South  Ed- 
wards. 'I  he  earliest  .settlement  here  was  made  by  Job  Winslow,  in  the 
fall  of  1824,  who  at  that  time,  came  in  from  Potsdam,  and  erected  a  saw 
mill.  He  had  visited  the  place  the  year  previons,  and  ])urch!ised  a  liutn 
around  the  falls,  where  he  afterwards  built.  In  1825,  he  erected  a  grist 
mill.  In  March  1825,  Elijah  S^haw  settled  in  the  vicinity,  and  became 
the  first  merchant.  From  him,  the  settlement  is  sometimes  named 
Shaiinnlle.  The  village  is  situated  on  the  west  branch  of  theOswegatcliie, 
and  at  present  contains  a  new  and  very  fine  grist  mill,  a  saw  mill,  tannery, 
carding  and  cloth  dressing  works,  store,  and  a  few  mechanic  sho|)s.  It 
is  on  the  mail  route  from  Edwards  to  Lowville.  On  the  Oswegatcliie 
rivf  r,  below  Edwards  village,  in  1830,  was  erected  a  furnace,  24  feet 
square,  28  feet  high,  G4  feet  inside  diameter,  by  A.  F'reeman.  It  was  run 
about  six  blasts,  and  was  burned  in  1847.  At  first  it  tised  the  cold  blast, 
but  frotn  1840  the  hot  blast  was  employed.  A  part  of  the  iron  was  made 
into  castings  on  the  ])remises,  and  the  ores  used  were  bog  ore  from  this 
town,  and  s|)ecular  ore  from  the  Kearney  and  Little  York  mines.  In 
1842  or  3,  a  forge  was  built,  and  run  two  or  three  years. 

Rel>f>;ious  Societies. — The  IMethodists  first  organized  with  but  fom*  mem- 
bers, and  held  the  first  religious  meetings  in  town.  In  1827,  the  Chris- 
tian denomination  eft'ected  an  orgatiization  in  South  Edwards,  tunler 
Elder  Isaac  IJanister,  and  he  remained  its  pastor  till  his  death,  Janunry 
1.5,  1852.  This  society  has  always  been  small,  and  the  present  mmiher 
is  about  2.5.  The  First  Congregational  Church  and  Society  in  Edwards, 
was  formed  May  10,  1828.  Calvin  Phelps,  Robert  Watson,  John  White- 
head, Levi  W.  Gleason,  Arba  Collister,  Orra  Slirjad  and  Robert  Brown, 
being  the  trustees.  A  union  church  was  luiilt  in  the  village,  by  the  Pres- 
byterians, Baptists  and  Methodists,  at  a  cost  of  $1000,  in  1850. 

Fine 

Was  erected  IMarch  27,  1844,  from  Russell  and  Pierrepont,  and  made 
to  embrace  No.  14,  or  Bloomfield,  No.  12,  or  Scriha,  and  the  south  half 
of  No.  9,  or  Sarahsburgh,  in  the  former  towTi,  and  No.  1.5,  or  Emilyville, 
in  the  latter.  The  funds  belonging  to  the  respective  towns,  were  to  be 
equitably  divided,  and  the  first  town  meeting  to  be  held  at  school  house 
No.  20.  It  received  its  name  from  the  Hon.  John  Fine,  of  Ogdensbnrgh, 
who  is  interested  in  an  extensive  tract  in  the  town,  andimder  whom  the 
first  settlement  was  begun.  The  supervisors  have  been,  1844-5,  Aniasa 
L  Brown;  1846-50,  Daniel  Trnax;  1851,  A.  I.  Brown  ;  1852,  D.  Truax. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


299 


itTiong 
illiain 
e.    In 

ni  pre. 


This  town  is  one  of  tlie  newest  nnd  least  settled  in  the  county  of  St. 
Lawrence.  The  principal  settlement  is  in  tiie  east  half  of  Scriba,  which 
is  owner!  l)y  the  Hon.  John  Fine,  and  James  Averell,  of  O^doiiifhurgh, 
Wtn,  H.  Averell,  of  Otsego  Co,,  and  Frederick  Do  Pejster,  of  New  York 
city.  The  firfst  settlement  was  commenced  by  Elias  Teall,  who  on  the 
24tli  of  October,  182.3,  made  a  contract  witli  the  proprietors  of  the  east 
half  of  the  township  of  Scriba,  and  undertook  to  establish  settlers  on  the 
tract.  Ho  built  a  mill  on  a  branch  of  the  Oswegatchie,  erected  a  log 
house,  made  some  improvements,  and  got  some  inhabitants  to  come  on, 
but  did  not  succeed  in  his  undertaking.  On  the  (3th  of  September,  1828, 
James  C.  Haile,  made  a  contract  with  the  proprietors,  and  erected  a  saw 
mill  on  the  Oswegatchie,  and  a  small  grist  mill,  of  one  run  of  rock  stones, 
without  bolt  or  other  appendages;  l)nilt  a  house  and  barn,  and  got  in 
more  settlers.  In  ftlay,  1833,  he  also  left  the  settlement,  having  been 
abandoned  by  his  settlers. 

In  February,  1834,  Amasa  I.  Brown,  made  a  contract  with  tlie  owners, 
for  the  Haile  improvements,  with  an  additional  tract  of  land,  and  on  the 
28th  of  March,  of  that  year,  he  moved  his  family  into  the  town,  having  no 
neighbors  nearer  than  ten  miles  distant.  In  a  lew  weeks  he  was  followed 
by  one  G.  Luther,  who  had  ])revioiisly  attempted  a  settlement,  and  in  the 
autumn  of  the  same  year,  two  inore  joined  them,  making  four  families 
who  wintered  in  town  the  first  season.  About  twenty  jiersons  took  up 
land  that  fall,  although  but  three  or  four  ever  came  on  to  settle.  At  this 
time  the  owners  of  the  west  half  of  No.  12,  and  of  No.  9  and  14,  were 
intending  lo  take  measures  to  comn.ence  the  settlements  of  their  lands, 
but  die  rage  of  speculation  then  tended  to  the  west,  and  their  i)roposed 
measures  were  not  carried  into  effect.  This  left  the  settlers  in  the  east- 
ern part  of  the  town,  exposed  to  much  hardship,  for  the  unsettled  parts 
lay  between  them  and  their  neighbors,  in  South  Edwards  and  Pitcairn, 
and  no  roads  existed  through  the  forest  but  such  as  they  made  themselves. 
This  inconvenience,  joined  with  a  series  of  unpropitious  seasons,  tended 
to  keep  back  the  settlement,  and  impoverish  its  inhabitants,  so  that  num- 
bers left,  and  there  now  remains  of  that  first  immigration,  but  two  or  three 
families.  Others,  however,  came  in  to  take  the  places  of  those  that  got 
discouraged  and  left,  and  in  1843,  there  were  43  or  44  voters,  besides  .5  or 
G  aliens.  In  1843  they  petitioned  for  an  incorporation  as  a  town,  but 
failed,  but  the  next  year  they  succeeded.  The  first  town  meeting  was 
held  June  18,  1844,  at  which  the  following  town  oflicers,  were  elected: 

A.  I  Brown,  supervisor;  Joseiih  I\L  Beckwith,  toivn  clerk;  J.  M. 
Bpckwitli,  James  iMarsli  and  Elijah  C.  Hill,  assessors;  John  K.  Ward, 
co//cf/or;  John  iMarsh,  George  Young  and  William  H.  Perkins,  co?;?- 
missioners  of  hifrhwaifs ;  A.  1.  Brown,  I.  M.  Beckwith  and  Elijah  C.  Hill, 
jttstiees  of  the  peace. 


rp 


iy 


300 


HISTORY   OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


From  this  time  forward,  the  settlement  lins  slowly  but  steadily  im- 
proved, and  they  have  a  tolerably  good  road  tbrou^'h  to  South  Edwards, 
on  each  side  of  the  Oswegatchie.  They  have  a  road  now  in  conteni])la- 
tion,  from  tiie  western  part  of  the  setthunent,  to  rmi  a  southwesterly 
course,  and  conununicate  with  the  navigation  on  lilack  river.  It  lias 
been  laid  to  the  county  line,  by  the  road  commissioners,  and  some  im- 
provements made  towards  opening  it. 

On  the  l.'Jth  of  April,  1814,  a  law  was  passed  to  construct  a  road 
from  Turin  to  Emily  ville,  to  intersect  the  Albany  road,  and  commission- 
ers appointed  with  power  to  tax  adjacent  lands;  and  in  1 810,  a  further 
appropriation  was  made,  but  this  route  was  never  opened. 

The  legislature,  at  its  session  of  1852,  passed  an  act  providing  for 
opening  a  road  from  the  old  Ht.  Lawrence  turnpike,  in  the  town  of 
Pierrepont,  to  intersect  the  Carthage  and  lake  Champluin  road.  This 
route  has  already  been  laid  from  Pierrepont  to  the  old  Watson  road,  in 
Herkimer  county,  and  would  have  been  continued  through,  had  tiic 
line  between  Herkimer  and  Lewis  counties  been  known.  This  line 
passes  on  or  near  the  east  bounds  of  townships  Nos. !),  12  and  14,  and 
through  the  eastern  settlements  in  Fine.  When  these  roads  are  opened, 
and  the  proposed  state  improvements,  in  progress  of  construction,  are 
completed,  the  inhabitants  in  this  secluded  portion  of  the  county  will 
enjoy  good  advantages  for  markets.  Many  of  the  inhabitants,  from 
narrow  and  short  sighted  views,  are  said  to  be  opposed  to  both  of  these 
roads,  but  when  completed,  they  can  not  fail  to  greatly  promote  the 
prosperity  of  the  town.  The  soil  of  the  town  of  Fine  is  generally  a 
gravelly  loam,  with  much  of  its  surface  broken;  but  most,  susceptible  of 
cultivation.  The  timber  is  much  of  it  beech  and  maple,  with  birch, 
spruce  and  hemlock,  interspersed  with  elm,  ash  and  cherry.  The  country 
is  well  watered,  and  from  its  elevated  situation,  it  is  not  subject  to  local 
causes  of  disease,  and  is  remarkably  iiealthy.  The  Oswegatchie  here 
affords  an  abundance  of  water  power,  and  iron  ore  is  said  to  abound,  so 
that  this  town  possesses  within  itself  resources  that  will  eventually  place 
it  on  an  equality  with  most  of  adjoining  and  older  settled  districts.  There 
is  a  saw  mill  live  miles  from  South  Edwards,  and  another  in  the  east 
part  of  the  settlement.  A  grist  mill  is  contemplated  another  season, 
which  will  answer  the  purposes  of  the  settlers. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  Mr.  Amasa  I.  Brown,  for  assistance  in  pre- 
paring the  above  notice. 

Fowler 
Was  formed  from  Rossie  and  Russell,  embracing  Kilkenny  (No.  7), 
and  Portaferry  (No.  11),   April  15,   1816,  the  first  town  meeting  to  be 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


301 


held  at  the  house  of  Nonh  Holcomh.  Tlie  poor  moneys  of  the  respect- 
ive towns  were  to  be  equitably  di.ided.  At  the  time  of  its  erection, No. 
7  constituted  school  district  No.  H,  of  Rowsie.  On  the  10th  of  April, 
1818,  the  townships  of  Ed  words  anti  Fitz  Willinm,  previously  in  Russell, 
were  nttnched  to  Fowler.  These  hiive  since  been  taken  off  in  the  erec- 
tion of  Edwards.  In  forming  Pitcairn,  in  IB'Wi,  a  triangular  portion  ol 
No.  11,  lying  west  of  a  line  commencing  three  miles  S.  E.  of  the  W. 
point  of  said  township,  and  rinming  at  right  angles  to  the  S.  W.  line  till 
it  intersected  the  line  of  No.  7  was  retained  by  Fowler,  and  these  limits 
it  has  since  maintained. 

On  the  division  of  the  Great  tract,  No.  7  fell  to  Gilchrist  and  Fowler. 
On  the  3d  of  August,  1810,  the  former  conveyed  his  share  to  the  latter 
(Clerk^s  office,}),  in,  p.  121)),  and  Theodosius  Fowler,  on  the  ISth  of  May, 
18'21,  conveyed  to  his  son,  T.  O.  Fowler  (76.,  b.  vi,  p.  75),  under  whom 
the  most  of  the  town  has  been  settled. 

The  town  received  its  name  from  Theodosius  Fowler,  of  New  York, 
who  was  a  captain  in  the  continental  army  of  the  revolution.  lie  re- 
reived  his  commission  as  ensign  in  February  or  March,  177(5,  and  was 
promoted  to  a  second  lieutenant  on  the  10th  of  August,  to  be  first  lieu- 
tenant after  November  21.  In  June,  1778,  he  was  raised  to  the  rank  ot 
captain  at  first  in  the  Ist  N.  Y.  regiment,  but  in  1780,  he  was  transferred 
to  the  2d  regiment,  in  which  he  served  till  the  close  of  the  war;  not 
being  absent  in  all  fifty  days,  either  in  winter  or  summer.  He  was  pre- 
sent and  took  a  part  in  the  battles  of  Long  Island,  Saratoga,  Monmouth 
and  White  Plains,  and  shared  the  hardships  of  the  camp  at  Valley 
Forge  and  Morristown,  and  the  expeditions  against  the  Indians  of  west- 
ern New  York,  under  Colonels  Van  Schaick  and  Willet,  in  1779,  and  of 
General  Sullivan,  in  the  summer  of  the  same  year.  During  the  year 
1780,  the  New  York  line  of  five  regiments  was  reduced  to  two,  com- 
manded by  Colonel  Van  Schaick  and  General  Van  Cortland,  to  the  latter 
of  which  Captain  Fowler  was  assigned.  In  the  fall  of  1781,  these  were 
ordered  to  Virginia,  and  aided  in  the  capture  of  the  British  at  Yorktown. 

We  have  been  under  the  necessity  of  condensing  the  above,  from  a 
minute  and  extended  account,  written  by  Mr.  Fowler  himself,  which  we 
had  prepared  tor  this  work,  and  was  loaned  the  author  by  the  Hon.  E. 
Dodge,  of  Gouverneur. 

First  Set  of  Toion  Officers. — Theodosius  O.  Fowler,  supervisor;  Sim- 
eon Ilazleton,  clerk;  Noah  Ilolcomb,  Elvan  Cole,  Benjamin  Brown, 
assessors;  John  Parker,  Noah  Ilolcomb,  com'rs  of  highways;  Noah 
Holcomb,  Benj.  Brown,  overseers  of  the  poor ;  Simeon  Ilazleton,  Samuel 
B.  Sprague,  orerseers  of  highivays;    Alvan   Wright,  ronslable  and  col- 


SI 


i 


if 


r.- 


iV 


302 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


!»* 


m 


Kl' 


hdor;  Alvnn  Wrifrlit,  Simon  Ilazleton,  FAnm  Colo,  coni'ra  com.  schools ; 
Tlieodosiiis  O.  Fowler,  Jedodiali  King.sley,  RiclinnI  Merrill,  inspectors 
of  common  schools. 

Svpe7visors.—^fi^7.  Tlieodosiiis  O.  Fowler;  1818,  (Fol).  1!),)  Renjnniin 
Krowii  to  iill  viicniicv,  1815,  yi,  Eheii  Cole;  1 82r)-{»,  Justus  Piekit;  18:t0, 
Stillmnii  Fuller,  18;h-2,  J.  Picket;  18n.3-4,  S.  Fuller;  18:{5-(j,  Wiilium 
lliiilhut;  l.S']7-8,  .1.  Pirkit;  ]8;3i»-4I,  Ilenrv  II.  llaile;  184'i-3,  Asa  L.  11,,- 
zleton;  1844-5,  Alfred  IJiirt:  184(1-7.  Ileiiian  Fuller,  1848-9;  Addison 
Giles;  18,)0-1,  Thoiiius  T.  Ilazleton.     185'^,  E.  W.  Abbott. 

In  1824,  tlie  town  agreed  to  raise  a  bounty  for  wolvea  and  wild  cots 
nfireeably  to  the  lute  law.  This  is  the  only  record  of  any  votes  liavii^ 
been  taken  by  the  town,  for  the  destruction  of  noxious  aiiinials. 

The  first  settlement  in  the  town  of  Fowler,  was  niadf;  by  Brigadier 
General  .lames  Ilnile,  iVoin  Fairfield,  Herkimer  Co.,  who  came  into  town 
to  explore,  and  who  purchased  of  Richard  Townsend,  agent  for  Gil- 
christ and  I'^owler,  in  the  month  of  .lune,  1807,  a.  tract  one  mile  square, 
on  the  frroiind  where  the  little  village  of  ITuileshoro  now  stands,  under 
obligations  to  build  mills  within  a  year.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year, 
lie  came  on  with  several  men,  to  commence  the  erection  of  mills.  One 
Capt.  Ward,  was  millwright,  and  a  Ca|)t.  Robinson,  carpenter.  A  saw 
mill  was  built  the  same  fall,  and  a  small  grist  mill,  with  one  run  of 
stones  attached  to  it,  was  also  got  into  o])eration  in  1808.  The  latter 
was  swept  away  by  a  freshet  in  1809,  and  rebuilt  the  following  year. 
Timothy  Campbell,  was  the  millwright  employed  to  build  the  second 
mill,  which  contained  but  one  run  of  stoties  till  1819,  when  another  was 
added.  In  1844,  the  present  mill  was  erected  in  a  most  supc  ior  man- 
ner, containing  three  run  of  stones,  to  which  a  fourth  is  til.o'it  to  be 
added.  ]Mr.  I'lijah  Sackett,  from  Hartford,  X.  Y.,  came  into  town  in 
1808,  and  was  employed  as  a  miller,  until  his  death,  in  the  spring  of 
1812.    He  was  the  first  white  person  who  is  known  to  have  died  in 

town.     Lemuel  Arnold,  John  Ryan,  . Cleveland,  Ebenezer  Parker, 

and  others,  came  on  and  settled  soon  after,  and  in  1811,  Samuel  B. 
Sprague,  made  the  first  stand  in  the  neighborhood  of  Little  York. 
Albin  &  Oliver  Wright,  were  early  settlers. 

During  the  war  several  families  left  the  country  from  fear  of  Indians, 
nor  did  the  town  begin  to  settle  rapidly  until  1820.  Early  in  1818,  Gen. 
Haile  moved  into  town  with  his  family,  having  only  come  on  himself,  in 
the  summer  time  previouslv.  He  resided  here  till  his  death,  Dec.  17 
1821. 

In  1825,  a  mill  was  erected  at  Hailesboro,  by  Jasper  Clark,  for  sawing 
the  white  limestone,  which  abounds  in  the  vicinity.  The  business  was 
carried  on  by  him,  and  continued  by  A.  Giles,  for  several  years.    It  was 


w 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


303 


■:i 


used  for  tomb  stones,  building  Htoncs,  sills  nnd  cups  lor  \vindo\VH,niitl  lor 
jambs  olfiro  pinces.  'I'ho  courKcly  crystiilized  structure  ol'tliis  stone,  litis 
been  roiuid  to  render  il  unsuitidjje  lor  letterinfrand  tin;  liner  kinil  ol'ornu- 
inental  work,  l)ut  lor  tliu  lieiivier  uses  ol'  buiidinj;,  nnd  espei^iaily  lor  tlio 
manufacture  of  lime,  it  lias  no  e)|niil.  Tlie  natural  water  |)rivilegeH  of 
Hiiiiesboro,  are  superior.  Witliin  a  distance  of  lialf  a  mile,  the  Oswe- 
jiutcliie  river  desiiends  84  lijet,  and  within  a  mile  above  it  has  an  e(|uul 
descent,  so  that  the  same  water  could  be  used  lepeatedly,  and  such  i» 
the  nature  of  the  channel,  at  the  island,  in  the  village,  that  the  supply 
can  be  regulated,  and  every  liability  to  injury  from  Hoods  avoitled.  In 
the  lowest  stages  of  the  water,  it  is  estimated  that  aulllcient  water  IIowh 
ill  the  river  at  this  place,  to  drive  eight  run  of  mill  stones.  During  n 
part  of  the  year,  the  su|)ply  is  much  greater.  A  small  mill  with  two 
saws,  has  recently  been  built  about  u  mile  above,  and  at  the  village  u 
grist  mill,  saw  mill,  clothing  works,  wagon  shop,  ik.c.,  are  erected.  It 
has  a  tavern,  store,  the  usual  variety  of  mechanitj  shops,  and  about 
twenty  families. 

The  rirst  marriage  in  the  town  of  Fowler,  was  I\Ir.  John  I'arker,  to 
Miss  Elizabeth  S,  Sackelt,  in  1812.     The  lirst  birth  was  in  the  family  of 

Merrills.     A  small  settlement  began  to  bo  formed  at  the  jJiesent 

village  of  Little  York  during  the  war,  which  received  its  name  from 
the  circumstance  of  the  capture  of  Toronto  (which  then  bore  this  name), 
at  about  the  same  time.  The  neighborhood  is  without  the  advantages 
which  a  water  power  confers,  and  is  but  a  centre  lor  the  local  business 
of  a  portion  of  the  town.  The  village  of  Fnllervillc  Iron  ^Vo^ks,  is  situ- 
ated on  the  O^awegatchie,  three  mills  from  Little  York,  und  nine  from 
Gouverneiir. 

The  earliest  settlement  in  this  vicinity  was  made  by  John  Parker, 
about  three  quarters  of  n  mile  below  that  place,  where  the  St.  Lawrence 
turnpike  originally  crossed  the  Oswegatchie  in  the  year  1812.  In  1813  he 
erected  a  saw  mill  at  the  tails  in  the  present  village  of  Fullerville,  which 
being  burned,  was  rebuilt  in  1823-4.  In  182(5,  a  grist  mill  was  erected  by  S. 
Fuller  &  Co,  and  sold  in  1838,  to  Rockwell  Hiillan!  !>"^1  com))any,  who 
rebuilt  the  mills,  \vliich  are  the  same  that  still  remain. 

In  1832,  Sheldon  Fuller,  Stillman  Fuller,  lleinan  Fuller  and  Ashbell 
Fuller,  brothers,  originally  from  Ferrisbiirgh,  Vt.,  but  lor  t'ight  yeara 
previous  engaged  at  the  Rossie  iron  works,  came  here,  and  commenced 
the  erection  of  a  blast  furnace;  and  alter  them  the  place  received  its 
name.  A  furnace,  erected  by  the  fn  m  of  S.  Fuller  &  Co.,  was  about  30  li^et 
S(piare,  on  the  ground,  and  40  feet  high,  and  was  first  got  in  operation  in 
August,  1833.  Their  tirst  operations  were  commenced  on  the  ore  from 
the  vicinity  of  Little  York,  of  which  they  used  about   1,000  tons,  and 


ill 


304 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCK 


It 


m 


tW\H  WiiH  tlie  first  oro  rnised  from  timt  minn.  SiiliN»'(|iii!mly  several 
tliotisntui  toiiH  of  Im)^  oru,  ol)tuin«(l  from  NwrnnpN  in  tlio  Fine  tract,  from 
two  to  Ilirro  iiiiltis  diMtaiit,  iti  thi-  town  of  KdwanlM,  wi-ro  lisod.  Diiriri(,' 
llie  first  yearH  of  tlieir  uporationM,  a  (,'r<;at  niimhrr  of  «X|iorimt!nt«  wrre 
inadu,  upon  orcM  from  nnmrroiis  localiticn,  tlio  {^rt'atcr  part  of  wliich 
tiulud  in  prodnriiiK  nNefnl  rcMultN.  Tlio  pr*!Ht3nc«  of  Niiiphnr  and  vnrioim 
im|iiiriti«'s,  rL'n(!(!r(rd  many  kimlH  of  tlio  ort'H  trieil  ontiroly  valiiidcHM  for 
tiiu  manuiiictiiro  of  iron.  H(!Hid(!8  tlin  or«;n  aliovo  mentioned,  tliom;  from 
tlie  Kearney  mine,  in  (ionvcneur,  the  Keuno  or  TiiompHon  mine,  in 
Antwerp  (holli  red  specular  ore«),  and  the  majfnetie  or  primitive  ores  of 
I'itcairn  and  ('lit\on,  have  heen  tised  at  this  fnrnaco.  'J'lie  pi^  iron  lumUi 
hero,  lias  principally  been  sold  to  cnpola  furnaces,  in  Ht.  Lawrence  and 
Jefl'erson  counties;  and  from  its  soilness,  is  nnicli  prized  for  castings, 
ns  it  will  admit  of  the  mixture  of  old  iron,  and  that  which  ti'om  repeated 
melting  has  hecotne  hard. 

The  amount  mai|^  at  this  furnace,  as  near  as  can  bo  ascertained,  is  us 
follows: 

By  S.  Fuller  &  Co.,         about  «!()()  tons,  at  two  blasts. 

By  Fullers  &  Maddock,       "  1,700    "         "          " 

Hy  H.  Fuller  &  Co.,             "  1,'>00     "      at  four  blasts. 

By  Fullers  &  Pi>ck,              "  a.OOO    "      at  live  blasts. 


Total  nund)cr,  0,500    " 

The  furnace  was  rebuilt  by  the  latter  company,  in  184(!,  and  a  hot 
blast  subseij  "ently  used.  Previous  to  this,  the  furnace  was  supplied  by 
the  cold  blast.  About  133  l)ushels  of  coal  have  been  required  to  make 
a  ton  of  iron,  by  tlie  cold  blast;  and  125  by  the  hot  blast.  Iron  made 
by  the  latter  process  will  not  chill;  but  it  is  here  thought  to  make  more 
iron  from  a  given  cpiantity  of  ore,  and  the  process  of  separation  is  much 
accelerated.  At  Fullervillo  are  two  forges  for  making  malleable  iron 
from  ore,  scrap  and  pig  iron.  The  first,  adjoining  the  furnace,  was 
erected  in  18.35,  by  the  Fullers,  contains  three  fires,  and  is  capable  of 
making  1,200  pounds  per  day.  Previous  to  184G,  it  was  worked  about 
t'Ao-thirds  of  the  time,  and  since,  about  three  months  in  a  year.  In 
1840,  Edwin  Rockwell,  Luther  Bullard,  Chester  II.  Benton  and  Oliver 
Benton,  under  the  firm  of  Rockwell  Bullard  &  Co.,  erected  a  forgo  ou 
the  east  bank  of  the  river,  which  contained  two  fires,  and  was  run  very 
steadily  lor  two  or  three  years,  and  since  that  time  by  different  parties 
more  or  less  every  year,  till  within  one  or  two  years,  it  is  thought  that 
magnetic  ore  makes  the  best  bar  iron,  although  that  from  the  specular  or 
red  ores  is  soft,  tough  and  suited  to  every  purpose  for  which  this  useful 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


305 


iiiftiil  is  a|i|)li<i(l.     It  Ikih  iiiiicIi  lu(;nl  CL<l<;l)rily,  aixl  all  tlio  bar  iron  iiiudu 
ut  lliiN  placo  liaH  l)(;i;ii  roimiidiiid  williiii  thirty  iiiilud  of  tliCMe  I'or^reH.* 

As  IK)  rolling  iiiillH  liavu  Ixtoii  erect)!!!,  tiio  iron  is  ilravvn  out  under  a 
trip  launnier.  Coal  for  su|)|)lyinf(  the  furnace  and  (or^'cs  is  ohtainud 
fiotn  witiiin  1  to  5  niih's,  and  the  tlistancem  toscverui  nci^hhorin^'  uiineH 
art!  as  folhiws:  to  Kearii<!y's  and  to 'rhonipsoirM,  11  niihis;  to  Tait'H,  in 
llcrnion, 'JO  miles;  to  I'ilcairn  (Jayviliej,  15  miles;  to  Clilton  mine,  ijl 
miles;  to  Little  Vork,  <i  miles;  to  hog  ore  HWam|iH,  "2  t<>  ;  miles. 

The  Fowler  fjihrary  was  incorporated  April  12,  IHHI.  Simeon  Hazel- 
ton,  Justus  I'ickit,  George  Draper,  (/harles  C.  Kdgerton,  (Jaylord  GraveH, 
Tlieodosius  O.  I'owler,  Keid»en  Wright,  trustees. 

UeUffiovs  Sorlfllcs. — The  IJaptist  church  of  Fowler  wan  organized 
Felirtiary  9,  IH'J'i,aiid  at  the  time  of  its  formation,  endtraci!)!  IM  memhers, 
all  )t' whom  united  by  lett*!r.  This  iuind)er  was  soon  after  increased. 
In  liiiplism,  until  it  amount(!d  to  torty,  of  whom  twenty-ont!  at  pr(!sent 
helorig  to  tin;  church.  'I'he  first  citirgyman  «mploy(!d,  was  illder  Jona- 
tliHii  I'aine.  In  l)ec(!ml)er,  IHiW,  KIdor  Noah  IJarrell  was  employed  to 
preach  a  <pnirter  of  (lu!  limo  for  one  year.  Filler  William  (iorrey 
connnenced  preaching  in  May,  IH'JH,  and  remained  imtil  thti  cIoh);  uf 
May,  lA'H.  'I'he  Rev.  Mr.  (jurnsey  soon  after  was  employed,  end  con- 
tinued a  year,  when  his  place  was  supplied  hy  Elder  Wilkey  (June, 
]i!!;t.'t).  FIder  Hraml  was  afterwards  invited  to  preach  (May,  iH'Xi),  ami 
remained  two  years.  FIder  John  I'eck  was  invited  to  preach  rieptend)er 
(i,  IrtJB,  and  left  in  Novendier,  IHIO,  FIder  David  Deuland  was  em- 
plc  .■(!  in  iNIarch,  IHlJJ,  and  remained  for  one  year,  lie  was  suhseipiently 
Hgaui  invited  to  preach  for  one  year.  In  Septeudier,  Idf)!,  Elder  Nicols 
w: .  ..  ployed  to  preach  a  part  of  the  time.  A  chinch  fiditice  was  erected 
in  the  village  of  Fullerville,  in  IHU.l. 

'1  he  ibregoing  data  were  fiu'nished  by  Mr.  Kentfield,  the  present 
clerk. 

The  Antwerp  and  Fowler  Baptist  society  was  incorporated  Decend)er 
.'|1,  \fi23,  James  N.  (iraves,  Peter  Sigourney  and  Moses  Jlurge,  trustees. 
Tlie  church  edifice  of  this  society  is  in  Jeflerson  county,  near  the  line, 
and  iit  Steele's  corners.  A  Free  Will  Baptist  church  has  existed  for  many 
years  in  the  west  part  of  the  town.  TJiey  have  recently  erected  a  church 
edifice. 

A  Presbyterian  church  and  society  was  formed  at  Fullerville,  almut 
IB.'j;},  consisting  ol  ten  or  titleen  members,  and  a  church  was  erected. 
Most  of  the  mend)ers  liaving  moved  away,  the  organization  has  been 
lost  l()r  several  years.  The  Rev  Mr.  Batchelor,  from  llermon,  officiated 
here  as  clergyman  for  a  time. 

The  Little  York  Universalist  society  was  formed  March  '2'2,  1841, 
Jahez  Glazier,  Leman  Fuller,  Simeon  Hazleton,  Albert  A.  Vedder  and 
John  P.  Ryon  being  the  first  trustees.  They  own  u  church  wiiich,  in 
the  census  of  1850,  is  rejiorted  worth  $1,000. 


'  h 


*  The  experience  of  tliose  who  have  dealt  in  thia  vicinity,  might  possibly  establish  the  fact, 
tliut  bar  iron  hns,  to  some  degree,  served  as  a  currency,  or  circulaihig  medium,  to  fuolilute 
trade.  The  advocates  of  hard  money  might  here  find  arguments,  both  pro  and  con,  ia  refer- 
ence  tuthis  great  national  question. 


&'l 


306 


HISTOUY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


[it 


GoUVf.K.NKl  K, 

Was  Ibnneil  from  Oswegatcliic,  Ai)ril  o,  J810, and  emlnacud  tlictovvn- 
gliip  of  Cambiay,  until  tlie  rcce  it  division  in  luccting  31aconib.  It  ut 
tliis  tiniu  contained  U'2'>^  inliabitaiits,  of  whicli  SO  were  senatorial  voters.. 
An  elibrt  was  made  in  lc!41  to  Jorni  a  new  town  out  of  parts  of  this,  De 
Kail)  and  llernjon,  but  failed.  Tiie  tirst  town  meeting  was  held  at  the 
house  of  John  Spencer,  at  wliich  the  Ibllowing  olHcers  were  elected: 

Ricliard  Townscnd,  ;iupen'isur ;  Amos  Comly,  town  clerk;  Rufus 
Wasliburn,  Lsaac  Alorgan,  I'ardon  JJabcock,  assesors ;  Amos  Condy, 
Benj.  Smith,  Ephriani  Case,  aiiiunissioiiers  liighwajj.s ;  Jonathan  S.  (^.'ol- 
ton,  Israel  I'orter,  oocrseer.i  of  poor;  liarnal)as  \Vood,  constable  and 
collector;  Jonathan  S.  Col' ju,  Isaac  Morgan^  yence  viewers;  Israel  I'or- 
ter, pound  master. 

Supervi»or3.-^\8ll-4,  Richard  Townsend;  1815-9,  John  Brown; 
18"20-1,  Israel  I'orter ;  18'2-2-U,  .\aron  Atwood ;  18i7-y5,  Harvey  1).  Sniiili ; 
18.']t),  Almond  Z.  Madic^on  ;  i.6'-i7,  Harvey  1).  Smith;  J83d,  Almond  Z. 
3Iadison;  J8.'W-41,  William  11  Storlin<f;  184'2,  I'eter  Van  Bmen;  1843, 
Wm.  E.  Sterling;  1844-5,  I'eter  Van  liuren;  184li-lt,  Geo.  S.  Winslow; 
1850-2,  Charles  Anthony. 

.Memoranda  J  mm  the  Records. — March  5, 1811,  voted  that  Ephraim  Case, 
Ilufus  Washburn,  I'artlon  liabcock,  Jonathan  S.  Colton  and  Reujainiu 
Smith,  be  api)ointed  a  connnittee  to  superintend  the  destruction  of  nox- 
ious wee<ls,  and  any  person  who  may  discover  any  of  these  shall  give 
notice  to  one  of  the  above  committee,  on  whose  liirm  such  weeds  are 
growing;  iuul  it  shall  liien  he  tlie  tluty  of  the  committee  man  to  go  and 
give  sucii  |)erson  warning  that  such  weeds,  are  growing  on  hislarm,and 
the  place  where  they  grow,  and  if  such  person  do  not  cut  such  weeds  in 
the  month  ot  June,  so  as  to  prevent  their  going  to  seed  (proviiled  such 
warning  be  given  previous),  shall  Ibrteit  and  |)ay  to  stud  committee  live 
dodars,  the  one  half  to  go  tothe  iidbrmant,  and  the  other  half  to  be  |)aid 
into  the  hands  of  the  overseers  of  the  poor  in  this  town  for  the  support 
of  the  i)oor,  and  tiiat  tliis  committee  sliall  be  allowed  at  and  afti;r  the 
rate  of  81  per  day  ibr  their  services  in  giving  notice  of  the  growth  of 
such  w(!eds.  1814.  N'oted  that  the  block  house  be  sold  at  vendue,  and 
the  avails  api)lied  to  build  a  house  of  public  worship.  1824,  Nov.  25. 
Si)ecial  town  meeting  to  vote  on  receiving  part  of  Rossic  to  this  town. 
Resolved  not  to  leceive  petition.  1828.  "Since  it  is  understood  that  cer- 
tain persons  in  Potsdam,  will  give  §.'3000  for  public  buildings,  and  since 
we  are  convinced  that  at  no  distant  day  the  county  will  be  (livi(l<Ml;  tliere- 
fore.  Resolved,  On  condition  of  8^000  granted  as  above,  that  wi;  recom- 
mend the  location  of  the  county  building  at  that  place.  182D.  The  sale 
of  tl!e  gospel  and  school  lots  Ibr  school  fund  advised.  18;{5.  V^oted  to 
remove  the  burying  ground  in  the  village.  Rescinded  in  1838.  18:31). 
Trustees  of  academy  recjuested  to  petition  the  legislature  for  an  appro- 
priation of  ■'?200()  tf)  be  reliuuled  by  a  tax  wii  u  4  years,  to  rebifdd  tne 
academic  building  destroyed  by  tire  Jan.  1, 18;}'J.  A  very  full  town  meet- 
ing voted  ibr  this,  but  live  or  six  dissenting.  18;{!).  Resolved  tliat  the 
county  |)oor  house  system  ought  not  to  be  abolished.  1841.  Protest 
against  any  divisioi!  of  the  town  at  present.  The  only  division  practi- 
cable is  Reaver  Creek,  and  the  creation  of  u  new  town  between  that 
creek  and  Black  lake.     1841,  Aug.  Id.  The  fund  derived  from  the  sale 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


307 


of  tlic  srospcl  and  scliool  lot  divided  hotwcen  Macomb  and  Converneur, 
as  ibilows:  to  Macomb  $y81-;}8,  to  (ioiivfriieiir  li'2,082';}7.     1842.  Vote 
iiiraiii.'^ttiic  erection  oCaiiew  town  from  jiartsofGonvemenr,  De  Kalband 
llermod.     1848.  The  town  petitioned  tor  tlic  abolition  of  the  office  of 
(in|)i:ty  superintendent  of  scIiooIk.     1844.  Resolves  ajfainst  tiie  division  of 
tlic  town  again  passed,  and  in  fiivor  of  the  formation  of  a  new  coimty 
from  .Tefierson,  Lewis  and  St.  Lawrence.     1815.  A  connnittee  of  five  to 
report  on  the  expediency  of  erecting  a  town  house.     May  (>,  a  special 
town  meeting  convened  to  hear  the  report  of  the  connnittee  which  was 
in  fiivor  of  the  measure.     [This  plan  liiiled  from  eflbrts  made  to  secure 
its  location  west  of  the  river.]     18  KJ.  A  town  ma|>  to  ha  procured  for 
tlie  town  and  a  copy  to  be  deposited  in  the  coimty  clerk's  office.     In  1847 
ri'solved  to  keep  both  copies.     i8~M.  Resolved  to  sustain  the  resolution  of 
liie  hoard  of  sirjjcrvisors   restoring  the    distinction   between   town  and 
county  poor,     ff'olf  bounlifs  were  of1'"red  in  ]811»,  18'i0  and  18'21,  of  $5, 
ami  i'i  1840  of  )<l{),  with  half  these  sums  for  woll''s  whel|)s.     Fox  boun- 
<ics  of  .W  cents  in   1820-1.     In  1822,  25  cents  penalty  tor  every  goose 
running  in  the  liighways. 

Gouvcrneur  and  IVIorristown  were  named  from  Gonverneur  ]\Iorris,  an 
early  and  extensive  proi)rietoi  in  the  lands  of  Northern  New  York,    lie 
was  horn  at  Morrisania,  Westchester  co.,  Jan.  81,  1752,  and  educated  at 
Columbia  college.     At  an  early  .age  he  engaged  in  the  political  discussions 
of  the  day,  and  became  a  member  of  the  provincial  congress,  and  a  dele- 
gate to  the  convention  that  framed  the  first  con'itution  of  the  state.    A 
few  years  after  the  war,  be  repaired  to  I'rance  on  commercial  business, 
and  remained  in  Europe  several  years;  during  a  ])ortion  of  which  time 
lie  held  the  ofiiee  of  minister  from  the  United  States  to  the  French  court. 
During  his  residence  there  be  was  a  witness  to  the  excesses  of  the  French 
revolution,  and  incurred  much  ])ersonal  danger  in  the  discharge  of  the 
duties  ot  bis  oflice.    In  1798  he  returned  home  with  a  justly  acquired  ce- 
lebrity as  a  statesman,  and  with  enlarged  and  liberal  views  acquired  from 
extensive  travel  and  careful  observation  upon  European  affairs,  and  was 
soon  afterwards  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy  in  the  United  States  senate. 
On  the  death  of  Washington  he  delivered  an  oration  in  New  York,  at 
the  recjuest  of  the  corporation,  and  it  fell  to  his  lot  to  perform  the  same 
duty  to  the  memory  of  Hamilton  and  the  elder  Clinton.     Mr.  Morris  died 
Nov.  G,  18IG.     An  injury  which  be  sustained  by  a  fall  from  a  carriage  in 
1780,  deprived  him  of  n  leg,  which  was  supplied  by  one  of  wood. 

His  life  and  writings  by  .Tared  Sjiarks  form  three  octavo  volumes,  and 
to  these  the  reat|er  is  referred  for  a  minute  account  of  this  celebrated 
man. 

In  the  aumnicr  of  1805,  Dr.  Richard  Townscnd,  of  Hartford,  Wasb- 

inton  CO.,  having  procured  of  Gouverilcur  Morris  of  New  York,  an 

agency  for  the  sale  and  settling  of  his  lands  in  Cambray,  started  with 

several  men,  bis  neighbors,  to  visit  the  tract,  and  make  arrangements  for 

20 


f^M?'^ 


m 


n 


308 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


ueginning  a  settlemer'c.  The  pnrty  consisted  of  Richnrd  Townsend, 
Isaac  Austin,  Willard  Smitli,  Pardon  Bahcock,  Ainhi  Iligliy,  Jolin  Alden 
nud  Morris  Mead,  tiic  latter  a  surveyor.  Tliey  proceeded  to  tlie  liead  of 
Lake  George,  and  tlience  with  map  and  compass,  and  witli  three  days  pro- 
visions, they  struck  intotlie  woods  on  a  course  which  they  supposed  would 
bring  them  to  their  destination.  Several  incidents  of  interest  happened 
to  the  pionetrs  on  their  journey.  On  one  occasion  having  caught  some 
fish  in  the  morning,  their  dogs  (two  fine  masiifTs),  by  their  barking  and 
manner,  indicated  that  they  were  followed  by  some  wild  animal.  On  the 
approach  of  night,  they  built  a  row  of  fires,  within  which  they  camped, 
having  placed  their  fisli  in  the  branches  of  a  tree  much  elevated  above 
the  ground.  In  the  morning,  these  were  gone,  and  the  tracks  around  the 
roots  indicated  that  they  had  been  followed  by  one  or  more  large 
panthers. 

They  were  seven  days  on  the  roufe,  suffering  towards  the  last  from 
want  of  provisions,  and  first  came  into  clearings  in  the  Smith  settlement 
in  De  Kalb.  The  sound  of  a  bell  attached  to  an  ox,  first  indicated  their 
approach  to  clearings,  and  by  following  this  they  were  led  into  the  set- 
tlement, where  several  men  were  chopping.  One  of  the  party  hailed 
the  owners  of  the  cattle  with  a  complaint  that  they  had  broken  into  and 
injured  his  cornfield,  for  which  he  demanded  compensation. 

The  surprise  of  the  settlers  was  unbounded,  upon  seeing  a  company 
of  men  emerge  from  the  depths  of  the  forest,  and  they  could  scarcely 
credit  the  story  that  they  had  traversed  the  wilderness  from  Lake  George, 
with  no  guide  but  their  compass,  and  an  outfit  of  only  three  days  j)ro- 
visions.    The  party  thence  proceeded  on  to  Gouverneur,  arriving  just  be- 
low the  present  village,  and  after  a  short  stop  most  of  them  proceeded 
down,  and  crossing  near  the  present  Kearney  bridge,  returned  by  way  of 
the  Black  river  country  to  their  homes,  having  been  absent  about  three 
weeks.    Townsend,  Austin,  Smith,  and  others,  visited  the  town  again 
late  in  the  fall,  proceeding  on  horseback  by  the  Black  river  road  as  far 
as  Boon's  upper  settlement,  where  they  were  obliged  to  leave  their  horses 
from  the  badness  of  the  roads.     Arriving  by  the  route  of  the  state  road 
to  Lee's  tavern,  three  miles  north  of  Antwerp,  they  proceeded  thence  to 
their  destination  on  the  Oswegatchie,  where  its  placid  course  was  broken 
by  a  small  cascade,  and  its  channel  divided  by  two  beautiful  green  islands, 
in  the  present  village  of  Gouverneur.     Here  they  constructed  a  float  of 
logs,,  and  crossed,  arriving  at  their  destination  about  the  middle  of  Octo- 
ber.    A  surveyor  (Col.   Edsall;  of  Madrid),  was  procured,  and  several 
farms  surveyed,  and  slight  beginnings  made,  when  the  party  returned 
homo  by  the  route  they  came.    In  February  1806,  Pardon  Bubcock,  Wil- 


n 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


309 


lard  Smith,  Elenzer  Nicliols,  and  Fsanc  Austin,  witli  tlieir  families,  tlie 
wife  of  tlie  latter  being  hoine  an  invalid,  in  a  cradle,  the  whole  journey 
arrived  at  Atitwerp,  on  their  way  to  Camhray,  with  the  view  of  making 
n  permanent  settlement.  Here  their  families  were  left  a  few  days,  while 
the  men  went  forward  to  erect  a  shanty  and  provide  accommodations. 
One  Jershoni  Matoon,  was  keeping  an  inn  at  Antwerp  at  this  time,  and 
his  was  the  only  house  in  the  j)lace.  It  was  a  very  humble  log  cabin, 
with  but  one  room,  which  served  every  purpose  of  bar  room,  bed  room, 
parlor,  kitchen,  and  dining  room,  was  without  a  chinmey,  and  destitute 
of  every  accommodation  properly  so  called. 

A  slight  shelter  having  been  erected,  these  four  fiunilius  proceeded  to 
take  possession,  and  crossing  on  the  ice  near  the  site  of  the  Kearney 
bridge,  they  arrived  at  their  home,  which  was  found  to  lie  an  open  shed 
coversd  with  boughs.  This  stood  in  the  i)resent  road  in  front  of  Elwin 
E.  Austin's  present  dwelling  house.  On  the  next  day,  a  flat  roofed  log 
shanty,  open  on  one  side,  and  covered  with  wooden  troughs,  after  the 
manner  still  occasionally  seen  in  sugar  camps,  was  erected;  and  soou 
after  another,  facing  the  lirst,  but  with  a  space  l)etween  of  a  few  feet, 
which  served  the  purpose  of  a  door,  as  well  as  ",  chimney;  and  at  each 
side,  a  i)ile  of  logs  was  laid  at  night,  and  set  on  fire,  (or  the  triple  pur- 
pose of  light,  warmth,  and  a  defence  agfiinst  wild  beasts. 

This  cabin  furnished  a  common  shelter  for  several  weeks,  until  the 
several  families  bad  provided  tor  themselves  separate  huts.  Isaac  Mor- 
gan, from  Orange  co.,  Vt.,  arrived  on  the  last  of  March,  and  the  number 
was  soon  after  increased,  and  Dr.  Townsend,  during  the  smnmer,  cm- 
ployed  one  John  Simons,  of  Brownville,  to  survey  into  farms  the  lands 
around  the  present  village.  In  July  1806,  the  first  religious  meeting 
was  held  in  town,  at  the  shanty  of  Esq.  Austin,  by  Elders  Nichols,  and 
Pettengill,two  missionaries  from  Connecticut.  A  Mr.  Heath,  a  method- 
ist  ineacher,  living  in  Rich's  settlement  in  De  Kalb,  preached  occasion 
ally  on  sabhaths,  the  setthjrs  always  keeping  uj)  some  form  of  divine 
service  on  Sunday,  at  the  but  of  Mr.  Austin,  until  a  school  house  was 
erected,  when  the  meetings  were  held  at  that  place. 

A  road  was  cut  through  to  Richville,  on  the  first  summer,  by  vo'untary 
labor,  and  coimnunications  were  soon  opened  with  Antwerp.  The  first 
birth  in  town,  among  the  settlers,  was  a  son  (Allen  Smith),  in  the  family 
of  Willard  Smith,  May  8,  180G.  The  first  d(>ath  was  Emily  Porter,  aged 
two  years,  in  Aug.  1608.  The  second  a  Mrs.  Martin.  The  third  death 
was  that  of  Stephen  Patterson,  who  was  crushed  while  stoning  up  a 
well.  The  first  marriage  was  Medad  Colo  tt  a  daughter  of  Stephen 
Puttersoi).    Dr.  John  S[)eucer,  from  Windsor,  Ct.,  was  the  first  j»ractising 


310 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


14 


t-» 


physician,  wlio  moved  into  town,  and  for  several  years  was  the  only  one 
within  many  miles.  On  his  arrival  in  April  1807,  there  w<»rr  flcven 
families  living  in  town,  viz:  Richard  Townsond,  Isaac  and  Daniel  Austin, 
Pardon  Babcock,  Wiliard  Smith,  Eieazer  Nichols,  Stephen  Patterson, 
Isaac  ftlorgan,  Benjamin  ^^mitii,  Israel  Porter,  and  Stephen  Sniitli. 
Previous  to  his  arrival  Dr.  Seeley,  of  De  Kalh,  was  occa.iionally  called. 
On  the  lirst  occasion  in  which  medical  assistance  was  needed,  the  mes- 
senger got  belated,  and  wts  compelled  to  lie  out  in  a  thunder  storm, 
and  returned  in  the  morning  by  following  in  his  dog.  Gilchrist,  Consta- 
ble and  others,  of  the  great  proprietors,  traveled  through  the  town  in 
the  summer  of  1807,  and  made  a  shoit  stay.  The  settlers  feeling  tiie 
want  of  a  bridge,  and  hoping  nothing  from  the  town  of  Oswegatohie,  of 
which  they  were  then  a  part,  raised  in  1808,  by  vohmtary  sidiscriiition, 
the  sum  of  8500,  with  which  they  hired  Mr.  Isaac  Kendall,  to  build  the 
first  bridge  in  the  village.  It  stood  12  years,  and  was  then  replaced  by 
one  costing' 81000,  built  by  Mr.  James  Parker.  The  chief  contrihiitois 
to  the  first,  were  the  two  Austins,  Townsend,  Babcock,  Spencer,  Purler 
and  Morgan. 

The  shanty  used  by  the  workmen  on  the  bridge,  in  the  autumn  of  tlic 
same  year,  became  the  first  school  room,  and  was  occupied  by  Miss 
Elizabeth  S.  Sackett,  now  3Irs.  John  Parker,  of  Fowler.  It  stood  near 
where  the  Presljyterian  cliurch  now  is.  The  first  man  school,  v/as 
taught  by  Sylvester  Mc^Tasters,  in  a  shop  erected  for  mechanical  pnr- 
poses,  by  Capt.  Babcock,  but  which  was  relincpiishcd  for  this  use.  In 
1811,  the  first  school  house  was  built  of  logs,  on  the  ground  now  occu- 
pied by  the  Plank  Road  House,  west  of  the  bridge.  In  1808,  Mr.  Porter 
opened  the  first  public  house,  and  soon  after,  John  Brown  commenced 
as  a  merchant.  During  this  summer  Gouverneur  Morris,  spent  three 
weeks  in  town,  at  the  house  of  Mr.  Isaac  Au.stin,  from  whence  he  |no- 
ceeded  by  water  to  the  O.x  Bow,  where  his  nephew  Lewis  R.  Morris. 
was  living.  In  180!),  a  clearing  of  80  acres  was  made  for  Morris  liy 
Joseph  Bolton,  near  the  natural  dam,  and  a  grist  and  saw  mill  were 
erected  there  at  the  proprietor's  expense,  by  Mr.  Austin,  and  the  premi- 
ses long  afterwards  bore  the  name  of  Morris's  fliills.  Lands  first  sold 
for  82*.^0,  but  soon  after  were  fixed  at  .*3'00. 

In  the  spring  of  1800,  the  following  families  were  living  in  town. 
Wm.  Cleghorn,  J.  S.  Colton,  Wm.  Colton,  Henry  Welch,  Israel  Porter, 
Elkanah  Partridge,  Dr.  J.  Spencer,  Isaac  Austin,  Eieaznr  Nichols, 
Rockwell  Barnes,  Stephen  Patterson,  Joseph  Bolton,  Iloleab  Smith, 
Benjamin  Smith,  Caleb  Drake,  Benjamin  Clark,  James  Barnes,  Calvin 
Bullock,  Eplu-aim  Gates,  Ricliard  Townsend,  Isaac  Morgan,  Timothy 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


311 


Slieldoit,  Colbiirn  Barrell,  lleubenNol)les,Epliruim  Case,  Richard  Kein- 
ble,  Joliii  Iloyt,  Pardon  Hubcoek,  Duiiiol  Austin,  Medad  Cole.  Besides 
tliese,  Win.  Cunning,  Sela  Coleman,  Alfred  Cole,  Harvey  Black,  Charles 
McLane,  James  and  John  Parker,  Josiah  Waid,  and  a  few  others,  the 
last  mentioned  being  mostly  single  men,  were  living  in  town  or  came  in 
very  soon  after.  The  settlers  in  1812,  purticijmting  in  the  general  nlarn), 
connnenced  the  erection  of  a  block  house  in  the  present  village  of  Gou- 
verneur,  but  it  was  never  finished.  The  timbers  were  subsetjueutly 
employed  in  the  dam,  and  in  buildings  soon  after  erected.  The  dam  iu 
the  village  was  erected  in  1814,  the  first  iuachinery  being  clothing 
works,  put  in  operation  by  one  Downs.  A  frame  school  house  was 
bailt  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  in  1815,  which  was  replaced  by  the 
j)resent  brick  edifice  in  18'i7. 

The  war  in  this  and  many  other  towns,  checked  its  growth,  for  many 
years,  but  it  soon  after  began  to  increase  in  population  quite  rapidly,  and 
in  18I()-18,  many  families  from  Johnstown,  located  on  the  road  leading 
to  the  Ox  Bow,  which  still  bears  the  name  of  Johnstown  Street,  from 
this  cause.  The  first  settler  on  that  road  was  Jeremiah  Merithue,  in 
1810.  In  1825  Israel  Porter  built  the  first  grist  mill  in  the  village,  Mr. 
Daniel  W.  Church,  being  the  mill  wright.  It  was  burned  about  1825. 
A  saw  mill  was  built  several  years  previously. 

Tiie  followiug  incident,  which  occurred  in  December,  1807,  is  worthy 
of  record.  It  is  derived  from  the  person  who  was  the  subject  of  the 
adventure,  and  is  reliable.  Dr.  Spencer  had  set  out  in  the  morning,  on 
foot,  to  visit  a  jtatient  beyond  Antwerp,  guided  by  a  line  of  marked 
trees,  and  an  obscure  path  through  the  woods,  which  ejftended  but  a  part 
of  the  way.  A  light  snow,  followed  by  rain  and  frost,  had  fallen,  which 
rendered  the  tread  of  men  and  animals  audible  to  a  great  distance,  and 
the  nir  was  chilly  and  uncomfortable.  When  he  had  proceeded  about 
tiiree  miles,  he  was  aroused  by  a  rustling  sound,  and  presently  a  deer 
pursued  Ly  a  black  wolf,  past  swiftly  by  him.  He  dropped  behind  a  log 
to  see  the  chase,  >vithout  interrupting  it,  when  he  heard  a  louder  sound 
behind  him,  and  on  Ivioking  back  saw  eleven  other  wolves,  in  u  pack, 
which  gave  up  the  chas';  for  the  deer  and  stood  gazing  at  the  new  game 
they  had  discovered.  lie  jumped  up,  and  with  loud  shouts  and  threat- 
ening gestures,  endeavored  to  Irighten  them  awaj',  but  without  success, 
for  they  retreated  but  a  few  puces,  and  tiien  tiirne>l  to  eye  him  narrowly. 
A  short  distance  beyond,  on  the  groum'.  now  covered  by  the  house  of 
Mr.  G.  Norton,  stood  the  body  of  a  log  house,  and  his  first  thought  was 
to  run  for  that,  iu  hopes  that  he  could  defend  himself  at  the  door,  but 
upon  second  thought  it  was  evident  that  but  little  liopc  of  CBcape  could 


m, 


JPfM: .  .    . 

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313 


HISTORY     OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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be  expected  in  flijflit.  lie  next  tliouglit  of  elin^inp  n  tree,  hut  then  the 
wolves  might  watch  him  till  he  was  exliaiisted  with  cohl.  At  last  find- 
ing that  eiioiiting  an'  gestures,  were  of  no  avail,  he  laid  down  iiis  pill 
bags,  overcoat,  and  lint,  and  cutting  a  green  beech  stick,  of  sufficient 
size  to  be  easily  wielded,  and  of  a  weight  that  would  give  effect  to  a 
blow,  he  rushed  at  them  swinging  his  weapon,  and  making  all  the  up- 
roar in  his  power,  by  beating  the  icy  bushes  until  they  were  scattered 
when  losing  that  confidence  which  nund)ers  had  given  them,  they  fled 
in  different  directions.  His  first  thought  was  to  return  back,  but  dread- 
ing the  jeer3  of  his  neighbors,  who  might  say  that  he  had  been  scared 
by  a  wolf,  he  kept  on  his  course.  IJefore  out  of  hearing,  he  distinguished 
the  cries  of  the  pack,  as  they  were  again  mustering,  but  he  saw  no  more 
of  them. 

A  separate  account  of  the  academy  in  this  town  will  he  given.  Tlio 
village  of  fJouverneur,  was  incorporated  under  a  general  act,  Dec,  7, 
J 847.     Its  first  officers  were  as  follows: 

Edwin  Dodire,  Peter  Van  IJuren,  S.  B.  Van  Duzee,  N.  D.  Arnod  and 
I.  P.  Smith,  trustees.  H.  Schermerhorn,  Uich'd  Parsons  and  O.  (J.  Karnnin, 
assessors.  Zebinn  Smith, i;o//ec/or.  Cliauncey  Dodge, c/prL  II.  D.Sniith, 
treasurer.  O.  G.  lii\nM<\i\,  pound  tnaster.  Its  firesent  officers  (1852,)  are 
Peter  Van  Buren,  M.  Barney,  .T,  Fosgate,  K.  Parsons  and  W.  M.  (Jood- 
rich,  trustees.  I.  Smith,  O.  S.  Barnum  and  S.  Cone,  assessors.  11.  L. 
Conklin,  clerk.  11.  D.  Smith  treasurer.  Z.  Smith,  coUeder  and  pound 
master. 

The  inhabitants  of  Gouverneur  and  Morristown,  were  authorized,  April 
15,  182G,  to  elect  ihree  trustees,  to  have  charge  of  the  public  lands,  and 
apply  the  jtrofits  for  the  support  of  schools.  On  the  31st  of  March,  1828, 
the  oversee  IS  of  the  poor  were  directed  to  pay  to  the  trustees  of  thepuh- 
lic  lots,  $1000  of  the  poor  moneys  in  their  hands,  to  be  invested  for  the 
supi)ort  of  schools.  From  this  fund  and  the  proceeds  from  the  sales  of 
the  school  lot,  a  large  fund  has  accrued.  The  trustees  of  the  Baptist  and 
Presbyterian  societies,  by  an  instrument  on  file,  among  the  archives  of 
the  state,  rclin(iiuslied  their  claims  in  favor  of  schools. 

The  Gouverneur  Union  Library  was  incorjiorated  Feb.  14,  1815. 
Richard  Kitnball,  Be;ijamin  Brown,  Timothy  Sheldon,  Joseph  Sinith, 
Pardon  Babcock,  Aaron  Atwood,  Rockwell  Barnes  and  Israel  Porter, 
being  the  first  trustees. 

Religious  Societies. — The  first  church  formed  in  town,  is  said  to  have 
been  by  the  Baptists,  to  which  sect  many  of  the  first  settlers  lielonged. 
They  were  organized  in  F'ebruary,  1810,  by  Elder  Jonathan  Payne,  and 
at  first,  niunbered  eleven  memi)ers.  Elder  Payne  liasheen  succeede  Iby 
Elisha  Morgan,  Noah  Barrell,  Josejdi  Sawyer,  Clement  Haven,  Ncwill 
Boughton,  S.  Pomeroy,  N.  O.  Webh,  J.  Sawyer  and  Conant  Sawyer.  The 
First  Baptist  Society  of  Gourerueur  was  formed  April  14,  1825.    Win. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


313 


W.  Rhodes,  Rufns  Smith,  AInnson  Townseiid,  Benjamin  Lenvitt, 
Milus  Tiirnor  aiirl  Moees  Uowley,  being  the  first  trustees.  It  was  reor- 
j;,iiiized  July  2,  1835.  In  18'22,  they  erected  a  churcii;  and  in  1850  and 
1851,  tlieir  |)re8ent  very  elegant  church,  at  a  cost  of  about  $3000.  It  is 
the  first  one  to  tlie  right  of  tlie  Seminary,  in  our  view  of  Gouverneur 
village. 

Tlie  First  Congregational  or  Presbyterian  Church,  was  formed  May 
24,  1817,  consisting  of  six  persons,  since  which  time  up  to  Jan.  1,  1852, 
538  have  been  admitted  to  membership.  On  the  20th  of  April,  1820,  the 
First  Congregational  or  Presbyterian  Society  in  Gouverneur,  was  incor- 
porated, with  John  Siieucer,  Richard  Kimball,  VVm.  Cleghorn,  William 
Colton,  Rockwell  Barnes  and  James  Parker  trustees.  This  church  was 
not  regularly  supplied  by  a  minister  until  the  1st  of  January,  1820,  since 
which  time  the  following  clergyman  have  been  employed. 

Rev.  James  Murdo(!k,  1890-25;  Rev.  Richard  C.  Hand,  1825-33;  Rev. 
Jonathan  Ilovey,  1833-34:  Rev.  Robert  F.  Lawrence,  1835-38;  Rev. 
Simeon  Bickne'll,  1838-42;  Rev.  B.  B.  I^eckwith,  1843,  till  the  present 
time.  The  first  churcli  edifice  was  erected  in  1820,  and  completed  ia 
1824.    Cost  $1,400. 

The  present  meeting  house  was  completed  at  a  cost  of  $.3,500,  and  de- 
dicated in  August,  1844.  It  is  represented  on  the  right  in  our  engraving 
of  Gouverneur  village. 

The  author  is  indebted  to  Harvey  D.  Smith,  Esq.,  the  clerk  of  this  so- 
ciety, for  the  Ibregoing  tiicts. 

A  Congregational  Church  was  formed  in  February,  1843,  and  on  the 
21stof  March,  a  society  was  incorporated  as  the  Second  Congregational 
Church  of  Gouverneur.  Rockwell  Barnes,  Nathan  W.  Smith  and  John 
Leach,  being  the  trustees. 

Being  disap[)ointed  in  not  receiving  materials  which  had  been  expected, 
we  are  unable  to  give  that  particular  account  of  this  and  other  societies, 
in  this  and  other  towns,  which  was  desirable. 

The  first  Universalist  Society  of  Gouverneur  and  Hailesboro,  was  in- 
corporated Jan.  7,  184!),  with  James  Sherwin,  Francis  Farmer,  Hall 
Tuttle,  I.  P.  Smith,  Addison  Giles  and  Sanford  Betts,  as  trustees. 

Hammond 

Was  formed  from  Rossie  and  Morristown,  March  30,  1827,  to  take 
efJ'ect  on  tiie  1st  of  May  following.  Its  line  on  the  side  of  Morristown, 
was  changed  May  2, 1837;  a  corner  south  of  Black  lake,  was  on  the  11th 
of  April,  1842,  attached  to  3Iacoml);  and  the  line  bordering  Rossie,  which 
at  first  ran  parallel  with  the  original  line  of  Somerville,  one  and  a  half 
I  liles  southeast  of  it,  was  on  the  7lh  of  Feb.,  1844,  changed  to  its  present 
course  from  the  corner  of  the  old  townshij),  to  the  head  of  Mile  bay. 

Supervisors.— 1827-8,  Svlvester  Butrick ;  1829-31,  Roswel I  Ryon;  1832, 
Alien  Cook;  18.3.3,  Urrin  lirown;  1834-5,  Loren  Bailey;  1 83(5-7,  George 
C.  Daniels;  1838,  Orrin  Brown ;  183!)-40,  Enoch  Taylor;  1841,  Ebenezer 
N.  Demick;  1842,  Orville  E.  Wightman;  1843,  E.N.  Demick;  1844-7, 
Wm.  H.  Wright;  1848-!),  Henry  ZoUer;  1850,  Sidney  S.  Wait;  1851, 
Josiah  Zoller;  1852,  Abel  P.  ftlorse. 

In  1831,  the  town  voted  to  [letition  that  the  interest  of  the  poor  fund 
might  be  applied  tu  the  support  of  schools. 


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HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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Tlietown  derives  its  name  from  Aliijnli  IInminoii(1,of  Now  York,  who 
owned  the  townsiiip  previous  to  tlio  purchase  of  David  Parish.  He  was 
a  brotlicr-in-law  of  David  A.  Ogdeii,  and  a  inerciiaiit  and  Ki)eciihitor  ol 
Now  York,  and  at  one  tiino  had  in  conjiniction  with  others,  a  sciionu;  of 
purciiasing  tlie  vacant  hinds  then  existing?  alwve  the  settled  parts  of  New 
York,  but  whicli  now  lie  in  the  lieart  of  tiio  city.  In  the  revoiutionniy 
war  he  liold  a  commission  as  captain  of  artillery.  He  never  visited  liis 
northern  jjurchases,  and  took  no  further  interest  in  them  tiian  as  a  suIj- 
ject  for  siieculation.  David  Parish  purchased  of  Ilanmiond  and  wife, 
28,871  acres  Sept.  1%  1814.  Sligiit  beginnings  had  been  made  previous- 
ly, but  no  titles  of  land  passed  to  actual  settlers  until  July,  1818,  when 
\Vm.  Wiley  took  the  first  contract.  Loren  IJailey  went  into  town  as  an 
agent,  on  the  31st  of  July,  1818,  and  it  then  began  to  settle  ra[)idly.  Mr. 
B.  continued  the  agent  till  his  death,  when  the  office  was  removed  to 
Rossie.  The  first  actual  resident  in  town  is  said  to  have  been  one  Wm. 
McNeill,  from  Vermont,  who  had  boon  in  town  several  years  previous  to 
1812.  He  attempted  no  clearing,  lived  a  hernut's  life,  subsisted  by  hunt- 
ing and  fishing,  and  dwelt  in  a  niche  in  the  rocks,  at  Chippewa  bay. 
The  first  clearing  was  commenced  in  the  summer  of  1812,  by  William 
Wiley,  from  Vermont,  at  the  present  village  of  Hammond  Corners.    In 

1813, Barker,  from  Rossie,  settled  a  mile  south  of  the  Corners,  and 

opened  a  tavern.    At  this  time  the  Ogdensburgh  turnpike  was  laid 
through  the  town,  and  worked  in  this  and  the  next  year. 

In  the  summer  of  1814,  an  attempt  was  made  by  a  party  of  fifty  or 
sixty  Canadians,  under  Duncan  Fraser,  to  abduct  one  or  two  refugees 
who  had  taken  up  their  abode  in  town,  and  bad  rendered  themselves 
obnoxious  to  their  former  Canadian  neighbors,  by  repeated  depredations 
committed  in  revenge  for  real  or  supposed  injuries.  The  party  landed 
very  early  in  the  morning  at  Chippewa  bay,  and  proceeded  in  quest  of 
their  object,  but  missed  their  path,  which  delayed  their  arrival  till  sun- 
rise, at  the  inn  of  Mr.  Barker,  whore  the  principal  object  of  their  search 
was  sleeping.  Alarmed  by  the  family,  this  person  fled  half  dressed  to 
the  woods,  narrowly  escaping  the  shower  of  balls  aimed  at  him.  The 
house  was  ransacked  in  vain  for  papers,  and  the  party  returned  home 
disappointed  in  their  pursuit. 

The  greater  part  of  the  town  of  Hammond,  west  of  the  village,  and  in 
the  direction  of  Chippewa  bay,  was  settled  by  Scotch  emigrants,  in  lbl8, 
1819,  and  1821.  These  families  came  over  singly,  and  without  any  par- 
ticular destination,  and  meeting  the  agents  of  Mr.  Parish,  were  induced 
to  locate  on  his  tract,  where  they,  or  their  immediate  descendants,  mostly 
coDtiuufl  to  reside.    Tiie  following  persons  located  in  1818:    John  and 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


315 


k,  who 

lo  WflH 

ator  oC 
'Miie  of 


Duviil  Gro(for,  John  Uaird,  Peter  Allen,  John  Hill  nnd  James  Hill,  of 
whom  ull  but  the  two  hitler,  were  married.  A  Mr.  Cowan,  one  of  their 
niitiiher,  was  killed  in  the  following  winter  by  the  fiill  of  a  tree,  and  Mr. 
Parish,  with  cbiuacteriHtie  liberality,  paid  the  ex|)cnse8  of  his  widow's 
return  to  Scotland.  In  1811),  Thomas  Caswell,  Wm.  Nickol,  James 
lioj,'en;,  Robert  Morris,  Robert  and  Andrew  Shields,  John  Mercer, 
Thomas  Dodds,  and  Wm.  Uurke,  an  En|,dishman,  came  into  the  settle- 
ment; and  in  1621,  John  Rrown.  Several  of  die  latter  were  single  men, 
and  none  of  them  past  the  middle  of  life,  and  the  evidences  of  prosperity 
which  meet  the  eye  of  the  traveler,  sutliciently  prove  tliat  they  have  suc- 
cessfully encountered  the  hardships  of  a  new  settlement 

A  few  yours  later,  others  wore  induced  to  emigrate  through  the  repre- 
sentations of  those  already  located.  To  those  of  the  first  and  second 
year,  who  required  it,  Mr.  Parish  extended  a  similar  credit  with  that  of 
his  settlers  in  Rossie. 

The  iirst  school  in  the  Scotch  settlement,  if  not  in  town,  was  taught 
by  Dr.  James  Scott,  of  Lisbon,  in  the  winter  of  1819-20.  Mr.  Bailey, 
tiie  agent,  settled  at  Chippewa  bay,  three  and  a  half  miles  from  the 
Corners.  Abrani  Cooper  soon  after  commenced  improvements  ut  this 
place,  which  at  jjrcsent  although  but  a  small  settlement,  forms  an  im- 
portant port  for  the  export  of  iron  from  Rossie,  and  lumber  and  produce 
from  the  surrounding  country.  A  steam  saw  mill  was  erected  here 
about  1844,  by  James  E.  Lyon. 

Oak  Point  is  a  small  village  and  landing,  at  the  point  where  the  origi- 
nal line  of  Hague  and  Hammond  touched  the  river.    George  Elliot  first 

connnenced  a  settlement  here,  and  was  succeeded  by Cowan,  in 

1824,  who  opened  a  small  grocery  store.     Earl  Atwood,  Abram  Schermer- 

horn,  from  Trenton,  N.  Y. ; Matthews,  and  a  few  others,  came  soon 

alter.  In  1825,  a  wharf  was  built  on  a  small  island  in  the  channel  com- 
municating with  the  shore  by  a  bridge;  and  in  1838,  this  was  rebuilt. 
A  post  ofiice  was  established  in  1840,  and  a  custom  house  has  existed 
for  many  years.  The  deputy  collectors  have  been  J.  G.  McCormick, 
Benjamin  Franklin,  and  Amos  Webster.  The  duties  in  1830  were 
$2,461-31,  and  in  1851,  $2,191-04,  mostly  on  cattle,  sheep  and  horses. 
This  office  had  previously  been  located  at  the  Corners,  where  Sylvester 
Butrick  and  Arnold  Smith  had  held  it.  A  light  house  was  erected  on 
Cross-Over  island  a  short  distance  above,  in  1847.  The  river  steam 
boats  formerly  landed  here  regularly,  but  this  practice  has  been  for  some 
time  discontinued. 

The  south  part  of  the  town,  on  the  military  road,  was  first  settled  about 
1819,  by  Sunmcl  Webster  and  William  Tappan,  of  Vermont.    Jonathan 


!h 


I' 


316 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Ring,  of  Ilcrkiiiior  county,  settled  in  tlio  following  year,  nnd  commenced 
keeping  tin  itm.  The  military  rond  from  Sackett'H  Uurbor  to  llummoiid, 
hud  been  cut  through  shortly  before  the  war,  but  from  dismse,  had  be- 
come im[mssablo.  It  was  reopened  in  IS'ili,  l»y  a  cojnpany  of  about 
twenty-five  soldiers  from  Sackett's  Harbor,  who  volunteered  for  tiie  ser- 
vice, and  drew  extra  jmy  for  their  labor.  Tliey  were  under  the  direction 
of  Capt.  VVilkie,  and  afterward^'  of  Capt.  Kaiinom.  The  road  was  laid 
out  us  u  highway,  one  or  two  yens  aller,  anil  has  contiinicd  one  of  the 
principal  thoroughfiu-cs  from  V/atertown  to  Ogdensburgli.  The  South 
Hunuiiond  post  office  wa8  established  in  183.'3,  Ulr.  King  being  post- 
master. The  office  has  continued  in  the  cure  of  iiim  and  bis  son,  Henry 
King,  until  the  present  time.  The  hotel  at  South  Hanmiond  was  erected 
in  the  summer  of  1848.     There  is  no  village  in  tins  vicinity. 

On  the  IDth  of  April,  1834,  Lorcii  Uailey,  Azariah  Walton  and 
Eiltridge  G.  Merrick  were  appointed  conunissioners  to  open  a  road  from 
the  line  of  Clayton  and  Lyme,  to  a  road  leading  from  Chi[)pcwa  bay  to 
Osdeiisburgh.  This  road  was  through  the  villages  of  French  Creek 
Qiul  Alexandria  Bay  to  Hammond.  The  lands  adjacent  were  taxed  to 
build  it. 

Opposite  to  the  town  of  Hammond,  in  the  cl.    .iiel  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence,   lay  the  last  of  the  Thonsond  Islands,  a  most   beautiful  and 
romantic  group,  which  seldom  fails  to  elicit  the  admiration  of  the  tra- 
veler, as  ho  threads  bis  course  among  them.    They  commence  near  the 
outlet  of  Luke  Ontario,  and  extend  along  the  entire  river  front  of  Jeffer- 
son county,  and  consist  principally  of  gneis  rock,  which  rises  from  the 
green  limpid  waters  of  the  great  river,  in  an  infinite  variety  of  pleasing 
forms  and  groups ;  most  of  them  still  covered  with  the  primitive  forests, 
with  here  and  there  a  clearing,  and  a  curling  si)ire  of  smoke  ritiiiig 
among  the  trees,  which  indicates  the  site  of  the  home  of  some  secluded 
settler.    Tlie  larger  islands  are  mostly  under  a  fine  state  of  cultivation, 
and  possess  a  fertile  soil,  and  some  of  them  have  interesting   mineral 
localities.      The  singularly  romantic  beauty  of  this  group,  struck  in  a 
most  forcible  manner  the  attention  of  the  early  French  voyagein-s,  who 
dwelt  upon  the  lovely  si)ectacle  which  they  presented,  and  di  scribed  in 
language  that  would  apply  to  the  dream  of  a  romaucc,  the  picturesque 
forms  that  every  where  rose  above  the  water,  and  were  reflected  from 
its  placid  surface.    Nor  are  they  destitute  of  incident,  which  gives  addi- 
tional interest  to  the  associavion,  and  the  events  of  the  early  French  and 
Indian  wars  of  the  revolution,  of  the  war  of  18r<i-15,  and  of  the  patriot 
war,  so  called,  of  a  still  recent  period,  give  a  charm  to  luimerous  locali- 
ties, which  it;w,  who  delight  in  the  associutiou  of  the  incidents  of  fitrnicr 


eiiced 
iiiorid, 
Mil  b(j- 
uboiit 

K!  80r- 

ectioii 
-  liiid 
or  tlie 

post- 

L'tiry 

ected 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


317 


titnes,  with  ju'csent  nppearanco,  will  fuil  to  appreciate.      Among  tlie 

objuctH  moat  likely  lo  attract  tlio  notice  of  tiie  traveler,  aH  lio  jmsscH  tlio 

South  ciianni'l,  tioiu  Clayton  to  Capo  VIium  nt,  in  a  >;ronp  of  chimneys, 

wliich  looms  np  trom  an  elevated   |ilnin,  at  the  lieud  of  Carlton    island, 

and  arc  the  remains  of  n  fortress  tliat  the  French  erected  in  curly  times, 

for  the  protection  of  their  trade  anri  travel,  to  more  remote  Htations  in 

the  west.     Indiiin  Ihit  inland,  in  Ciiippewa  hay,  is  snpposed  to  derive 

its  name  from  the  residence  of  the  Quaker  Indian,  alluded  to  on  page 

44  of  this  work. 

lMiii;iou.<i  Sonellct. — The  first  Presliyterian  nnion  society,  in  the  town 
of  Hammond,  was  incorporatt^l  Decemher  14,  ldii7,  with  Lnther  Lan- 
phenr,  James  Ilills  and  Walttir  Wilson,  trnstees.  A  church  had  heen 
formed  shortly  heforo,  by  the  Uev.  Hiram  S.  .lohnsoii,  of  12  nieml)ers, 
which  was  niider  the  St.  Lawrence  Pnishytery,  and  the  pastoral  care  of 
Joseph  Taylor.  Trom  sickness  and  other  causes,  this  orfranization  was 
lost.  Thf!  present  Prtishyteriaii  society,  liejonginj,'  to  the  ()j;(lenshurf;h 
Presbytery,  is  a  separate  church.  They  liiive  a  stone  meetinj?  house  in 
Hannnond  Corners,  and  thr  several  years  have  heen  under  the  pasHtral 
care  of  the  Rev.  John  i\lc(irefror.  The  first  society  of  the  M.  E.  church 
of  Hammond,  was  incorporated  Se|»tend)er  2i>,  1832.  Rev.  Joel  J. 
Ermns,  William  S.  Wait,  Alon/o  D.  Carter,  William  Rrown  and  Ahei 
Fnmklin,  trustees.  A  Free  Will  Baptist  church  was  formed  A|)ril  tJ, 
184:5,  i)y  Elder  Samuel  R.  Padin,  who  preached  two  years.  It  was  com- 
jiosed  of  14  males  and  V,i  iemale.-,  most  of  whom  reside  in  the  south 
j)art  of  the  town.  They  have  formed  no  leffal  society,  and  have  no 
house  of  worshij).  Trinity  church,  in  the  towns  of  Hammond  and 
Rossie,  was  incorporated  Peccmher  IG,  184(1.  llem-y  W.  Chapman  and 
A.  P.  Morse,  wardens;  William  B.  Bostwick,  Phirenda  Butterlieh). 
William  Laidlaw,  Sophereth  Opliir,  William  Welch,  Robert  Morris, 
John  Burrows,  and  James  Hill,  vestrymen.  Tliis  society  lius  never 
erected  a  church. 

ITermon. 
This  town  was  fortned  from  Edwards  and  De  Kalb,  imder  the  name 
of  Depeau,  April  17,  1830.  It  received  this  name  from  Francis  De|ieau, 
of  New  York,  who  was  also  extensively  concerned  in  the  French  pur- 
chase, in  Jefierson  county.  He  was  interested  in  the  middle  third,  which 
had  passed  iiom  McCormick  to  George  Lewis,  July  12,  18C4,  who  sold 
to  John  and  Curtis  Bolton,  August  1,  1823.  The  latter  sold  to  Depeau, 
June  G,  1828,  and  the  latter  May  3,  1830,  conveyed  to  Sarah,  wile  of 
John  Bolton.  It  originally  embraced  the  township  of  Fitz  William,  or 
No.  4,  and  a  strip,  1  mile  by  G,  from  the  southeast  side  of  De  Kalb.  The 
board  of  supervisors  have  recently  attached  a  i)art  to  Edwards,  as  stated 
in  the  preceeding  pages.  In  a  short  time  the  inhabitants  found  it  a 
source  of  annoyance,  to  have  »  name  so  near  like  Depeauville,  in  Jeffer- 
son county,  to  which  th.  ir  mails  often  w  ;nt,  and  they  procured  a  change 
of  name  on  the  23th  of  February,  1834,  to  IIermon.    A  post  office  had 


( 


4  -i 


I'-.: 


,  *''i .  '■ 


r'i    , 


318 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Mi 

If' 

w 
m 


1 

m-y 

:| 

W^'' 

1 

¥'' 

|t 

W'i' 

M 

liecn  fornicil  Dccciiibcr  20,  1828,  of  tiiis  name,  wliicli  woh  tukon  tVum 

tlio  Bcri|ilui'08. 

Tlio  first  town  inootiiijj  wii«  lirld  at  tlio  house  of  Natlmniel  Kent,  Uii 

wliirli  tli«  f()ll<»\viii>(  worn  oltictod: 

William  '\'v.n\\,  suprrvlsor ;  ]{(!MJaiiiiii  \\en\y, clerk;  WilkoH  Rii'liardHoti, 
Isaac  C.  I'dol,  Silas  Williams,  annmsurH;  Simoon  I'olcrsoii,  Jt-sso  Wur- 
«liMi,  Slmbacl  Parker,  mmnuKsioncrs  of  lilu^liirdjis;  Wilkes  llifliardson, 
HoluM't  (lOtliam,  llemy  'ramuM-,  mmHiinsioncrs  of  srhnol.i ;  Ueiijainiii 
llealy,  Aaron  TcNill,  C.I).  JMorelionse,  inspcrlors  nf  srhools ;  .Martin  L. 
l/'ook,  .lolm  iMatoon,  ovirsiers  of  poor;  diaries  li.  Jtudlield,  collccbr; 
Ari(d  Wrisley,  dairies  C  Iledfield,  connlahlcs. 

.SK/jerriW.?.— lH;iO-2.  William  Toall;  IWl'l.  Kenlinn  L.  Willson;  \m\.C,, 
Harry  Tanner;  \H:\7,  Silas  Willian..-.;  IH:W-!»,  Henrv  I",  ('ook;  IHK), 
Natlianiol  Kent;  J841-2,  H.  P.  Cooke;  lH.I.S-7,  Silas  VVilliams;  1848-.")!, 
fcJcymour  Tliatelior;  JH.W,  David  W.  Weeks. 

TIio  first  settloment  in  this  town  was  begun  by  James  Taylor,  several 
years  before  the  war,  in  the  western  part  of  the  township  of  Fit/  William, 
nnd  near  tlie  line  of  Gouverneur.  George  Davis,  .Tames  Farr,  Philemon 
Stewart,  Ariel  Inman  nnd  Kut'us  Hopkins  had  settled  in  the  town  pre- 
vious to  1812.  Thoso  who  located  on  township  No.  4,  did  so  without 
previously  making  an  arrangement  witli  an  agent,  as  none  liad  been 
tlien  appointed.  David  McColIom,  from  Ilutlaiul  county,  Vt.,  but  then 
from  Canatla,  came  in  1812;  Roger  Story,  in  161!3;  German  Souther- 
land,  in  181G.  The  first  saw  mill  was  erected,  in  1818,  on  Elm  creek, 
in  the  present  village  of  Hermon,  by  Milton  Johnson,  from  Russell 
The  first  death  in  the  town  was  that  of  Tliomns  Farr.  In  1819,  n  grist 
mill  and  distillery  were  erected,  in  what  I,  now  the  village  of  Hermon. 
by  Milton  Johnson.  The  latter  v..s  kept  ui)  till  1832  or  1833.  TJie  first 
religious  meetings  in  town  were  held  in  1811,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Wright,  n 
missionary  from  Massachusetts.  The  first  scliools  were  kept  in  the  house 
of  David  McCoHom,  near  the  village  of  Hermon,  in  winters  of  1817-18, 
by  William  D.Moore;  nnd  1818-1!),  by  Wesley  McColIom.  The  first 
road  opened  through  the  town,  was  from  De  Kalh  to  Russell,  during  the 
war.  The  next  was  from  the  present  village  of  Hermon,  to  De  Kalb,  in 
1818.  The  .settlers  suffered  rather  more  than  the  usual  share  of  distress 
from  the  famine  which  ensued  from  the  cold  season  of  181G.  During 
the  war,  the  settlement  of  the  town  was  checked,  and  numbers  left  the 
country,  from  fear  of  Indian  incursions.  In  1822,  3,  4,  5,  the  town  set- 
tled quite  rapidly,  and  din'ing  the  latter  year,  the  numbers  of  settlers 
increased  more  rapidly  than  in  nny  other.  The  second  mill  in  town  was 
built  on  Elm  creek,  one  mile  abov/)  the  present  village  of  Hirmon,  by 
Abrani  Fisk.  In  the  following  year,  Amos  Marsh  bought  the  premises 
and  erected  a  grist  mill.     From  him  the  settlement  in  this  vicinity  was 


ANn   FRANKLIN   rOUNTTES. 


319 


iintnod  Mtmhvillc.  Williiuii  Tenll  npriiod  a  atoio  in  1B23,  in  tlic  north- 
ern ril^o  of  tlin  town,  anil  Hoon  atlor  Williiun  iMiirtin  coniniencud  the 
tirHt  tnercantilu  biiNini'SN  in  thn  villii^o  of  Hvrtnon.  ThiH  phico  on  Lay'i* 
nmp  1)1"  IHI7,  is  iiiiirMMl  F.dsthnniville,  w\\\('\\ '\t  uv.vcr  horo  amonj,'  tlie 
inliul)itaMtH.  Th<^  vilhi^'i;  uf  I li.Minon  Ih  a  thrivin^^  ami  giowin^  ]>hic(), 
and  IwiH  a  dirort  [dunk  road  connnnnication  with  O^rdonHttnr^'h,  Canton, 
^^c,  and  tho  PutMdarn  and  Watertown  railroad  will  |)uh8  between  it  and 
T).'  Kail). 

Tiie  county  rocorda  hIiow  tho  incorporation  of  the  cemetery  associa- 
tions in  this  town,  viz: 

The  Marsltville  Cemetnf  .huociaHnn. — March  11,  IHSO,  Edinnnd  Allen, 
SiMi.,  Martin  iM(rColloni,  Clarke  Maine,  Ualpli  Fishor,  Isaac  C.  i;herwin, 
Tiioinas  Canipl)  11,  tritnterH. 

Ihnnon  Hill  Iluniinu:  Grninul  .^s.iocidllnn. — Jannary  18,  IPSl,  Peter 
Ciint>iinari,  Calvin  Klioden,  V.  D.  Miliiir,  Chester  Winslow,  J.  II.  Miller, 
R.-M.  Wall,  Inislers. 

lidii^iouH  Soeitlks. — The  Methodist,  Baptist,  Christian  and  Presbyterian 
sncts,  have  or  have  had  orfiani/atioii  in  town.  In  18*20,  I''.ld(;r  James 
Spooner,  formed  a  small  chnrch  of  tiie  Christian  order,  wliicii  once  had 
70i)iit  now  oidy  30  nuMnbers.  Elder  .F.  Starkey,  has  the  pastoral  care  at 
present,  and  for  tho  past  twenty  years,  has  filieil  the  oflice. 

Tlie  First  IJaptist  Society  of  the  town  of  II(?rmoii,  was  incorporated 
Dec.  ;J,  WA't.  Horatio  Marsh,  Daniel  V.  Habcock,  Edward  Maddock, 
Will.  I'. 'rainier,  Tliedoriis  Frisby  and  Orb;  (iibbins,  trnstcies. 

The  First  Society  of  the  Methodist  Chiireh,  in  th(!  town  of  Ilermon, 
WHS  inrorpoiated  November  1,  1H47.  Saninel  I.  Binjihaiii,  Seymonr 
Thutelier,  Jos(;ph  11.  Hi!ard,  Lorenzo  IL  Sheldon,  Orin  Nichols,  Timothy 
II.  Hatch  and  Daniel  Mcrlntyre,  trustees.  These  societies  each  erected 
in  Ilermon  villaf,'e,  in  184H,  a  ehiireh  edifice,  costing  abont  $1400  each 
Tlie  Methodist  chinch  is  furnished  with  a  line  toned  bt'l. 


IIOPKINTOH 

Was  erected  IMarch  2,  1805,  froiri  Massena,  and  included  Islington  and 
Catharineville,  and  so  much  of  Ciiesterfield  as  was  annexed  to  the  town 
of  Massena.  The  first  town  metsting  was  to  be  held  at  the  house  of 
Eliakim  Seeley.  All  the  remainder  of  Massena  in  the  second  tract, 
witiiout  the  bounds  above  mentioned,  were  annexed  to  Hopkinton,  which 
was  declared  to  bo  a  part  of  St.  Lawrence  comity.  By  the  erection  of 
Lawrence  and  Parishville,  it  has  been  reduced  to  its  present  limits,  which 
alone  are  sufficient  for  a  small  county,  although  the  settled  part  is  a  strip 
scarcely  four  miles  wide  across  the  north  end.  It  embraces  the  most  of 
14,  and  the  whole  of  15,  12,8,  0,  5,0,2,3,  of  the  second  tract  of  the  Great 
l>urchase.  The  town  was  named  in  compliment  to  Judge  no|)kins,  the 
iirst  settler,  and  a  man  of  much  prominence  in  the  early  history  of  the 
county.  A  biographical  notice  will  be  given  in  this  work.  The  title  to 
No.  14,  i)assed  from  McCormick  to  Macomb,  June  24,  1801,  by  a  deed 


r.r :  ->  ^1 

ri 

'•V      'I  .  _ 


V'T:; 


320 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


for  23,880  acres,  and  a  part  (7,075  acres,)  from  A.  Miicomb  to  A.  IVI.  Jr.. 

Jaimary  1,  1808. 

At  tli(!  town  nu'otinfr  lield  Marcli  4,  1800,  Roswcll  Hopkins  was  clectod 
sujiervisnr;  Henry  McLaiifzlilin,  clerk:  Aniasa  IJIaneliard,  .lonepn  Aiin- 
Htroiifj,  JicnliiMi  I'ost,  asuessors ;  A.  iilaiifliard,  Si;tli  Aliliot,  overseers  nf 
poor;  AliraliuMi  Sli<'l(ion,  roiisliiUe  (iwl  collcrlor :  A.  Sheldon,  l{.  I'ost,  11. 
AleLaufildiii,  eominissiouers  of  liifrliivaiis ;  l'A\  Sipiier,  Oliver  Slieldon,  A. 
Ulancliar(l,y«ue  viewers ;  Oliver  Siiei  Ion,  pound  keeper. 

Supervisors.— M^Oi),  R.  Ho()kins;  1H07,  Henjaniin  W.  Hopkins;  180S 
Henry  iMeLanjililin;  180!),  H.  Hopkins;  IHIO,  \).  W.  Hopkins;  ]H11,J. 
R.  Hopkins;  I8','0-'i,  'I'liadeiis  l.i:n-.'ldin ;  18i;{-0,  .fonali  Santi)n!;  I8r/.!t, 
Isaac  K.  H(.pkins;  I8:«)-'2,  .I(is(  pii  Durlcv;  IH.'M,  I.  |{.  Hopkins;  lS{4r>, 
T.  f.-.i  ;rldin;  IKJC),  Pliineas  Dnrfev;  18;}7,  Mliakiin  Secdev;  tH.'Jb,  T. 
LaujrlM-::,  I8:{!>,  I.  II.  Hopkins  ;1H.U)-'|,  Clark  S.  Cl.itJenden  ;  18i'i-4,  Mlias 
I'ost;  JH45,  (iideon  Sprajiue;  1840-7,  Clark  .-s.  Ciiiiiindc^n ;  1848-D,  K. 
Post;  ]8r)0-l,  C  S.  Cliittenden  ;  I8r>'>,  ,'osepii  K  Dnrliy. 

Memoranda  from  the  Records. — 18()().  A  coininifte  a])poiiited  '.o  deeide 
ii])(in  a  lawliil  tenet;,  and  report  rides  t()r  tin;  raM<,^!  of  .loni(!Sli(^  ani- 
mals. 1807,  wolf  l)oi  ily,  .*10.  1808,  Henry  i\le..  I,anj;ldin,  Ainasa 
IJIaneliard  .nnl  Seili  Vhlxitt,  ap|)ointed  to  jirescrilK!  rnles  l()r  regnlalirif? 
tin;  niannt  I  in  wiiieli  inoenlalion  tor  llu;  small  |io.\  shall  he  administered 
in  town.  ."r'OO  voU'd  to  luiy  a  set  of  statute  laws  and  hiank  hooks.  At 
an  adjonrntd  nieetinff  in  March,  ,*100  voted  tor  destroyinj;  wolves,  $.') 
boniny  otleriHl;  .*"^.")0  voted  tin-  the  |)oor. 

1801*.  .^lOO  ti)r  the  poor,  and  varions  snms  often  larger  in  following 
years.     Wolf  lioinny  .*5. 

1810.  IJonnty  on  wolves,  ,*10,  and  !?100  to  destroy  these  animals.  At 
a  special  nie<;ting  in  Jnne,  .*.")00  prcvionsly  appropriated  'o  hridgiis,  given 
to  the  St.  Lawrence  Tnrni)ike  Co.,  on  condition  that  the  road  he  located 
iti  a  e(;rtain  roiMi;. 

1811.  At  a  special  meeting  the  legislatnre  petitioned  to  tax  the  town  to 
aid  the  Noith  West  Hay  road.  Also,  to  petition  for  a  lottery  to  raise  the 
Hinn  ot"  810,000  to  repair  this  road;  also,  to  pray  t(>r  (>\eniption  li'om  ser- 
vice on  jin-ies.  during  t<)ur  years.  8100  voted  to  encouiage  the  destruc- 
tion of  wolve^  and  85,  "to  hv.  p.-Mil  ont  of  the  ahove  snm,  l()r  each  woll'.s 
scalp,  capable  of  doing  niiscliit!!'."  The  same  homilies  in  181'i-|;M4-l.'). 
In  1810,  .850  laised  for  wolf  hoimties,  and  a  houiitv  of  810;  with  )i«5  "  liir 
every  wolf'.s  wli(dp  scalptid  and  dtjstroyed  in  town." 

1817.  810  wollhonnties;  75  cents  ti)r  two  liouM  ties  and  810a|iproi)riated 
for  this  business.     .850  to  pay  T.  Meacliam,  for  killing  '1  jiantliers. 

1818.  810  voted  to  pay  for  the  destruction  of  every  catamount  in  the 
town. 

J8I!>.  Five  Iiog  ronstahles  elected;  $20  panther  bounty;  $10  wolf 
bounty;  81  lox  bounty. 

\&10.  810  wolfbnunty ;  815  paTitlier  bounty ;  !§tl  [»er  hundred  forihe  de- 
destruction  of  mice,  .8'-25  said  to  b(!  paid  f()r  the  latter. 

\'.\'1\.  ISounties  otlered  as  lollows;  \volves  .85;  w(df  whi'lps,  $2'50; 
panthers.  815;  their  young,  87'50;  foxes,  8'-;  young  loxes,  81. 

18'24.  81(l  wolf  bounties,  and  .85  tiir  wolf  whelps. 

1825.  Sit  Hu"  >volvi,s,  ami  hall  this  sum  lor  their  young. 

\^'-\7).  Three  hog  constables  ele  ted. 

^'1  May,  ISO'^,  Roswell  Hopkins,  of  Vergennes,  Vt.,  having  bought  a 
part  of  Islington,  of  Ilunwnond,  came  into  town  to  make  a  .settlement 


Ivi 


flit 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


321 


norompmiied    by  Snrniicl  Goodalc,   11.   W.    Hopkins,  liis  son,  Jarcd 
Dewey,  l"Ji|iliiiIet  IJnincli  and  Joel  Goodaio. 

in  June,  having  made  arraiigenients  for  clearinf;  land,  Mr.  II.  started  to 
return  to  Vermont,  on  liorsehac^k,  by  a  lino  of  marked  ireeH,  and  in  Ibrd- 
iiij,'  the  St.  Regis  river,  whieli  was  Mwolle.i  by  heavy  rains,  his  house  was 
[liirtiy  thrown  over  by  tlio  violence  of  the  current,  and  liis  |)ortnuuit.!au, 
containing  in  one  end  the  provisions  for  his  jonrney,  and  in  the  other 
several  hundred  dollars  in  specie,  were  swe[>t  down  stream,  and  lost. 
Ai  tl'.o  ni»proach  of  winter,  the  party  returned  to  Vermont.  In  iNiarcii, 
180.?,  Judge  Ilojikins,  Abraham  Sluddon,  Eli  and  Ashbel  Squire,  moved 
thui/  liwnilies  into  town.  The  fust  birth  occurred  in  December,  1803,  in 
the  family  of  Mr.  Sluddon.  In  this  season,  the  fiist  grN>  nill  was  erected 
liy  Mr.  Hopkins,  on  Lyd  brook,  near  tlie  present  village  of  llopkinton. 
Dining  the  first  year,  and  until  the  mill  was  built,  the  settlers  wcmo 
obliged  to  go  to  the  Long  Saut,  on  the  Canailian  shore,  to  mill.  In  addi- 
tion to  the  foregoing,  Thomas  Remington,  Gains  Sheldon,  Reuben  Post, 
Eliakiin  Seeley,  Henry  McLaughlin. Thadeus  McLaughlin,  Horace  Train, 
Jasper  Armstrong  and  Seih  Altbott,  came  m  1801  and  IHO.'j,  many  ofthem 
witii  families,  and  from  this  time  the  settlement  grew  ra|)idly.  The  fol- 
lowing interesting  a(;count  '.vas  i>ublished  in  the  jYorthern  Cabinet,  Sept. 
3,  1845,  and  is  understcou  to  have  been  writiun  by  Elisha  Risden,  a 
pioneer  Rentier  and  surveyor: 

"  The  first  settlers^of  Islington,  now  Hopkinton,  came  by  tho  way  of 
Froncii  Mili-  to  St.  Regis,  and  thence  up  the  St.  Regis  river  to  Stock- 
holm, and  tlius  to  their  destination.  Previous  to  IHO.'),  the  main  road 
from  the  east  mto  St.  Lawrence  county,  i)assed  tiirough  (Jhateaugay  to 
flalone,  Haniror,  Moira,  and  Chesterfield  (now  Lawrence)  to  Stcjckholm, 
and  thence  to  Potsdam,  and  on  to  a  lew  new  settlements  beyond.  A 
road  iiad  heen  opened  on  the  W(!stern  gide  of  the  St.  R(!gis  river,  be- 
tween Isliiigton  and  Stockholm  and  anoth(;r  road  from  Islington,  leading 
north  east,  crossed  the  St,  l{egis  river,  and  intersected  the  road  from 
Malone  to  Stockholm,  hall' a  nule  west  of  Deer  river.  These  roads  were 
laid  down  with  little  regularity  along  tho  mo.-t  favorable  ground,  were 
without  bridges  or  causeways,  and  mostly  imitassahle,  except  when 
bridged  by  the  ice  in  the  winter.  In  March  1805,  tluire  were  no  settle- 
nients  between  Islington  and  Deer  riv(;r,  nor  between  Deer  river  and 
Stockholm.  Retvveen  Deer  river  and  Malone  u  few  scattered  begiimings 
liad  heen  made.  At  the  dati^  abovo  mentioned,  several  fiimilies  moving 
into  the  county,  had  reached  Deer  river,  where  fhey  v.-.ire  obliged  to  en- 
camp, as  tiie  ice  had  broken  up,  and  the  river  was  impassable  li)r  tciams. 
Hearing  the  condition  of  these  tiunilies,  Dr.  Peltibone,  of  Stockholm, 
8(Mit  a  message  to  lioswell  Hopkins,  Esq.,  of  Islington,  inviting  the  young 
men  of  that  settlement,  to  mt.'et  those  from  Stockholm,  at  the  river,  and 
erect  a  bridge.  Tin;  reipiest  was  iimnediately  circulated,  and  although 
at  10  o'clock  at  night,  they  mustered  their  (()rces  and  started  on  the  ex- 
jiedition.  Tin;  St.  Regis  river  had  first  to  be  crossed,  as  the  ice  bridge 
iiud  been  broken  np,  and  this  was  eflected  by  wading  on  Jiorseback  at 


1 1 


I 


<  ,      t 


322 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


miflniglit,  and  witli  infinite  ];nril,  tlie  ra|)i<l  riid  swollen  river,     Tlie  ni"lit 
was  dark  anci  cloudy;  there  were  l)nt  three  horsi.'.s  to  transport  the  partv 
of  nine  men,  wl'ieh  was  at  lenjith  effected  at  six  times  cro.«sing,  and  tjio 
corn|)any  met  that  from  Stockholm  at  the  appointed   place,  early  in  tiie 
morning,  and  at  once  proceeded  to  j)lan  and  execute  a  jrood  and  siil)- 
stajitial  loff  bridjie — the  first  one  across  Deer  river — at  a  point  ahoi.t  one 
hundred  rods  Selow  the  present  village  of  Lawienceville.     The   partv 
from  Islington,   on  their  return   home  reached  the  St.  Regis  several 
lionrs  sooner  than  the  time  appointed  for  the  hojses  to  he  sent  to  meet 
them,  and  as  the  river  ha<l  sidisided  somewhat,  one  or  two  of  the  com- 
pany cut  each  of  them  a  pole  to  support  tiiemselves  against  the  c.rrent, 
and  with  their  boots  and  axes  slung  to  their  backs,  forded  the  nver  h\ 
wading.     The  liorses  were  sent  to  transportthe  remainder,  and  ilie  w!' jji' 
j)arty  returned  withont  accident.     From  Deer  river  to  Islington,  wut  8i 
miles  by  the  ford,  and  15  by  Stockholm.     From    Ks(].   [lopkins's  lo  f;,e 
ford  ].^  miles.     Mr.  IIo|)kins  was  remarkably  attentive  in  assistiiig  set- 
tlers to  cross  this  lord,  and  kept  a  watch  to  give  notice  when  teams  ar- 
rived, and  the  young  men  could  go  down  with  two  yoke  of  oxen  and  a 
strong  sled,  cross  over  to  them,  fasten  their  sleighs  with  withes  and 
ropes  to  the  top  of  the  sled,  and  so  recross.     In  crossing,  the  empty 
sled  would  float,  and  the  ferrymen  were  obliged  to  wade:  by  its  side  anil 
work   with  all   their  might  to  keeji  it  from  floating  down  stnmm.     'I'lie 
sleighs  were  lighttnied  of  their  contents,  hoisted   with  lovers  and  skids 
on  to  the  sled,  bound  fiist,  ndoaded,   iwul   crossed  over.     Diflicidty  was 
often  ex|)erienced  in  keeping  the  load  upright,  and  the  screams  of  the 
women  ami  children  as  thtiir  cridl  veered  ami  llomidenMl  along  tl;e 
angrj'   stream,  fitrmed  a  picture  strikingly  characteristic   (,f  primitive 
times  an<l  known  only  to  pione(!rs.     In  April  of  thi;:  year  the  sleighiiig 
ceased,  but  people  contimied  to  arrive  on  horseback  and  un  loot,  wiio 
were  often   disap|)ointed  at  the   difficulties  in  crossing,  and   in  sevend 
instances  travelers  conung  to  Islington,  after  reaching  the  fijrd,  retraced 
their  steps  and  proceeded  to  their  destiiiation  by  the  very  circuitous  route 
of  Stockholm.     To    obviate   these  difliculties  a  foot  bridge  was  built  at 
the   ferry,  which   although   rude  and   tem|iorary  \\as  very  ncceptahle. 
The  fiord  way  road  is  now  occupied  by  cidtivated  fields,  and  its  route 
exists  only  in  the  recollections  of  tlie  lew  remaining  pioneer  settlers. 

In  May  1807,  the  first  death  (that  of  an  infant)  occurred.  Previous  to 
this  there  had  been  2(j  births.  In  180!»,  Abram  Sheldon  built  the  first 
framed  house.  In  1807  the  town  contained  48  persons  ca[)ahle  of  voting 
for  senators.  In  1810  a  social  library  was  incorporated,  45  persons 
linving  subscribed  .*1 15  for  the  purjiose.  The  first  trustees  wen;  Rosncll 
Hopkins,  Amasa  Hlanchard,  Henry  McLaughlin,  Riieben  Post,  Htth 
Abbott,  Stephen  Langworlhy,  Jasper  Armstrong,  Renjamin  W.  Hopkins. 
Dr.  Stephen  Langworthy  was  the  first  physician  who  settled  in  town, 
iti  a  very  early  da}'.  The  second  was  Dr.  Ciideoii  Sprague,  from  New 
Haven,  Addison  Co.,  ^  t.,  who  settled  in  town  in  1811,  and  is  at  present 
the  second  oldest  practitioner  in  St.  Lawrence  comity.  Dr.  E.  Raker, 
of  Canton,  settled  thorc  in  ISOd.  In  1824,  Isaac  R.  Hopkins  hifilt  a  saw 
mill  on  tJie  St.  Regis  river,  north  of  the  village,  and  at  the  raising  it  was 
cliristened  Fort  Jackson,  which  the  little  village  at  this  place  still  bears. 
There  are  here  two  churches,  saw  mill,  clothing  works,  sturch  factory, 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


323 


&c.,  ntul  in  the  vicinity  a  valuable  quarry  of  Potsdam  sniiflstone,  which 
lins  been  used  for  lining  several  furnaces.  This  l)eautiful  building  ma- 
terial sliould  supersede  every  other  in  tlie  vicinity,  where  it  can  be  pro- 
cured, and  would  be  found  more  cheap,  dural)lo  and  elegant  than  any 
other  that  the  country  affords.  Blocks  of  any  convenient  size  and  very 
uniform,  can  be  readily  procured  here. 

On  the  last  of  February  1814,  after  the  British  party  Isad  returned 
from  their  incursion  to  Malone,  and  had  arrived  at  French  Mills,  they 
earned  from  a  citizen  spy,  who  acted  as  their  guide  that  a  large  amount  of 
flour  belonging  to  tlie  United  States  army,  was  stored  in  a  barn  in  the  vil- 
IngR  of  Hopkinton,  and  that  there  was  no  guard  nt  tiiat  place  to  protect  it. 
Upon  tb'3  they  detached  Major  De  Heirne,  of  the  British  regular  service, 
with  Lieut.  Charlton,  the  second  in  command,  and  about  thirty  soldiers, 
who  proceeded  in  sleighs,  by  way  of  Moira  corners,  to  Hopkinton,  twenty- 
seven  miles  from  French  Mills,  and  arrived  at  that  [)lnce  early  in  tlie  morn- 
iii",  before  the  iniiabitants  were  up.  They  first  i)ostcd  sentinels  at  the  door 
of  every  house,  and  proceeded  to  search  for  arms  in  every  place  where 
they  might  be  suspected  to  be  found,  and  succeeded  in  obtaining  about 
twenty  stand,  which  had  been  distrii)uted  among  the  inhabitants.  It  is 
.1  ■  that  several  muskets  were  saved,  by  being  hastily  laid  in  a  bed, 
vvl  ..n  had  been  occupied  but  a  few  moments  previous,  and  thus  eluded 
the  search  that  was  made  for  tliem.  Their  case  has  been  described  by 
the  poet. 

'"Tis  odd,  not  one  of  all  these  seekers  thought, 
And  seems  to  me  almost  a  sort  of  blunder, 
Of  looking  in  the  bed  as  well  as  under.^- 

They  found  some  three  himdred  barrels  of  flour  stored  in  a  barn 
owned  by  .Judge  Hopkins,  and  occu[)ied  by  Dr.  S[)rague,  but  having  no 
teams  for  conveying  away  more  than  half  of  that  quantity,  they  began 
to  destroy  the  remainder,  but  being  dissuaded  by  the  inhabitants,  they 
desisted,  and  distributed  the  remainder  among  the  citizens.  During  the 
i)rief  sojourn  of  this  party,  ihey  conducted  themselves  '.viih  strict  pro- 
priety, and  sacredly  respected  private  property  of  ever/  kind,  using  or 
receiving  nothing  for  which  they  did  not  offer  compensation.  No  parolo 
was  recjuired  of  tlit;  inhabitants.  U|)on  the  passage  of  the  detac!:mcut 
of  the  American  army  throMgh  Hopkinton,  on  their  way  from  French 
Mills  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  but  a  very  short  time  previously,  the  officers 
in  command  were  importuned  by  Judge  Hopkins  and  others,  for  the 
privilege  of  carrying  the  military  sup|)lics  in  their  village  further  west,  to 
n  place  of  greater  saflMy,  dreading  the  very  event  which  soon  after  hap- 
pened. They  offered  to  take  their  pay  from  the  flour,  at  such  jirices  as 
would  be  just  and  eciuitible,  but  no  one  appeared  to  feel  themselves  au- 
21 


mm 


[1 


^i'lii 


32  4 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


tliorized  to  order  tlie  removal,  nnd  it  was  not  cfTectiml.  The  surroiin;}- 
jng  country  would  have  readily  funiislied  volunteers  siiftlciont  ibr  this 
duty,  and  f,d;idly  undertaken  it,  liad  tliey  been  allowed  tlie  privilege. 

In  ISlfi,  snow  and  frost  occrrued  in  every  niontli  in  the  year,  ainl 
crops  of  all  kinds,  except  grass  and  oats,  were  nearly  destroyed.  Flour 
was  procured  with  the  greatest  difliculty,  and  sold  at  $22  per  barrel. 

Thomas  iNIeacham,  a  noted  Nimrod,  who  spent  many  years  in  hunt- 
ing, in  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  comities,  died  near  this  town,  on  the 
\oith  west  Bay  ruad,  May  7,  184i>,  aged  7!).  lie  kept  an  account  of  his 
successes,  which  resulted  as  follows:  wolves  214;  panthers,  77;  bears, 
210;  deer,  2.j.j0.  3Ir.  Meacliam  would  relate  many  amusing  anecdotfis. 
His  traps  were  always  out  and  one  day  in  examining  them  he  found 
two  wolves  and  a  bear,  and  shot  another  on  the  way,  making,  as  bounties 
then  were,  a  profit  of  $18.5.  A  further  account  of  this  pioneer  was  pub- 
lished by  Wm.  II.  Wallace,  in  his  paper,  the  St.  Lawrence  Mercury, 
Dec.  ID,  1849. 

Relii^ioiis  Sodeiies. — .July  0,  1808,  five  males  and  six  females,  were 
organized  by  the  Uev.  John  W.  (y'liurch,  a  missionary,  into  a  Congrega- 
tional church.  A  i  nciety  was  formed  Sept.  30, 18J4,  with  Amasa  Ulaucii- 
ard,  Ileubini  Post  luid  Issac  U.  Hopkins,  trustees;  R(!v.  Hiram  S.  .John- 
son, now  of  Canton,  was  ordained  ]instor,  in  December,  181.'),  and 
remained  till  1822,  when  be  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Roswell  IVlti- 
bone,  who  was  instalUid,  July  21, 1824,  iuul  who  remained  till  Vug.,  18130. 
The  Rev.  Messrs.  .1.  IJutler,  Clia's  Rowles,— R.  iMontague.Raclielor,  .1.  A. 
Northro|)  and  E.  Wood,  hsive  since  brcni  employt'd.  The  present  lunn- 
ber  in  the  church  is  84.  A  meeting  house  was  built  in  1827,  at  the  cost 
of  $2,800.  Dr.  Gideon,  Sjjrague,  Aaron  Warner  and  Artemas  Kent, 
being  the  building  committee. 

A  Raptist  church  was  formed  by  Eld,  Rowley  Sept.  11,  1808,  of  hut  G 
niendiers.  On  tin;  12lh  of  Sept.  1808,  the  sacrament  of  the  supper  was 
administered  tor  the  (Irst  time  to  the  Congregational  church,  in  tiie  fore- 
noon and  to  the  IJaptist  chinch  in  ihi^  ;ilternoon,  in  the  same  house.  A 
Ba|)tist  society  was  lormed,  Fi'b.  17,  1818,  with  A bijah  Chandler,  .b)niili 
Sanlbrd.  Sybaniis  (,'.  Kersey,  and  Sanmel  Eastman,  trustees. 

In  b'^l;'),  th(  se  two  societies  erecteil  a  stone  building  (or  a  place 
of  worship  aiul  public  business,  which  by  a  law  of  1841,  was  repaired 
by  a  tax  of  82."i0,  and  now  forms  the  village  school  house.  On  the  8th 
of  Jid\,  18.'30.  the  n;une  of  tlu;  Baptist  cbm-ch,  w;is  changed  to  tlie 
Ho[)kinton  and  Lawrence  church,  at  which  time  they  held  tlieir  meetiiifrs 
alternately  at  llopkinton  and  N'icholville.  On  the  'nh  of  Aug.,  184;l, 
the  word  Hopkinton  was  dro|»ped,  and  they  have  been  since  peimanent- 
ly  locate<l  in  Nicbolville.  A  society  of  the  IM.  E.  church,  was  l()nuod, 
Dec.  .'JO,  18.'UV  .losiah  Smith,  Martin  Corey,  Hiram  B.  Slieldon,  Kuliis 
Allien,  Philip  Mosher,  Albert  Sheldon,  Bradley  Adams,  John  Daniels, 
and  John  L.  Ransom,  trustees. 

.  A  Free-Will  Baptist  church  was  organized  in  1844  by  Elder  John 
Sweat,  and  Elder  Win.  Whitfield,  of  K!  mend)ers.  'i'liis  church  erected 
a  commodious  house  of  worship  in  1847,  cost  §1,000,  dedicated  Jan.  'J, 
1848,  the  hermon  by  Elder  John  W.  Lewis.     Elder  John  Sweat  was 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


325 


nlinscn  pastor  at  the  organization  of  this  cliiirch,  and  still  retains  this 
relation. 

Li*  WHENCE. 

Tiiis  town  was  crcnted  from  Hopkinton  and  Brasher,  April  21,  1828, 
to  take  effect  on  the  1st  Monday  of  March,  followin},'.  Tlie  first  town 
meeting  was  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Carlton  Mc  Ewen.  The  poor 
moneys  were  to  be  equitably  divided,  and  a  i)art  of  the  town  having  been 
formerly  set  off  from  Massena  to  Brasher  without  their  knowledge  or 
consent,  and  without  any  division  of  the  poor  fund;  ic  was  also  made  the 
duty  of  the  supervisors  of  Lawrence  and  Massena  to  meet  and  divide 
this  fund,  in  the  same  manner  and  subject  to  the  same  appeal  as  above 
stated. 

Tiie  title  is  as  follows:  the  proprietors  to  Harrison,  Jan.  1, 1801,  and 
tVom  the  hitter  to  William  Lawrence,  Feb.  17,  1820.  {Clerk''s  office  Deeds, 
6.  5,/?.  .TOO.)  Parts  arc  now  owned  by  D.  Lyncii  Lawrence,  a  son  of 
tiio  above. 

The  town  derives  its  name  from  William  Lawrence,  of  New  York,  a 
gentleiaan  who  had  spent  the  prime  of  his  life  as  a  merchant,  and  en- 
gnued  in  foreign  commercial  enterfirises.  Having  retired  from  business, 
he  purchased  the  unsold  portions  of  Chct^terficld,  with  the  view  of  giving 
Iiim  some  employment,  and  as  he  told  one  of  his  settlers  to  occupy  his 
mind  and  i)revcnt  his  time  from  dragging  heavily,  as  he  had  been 
actively  engaged  in  commerce  in  the  tour  quarters  of  the  globe,  till,  at 
tiie  age  of  fifty,  he  fomid  himself  in  circumstances  which  justified  his 
retirement  from  active  business.  He  died  in  New  York,  in  1824.  It 
was  liis  custom  to  spend  his  summers  in  town  for  two  of  three  years 
before  his  death. 

Memoranda  from  the  Records, — Carlton  McEweii,  si(/?c7Ti".TOr ;  Myron  G. 
Pock, /o(c»)  clerk;  .lames  Trnssell,  Nathaniel  Smith,  Newel  H.  Lamj)son, 
assessors;  Enos  Burt,  collector;  James  Trussell,  Myron  G.  Veck, overseers 
of  poor;  Giles  Hard,|  David  S.  IMnrray,  John  Ferris,  com''s  of  hl<yhways; 
Enos  Jhn-t,  Warren  Day,  coiistahlcs ;  (icorge  P.  Farran,  Samuel  Bent, 
James  Ferris,  coHiV  q/'sc/ioo/s;  I).  Wright,  N.  Higgins,  David  S.Murray, 
If-i  II.  Powers,  inspectors  of  schools. 

Supervisors. — 182i>-n2,  Carlton  McEwen;  18.'?3-4,  George  P.  Farrar; 
18.15,  C.Mc  Ewen;  183tJ,  Myron  G.  Peck;  1837,  Luther  Whitney;  ]8;38-9, 
Walter  Si.  ead;  18-10,  no  choice,  a  tie  between  J.  1'.  Saunders  and  C. 
i\IcE\ven,  who  received  1  10  votes  each.  The  justice  appointed  the  lat- 
ter, who  declined  serving,  and  March  ItO,  J.  F.  Saunders  wa.s  elected  at 
a  special  meeting;  1841,  J.  F.  Samiders;  1812:$,  Lucius  Hubbard; 
1844,  J.  F.  Saunders;  1845,  Jude  Clark;  184(i-8,  C.  McEwin;  1841)-.50, 
Milo  L.  Burnham;  1851,  Peabody  Newland;  1852,  Noah  D.  Lawrence. 

The  first  settlement,  in  the  present  town  of  Lawrence,  was  made  by 
Brewer,    who  name  in  as  a  subagent   for  the  proprietor,    Mr. 


4y. 


326 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


f    'X 


Harrison,  to  sliow  land  to  settlers;  and  located  on  the  (hrni  now  owned 
by  Cnrlton  McEwen,  uliere  lie  erected  a  shanty  in  tin;  pniiiniiT  o.'  1801 
and  remained  till  the  pnninier  Ibiiowing,  when  he  sold  out  his  interest 
and  agency  to  Samuel  Tyler.  In  the  fall  of  180(),  Joseph  and  Snniuci 
Tyler,  from  Piermont,  N.  II.,  Joseph  St.  Clair  and  Avery  SandiTM,  tVom 
Middlesex,  Vt.,  and  Kphraim  Martin  from  Bradford,  Vt.,  and  Ai)ijiili 
Chandler,  frr'iu  Lehanon,  N.  II.,  came  in  and  selected  farms,  hut  did 
not  move  their  fiunilies  till  the  next  spring.  Having  made  a  iiargiiin 
wii.h  the  agent,  Judge  JJailey  of  Chatcaugny,  for  land,  Ahijah  Chandler 
Ttnd  the  others  above  natned,  moved  i?i  to  reside,  most  of  them  having 
families.    Rlrs.  Chandler  was  the  first  white  woman  who  came  into  town. 

These  fimilies  first  came  to  IIo[)kinton  by  sleighs,  and  proceeded 
thence  to  their  destination  nfler  the  snow  had  gone.  Most  of  them 
settled  in  the  central  and  northern  jjarts  of  the  picsent  town,  except 
Mr.  Chandler,  who  settUul  a  short  distance  from  the  present  village  of 
Ps'icholville.  In  May,  1807,  these  families  were  followed  by  Ira  Allen, 
James  and  Jonathan  Pierce,  and  Sidney  Dunton.  In  June,  Jnuiitlian 
Stevens,  Ambrose  Lewis  and  families,  and  Jonathan  Ilartwell,  without 
Ins  family,  located  in  town.  The  latter  moved  on  in  the  following 
spring. 

In  J'.. ly,  1807,  Jonathan,  Green,  and  James  Saunders,  and  D.  C.  Bas- 
tain,  and  in  the  same  year  John  Howard,  Asa  OriHin,  and  John  Proiity, 
came  in.  In  1808-9,  the  settlement  was  largely  increased  from  Verniont 
and  New  Hampshire,  and  continued  till  the  war,  when  every  family  hut 
five  are  said  to  have  left,  and  most  of  them  never  returned.  From  this 
time  the  settlements  languished,  and  the  jjioneers  were  exposed  to  un- 
usual hardships  from  the  difliculty  of  reclainnng  their  lands,  and  bringing 
them  under  cultivation.  This  arose  from  the  very  level  surface,  which 
when  covered  by  forests,  was  wet  and  swampy,  but  which,  now  it  is 
cleareiliip  and  cultivated,  fbrtns  one  of  the  finest  and  most  valualile  agri- 
cultural districts  in  the  county.  Deer  were  unusually  plenty,  and  con- 
sequently wolves.  An  old  lady,  in  relating  these  hardshi[)s,  added,  that 
"had  it  not  been  for  the  deer,  they  must  all  have  starved,  as  venison  was 
often  the  oidy  food  they  had." 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  1810,  by  Miss  S.  Tyler,  and  meetings 
were  ludd  in  1808,  by  a  Quaker  fiom  Peru,  N.  \.  The  first  framed  house 
was  built  in  1808,  by  Daniel  Harris. 

It  isoidy  HJnce  the  rail  road  has  given  value  to  the  grazing  districts 
of  this  wjction,  that  this  town  has  begun  to  be  most  rapidly  deveioj)ed. 
Lauds  have  advanced  often  one  hundred  per  cent,  and  this  increase  is 
not  a  fictitious  but  a  real  addition  to  their  value,  especially  for  diaryii!!:; 
aud  this  class  of  husbandry  has  in  itself  the  element*  of  perpetuity   fin 


i.ts 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


327 


till,  prodiiro  ol  the  fi(!lils  mostly  letiirned  to  them  to  refertili/e  tlie  soil, 
1111(1  wlifii  judiciously  inaiia'fed,  to  preserve  it  in  its  original  fertility. 
These  remarks  apply  not  to  this  town  alone,  but  to  Nortiiern  New  York 
generully. 

'I'licro  are  in  Lawrence  three  villages  and  post  ollices,viz:  Nicholville, 
Lawrenceville,  and  North  Lawrence. 

.Stcholville  is  situated  on  the  east  branch   of  St.  Regis  river,  where 
crossed  by  the  St.  Lawrence  turniiike,  and  niosily  upon  the  nortii  bank, 
ami  consequently  in  Lawrence.     In  the  sunnnerof  I8J7,  Samuel  ^V'ilson 
erected  u  saw  mill  on  the  south  bank,  and  in  I82'i  a  grist  mill  was  built 
on  the  same  side,  but  was  swej)!  oti"  in  li^'•^0  by  a  flood.    John  Pomeroy, 
Kli  Ibish,  Chester  Armstrong,  Calvin  Converse  and  Horace  Higgens. 
])Mi'chased  and  settled  here  about  18*20.     In  18'i4  a  distillery,  and  in 
18"2()  a  stone  grist  mill,  were  built.     The  village  is  named  from  E.  S. 
Nichols,  of  N.  Y.,  the  executor  of  the  estate  of  Wm.  Lawrence,  who  af- 
terwards alisconded  with  a  large  amount  of  funds  belonging  to  a  com- 
pany.   Tor  this  reason  an  etibrt  is  being  made  to  change  the  name  of 
the  village  and  post  otlice.     The  river  here  runs  in  a  d'sep  and  narrow 
valley,  and  the  water  power  is  occupied  by  two  saw  mills,  a  grist  mill,  a 
woolen  fiictory,  a  machine  shop,  and  the  usual  variety  oi' mechanic  shops; 
and  the  village  has  about  a  hundred  families,  three  stores,  a  tavern,  and 
a  Bajitist  and  a  Union  meeting  house.    The  Port  Kent  road  of  75  miles, 
through  the  central  part  of  Franklin  county,  commences  here  on  the 
north  hiink,  and  the  old  Northwest  IJay  road  (recently  reopened),  a  short 
distance  \\est,  on  the  road  to  llopkinton. 

Lawrencevilk  is  on  both  sidesof  Deer  river,  where  crossed  by  the  main 
road  from  Potsdam  to  IMalone.  It  forms  the  centre  of  business  for  a 
ra|)idly  growing  district,  and  has  a  water  power  sutficicnt  for  the  ordi- 
nary wants  of  the  jjlace.  A  saw  mill  was  built  here  in  1809,  by  Ephraim 
JIartin,  but  the  dam  wa?  soon  swept  away,  and  no  further  improvement 
was  attempted  until  1821.  when  another  was  built  by  Charles  Kellogg, 
ami  in  182'^  a  grist  mill.  A  store  was  opened  in  1822,  by  Josiah  F.  Saun- 
ders, and  about  1820  an  iim,  by  John  Shepard.  In  1828,  Dr.  John  In- 
nian,  the  first  physician,  settled  in  town.  In  1827-8,  the  place  began  to 
grow,  and  has  at  present  three  churches,  several  mills,  stores,  and  shops> 
a  starch  factory,  Sec,  and  is  progressing  with  the  surrounding  country  in 
wealth  and  prosperity. 

.Vorth  Lawrence  owes  its  existence  entirely  to  the  rail  road,  and  is  situ- 
ated on  the  west  bank  of  Deer  river,  whore  it  is  crossed  by  that  road. 
A  location  had  first  been  made  here  many  years  previous,  by  John  W. 
iJi-aii,  who  had  erected  a  saw  mill.  Chauncey  Bristol  was  the  s'_'cond 
settler  in  the  vicinity.    There  is  here  a  depot  50  by  100  feet,  which  re- 


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328 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


ceives  tlio  business  of  tlic  county  north  nnd  soutli,  three  saw  inillm,  one 
of  tiicni  hiiving  u  gang  of  about  SO  snws,  tuul  numerous  new  stures, 
dwellings,  and  other  buildings,  suHieiently  indicate  its  thrill  und  pro- 
sperity. 

liflifTious  Socielies. — A  Iren  Will  Iluptist  rhurcli  Avna  formed  July, 
18U8,  by  I'llder  JJeiijaniin  IJundyand  IJavid  Colby, of  5  mendters.  KidniH 
Sainut'l  Newlaud,  Samuel  Hart  anil  others;  and  at  present  the  ioniK  |- 
have  been  pat^tors.  Present  innnber,  '<i7.  'I'lus  fnj-t  Baptist  evanjieliciil 
society  in  the  town  of  Lawrence,  was  formed  N'ovend)er  ID,  1^40;  IVa- 
hody  Newland,  Walter  Smead  and  Stephen  llannnond,  trustees.  Jleor- 
ganized,  May  14,  184'2.  The  chiuch  established  by  the  Baptists  in 
Jlopkinton,  and  tiince  moved  to  Nicholville,  now  ntunliers  8*i.  The 
luunes  of  clergymen  in  the  ord(!r.  of  tiieir  succession,  sin(!o  1808,  are 
Solomon  Johnson,  Beriidi  N.  Leach,  Silas  I'ratt,  Peter  Hobinson,  Jaiiics 
I\I.  Beeman  and  lOlias  (Joodsjieed,  who  is  at  present  employed.  A  saiall 
meeting  house  was  built  in  18.'{"2,  and  eidarged  in  ]8.'5t!,  and  in  185'i,  a 
church  40  by  50  feet,  which  was  designed  to  bo  opened  early  in  Jaimar}, 
1853.  These  data  were  kindly  furnished  bj  Myron  (J.  Peck,  Esq.,  of 
that  place. 

The  M.  E.  church,  of  Lawrenccville,  was  incorporated  April  G,  1842; 
David  Blish,  John  Shepard,  Charles  Kellogg,  Samuel  Meacbam,  Chase 
S.  WMse,  John  F.  Carpenter  and  Thomas  Heale,  trustees.  They  have  a 
church  reported  in  the  census  of  1850,  worth  .sl,*200. 

The  Congregational  church  andsociety  of  Jiawrenceville,  incorporiitcd 
August  3,  1840;  Ileman  Sheimrd,  Aveiy  Colling  and  John  W.  i?eaii, 
trustees.  Their  chnridi  is  reported  in  the  census  worth  S1,(J00.  On 
the  17th  of  Atigust,  185".2,  a  church  of  this  order  was  formed  at  N.  Law- 
rence, of  about  '-20  members,  all  but  two  of  whom  withdrew  fioin  tliu 
other  lor  this  purpose.  They  have  been  recently  incorporated,  and  arc 
about  to  erect  a  church. 

Lisnox 

Owes  its  origin  to  the  following  petition,  which  is  said  to  have  been 

intended  as  a  preliminary  to  the  location  of  the  county  seat  in  this 

town : 

"  To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in 
Senate  and  A>,  embly  convened. 

The  memorial  of  the  snliscribcrs,  for  tliemselvcs,  and  in  behalf  of  tiie 
settlers  on  the  ten  townshii)s  of  land,  situate  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence, 
heretofore  sold  by  the  people  of  the  stiite,  respectlidly  sheweth : 

That  many  settlers  are  now  establisli»;d  on  tlie  said  townships,  and 
li;ive  already  made  valuable  improvements  thereon;  thaf  great  inconve- 
nience ensues,  by  reason  of  their  remoteness  from  the  settled  parts  of 
the  state,  and  th(;y  are  daily  exposed  to  loss  and  injiu-y  in  their  proiieriy, 
by  the  waste  and  spoil  committed  by  persons  Irom  the  o|)posite  side  of 
the  river  St,  Lawrence,  and  having  no  magistrates  or  constables  among 
themselves,  such  injuries  can  not  be  rcdn.'ssed ;  that  the  said  ten  towns 
are  situate  in  th>'  counties  of  Montgomery,  Oneida  and  Herkimer;  tiiat 
it  has  b«!come  highly  necessary  lor  the  encouragemenf  and  prosperity  ot' 
the  settlers  on  the  sai<l  townships,  that  they  should  be  incorporr.ted  into 
one  town.  They  therelin'o  hurrd)ly  pray,  tliat  th<!  said  townships,  as 
described  in  the  map,  filed  iu  the  secretary's  otlice,  and  known  by  the 


Ih,   (HIP 

wtores, 

•1    jilO- 


i  July. 

•iiiijd- 

{.'•■liciil 
I'ca- 

ISls    ill 

Ot^,  (iro 

I  JlllllCS 

A  siiiull 

flllliaiy, 

*'«<!.,  of 


porated 
'■  JJeaii, 
p.  On 
I.  Law- 
oiii  tlie 
Hid  are 


in 


AND    FRANKLIN     COUNTIES. 


329 


iinmes  of  Lonisvill",  Stockliolin,  Madn<l,  Potsdam,  Lisbon,  Canton, 
Oswoi^atcliio,  l)(!  Kfill),  lla>.'iii',  and  Cainhrny,  may  be  orwted  into  ono 
town,  and  to  Ix;  known  by  tbc  town  oC  Fiisbon;  and  tbat  the  sanio  may 
bo  annexed  to  tbi;  connty  of  ('lintoii;  and  tbat  tbe  town  meelinjrs  of  tbe 
said  town  may  bo  bold  in  tbo  township  of  Jjisboii,  buing  tbc  center  towii- 
sliii),  at  the  bouse  oi'  Alexander  J.  'ruiiier,  and  as  in  duty  bound  tliey 
will  evor  pray. 

Uii  JJarber,  Calvin  Hubbard,  .Tamos  Turner,  IJonj.  llartlett,  Samuel 
Allen,  Aliab  Ileriufiton,  Daniel  lleriiifrtoii,  Jarob  lloar,  Alexander  Tur- 
ner, .Inn,,  Jolm  De  Lanrc,  David  ZoyttMi  ( ?),  Festiis  Tracy,  Jacob  I'olil- 
inaii,  .lolin  Tibbets,  Alexander  .1.  'J'nrner,  Stillmun  Foote,  Goorfre  Foote 
IV'ler  rtliarp,  It.  F.  Randolph,  .lolm  'i'ibbets,  Jnn,,  Wesson  JJriggs,  lienj 
Pierce,  Andrew  O'iN'oil,  Heiijamin  f^tewart. 


Read  and  referred  to  Mr. 


, eiijamu  

Received  in  Assembly,  February  U,  1801. 
Slimtllff,  Mr.  Norton,  Mr.  Danforth. 

Lisbon  was  accordingly  erected  March  6,  1801,  and  the  first  town 
officers  were  as  follows: 

Alexander  .T.  Tin-ner,  snpervi'sor;  John  Tibbets,  ''lerk;  .Tobn  Tibbets, 
Jr,,  Uenjamin  Stewart,  Joseph  lldsall,  Setli  Raney,  William  Shaw,  itssess- 
om:  Calvin  llid)l)ard,  Jacob  Redington,  iJenjamin  Stewart,  Wesson 
Rriggs,  Jacob  J'ohlnian,  conim!s.Hioners  of  htghwai/n;  Peter  Sharp,  J(isc|)h 
Fnnnan,  John  Thnrber,  constables;  Peter  Sharp,  colleclor;  Uri  IJarbor, 
Renjamin  Rartlett,  John  Lyon,  poorinasters ;  :'imuel  Allen,  Renjamin 
Gnlioway,  W^m.  Shaw,  Renjamin  A,  Stowi.  oseph  Kdsall,  Reuben 
Fields,  Adam  Milyer,  Joseph  Tburber,  pnllimnstcrs ;  Uri  Rarber,  George 
Hilmaii,  John  Tibbets,  Jr,,  Asa  Furman,  John  Sharp,  fence  viewers; 
Renjamin  Stewart,  Reuben  Fields,  pound  keepers ;  Alexander  J.  Turner, 
John  Tibbets,  Jr.,  Renjamin  A.  Stuwart,  trustees  for  the  glebe. 

Supemsors. — jMost  of  the  town  election  records  jirevious  to  1831,  liav- 
ing  been  lost,  the  following  imperfect  list  of  supervisors  is  given  as  the 
best  that  could  be  obtained: 

1801,  and  for  several  years  after,  Alexander  J.  Turner;  1814-15,  George 
CConant;  181(i-17,  Ja"ines  Thom|)son;  1818,  Rishop  Perkins;  1819-20, 
Robert  Livingston;  1821-8,  Wesson  Rriggs;  1829,  Jolm  Thompson; 
1H;}0-5,  (J.  CConant;  183(),  Joseph  Chambers;  1837,  G.  C.  Conunt; 
1838-!),  David  C,  Gray;  1840-1,  Charles  Norway;  1842,  Wm.  11,  Rey- 
nolds; 1843,  D.  C.  Gray;  1844,  G,  C.  Conant;  1845-9,  Win.  Rriggs; 
1850-1,  Aaron  Rolf;  1852,  David  G.  Lyttle. 

The  following  return  of  electors  was  made  in  1801,  when  this  town 
embraced  the  present  limits  of  the  ten  towns.  The  occurrence  of  the 
nanv!  of  a  firm  on  a  poll  list,  is  novel.  Except  the  first  two,  who  were 
reported  worth  a  freehold  of  the  value  of  £100  or  upwards,  the  re- 
mainder were  returned  as  renting  real  estate  worth  at  least  forty  shillinga 
per  annum: 

Ogdcn  &  Ford,  Elijah  Carlcy,  Steven  Foot,  David  Race,  Thomas 
Lee,  Renjamin  Willson,  Kelsey  Tburber,  Jonathan  ('omstock,  Wm,  G. 
Peck,  John  Lyon,  Jacob  Pohlrnaii,  Renjamin  Nicklcr,  Major  Watson, 
Setli  Rainey,  Joseph  Tburber,  Jediithan  Rarkcr,  Adam  31ilyei',  Thomas 
J.  Davics,  Jonathan  Ingraham,  Daniel  McNeal,  John  Smith. 


m  ■ , 

;,'ai.;i*r.  . 


330 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


■'4' ' 


ify 


■  ■■  ■'■■.- 


,'-; 


Tibl)et8's  tract  of  y,GOO  ncres,  lyinj,'  on  the  river  St.  Ijiiwrence,  and 
near  its  wostcrii  honlcr,  wiih  j^iri'liasud  hy  Joiin  TiJjlmts,  of  'I'roy,  from 
Alexander  IMaconili,  Fjh.  2i,  17W),  for  tiio  sum  of  jCdliO  New  Yorii  cur- 
rency. In  u  niortgM;{c  bearing  even  tiate  witJi  tlie  deed,  it  is  stipulated 
concerning  tiie  interest: 

"Tlint  slionld  it  so  liappen,  tiiat  tlie  said  John  Tibbnts,  his  Iieirs  or 
assigns,  slir.nid  not  have  tiie  peaceable  possession  or  enjoyment  of  the 
said  pretiii:;e><,  or  should  lie  be  disturbed  or  kept  out  of  tlie  possession 
thereof  by  any  Indians,  or  by  reason  of  any  claim  which  the  Indians 
may  have  thereto,  then  in  such  case  the  interest  on  the  above  mentioned 
Bimis  to  cease  during  such  time  as  the  said  John  Tibbets  shall  he  kept 
out  of  the  peaceable  possession  of  the  said  premises  according  to  the 
true  intent  and  meaning  of  this  instrument." 

The  endorsements  show  that  no  interest  wos  demanded  on  this  mort- 
gage from  1791  to  171K)  inclusive,  for  this  reason. 

The  auti  or  is  indebted  to  Amos  Bacon,  Esq.,  of  Ogdensburgh,  with 
wlioin  is  the  original  mortgage,  for  a  knowledge  of  the  above  fact. 

The  first  white  settler  was  Andrew  O'Neal,  fiom  Canada,  but  origin- 
ally from  Ireland,  who  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence  in  1791),  and  settled 
about  two  miles  below  the  present  village  of  Gallooville.    The  town 
was  then  being  siu'veyed  for  the  proprietors,  by  Reuben  Sherwood    a 
Canadian.     Amos  Lay,  Isaac  Beach,  and  William  Preston,  at  difi'ereiit 
times  surveyed  the  town   into  farms.     Tibbcts's  tract  was  principally 
surveyed  by  Daniel  W.  Church.     O'Neil  employed  men  from  Canada  to 
build  hitn  a  house.    Early  in  February,  1800,  Alexander  J.  Turner,  of 
Salem,  Washington  county,  came  into  town  by  way  of  Lake  Champlaiii, 
as  agent  for  the  proprietors,  and  located  on  un  eminence  half  a  mile  west 
of  the  present  mills,  having  taken  njt  the  first  three  river  lots,  joining 
Tibbets's  tract.     He  continued  as  agent  till  1805,  when  he  was  succeeded 
by  Louis  Ilasbrouck,  of  Ogdensburgh.    lie  died  March,  180G.     At  his 
death  he  was  a  judge  of  the  comt  of  common  i)leas,  and  formed  one  of 
the  bench  at  its  first  organization.     Peter  Sharp  and  Peter  Hiiuon,  Cer- 
mans,  from  Schoharie,  came  in  1800,  took  up  farms  and  erected  houses 
near  the  present  mills.    John  Tibbets,  of  Troy,  also  came  in  and  settled 
on  his  tract.*     In  1801,  Reuben  Turner,t  Wm.  Shaw,  Lemuel  Iloskins, 
Wm.  Lyttle,  James  Aikens,  and  Benjamin  Steward,  mostly  from  Ver- 
mont, moved  into  the  town.    IMutthew  Perkins,  from  Becket,  Mass., 
Wesson  Briggs  and  Ilezekiah  Pierce,  also  cume  into  town,  and  settled 
in  the  same  year.    The  three  latter  were  connected  by  marriage  with 
the  family  of  Tibbets.    The  first  birth  was  in  the  family  of  J.  Tibbets,  in 
September,  1800. 

•  Mr.  Tibbets  died  in  Detroit,  September  23,  1S20,  at  the  age  of  53. 

t  Mr.  Turner  wu  a  soldier  of  the  revolution,  and  di jd  July,  1633,  a^cd  92. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


331 


Many  of  tlie  first  settlers  wore  from  Wiisiiinirton  county.    In  1802, 
John,*  Sinniiel,  VVilliiim,  and  Jnnies,  sons  of  Williiun  Lytlle,  Ricliurd 

iinil  John  rinok,  Crossct,  Isnuc  unci  Elilin  Gray,  Joliii  McCron  und 

soiiH,  John  Jr.,  Sarnnol  and  Alexander,  and  otiior.s;  and  during,'  the  years 
180l{,  '4,  '5,  and  '(i,  n  very  larjjo  nnniher  arrived,  among  whom  wan 
Unhurt  Livingston,  who  held  the  office  of  county  judge  from  1810  to 
l&iU,  and  from  whom  most  of  the  ahovo  facts  are  derived. 

Tiio  first  mill  in  Lisbon,  was  built  for  the  propricjtors  in  1804,  liy  T). 
W.  Cimrcli,  miliwright.  It  had  two  run  of  rock  stones  and  a  saw  mill, 
inider  the  same  roof,  and  from  its  being  painted  red,  it  long  bore  the 
iinnie  of  the  lied  Mills,  by  which  it  is  still  oHen  called  by  the  old  iu- 
hahitants,  although  the  old  mill  has  long  since  given  |)lace  to  the  present 
siihftantial  stone  building  on  the  (Jailop  rapid.  The  original  mill  was 
filty  by  seventy  feet,  and  three  stories  high.  In  1803,  Dr.  Joseph  W. 
Smith,  the  first  regular  physician  in  the  county,  settled  and  remained 
two  years. 

Ill  1813,  great  numbers  died  of  the  epidemic  which  pervaded  tlic 
country  at  that  time,  and  Lisbon  is  said  to  have  suft'ered  more  severely 
than  any  other  town  in  the  county.  In  181()-7,  was  much  sutfering  from 
want  of  provisions,  in  consequence  of  short  crops  from  cold  summers. 
It  is  said  that  more  corn  was  raised  on  the  Gallo|)  island,  an  1  in  a  field 
of  eleven  acres  on  Livingston's  point,  in  181(1,  than  in  all  the  rest  of  St. 
Lawrence  county.  Some  local  cause  niipears  to  have  favored  these 
localities, and  the  yield  was  bountiful.  Coniiuon  corn  sold  for  !J«2oO  per 
bushel,  and  seed  corn  for  $5.     Potatoes  were  sold  for  §1  per  bushel. 

An  incident  happened  during  the  war,  which  excited  much  attention 
at  the  time,  and  may  be  deemed  worthy  of  record.  A  company  of  some 
sixty  dragoons  had  heen  stationed  for  some  time  in  the  fall  of  1813,  at 
the  house  of  Peter  Wells,  four  or  five  miles  back  from  the  river  on  the 
road  to  Canton.  About  thirteen  of  these  had  come  to  "the  mills,"  and 
were  stojiping  at  an  inn  kept  by  one  Scott.  A  sutlicient  guard  of  sen- 
tries was  stationed  around  the  house,  but  during  the  night  a  party  of  two 
liiuidred  men  from  Canada,  having  landed  at  Tibbcts's  jioint  about  mid- 
night,  surprised  the  sentinels  and  surrounded  the  house,  where  the  dia- 
j:oon8  were  supposed  to  be,  but  not  until  several  of  them  had  escaped. 
One  named  Smith  was  shot,  and  another  one,  Rlerccr,  was  wounded. 
The  latter  was  brutally  stabbed  several  times  aAer  resistmice  ceased, 

*  Captain  John  Lytlle  died  i;i  l/i<bon,  June  fib,  1~13,  at  tlie  iigu  of  01.  lie  was  a  cidzeii  of 
Uiat  town  nearly  forty  years,  jiut  '..M  several  civil  and  military  olUce-f.  During  llie  war  ol' 
ltl'2-15,  he  held  the  olhcc  of  raptnin  oi  a  ritle  corps,  and  vas  in  several  of  the  battles  on  the 
western  frontier.  For  more  tl  .in  iweniv  years  lie  held  the  otlice  of  justice  of  the  peace  in  tlio 
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332 


HISTORY   OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


and  he  was  left  for  dead,  but  subsequently  recovered.  Two  dragoons 
Scott  and  Iiis  son,  and  ail  of  tlie  liorses  that  could  be  found,  were  taken 
to  Canada.  It  is  said  that  these  dragoons  made  a  very  gallant  resistance, 
and  that  it  was  found  impossible  to  take  Smith  and  Mercer  alive.  The 
house  where  this  aftiiir  took  place  is  still  standing. 

During  the  cholera  panic  of  1832,  a  board  of  health  was  formed;  Dr. 
Wooster  Carpenter  appointed  health  officer,  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  ojjpa- 
site  the  house  of  Obudiah  PIntt,  not  less  than  300  yards  from  the  shore, 
assigned  as  a  quarantine  ground  for  crafts  from  Canada;  but  it  is  believed 
that  these  regulations  were  never  enforced. 

The  Northern  rail  road  passes  nearly  through  the  centre  of  the  town, 
and  on  it  is  a  depot  fifty  by  one  hundred  feet,  at  which,  however,  but 
little  business  is  done.  There  is  a  post  office  here,  at  Gallopville,  and 
on  the  Ogdensburgh  and  Canton  road,  eight  miles  from  the  former  place, 
which  bear  the  names  of  Lisbon  Centre,  Lisbon,  and  Flackville.  The 
latter  received  its  name  from  John  P.  Flack,  the  first  postmaster. 

An  act  was  passed  April  G,  1350,  authorizing  Henry  Van  Rensselaer, 
Esq.,  of  Ogdensburgh,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  to  erect  for  hydraulic  pur- 
poses, a  dam  from  the  south  shore  to  Gallop  island,  a  distance  of  about 
1,200  feet.  A  fail  of  from  6  to  8  feet  would  thus  be  obtained,  and  an 
amount  of  power  almost  incalculable,  afforded.  The  bottom  of  the  river 
is  rocky,  and  capable  engineers  have  estimated  the  work  practicable,  at 
n  cost  of  $50,C0O.  This  being  the  foot  of  navigation  for  sail  vessels  on 
the  lakes,  would  doubtless,  were  a  dam  built,  and  a  branch  to  the  rail 
road  laid,  give  an  importance  to  this  point,  as  a  manufacturing  place, 
which  has  scarcely  a  parallel  iu  the  country.  This  channel  is  used  Init 
little,  if  any,  by  boats;  and  the  navigation  north  of  the  island,  would  be 
improved  by  diverting  more  water  into  that  channel,  as  would  necessa- 
rily result  in  the  erection  of  a  dam. 

A  circulating  library  was  incorporated  in  this  town  IMarch  11,  1828, 
with  Wm.  Marshall,  Andrew  O'Neil,  Albert  Tyler,  John  Glass,  Joshua 
G.  Pike,  James  Douglass,  and  James  Moncrief,  trustees. 

Religious  Societies. — This  town  was  also  the  pioneer  in  the  religious 
organizations,  one  havnig  been  formed  by  the  Rev.  Alexander  Proud- 
loot,  of  Salem,  who  visited  his  old  neighbors  for  the  pur[)ose.  The  Rev. 
Mr.  SherrifT,  a  Scotclnnnn,  became  their  first  pastor  in  1804.  The  First 
Associate  Reformed  Congregation  in  Lisbon  was  incorporated  Nov.  15, 
1802,  with  A.  J.  Turner,  J.  Tibbots,  Jun.,  Jrhn  Farewell,  Wm.  Shaw, 
lienj.  Stewart  and  Reuben  Turner,  trustees.  This  was  reorganized  Feb. 
28,  1827,  with  Geo.  C.  Conant,  John  Thompson  and  Joseph  Martin, 
trustees. 

The  first  society  of  the  Metliolist  Episcopal  chinch  of  Lisbon,  was 
incorporated  April  25, 1822,  with  Daniel  Aiken.  Asa  Raldwin,  David 
Wells,  Robert  Ilriggs  and  Luke  McCracken,  trustees.    It  was  reorganized 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


333 


April  3, 1847,  with  George  Fulton,  Joseph  Langtree,  David  Aiken,  Ste- 
plieii  Muckiey  and  Isaac  Storking,  trustees. 

St.  Luke's  church,  in  the  town  of  lishon,  was  formed  Oct.  12,  1837, 
witii  Ohadiah  Piatt  and  Samuel  Patterson,  wardens;  Se^ae  Piatt,  Hugh 
Leach,  llobert  Leach,  Henry  Hunt,  Simeon  Dillingham,  John  Clarke, 
Wni.  Sjiears  and  Dr.  \V.  Carpenter,  vestrymen. 

Tlu!  lleformed  Presbyterian  Church,  in  Lishon,  was  formed  June  28, 

1842,  with  John  Middleton,  Wm.  Glass,  John  Smith,  John  Cole,  John 
Campbell  and  James  Valentine,  trustees. 

The  First  Wesleyan  Methodist  Society,  in  the  town  of  Lisbon,  was 
formed  Feb.  14,  1843,  with  Joseph  Piatt,  David  Aiken,  Isaac  Storms, 
Thomas  Martin  and  John  Martin,  trustees. 

The  First  Congregational  Society  in  Lisbon,  was  formed  March  .3, 

1843,  with  Wm.  Briggs,  John  Dings,  James  Martin,  Thomas  McCarter, 
Jat!ies  Norway  and  Wm.  H.  Reynolds,  trustees.  A  church  had  been 
formed  Nov.  25,  1842,  under  Lewis  Wickes,  of  Lewis  county,  and  grew 
out  of  a  revival  arising  diu'ing  a  protracted  meeting  held  by  him  in  that 
year.  About  (JO  members  united  at  first,  and  the  [iresent  number  is  80. 
Tlie  Rev.  Wm.  F.  BufFettand  Stephen  Williams  have  been  hired  as  min- 
isters, but  the  Rev.  Morgan  L.  Eastman,  the  pastor  since  Feb.  8,  1849,  is 
the  only  one  regularly  installed.  A  churcli  was  built  iu  1845,  costing 
$1000. 

Louisville. 
Erected  from  Massena,  April  5,  1810,  at  first  10  miles  square,  but  in 
1823  divided  in  the  formation  of  Norfolk,  and  in  1844  increased  by  strip 
taken  without  the  knowledge  of  the  inhabitants  from  that  town.  The 
first  town  meeting  was  directed  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  John  Wil- 
son ;  the  poor  moneys  were  to  be  equitably  divided  and  the  act  to  take 
effect  Feb,  1, 1811. 

Supervisors, — The  early  records  could  not  he  found.  1816-8,  Elisha 
W.  Barber;  1811),  Christopher  G,  S':owen820,  Benjamin  Raymond; 
1831,  Timothy  W.  Osborne;  1822-3,  C.  G.  Stowe;  1824,  Sanniel  B.  An- 
derson ;  1825-8,  Wm.  liradfbrd;  1829,  Sept.  19— Gould  to  fill  vacancy 
from  B's  death ;  1829-33,  J u be.  E.  Day;  1834,  Allen  McLeod,  Jr.;  1835, 
J.  E.  Day;  18.'«T,  Allen  McLeod;  1837-40,  Samuel  Bradford;  1841-2, 
JohuDoud;  1843,  Thomas  Bingham;  1844,  S.  Bradford ;  1845,  T.Bing- 
ham ;  184G-7,  Nathaniel  D.  Moore;  1848,  John  Gibson;  1848,  March  25, 
Levi  Miller,  jr.,  to  fill  vacancy;  1849,  Levi  Miller,  jr.;  1850-2,  John 
Gibson, 

In  December,  1811,  at  a  special  town  meeting  the  legislature  was  pe- 
titioned to  take  some  action  by  which  the  public  lots  might  be  sold  or 
leased. 

In  1S19  a  wolf  bounty  of  $10,  and  in  1821  n  fox  bounty  of  $1. 

1G23,  two  notices  for  the  division  of  the  town  given;  one  of  these 
W88  to  have  a  town  six  miles  s-quare  from  Lisbon,  Madrid,  Stockholm, 
and  Potsdam,  having  the  present  village  of  Norfolk  as  its  centre ;  the 
other  asking  for  the  division  of  the  town  of  Louisville,  as  was  done  by 
the  legislature  subsequently. 

In  1828,  Samuel  Stacey,  Otis  G.  ITosman  and  Samuel  Bradford,  ap- 
pointed to  wait  upon  the  commissioners  about  to  locate  the  coMrt  house, 
and  represent  the  interests  of  the  town. 

In  1849,  "  resolved  that  the  notice  given  for  annexing  a  part  of  Louis- 
ville to  MasBena  be  laid  under  the  tabl<^ ," 


rfif  <f>r«r-f 


334 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


i^.. 


In  April,  1800,  Naluim  Wilson,  the  first  settler  in  Louisville,  arrived 
with  his  fumily.  He  was  originally  iiom  Perii,N.  Y.,  but  had  resided  a 
year  in  Cunatia,  and  was  accomjwiiiod  by  Aaion  Allen,  and  two  sons, 
but  did  not  move  in  his  family  until  the  following  winter.  These  two 
pioneers  took  np  each  a  farm,  and  commenced  clearing  immediately.  A 
crop  of  corn  was  raised,  and  in  the  fall  they  sowed  wheat.  Great  num- 
bers were  in  town  looking  for  land,  but  no  one  else  formed  a  settlement 
during  tiie  firs^t  year.  The  next  settler  was  John  Wilson,  who  came 
from  Vermont  in  the  spring  of  1801,  and  he  was  soon  succeeded  by  I  y- 
nian  Bostwick,  Klisha  W.  Barber,  Esq.,  and  several  brothers.  Griffin 
Place,  and  others.  The  earliest  settlement  at  Louisville  Landing,  was 
made  about  1800,  by  Shirley,  from  New  Ham|)shire.  About  this  time 
the  settlement  began  to  increase  quite  rapidly,  and  continued  until 
checked  by  the  approach  of  war.  The  first  birth  in  town  was  the  son  of 
Naham  Wilson ;  the  fust  death  that  of  Philo  Barber,  in  1801  or  '2 
Elisha  Barber  taught  the  first  school  in  1808  or  '9.  In  1805,  Asa  Day 
erected  a  mill  on  Grass  river,  a  mile  below  th  >  present  village  of  Miller- 
ville.  On  the  approach  of  war  many  went  off  and  never  returned.  Re- 
ligious meetings  were  held  at  an  early  day  by  ministers  from  Canada 
Nahum  Wilson  ke[)t  the  first  public  house. 

The  following  incident  was  an  important  event  in  little  settlement: 

On  the  Gtii  of  January,  180G,  four  persons  (Dr.  Barber  and  Mr.  Cliaj)- 
man,  lioni  Madrid,  Mr.  Alexander  and  Mr.  Powell,  of  Louisville),  were 
ncriileutally  drowmil,  wiiiie  crossing  the  s5t.  Lawrence,  about  opposite 
the  centre  of  the  town.  Tiiey  had  been  over  to  Canada,  where  tiiey 
were  detained  by  the  roughneps  of  the  river,  occasioned  by  a  strong  east 
wind,  which  always  produces  a  swell,  from  its  encountering  tlieciuTent. 
Towmds  night,  the  wind  having  abated,  thc^y  attempted  to  cross  in  a  log 
canoe,  but  tluiir  boat  capsized,  and  two  of  their  munber  are  supposed  to 
have  drowned  immediately.  The  other  two  clung  to  their  boat,  and 
endeavored,  by  cries,  to  obtain  assistance.  These  cries  were  heard  on 
both  shores  of  the  river,  and  to  a  great  distance  below,  as  they  floated 
down ;  but  no  one  j)aid  any  particular  attention  to  them,  not  realizing 
that  they  proceeded  ti-om  persons  in  distress,  and  they  all  perisiied. 
Three  of  tiie  bodies  were  found  several  miles  below;  but  the  fourth  at 
a  great  di.^tance  below,  among  the  islands.  A  large  dog  who  was  abroad 
had  been  hound  to  keep  him  (puct,  and  is  supposed  to  have  overturned 
tiiem.  This  sad  accident  spread  a  gloom  through  the  settlements,  and 
was  a  cause  of  unavailing  regret  to  those  who  had  heard  the  cries,  with- 
out hastening  to  their  assistance.  No  blinne  was  attached  to  any  one, 
and  tiie  darkness  of  the  night,  and  roughness  of  the  river,  were  such, 
tiiat  aid  coidd  scarcely  have  been  afforded,  had  the  situation  of  the  siif- 
ft;rers  been  appreciated.  A  touching  incident  that  occmred  on  the 
morning  of  the  day  on  which  the  accident  happened,  was  rendered 
peculiarly  aflecting  by  the  fiital  event.  As  one  of  the  lunnberwas  about 
leaving  home,  a  little  daughter,  who  evinced  great  fondness  for  her 
father,  came  to  him  in  a  manner  unusually  afli;ctionate,  tenderly  em- 
braced and  kissed  him,  and  exacted  of  him  a  promise,  that  he  would 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


335 


cprtniiily  return  before  night.  She  seemed  to  have  nn  inptinctive  for- 
boding  of  evil;  anil  i)y  tiie  uitlcss  innocence  of  childlike  entreaty,  en- 
denvoicd  to  prevent  it. 

The  early  settlers  of  Louisville,  in  an  especial  manner,  were  indebted 
to  their  Canadian  neighbors  for  many  kindnesses,  which  relieved  theni 
from  those  extremities  that  settlers  of  other  towns,  less  favorably  situ- 
ated, endured.  The  8t.  Lawrence  can  here  be  crossed  at  most  seasons 
in  safety.  Mills  existed  at  various  points  along  the  north  shore;  and  the 
inliabitants,  mostly  of  German  descent,  who  had  been  driven  from  the 
Sciioharie  and  Mohawk  settlements,  for  their  adherence  to  the  king's 
interest,  in  the  revolutionary  war,  had  already,  in  their  own  sufferings 
for  want  of  that  assistance  which  may  be  derived  from  neighbors,  fbrget- 
ing  the  bitterness  of  former  times,  in  their  anxiety  for  better.  Previous 
to  the  declaration  of  war,  the  most  friendly  relations  existed ;  families 
exchanged  visits  with  as  much  freedom  and  frequency,  as  if  the  river 
was  but  a  conunon  street;  and  they  were  constantly  in  the  habit  of 
borrowing  and  lending  those  articles  which  their  limited  means  did 
not  allow  each  one  to  possess.  The  war,  for  a  season,  made  each  sus- 
picious of  the  other,  and  entirely  stoi)ped  all  intercourse  for  a  time ; 
but  necessity  ere  long  led  them  to  look  back  with  regret  on  the  customs 
of  former  times,  and  secretly  long  for  their  return.  During  the  first 
summer  of  the  war,  many  of  the  Canadian  men  were  called  off  to  per- 
form military  duty,  and  labor  on  the  fortifications  at  Prescott,  and  their 
families  were  left  to  provide  for  themselves  as  they  might  best  be  able. 
Provisions  became  scarce,  and  want  stared  them  in  the  face.  Pressed 
with  hunger,  the  children  of  one  of  their  families,  remembering  tiie 
homely  but  wholesome  fare  which  they  had  formerly  observed  on  the 
south  shore,  one  night  entered  a  boat,  and  being  skilful  in  its  use,  crossed 
over,  and  humbly  begged  at  the  door  of  a  house,  at  which  they  were 
acquainted,  for  food.  The  family  were  overjoyed  at  the  visit,  and  on 
their  return,  they  sent  back  an  invitation  lor  their  parents  to  come  over 
on  a  certain  night,  and  renew  their  old  acquaintance.  They  did  so,  and 
never  were  people  more  delighted  than  these,  when  they  met,  exchr.ii^"d 
salutations,  and  learned,  by  those  expressions  that  come  from  th  heart, 
that  although  the  two  governments  bad  declared  them  enemies,  they 
were  still/riencfe.  The  livelong  night  was  snent  in  agreeable  festivities; 
and  with  the  approacli  of  dawn,  they  returntd. 

News  of  this  was  confidentially  sju-ead,  and  these  midnight  visits 
became  common;  being  at  first  strictly  secret  and  confidential,  but  to- 
wards the  closo"of  the  war,  cpiite  open,  and  performed  by  daylight.  One 
loyalist,  however,  who  felt  the  spirit  of  the  olden  time  return,  when 
called  upon  to  sustain  the  interest  of  his  king,  although  a  very  kind 


Jm^ 


336 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


■M  '  ■' 


4''  S 


'I 


henrted  man,  and  strongly  attached  by  the  ties  of  friendship,  to  his 
American  neiglibors,  sternly  refused  all  renewul  of  acquaintance,  from 
n  sense  of  duty,  and  discountenanced  it  among  liis  neiglibors.  Oiie 
evening  an  inhabitant  of  the  south  shore  resolved  to  attempt  to  conquer 
this  spirit  by  kindness,  and  boldly  visited  his  house,  as  iiad  been  his 
former  custom.  Finding  him  absent,  he  followed  him  to  a  neighbor's, 
and  warmly  saluted  him  with  a  cordial  grasp  of  the  hand,  and  friendly 
chiding,  for  so  long  and  so  obstinately  withstanding  the  claims  of  neigh- 
borship. This  appeal  to  the  heart,  outweighed  the  decision  of  the  head, 
and  the  suhitation  was,  after  a  moment's  hesitation,  returned  with  a 
cordiality  that  showed  him  sensible  of  the  truth,  that  man  is  by  nature  a 
social  being,  and  intended  to  live  by  the  side  of  neighbors.  Peace  was 
thus  declared  along  this  frontier,  long  before  the  fact  was  established  by 
diplomatists,  or  published  by  the  proclamation  of  the  president. 

Early  in  the  summer  of  1812,  the  inhabitants  of  Louisville,  for  their 
own  protection,  organized  a  volunteer  company  of  about  forty  men,  who 
constituted  the  male  population  of  the  town,  capable  of  bearing  arms. 
They  elected  Benjamin  Daniels,  one  of  their  number,  "  high  sergeant," 
whom  they  agreed  to  obey,  in  all  matters  touching  the  common  interest. 
Soon  after  their  organization,  they  received  orders  from  General  Brown, 
nt  Ogdensburgh,  to  bring  to  all  crafts  passing  the  river.  In  piu'suanco 
of  these  instructions,  they,  on  one  occasion,  hailed  and  brought  in  a 
raft,  and  found  in  the  cabin  a  large  amount  of  valuable  groceries,  &c. 
the  greater  part  of  which  was  forwarded  to  the  collector  of  the  district. 
During  the  summer,  a  regular  company  of  militia  was  formed,  with 
Benjamin  Willard,  captain,  which  drew  arms  from  the  arsenal  at  Rus- 
sell, and  was  kept  in  service  from  August  till  November.  They  were 
ordered  to  allow  Indians  to  pass,  but  to  stop  all  other  crafts,  and  icnrn 
their  business.  At  times,  they  had  rumors  of  hostile  visits  from  the 
north  shore ;  but  they  were  not  executed. 

The  first  death  penalty  inflicted  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  under  its 
present  organization,  was  u[)on  the  person  of  Louis  Gertcau,  who  was 
publicly  executed  in  Ogdensburgh,  on  the  ]2tli  of  July,  in  181G,  for  the 
murder  of  three  persons  in  Louisville,  about  a  mile  from  Massena  village 
22d  of  February,  1816,  The  circumstances  were  briefly  these:  Michael' 
Scarborough,  of  this  town,  being  engaged  in  lumbering,  had  gone  away 
on  business,  leaving  his  wife  and  two  children,  one  of  them  an  infant, 
and  a  French  lad  about  14  or  15,  named  fllacue,  to  look  after  his  affairs 
in  his  absence.  The  latter  was  brother-in-law  of  the  murderer,  who 
was  well  acquainted  with  the  family,  and  the  premises,  and  at  the  time 
was  living  a  neighbor.    Mr.  S.  had  incautiously  displayed  a  large  sum 


T 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


337 


of  money,  wliicli  Gcrteau  suppoHcd  wus  in  the  liouse,  and  for  obtaining 
tills,  he  deliberately  laid  his  plans. 

On  the  night  before  the  murder,  he  slept  in  the  barn,  and  at  dawn 
arose,  and  taking  with  him  a  sycthe,  repaired  to  the  house,  which  ho 
entered,  but  finding  an  axe,  he  exchanged  for  this  weapon,  and  cautiously 
entered  tiio  room,  where  his  brother-in-law  was  sleeping  in  a  bed  upon 
the  floor.  IFj  passed  through  this,  to  the  bedroom  where  Mrs.  Scar- 
borough and  her  two  children  were  asleep,  and  took  tip  the  money  he 
was  after,  from  its  place  in  the  corner  of  a  drawer.  With  this  he  might 
have  made  his  escape  unobserved ;  but  fearing  detection,  laid  it  down, 
raised  his  weapon,  and  with  a  blow  nearly  severed  the  neck  of  the 
woman.  He  then  turned,  and  dispatched  the  lad  with  two  blows,  and 
the  infant  child,  and  wounded  the  other,  seized  the  money,  amounting 
in  small  change  to  about  .$22,  which  had  incited  him  to  the  crime,  fast- 
ened the  door  of  the  house  and  fled,  having  first  feasted  himself  upon 
cakes  and  sweetmeats.  IJy  a  circuitous  route,  he  avoided  the  houses  in 
Massena  village,  and  gained  the  roud  towards  St.  Regis.  About  sunrise, 
some  neighbors,  having  occasion  to  visit  the  house,  were  surprised  to  find 
it  fastened,  and  a  track  in  the  new  snow  from  it,  and  observing,  through 
the  window,  the  corpse  of  one  of  the  victims,  the  door  was  forced  open, 
and  the  alarm  of  the  murder  instantly  spread.  The  ruffian  was  over- 
taken about  two  miles  from  St.  Regis,  and  on  being  taken  to  the  scene 
of  his  slaughter,  he  acknowledged  the  crime,  and  related  the  details  of 
the  shocking  barbarity.  It  appeared  that  he  had  not  traveled  more  than 
two  miles  an  hour,  after  the  murder,  and  had  endeavored  to  rub  out  the 
stains  of  blood  from  his  hat  and  coat. 

He  was  tried  at  the  circuit  court,  and  court  of  oyer  and  terminer,  at 
Ogdenshin-gh,  in  July,  181G.  William  Van  Ness,  Esq.,  one  of  the  justice 
of  the  sujireme  court,  presiding;  Nathan  Ford  being  first  judge,  Russell 
Attwater and  Robert  Livingston,  judges;  Caleb  Hough  and  Jason  Fen- 
ton,  assistant  justices.  The  grand  jury  presented  three  separate  indict- 
ments, on  the  first  day  of  their  session,  and  upon  being  arraigned  he 
pleaded,  not  guilty,  to  each.  The  names  of  the  murdered  persons  as 
named  in  the  indictments  were,  Maiia  Scarborough,  Jean  Baptiste 
Macue,  and  Adaline  Scarborough.  The  records  of  the  court  contain  the 
following  entry  of  his  sentence.    (July  3,  181G,) 

"  Louis  Couard,  otherwise  called  Louis  Gcrteau,  otherwise  called 
Jean  Bnptiste  Gerteau,  for  the  murder  of  Maria  Scarborough,  whereof 
he  was  convicted,  was  called  to  the  bar,  and  the  court  sentenced  that  he 
be  taken  to  the  place  from  whence  he  came,  and  from  thence  to  the 
place  of  execution,  and  that  on  Friday,  the  twelftli  instant,  between  the 
hours  of  one  and  three,  to  be  hung  by  the  neck  until  he  is  dead,  and 


rsr  m-t; 


m 


338 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


mr 


^pi'l 


may  God  linvc  mercy  on  his  soul ;  and  further,  that  liis  hody  be  delivered 
to  tlio  mcdieul  society  of  tliis  county,  to  bo  delivered  to  some  person 
authorized  to  receive  it." 

The  sentence  was  duly  executed,  in  the  presence  of  an  Immense 
crowd,  who  assembled  to  witness  the  punishment  of  a  crime  which  has 
had  but  few  parallels  in  our  country. 

The  post  oftjco  of  Louisville  is  located  at  a  small  village  on  Grass 
river,  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  which  has  acquired  the  name  of 
MUlerville,  from  the  founder.  A  small  clearing  had  been  made  at  this 
place,  by  Oliver  Ames,  previous  to  1823.  In  March,  of  that  year,  the 
Rev.  Levi  Miller,  from  Turin,  Lewis  comity,  a  native  of  Wooster,  and 
afterwards  a  resident  of  Chester,  Mass.,  came  on  as  an  agent  for  James 
McVicker.  A  saw  mill  had  been  commenced  in  1820,  for  the  proprietor, 
but  was  not  finished.  A  bridge  had  been  built  across  Grass  river  at 
this  place  about  the  year  1820.  In  1837,  a  grist  mill  was  built  by  George 
Kedington  having  two  run  of  stones  which  has  since  been  enlarged,  and 
two  other  run  added.  Besides  these  mills,  the  place  at  present  contains 
a  tannery,  clothing  works,  trip  hammer  &c.,  in  which  water  power  is  used, 
a  hotel,  store  and  several  mechanics.  The  Methodist  Episcopal  de- 
nomination had  an  organized  church  as  early  as  1820,  liut  did  not  form 
a  society  until  1839,  when  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  Society  of  the 
town  of  Louisville  was  formed,  and  the  following  trustees  elected,  June 
3;  Levi  Miller,  Levi  Miller,  Jun.,  Israel  G.  Stone,  John  Power  and  John 
Doud. 

In  June,  1841,  the  number  of  trustees  of  the  society,  was  increased 
from  five  to  nine,  in  accordance  with  the  recommendation  of  the  disci- 
pline of  that  denomination.  A  church  edifice  was  built  in  1849,  the 
basement  being  for  a  town  hall.  A  melancholy  accident  occurreil  at  this 
place  in  the  spring  of  1823,  in  which  two  young  men  who  were  crossing 
the  river  in  a  canoe,  were  carried  over  the  dam  and  drowned.  The 
water  being  in  its  spring  flood,  their  bodies  were  not  found  for  several 
weeks.  The  post  office  of  Louisville  was  first  located  on  the  St.  Law- 
rence, but  about  1827,  it  was  removed  to  the  Grass  river,  where  it  has 
since  been  kept.  A  post  office  has  since  been  formed  at  Louisville 
landing.  In  1832,  a  board  of  health  was  organized  who  appointed  Dr. 
Ira  Gibson,  health  officer,  and  designated  the  shore  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
between  Robert  Crawford's  and  Allen  McLeod's  farms,  as  (juarantine 
grounds.  The  difficulties  at  times  attending  the  navigation  of  rafts,  and 
the  space  they  occupy  rendered  a  somewhat  extended  location  necessary. 
The  quarantine  regulations  were  not  enforced,  for  the  intercourse  with 
Canada  stopped  of  its  own  accord.  The  alarm  passed  off  in  a  few  weeks. 
About  ten  cases  of  cholera  occurred  in  town  of  which  one  was  fatal. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


339 


Opposite  the  lower  part  of  LoniRvillc  is  nil  islnnd  of  pome  two  tlioiisand 
ncres,  known  on  Burr's  ><inp,  as  tlie  Upper  Long  Sunt  islnnd,  but  better 
known  nmong  tlio  iniinbitniitH,  as  Baxter's  islnnd,  Stucy's  islnnd,  nnd 
Cioil's  island,  from  the  nnmes  of  successive  owners.  Tiie  FVeiich  named 
it.  Isle  an  Cliamnilles;  nnd  the  Indians,  Tsi-io-wen-o-kwn-ka-ra-te,  or 
High  islnnd.  Like  Harnhnrt's  island,  it  was  at  its  settlement  considered 
u  part  of  Canada,  but  in  running  the  boundary  in  1818,  it  wns  nssigned 
to  the  state  of  New  York.  The  deepest  chnnnel  being  north  of  the 
islnnd,  indicated  the  propriety  of  this  according  to  the  terms  of  the 
treaty. 

Macomb, 

Wns  orgnnized  from  Morristown  and  Gouvernsur,  April  30,  1841,  and 
mnde  to  include  the  district  in  the  former,  south  of  BInck  Inkc,  mid  in 
the  Intter,  north  of  Beaver  creek,  from  the  line  of  DeKnlb  to  the  Ogdeu 
tract  which  it  followed  to  the  Oswegatchie,  and  thence  up  that  river  to 
Rossie.  A  small  trnct  south  of  the  Inke  was  still  left  in  Hnmmond, 
which  on  the  lltli  of  April,  1842,  was  attached  to  Macomb.  The  town 
derives  its  nnme  from  the  projirietor,  who  was  by  birth  an  Irishman,  and 
for  many  years  n  merchant  in  New  York, 

It  has  been  said,  that  coming  events  cast  their  shadows  before  them, 
and  this  proverb  was  verified  in  the  formation  of  this  town.  The 
iiiliabitunts  of  those  portions  of  Morristown,  and  Gouverneur,  between 
Black  lake  and  Benvei  creek,  hnviiig  long  felt  the  inconvenience  of  their 
seclusion  from  the  pinces  of  holding  town  meetings;  several  years  before 
they  were  organized  into  a  town,  began  to  importune  for  a  separate 
town.  In  1837,  the  inhabitants  of  Morristown,  expressed  their  willing- 
ness for  this,  whenever  those  in  the  south  of  the  Inke  should  agree  upon 
the  measure.  Similar  resolutions  were  passed  by  Gouverneur.  In  the 
town  meeting  of  Morristown  in  1841,  on  the  subject  of  setting  off  a  new 
town  on  the  southerly  side  of  Black  lake,  it  wns  resolved: 

"  That  nil  those  electors  residing  on  the  northerly  side  of  Black  lake, 
do  now  withdraw  from  the  room,  in  order  to  obtain  the  voice  of  those 
on  the  southerly  side;  wiiich  being  done,  it  was  on  motion,  resolved, 
(with  only  one  dissenting  voice),  that,  that  part  of  the  town  of  Morris- 
town which  lies  on  the  soutiierly  si<le  of  Black  lake,  be  set  off  by  itself, 
a  new  town.  The  whole  of  the  electors  were  then  called  in,  and  being 
all  present,  this  resolution  was  again  passed." 

The  first  town  meeting  was  held  in  pursuance  of  statute  at  the  house 
of  David  Day,  2d. 

Supervisors.— 18il-2,  David  Day,  2d;  1843,  John  Parker;  1844-6 
Enoch  Taylor:  1847-50,  Wm.  Houghton;  1851-2,  David  Day,  2d. 

The  first  settler  in  the  limits  of  this  town,  was  Samuel  Bristol,  who 
22 


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340 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


locnteil  on  tlio  plnco  now  owned  l)y  Rohort  WilKon.  IIo  first  made  n 
Btnnd  at  Do  I'oyster,  and  was  among  the  very  first  Hettlers  of  tlint  ])lnee. 
Captain  RnfiiH  Washlmrn,  forinorly  ot'  Connecticut,  but  tlien  from  Kx'er, 
Otsego  county,  came  into  tiic  town  when  nimoHt  entirely  now.  He  lived 
*he  first  summer  at  Ogdennburpli,  and  afterwiirds  lor  five  years  at  De 
Peyslcr.  lie  was  r  blackomith,  and  kept  a  |tid)Iic  bouse  for  many  years 
on  the  place  now  owned  by  Wm.  Houghton.  Samuel  Wilson,  K.  Wil- 
pon  and  Samuel  Peck,  were  early  settlerH.  The  improvements  of  this 
town  were  for  many  years  limited-  to  a  small  nei<;hborhood  on  the  f^tnte 
road,an<{  schools  were  neglected  till  1818.  Cnpt.  Washburn  was  drowned 
in  the  Oswegntchie  while  returning  from  a  town  meeting  in  Gouverneur 
village,  on  the  28th  of  April,  1817. 

Pope's  .Mills  is  n  stnall  settlement  on  Fish  creek,  two  miles  from  Black 
lake,  to  which  it  is  navigable.  It  owes  its  origin  and  name  to  Timothy 
Pope,  who  move<l  from  Oswegatchie  to  this  place  in  1816,  and  erected 
mills.    lie  was  originally  from  Otsego  county,  and  settled  in  Oswegatchie 

in  1804.    He  was  killed  Nov.  7  18JJ5,  with  one Shaw,  by  the  hurijt- 

ing  of  a  defective  millstone.  A  considerable  portion  of  tiiis  town  is  still 
but  thinly  settled ;  but  the  greater  part  is  susceptible  of  profitable  culti- 
vation, and  it  is  without  doubt  destined  to  be  a  mining  district  of  much 
importance.  The  Wesleyan  and  Ejtiscopal  Methodists  have  each  an  or- 
ganization in  town. 

About  1830,  a  vein  of  lead,  zinc-blende,  and  calcareous  spar,  was  dis- 
covered near  the  shore  of  Black  lake,  at  a  place  named  Mineral  Point, 
and  somewhat  extensive  mining  operations  were  commenced.  A  com- 
pany styled  tlie  Morris  Mining  Company,  was  incorporated  Moy  1,  1839, 
with  James  Averell,  David  C.  Judson,  Sylvester  Gilbert,  Jolm  W.  Grant, 
Lewis  Moss,  Tliomas  L.  Knap|»  and  I'^dwin  Dodge,  trustees,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  mining  in  Morristown  and  Oswegatcliie.  To  continue 25 years; 
capital  $50,000,  in  shares  of  $100  each,  and  to  be  managed  by  seven  di- 
rectors. 

About  1836,  a  vein  containing  galena  was  discovered  on  tl»e  Jand  of 
Robert  Wilson,  near  the  Old  State  road ;  a  company  formed,  and  a  shaft 
»unk  to  the, depth  o(f  about  CO  feet.  A  few  years  after,  lead  ore  was  dis- 
covered on  the  same  ra*ige,  near  the  road  leading  from  the  Washburn 
settlement  to  Gouverneur,  and  in  1850  small  mining  operations  had  bee;,! 
commenced,  when  in  J85il  .tlie  right  was  purchased  by  parties  in  New 
York,  and  a  compony  formed  styled  the  St.  Lawrence  Mining  Company, 
who  became  incorporated  :unaer  (the  general  mining  law  of  Feb.  17, 1848. 
The  articles  of  association  were  filed  ,Sept.  16,  1851,  in  the  clerk's  office, 
and  name  Thomas  Addis  Emmet,  Steiwen  Crocker  and  John  L.  Grata- 
,«at,  trustees:;  Qapital  $72,000  in  shares  .qf  $2  each.    Duration  limited  to 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


S41 


50  ycnrs.  At  n  mooting  of  tlie  HtnckholderB  in  Now  York,  Mny  17, 1852 
the  ciipitui  of  tlie  eoiii|i;iny  was  incroiisuii  to  $3G0,000,  Kxtensivo  inining 
o|icrntion8  were  coiiiinencud  Into  in  1851,  and  are  l)eiiev<!(i  to  ho  still  oon- 
tiiiiied.  A  furnaco  for  rediicinsr  lead  was  orecteil,  and  a  oonHidorable 
uuiount  of  load  liaH  been  »)cnt  to  market. 

Madrid.  ' 

Tiiis  was  one  of  tlie  fonr  towns  formed  by  the  act  incorporatinjr  the 
county,  March  3,  1802,  and  at  first  embraced  also  tiie  township  of  Pots- 
dinn.  Since  1810,  it  has  been  of  its  present  limits.  In  1837  nn  efl'ort 
was  made  to  procure  n  new  town  from  parts  of  Madrid,  Lisbon,  Canton 
and  Potsdam,  with  Cohimbia  village  lor  its  centre,  but  it  was  opposed  by 
the  other  towns,  and  failed. 

The  first  town  officers  in  IVIadrid,  were  Jose|)h  Edsall,  supemsor; 
Jacob  Rodington,  c/er^,*  Cyrus  Abernethy,  Reuben  Field,  Alex.  Brush, 
Ileiny  Krwin,  as.sessora ;  lletuy  Erwin,  cortstnhle  and  colleclnr;  Jonathan 
Tiittle, Solonwn  l.insley,  overseer.t  of  the  poor;  John  Shar|),  Isaac  IJartho- 
JcMiiew,  Ephrinm  S.  lh\yi\\om\,  commissioners  of  hif^hivni/s ;  Asa  Frooinan, 
Jonatiian  Allen,  Cyrus  Abernethy, yente  viewers;  I'.dward  Lawrence, 
pound  'keeper;  Jonathan  Allen,  Alexander  Ibiisli,  Thomas  Rutherford, 
Oliver  Liiisley  Solomon  Linsley,  oueracers  of  highivai/s. 

Supervisors.— \SO%ri,  .Joseph  Edsall ;  1806-7,  Asa  Freeman ;  1808,  Alex. 
Richards;  180!»,  Asa  Freeman;  1810-12,  Joseph  Freem.m;  1813,  Wm. 
JMeuch;  1814-15,  J.  Freeman;  181(1-22,  Jason  Fenton;  182.3-28,  J.  Free- 
nmii;  18'>l»-32,  J.  S.  Chipman;  1833-(i,  Geo.  Redington;  1838,  R.  Blood; 
18«t,  Walter  Wilson;  1840,  G.  Redington;  1841-2,  Alfred  Goss;  1843-4, 
A.  T.  Montgomery;  I845(),  T.  Sears ;  1847-8,  A.  T.  Montgomery ;  1849-50, 
Jesse  Cogswell;  1851,  llichard  Edsall ;  1852,  Francis  Fenton. 

$5  F)ounty  offered  for  wolves,  in  1803,  (excepting  the  township  of  Pots- 
dam) and  1804.    In  1806,  $10  bounty  for  wolves. 

This  town  Ijegnn  to  settle  along  the  St.  Lawrence,  about  1793,  and  the 
following  names  from  the  land  books,  give  the  dates  of  purchases,  although 
not  of  location : 

In  Mny,  1798,  John  Sharp,  Barton  Edsall;  m  Jime,  1800,  John  Tiittle, 
Benjamin  Bartlett,  Godfrey  31yers,  Benjamin  Campbell,  Elias  Dimick, 
Reiilwii  Fields,  Asa  Freeman,  Sanmel  Allen,  Edward  Lawience,  Asa 
«nd  J«son  Fenton,  Alexander  Brii8h,James  Kilborn,  Jacob  Carnes,  Allen 
Patterson,  Jacob  Redington,  Robert  Sample,  Caleb  and  Cornelius  Peck, 
llemy  Allen,  Wm.  Osburno,  Ira  Paine,  Oliver  Linsley,  Joseph  Orcutt  and 
Henry  and  Jose|)h  Erwin. 

In 'l80l,  Isaac  Bartholomew,  Simon  Linsley;  in  1802,  Allen  Barber, 
Nathan  Smith,  Aaron  Scott,  Martin  Rosenberg,' John  Allen,  Geo.  Ruther- 
ford, Thomas  Andrews,  Walter  and  Richard  Rutherford,  (brothers,)  and 
many  others,  mostly  from  New  England,  who  came  through  from  Cha- 
teaugflv,  by  way  of  Moria  and  Stockholm.  In  1803,  Samuel  Chi|)man, 
from  V'ergemies,  Vt.,  and  others. 

The  first  agent  was  Joseph  Edsall,  who  was  a  native  of  Vernon,  Sus- 
sex county,  N.  J.,  and,  died,  ia  Madrid,  in  1844,  aged  81.    He  received 


.jlMi: 


342 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


m 
m- 


it 


his  ngency  Jnno  8, 1798,  and  wnB  inBtrtictcil  to  sell  river  lots  nt$2'50,nn(l 
rcnr  lots  ut  $2  per  rrre.  A  |iortioii  of  the  former  were  rcB»!rved  tlinttim 
owners  might  hiivothn  lieiiefit  of  their  ri-io  in  value.  One  fourth  was  to 
be  piiid  down,  nnd  the  real  in  three  equal  i)nyment°. 

The  village  of  Wnddingtnn,  is  named  from  Joshua  Waddington,  of  N. 
York,  who  was  a  joint  proprietor  with  D,  A.andT.  li.Ogden.inthotown 
of  Modrid,  ut  uii  eurly  day.  It  was  originally  culled  Hamilton,  from  Alex. 
Hamilton,  tho  celehruted  lawyer  and  stateHinnn,  who  had  been  associated 
in  business  with  the  Ogden  brothers,  and  the  post  ofiice  originnlly  hore 
this  name.  It  was,  by  a  vote  of  the  town  meeting  of  1818  (IMarchO), 
changed  to  its  present  nuinc,  and  the  post  oflice  wus  soon  after  altered  to 
correspond  with  it. 

In  official  papers  relating  to  the  war,  and  in  statute  laws  passed  in  enrly 
times,  the  name  of  Hamilton  is  ollen  used.  A  grist  and  saw  mill  were 
erected  hero  in  1803-4.  The  inland  opposite,  the  mills,  water  privilege, 
land  in  the  bed  of  the  river,  and  1,13.')  acres,  comprising  the  shore  oppo- 
uite  tiie  island,  and  extending  one  mile  buck,  was  in  1811,  conveyed  by 
T.  L.  Ogden  and  J.  Waddington,  to  D.  A.  Ogden.  This  tract  embrnced 
the  whole  of  the  present  village.  The  rapids  on  the  north  side  of  the 
island,  is  culled  the  Rapide  plat,  and  e  .ndsits  whole  length,  a  distance 
of  three  miles,  ond  has  a  fiill  of  eleven  feet.  On  the  south  side,  this  foil 
was  originally  gained  in  a  distance  of  fifty  rods,  constituting  a  wild  and 
dangerous  cascade,  which  the  French  voyagenrs  culled  La  Petit  Sauts. 
The  principal  full  was  near  the  lower  ledge  of  limestone,  near  the  present 
dam,  and  had  a  height  of  about  eight  feet.  The  dnm  has  destroyed  the 
romantic  scenery  of  the  place,  and  made  a  basin  of  still  water,  the  spot 
which  was  once  a  rapid.  Tlio  primitive  scenery  of  this  romii.ic  spot  is 
described  us  having  been  one  of  unrivaled  beauty  and  interest.  The  water, 
by  flowing  down  the  smooth  declivity  of  rock,  acquired  an  immense  ve- 
locity on  reaching  the  abrupt  fall,  where,  striking  the  bottom,  it  rebounded 
with  an  immense  surge,  which  threw  buck  so  large  a  volume  of  water  as 
to  make  a  strong  upward  current  along  the  shore. 

Fish  abound  in  the  waters,  and  the  wild  fowl  and  deer  appeared  to 
have  chosen  this  spot  as  a  resort.  As  a  natural  consequence,  the  rude 
Indian  here  found  his  favorite  employment  of  hunting  and  Ashing;  there 
are  those  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe  still  living,  who  remember  with  regret, 
the  peculiar  advantages  for  their  pursuits,  which  the  locality  nflbrded,  and 
a  few  of  tho  race  annually  visit  the  islund,  and  camp  in  the  woods  near 
its  head.  The  island  was  once  covered  by  a  pine  forest,  and  large  quan- 
tities of  valuable  timber  having  been  cut  in  early  times,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  St.  Regis  Indians.  Mr.  Joseph  Edsull,  agent  for  the  town, 
forbid  them  to  take  it  away.    The  Indians  appeared  to  be  anxious  to  settle 


^J^l 


Ai>ID    FKANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


343 


tlio  mnttcr  amicably,  niid  uccordiiiitly  in  May,  1803,  nn  instrument  was 
(Irnwri  ii|)  lictweuri  the  agL'nt  and  Williuni  (iiay,  Louitt  Cooke  and  Loren 
Tnrlxill,  tnistceH  of  the  IikUuiim,  by  whicii  Edaail  wuh  to  Im  allowed  to 
remove  the  tiinher  then  down,  and  to  pay  (JO  centw  for  every  tree,  if  the 
title  to  the  island  then  in  proccM  of  iiivcHtigation,  Mhoiild  he  decided  as 
belonging  to  the  proprictc-s  of  Madrid.  In  iiopcsof  cstahliHliing  a  cotn- 
tncrciui  and  manufacturing  interest  at  this  point,  the  proprietors  under* 
took  the  expensive  tusk  of  building  a  stone  dam  across  the  southern 
branch  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  wiiich  at  the  same  time,  should  make  it  na- 
vigable, by  having  in  it  a  lock,  and  create  a  water  power  of  unlimited 
extent.  An  act  authorizing  this,  was  passed  in  1808,  and  allowed  the 
taking  of  toll  upon  vessels  passing,  at  the  rate  of  twenty-five  rents  per 
ton  for  large  boats,  and  double  that  rate  for  all  boats  under  two  tons.  The 
locks  were  to  be  fifty  feet  by  ten,  and  allow  of  a  draft  of  twv.  fpet.  These 
im[troveinont8  were  to  be  coin|)leted  within  three  years.  A  vvooden  lock 
wns  first  attem|)ted,  but  i)efore  done  its  foundation  was  iindetermined, 
and  it  was  abandoned.  In  1811  and  181.'>,  the  act  svas  extended,  and 
finally  a  st  ne  lock  was  built  in  the  line  of  the  store  dam,  wl  v-h  proved 
of  little  or  no  use,  as  its  dimensions  only  allowed  the  passnge  of  Durham 
boats.  The  era  of  steam  boats  followed,  and  the  Canadian  government 
assumed  the  task  of  locking  and  canaling  around  the  principal  ropida. 
An  cfiurt  was  made  to  secure  the  advantages  of  this  trade,  by  digging  a 
canal  ocross  to  Grass  river,  but  never  carried  out.  An  account  of  this 
will  be  given  in  its  proper  place. 

In  1832  the  connection  between  the  lock  and  iblrnd  shorp,  gave  wny, 
being  but  imperfectly  secured,  and  caused  u  considerable  break  in  the 
dam.  To  repair  this  and  oiford  a  work  which  in  future  should  give  con- 
trol to  the  water  in  the  south  channel,  the  bridge  above  was  filled  in 
with  stone,  leaving  openings  through  which  boats  could  be  admitted,  and 
which  when  closed,  shoulct  stop  all  water  from  passing.  13y  this  means 
the  water  can  ut  any  time  be  drawn  off  below,  and  repairs  made  at  but 
small  expense.  A  canal  runs  irom  the  dam  parallel  with  the  river,  in 
front  of  the  village,  which  afiords,  in  connection  with  the  conveniences 
above  mentioned,  facilities  of  great  importance.  Floods  or  drought  are 
here  unknown,  and  the  supply  of  water  for  hydraulic  purposes,  has  no 
limits  which  will  ever  be  reached.  There  are  here  a  large  stone  fiouring 
mill,  built  in  1832-33,  ond  grist  mill,  woolen  and  carding  shop,  furnace 
and  machine  shop,  trip  hamn.tr,  saw  mill,  shingle,  sash  and  stave  ma- 
chines, paper  mill,  and  other  machinery.  The  manufacture  of  water 
lime,  has  been  carried  on  to  a  limited  extent,  and  rather  as  an  experiment, 
at  the  village  of  Waddington.     The  stone  from  which  it  was  made,  is 


1:  .r"«J 


:m^: 


iH': 


344 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


It'' 

m  • 


'  y 

.  'J  I 
( * 


til '-  1 


iiis^ 


snici  to  have  been  derived  from  tlin  drift  ibrmation  wiiich  constitutes  the 
island,  and  the  supply  tnnst  tlierelore  l)e  precarious  and  limited. 

Wnddington  was  incorporated  April  26,  ISfiD. 

Mr.  Spafford,  in  his  Gazetteer  of  1813,  states  that  Hamilton  then  con- 
tained 185  houses,  2  saw  mills,  1  grist  mill,  a  fulling  mill,  trip  hammer, 
&c.;  and  the  sih  of  an  academy  ihen  buildin<r.  The  site  is  still  prohahly 
there,  but  no  building  was  ever  erected  or  begun.  At  that  period  the 
want  of  an  academy  began  to  be  lelt;  and  this  place,  Ogdenshurgh,  and 
Potsdam,  each  wished  to  secure  it;  but  while  Mr.  Ogden  and  others  were 
waiting  till  the  country  shoidd  become  stronger,  Judge  Raymond  and 
his  friends  were  exerting  every  effort,  and  succeeded  in  founding  Sf 
Lawrence  Academy  at  Potsdam.     The  work  above  quoted,  adds: 

"  Madrid  was  owned  by  J.  Waddington,  D.  A.  and  T.  L.  Ogden, 
Esquires,  of  New  York;  men  (say  the  iidiabitants),  of  benevolent  dispo- 
sitions and  well  calcidated  to  settle  u  new  country,  and  who  have  used 
every  possible  means  to  promote  the  interest  and  prosperity  of  the  set- 
tlers. The  whole  nund)er  of  electors  exceeded  iiOO,  and  the  probable 
population  G  or  700.  There  are  5  grist  mills,  7  saw  mills,  several  carding 
machines,  fulling  mills,  tamieries,  and  one  trip  hammer,  and  a  conve- 
nient number  of  mechanics.  There  are  one  Congregational  and  one 
Baptist  society,  but  no  settled  ministers." 

A  furnace  was  built  by  the  Ogdens  at  Waddington  in  1834.  It  was 
what  is  termed  by  iron  founders  a  quarter  tinnace,  with  one  tewel  and 
a  cold  blast.  It  was  2(5  feet  square  on  the  ground,  28  feet  high,  and  run 
upon  bog  ore  alone.  The  bifdding,  which  was  of  brici ,  inclosed  two 
stacks  or  separate  furnacees,  of  which  the  latter  was  got  iii  operation  in 
183t),  and  was  used  but  in  one  blast.  In  1840,  the  furnace  was  stojiped, 
and  has  not  since  been  worked.  A  portion  of  the  iron  made  here  was 
made  into  castings  upon  the  premises,  and  the  remainder  sold  as  pig 
iron.  The  ore  was  got  in  swamps  in  the  town,  and  made  very  good  iron. 
Much  of  it  was  washed  previous  to  using.  It  cost  about  $3  i)er  ton  de- 
livered at  the  furnace.  The  inside  diameter  of  the  furnace  was  G  leet 
10  inches. 

"  The  ore,"  according  to  Professor  Beck,  was  "  procured  near  Grnsg 
river,  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Columbia  village,  and  seven  from  Wad- 
dington. Tiiere  were  three  varieties  of  the  ore,  viz:  one  large  lumps, 
called  pan  ore,  another  in  small  masses  more  or  less  rounded,  called  shot 
ore,  and  lastly  an  ociiery  one  called  loam  ore.  All  of  these  were  of  a  red- 
dish yellow  color  wiien  reduced  to  powder,  and  by  calcination  lost  from 
18  to  20-.5  per  cent  in  weight,  and  became  black  and  magnetic.  An 
analysis  yielded  71  per  cent  of  the  peroxyde  of  iron,  850  j)er  cent  of 
silica  and  alumina,  and  20"50  per  cent  of  water.  The  pro|)ortion  of 
nietalic  iron  was  4U*23  per  cent,  although  this  variety  of  ore  seldom 
yields  in  the  large  way  mure  than  25  per  cent." 

(See  Geological  Report,  1837,  p.  41.) 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


345 


The  first  mills  nt  Coliuiihiii  village,  were  erected  by  Seth  Roberts  in 
the  summer  nncl  full  of  1803,  and  from  him  it  was  often  called  Roberts's 
mills.  It  was  also  called  Grass  River  falls,  nt  an  early  day.  Meetings 
were  first  held  in  the  mill,  and  in  1803  the  first  school  was  taught  in 
town  by  Dorothy  Fields. 

On  the  4th  of  March,  180G,  the  dwelling  of  Uel  Gray,  which  stood 
about  three-fourths  of  a  mile  southwest  from  the  pr?sP!it  village  of 
Madrid,  was  burned  ;  and  two  children,  of  five  and  seven  years  of  age, 
perished  miserably  in  the  flames. 

On  the  9th  of  April,  1818,  six  men  were  drowned  in  Columbia  village 
by  being  carried  over  the  dam  in  a  boat,  an<l  although  within  sight  of 
many,  no  relief  could  be  extended.  Their  n&nies  were  Asa  Lord, 
Abrnhani  and  Joseph  Loomis,  Ezra  Bigelow,  Asa  Dagett,  and  Leonard 
Heed. 

The  following  statistics  were  collected  by  Mr.  E.  A.  Dayton: 

"Columbia  village,  on  both  banks  of  Grass  river,  but  mostly  on  the 
west  side,  and  one  mile  from  the  Canton  and  Madrid  depot,  bad  in  the 
fall  of  1852,  2  taverns,  (!  stores,  1  drug  store,  4  groceries,  1  book  store,  2 
shoe  stores,  2  tin  slioi)s,  1  tannery  and  shoe  shop,  1  grist  mill,  1  saw  and 
shingle  mill,  1  furnace,  2  wagon  and  sluigli  shops  with  water  power,  1 
chair  factory  and  cabinet  shop  with  water  power,  and  2  cabinet  shopa 
without,  I  woolen  factory  and  carding  mill,  1  jeweler,  3  blacksmith  shops, 
1  marble  shop,  and  2  harness  shops.  It  has  3  lawyers  and  4  physi- 
cians, a  Congregational,  Methodist,  Jiaptist  and  Universalist  church,  each 
except  the  Methorlist  having  a  settled  minister,  exce|)t  the  second  who 
linve  preaching  on  alternate  sabbaths.  It  bad  2  district  schools  and  1 
select  school.  At  the  depot  was  2  taverns,  1  blacksmith  shop  and  10 
dwelling  houses." 

By  a  law  of  IMarcli  30,  1821,  three  trustees  were  to  be  annually  chosen, 
to  have  charge  of  the  public  lands  in  town.  They  were  not  allowed  to 
sell  them  on  a  shorter  credit  than  ten  years,  or  to  receive  more  than  a 
quarter  of  the  purchase  money  at  time  of  sale.  Moneys  thus  arising 
were  to  be  loaned  on  good  securities  upon  lands  to  double  the  amount. 
Half  the  revenue  was  to  be  paid  to  the  school  commissioners  for  the 
several  school  districts,  in  the  same  proportion  as  the  state  moneys  were 
distributed,  and  the  other  half  was  to  be  equally  distributed  among  the 
several  religious  societies  into»vn.  These  trustees  of  lands  were  to  hold 
their  offices  until  successors  were  elected. 

Two  iihranf  asuoclations  have  formerly  existed  in  town,  both  of  which 
were  iu'-orporated;  that  at  Columbia  village,  Jan.  10, 1821,  with  Charlea 
Pitts,  Aljiter  Parmalee,  David  Holbrook,  Anson  Hull,  and  Justin  Spar- 
hawk;  and  that  of  Waddington,  with  Gouverneiir  ami  William  Ogden, 
Natlinniel  Tagert,  Jas,  L.  'I'hayer,  Robert  W.  Brighnm,  Thomas  Ruther- 
ford, Jr.;  and  John  S.  Chujjman,  trustees.  May  10,  1831. 

Edigious  Sgcietiea. — The  Congregational  church  of  Chribt,  was  formed 


346 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


VKl 


under  the  Rev.  Amos  Pettenjrill,  17th  Feb.  1807,  of  10  members.  In 
Mnrcli  tliey  were  visited  by  Mr.  Iliibbnrd,  of  Vermont,a  missionary,  and 
letters  rf  tlic.nks  were  voted  to  the  two  societies,  wiio  hnd  sent  niisHicn- 
nries  to  them.  In  1809,  tiie  Rev.  Channccy  Cook,  wns  liired.  In  1811, 
Rev.  John  VVincliesier  hired  (or  three  years  on  a  salary  of  §91  in  cash, 
and  $'273  in  wheat,  at  tlie  jroinj;  price.  In  1815,  and  in  18'-i'^,  revivals. 
In  1817,  Royal  Phelps  employed,  and  in  1821  Oliver  Eastman.  In  1824, 
members  pledged  the  crops  on  certain  pieces  of  land,  be  the  same  more 
or  less,  for  the  sn|iport  of  the  gospel.  These  were  half  an  acre  of  corn ; 
ten  rods  of  corn,  &c.,  &c.  One  subscription  was  "a  place  lor  onions." 
In  1829,  an  attempt  was  made  to  pass  a  total  abstinence  vote,  but  with- 
out success;  but  ten  members  then  signed  a  pledge,  which  was  the  first 
temperance  movement  in  town.  The  Rev.  Jose|)h  Hurlbut,  employed 
in  1829,  and  James  Taylor  in  18.33.  In  1840,  S.  M.  Wood,  was  ordained 
pastor  (Dec.  9),  and  in  1841,  there  were  large  accessions  to  the  church, 
from  meetings  held  by  the  Rev.  J.  Burchard,  and  in  1844,  from  the 
labors  of  A.  Wicks.  In  1849,  the  Rev.  B.  B.  Parsons  was  employed, 
and  in  Jan.  15,  18.'50,  was  installed  pastor.  The  society  of  this  churcli 
was  formed  May  8,  1820,  with  Salmon  Gray,  A.  Packard,  Sen.,  Stephen 
Goodman,  Charles McFarlan,  Wm.  Powell, and  Abner  Parmalee,  trustees. 
In  182.'}-(5,  the  present  stone  church  was  built,  thirty  by  forty  ieet,  at  a 
cost  of  $4000,  under  the  direction  of  Wm.  Powell,  Thomas  VVright,  and 
Hiram  SafTord.  The  numbers  received  by  this  church  up  to  the  fall  of 
1852,  350.  Present  number  185.  In  1850,  a  bell  costing  $300  was 
bought  by  general  subscription  and  [)laced  in  the  stone  church. 

The  Second  Congregational  Society  in  town  (at  Waddington)  was  in- 
corporated Dec.  29,  1828,  with  Samuel  H.  Dearborn,  Benjamin  \V.  Jack- 
Bon,  and  Lorenzo  Sheldon,  trustees.  On  the  5th  of  Oct.,  1841,  it  was 
reorganized,  and  in  1844  a  church  was  began,  and  in  1848  finished. 

The  Baptist  church  of  Madrid  was  formed  Sept.  7,  18C8,  of  ten  mem- 
bers, uinler  the  Rev.  Samuel  Rowley,  a  missionary  liom  the  Vermont 
Baptist  Association.  In  1810-11,  there  was  quite  a  revival.  In  1818, 
Samuel  Johnson  was  hired  as  a  preacher  one  fourth  of  the  time.  In 
1825,  KIder  Rhodes  hired  half  of  the  time,  and  was  succeeded  by  Elder 
SafFord.  In  1829,  the  hand  of  fellowship  withheld  from  free  masons. 
In  the  same  year  Elder  Pratt  was  employed.     Elder  Dodge,  Peck,  Scott. 

Lyie,  R.  S.  Palmer,  O.  W.  Moxley,  Daniel  Sabin, Kyle,  T.  3\  Bea- 

man,  and  II.  S.  P.  Warren,  have  since  preached  here.     A  societ    was 
formed  July  11,  183G,  with  John  S.  Whitney,  James  Simons,  Sim*.  >  S, 
Clark,  James  Murphy,  Arad  Peck,  Harvey  Linsley,  and  Enos  C.  l'\  *- 
man,  trustees.     A  church  was  built  in  1836.    The  number  belongiiijj 
this  church  in  Nov.  1822,  was  12G. 

The  First  Universalist  Society  of  Madrid,  was  formed  iu  1814,  by  a 
few  early  settlers.  The  first  minister  was  John  Foster,  who  iu  that 
year  commenced  his  labors  and  remained  two  years.  He  was  succeeded 
by  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Wallace,  from  Jericho,  Vermont,  was  supported  as 
their  pastor  (or  about  half  of  the  time  for  thirteen  years.  On  the  31st 
of  March,  1841,  a  society  was  incorporated,  having  Hiram  Winslow, 
Wm.  McEwen  and  Luther  Abernethy,  its  first  trustees.  This  society  at 
first  consisted  of  107  members,  and  in  1842  a  church  edifice  was  built 
in  Colundiia  village,  at  a  cost  of  $3000.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  D.  Mott,  and 
J.  Bilker,  of  St.  Albans,  Vt.,  and  in  Jan.  1850,  Rev.  J.  W.  Bailey,  from 
Wilmington,  Vt,  the  present  pastor,  were  employed.  In  l852  a  church  or- 
ganization, with  48  member  was  (brmed.  The  St.  Lawrence  Associa- 
tion in  183G,  1842,  1848  and  1852,  held  their  sessions  here. 
The  society  owns  a  parsonage,  aud  is  said  to  be  iucreusing  in  numbers. 


nenibers.  In 
issionary,  and 
sent  inissicn- 
-ed.  In  1811, 
r  §91  in  ciisli, 
8ti;i,  revivals, 
inn.  In  1824, 
lie  same  more 
I  acre  of  corn ; 
e  lor  onions," 
ote,  but  with- 
I  was  the  first 
)iit,  employed 
,  was  ordained 
to  the  church, 
[844,  from  the 
as  employed, 
if  this  church 
Sen.,  Stephen 
onlee,  trustees, 
forty  feet,  at  a 
s  VVright,  and 
)  to  the  tall  of 
ng  $300  was 
Lircli. 

igton)  Has  in- 
imin  W.  Jack- 
:.,  1841,  it  was 

finished. 
';  of  ten  njem- 
1  the  Vermont 
ml.  In  1818, 
the  time.  In 
eded  by  Elder 

free  masons, 
e,  Peck,  Scott, 
■le,  T.3\  Bea- 
\  societ  was 
ons,  Siint-  >  S, 
Enos  C.  i'\  *- 
r  belonging 


I  iu  1814,  by  a 
',  wlio  in  that 
was  succeeded 
ts  supported  as 
On  the  31st 
ram  Wiuslow, 
This  society  at 
ifice  was  l)uilt 
s.  D.  Mott,  and 
.  Bailey,  from 
52  n  church  or- 
renee  Associu- 


ing  in  nunibers. 


K ?_; p- !e; m '-E m © i' §>  "' : 


&5  r 


TO  THK   MAI'  OF 


COLUMBIA  VILLAGE. 


1  C'nn)ircxutloiial01uiruli,'J  sIicUh. 
•i  I'nlvcrsallst  "        4 

5  Methodist  " 

«  Biiptlst  Cliiircli,  7  SliedH, 
8  SdioDl  llmise, 

10  Ilrldnc 

11  Vi  DaiiiH, 
IS  Kliioni, 

14  .1.  Uortoii's  (irist  Mill, 

15  "  Saw  and  Sli!.nt;lc  Mill. 
1«            •'  Dwi'llliii.'. 

17  .Mcrcliaiits'  Kxcliaiint?:  T.    W.  (!r(iiii\ 

(".  I'owrll.E.  \V.  Hart  .\:   Cn.,  Jl.r'li. 
and  Ddd  Kcllows"  Hall. 

18  .1.  V'ai]  Iliinn,  ('(ilunihla  Hotel. 
HI  (1.  K.  Jlarthi,  ilwcUinp. 

'.'()  W.  I,.  Rood, 

■il  A.  J   Ooss, 

■il  Doct.  0. 1'lprcc,  •• 

•iH  "  Ollki'. 

'24  Jlra.  Eiios  Kastniiin,  Dwdliiij;. 

•iS  N.  Hcsfdrd, 

•id  \V.  li.  Goodrkh, 

'il  V.  It.  UnmdrlaKo, 

21  .I.T.  Itiithcrlord, 

2il  n.  Scai-s. 

30  licv.  U.  It.  I'anoii.dwi'lllMK.  parsunaui' 

uf  Coiinri'Mallonal  ('Iiurcli, 
:il  Kzpklcl  .Micrnalliv,  dwplllnn. 
■M  ('.  K.  McClPllaiid. 
.Tt  H.  K.  lioldln'.',  " 

:t4  Upv.  .1.  W.  Hailv,  dwcUiii-,  Inivi  rsa- 

list  f'Imi'cli  l'ar8ciiui;;p, 
:«  M.  1).  llpplmrii.  dwpllinK, 
nK  W.  W.  Ilcplmni, 
37  II.  U.  Itliliard.scMi 
:ts  .i.CdKs^pii. 
nn  JlcCall  .t  Sinllli,  sIkjo  .sIuip. 

40  (i.  V.  Wai-tlii,  Ilariipss  Sliop, 

41  J.  JIarslinll,  Oriicprv, 

42  I'M.sli  it  ■«toiie,  Till  aiid  Stnvi-sh.ip. 
n  ('.  A.    Lonils,  Dwdlin^', 

44  I,.  ('.  I.iickwood        " 

!.■)  .1.  Whllnpv, 

4H  N,  Iliisfciril,  ISIa('k'<iiillh  Slinp, 

47  .1.  T.   Itillliiilord,  .-itcMi  . 

47  TlicK.  MiMi,  Tailiir. 

ix  .\.  .1.  (;o<ii<.  stdi-p. 

11  .t.  A.  Kullir      • 

.'in  A.  Kiisi,  d«clliii'j;  i..    K,   I'liui,    P.. .ok 

."'tfirP,  and  <>.    Whilliov  ,    St. III.     •N|l..p, 

ami  S.  (It  T.  Hall 
M  .1.  A.  KiiUiv,  .IvM-lliii.' 
l,-il  W    .1    MmiiIv. 


.VJ  1".  S.  Wpscult,      ••        .V  MilliiiPi  sliiiii, 

.ill  C.  v..  roiir,      Dwplllii- 

.')4  K.  ('.  I'liwell, 

an  A.  M.  l)|.\on. 

■W  '■  \Vai,'(iii  .simp, 

.57  II.  Dart,  DwplliiiK. 

.')H  \.   lU'viKiUls, 

M  ,1.  .\.  Wlilnlis. 

lifl  "  Hlai:ksiiilili  shop. 

til  Mrs.  Thomas  Srars,  Divplllnx. 

«J  I).  'A'hltiipv.  •' 

li:)  ,\.  II.  .lolcp, 

ti4  \V.  Wlipplor, 

W  Mrs.  Morrison. 

liti  ('    I'owpll, 

117    1).  K.  Sluiniiaii. 

ii,s  ,T.  IIiiKhs,  •• 

lili  I   Kisk.  Till  Shop,  ' 

7ii  II.  H.  Itkhardsoii,  t'abliipl  Shop. 

71  Thos.  Fiir;;ison,  Ilnellin^', 

7-'  ('.  .\vprill.  IIouHp. 

7:1  .V.  (Joss,  WoolPii  Kiiitorv. 

"!)  \,  (loss,  Ilou.sp, 

7H  '■        Dwplliin.', 

77  1:.  r.  Mill 

7H  \.   I'Ikp. 

7!l  1).  r.  Haskell   • 

HU  ('.  (loss, 

HI.  A.  (ioss,  house. 

M'i  .1.  Currv,  Dwellin.,', 

8.1  I).  Moiitvr  " 

84  .1.  liritee,  " 

s.'i  1!.  Itlood. 

Sli  I,.  Stelilil||;;s, 

K7  .f.  !■•.  .laeksoii. 

S.S  L.   lloiinlitoii, 

XII  W.  S.  I.ockwood. 

!I0  W.  I.ockwood 

:il  M.  W.  Leviiins, 

M2  .1.  It.  I.oiieks. 

'W  Mrs.  lieekwitli.  ' 

'.14  N.  I).  More.ltrookl.Mi  Hoiis... 

M  l)avloir.''Slioe  Store, 

!l«  II.  Diivioe's  K.slnte  Property. 

!I7  Al   W.  I.cviiiK's  (,'liair  Kaclori- 

IIH  \V.  I,.  Ueed,  \Va«i;oii  Sho|i, 

«i  \V.  I,oi-k\voiid,    •■ 
Kin  \,  .V  .1.  Meatt.  Kiiniaip. 
inl  '■  Dwelllin:. 

1 12  A.  (ioss,  Slore, 
ini  l-'ann  ISarns 

Mrs.  Da.vlon,  ihvpllini;,  lietweeii  II.' .v  ;.'■ 
11.  \\'ltittip\',  iMveliint;.  .-i.ljoiniii'.:  .VI. 
r    \V    ri'..iie.  •■  "  .•i7. 


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AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


347 


St.  Pniil's  cliiircli,  VVnddington,  was  incorporated  Oct.  19,  1818,  with 
Daviil  A.  Ogdeii,  and  GoiivernenrO),'den,Wi>rdenB;  J.tsoii  Fenton,  Rob- 
ert IVIclJowidl,  Tliomns  Hliort,  Thonwif*  Arrliibald,  John  Dewey,  Jolm  S. 
Chipinun,  'i  lion)n8  Kiitiiert'ord,  and  Eiishn  Alei^'fl,  Vestrymen.  Tlie 
church  edifice  iiad  been  finitijicd  the  sntiieyenr  nt  tiic  expense  of  Trinity 
cliurcli,  New  York,  und  David  A.  Ogdeii,  oiid  was  consecrated  by  Kisliop 
Henry  llobnrt,  of  the  diocese  of  New  Yorit,  on  the  22d  of  Angnst,  1818. 
The  biiihiing  was  commenced  in  1816, and  built  in  that  and  the  two  fol- 
lowing years.  The  lirst  meeting  of  the  vestry,  was  on  th  j  17th  of 
October,  1818,  at  which  tiine  Amos  G.  Baldwin  was  a|ipointed  Rector. 
William  II.  Vining,  clerk  and  secretary ;  1).  A.  Ogden,  treasurer.  Tliia 
church  possesses  u  glebe  of  three  linndred  acres  on  Mile  square  number 
ten,  about  a  mile  from  Waddington  village.  Jason  Fenton,  Goiiveriieur 
Ogden,  Thomas  Short,  and  Thomas  Archibald,  were  the  persons  first 
mentioned,  as  charged  with  an  examination  of  this  property.  It  has 
since  been  managed  by  trustees  appointed  by  the  vestry.  The  following 
is  a  list  of  the  rectors  of  this  church  since  its  organization:  Rev.  Amos 
G.  IJaldwin,  Rev.  Addison  Searle,  Rev.  Seth  W.  Beardsley,  Rev.  Hiram 
Adams,  Rev.  Aaron  Ilumplu'ey,  Rev.  John  A.  Childs,  Rev.  John  H. 
Hanson.  At  the  date  of  writing  there  is  no  rector  to  this  church.  The 
following  quotation  from  the  records  of  the  church,  under  date  of  Octo- 
ber 17,  1818,  explains  itself: 

"  It  having  been  stated  to  the  board  that  the  Hon.  John  Ogilvie,  his 
Britannic  Majesty's  commissioner,  for  ascertaining  the  line  between  the 
United  States  and  his  Majesty's  province  of  Upper  Canada,  has  pre- 
sented a  bell  for  the  use  of  said  church;  therefore: — 

Resolved,  Unanimously,  that  the  thanks  of  this  board  be  presented  to 
him,  and  further  as  a  means  of  perpetiuiting  our  gratitude  and  his  libe- 
ralty  that  the  Ibllowing  inscription  be  engraved  on  the  said  bell,  viz: 
"  Presented  by  the  Honorable  John  Ogilvie,  of  the  city  of  Montreal, 
June  1818."  In  answer  to  this  resolution,  which  was  communicated  to 
the  honorable  gentleman,  he  expressed  a  wish  that  the  bell  might  "  ring 
till  the  end  of  time,"  but  this  benevolent  wish  has  not  been  fulfilled,  be- 
cause the  bell  has  been  accidentally  broken  and  its  place  supplied  by 
another. 

The  First  Associate  Reformed  church  in  Madrid,  was  incorporated 
Sept  17,  1819,  with  Richard  Rutherford,  Mark  Douglas,  John  3Iofatt, 
John  Rutherford,  and  Robert  Ridu,  trustees. 

The  First  Catholic  Congregation  in  Madrid,  was  incorporated  May  28, 
1859,  with  Wm.  Fitz  Geralds,  John  Hamlin,  Patrick  VVelch,  Thomaa 
Fay,  and  Michael  Hughs,  trustees.  The  church  was  built  by  the  Rev. 
James  Mackey,  now  of  Ogdensburgh. 

The  Waddington  Alethodist  10|)iscopal  church,  was  incor()orated 
Ai»ril  13,  1849,  with  Wm.  Jordin,  Miles  M.  Sheldon,  Richard  Tindale, 
John  Tackereel,  and  John  McDowal,  trustees.  That  of  Columbia  vil- 
lage June  30,  1847  with  Solomon  S.  Martin,  Stephen  F.  Palmer,  and 
Wm.  L.  Reed,  trustees. 


Massena. 

Incorporated  in  the  act  that  formed  the  county,  March  3,  1803,  the 
whole  of  Great  tracts  2  and  3  being  attached.  By  the  erection  of  Hop- 
kinton  and  Brasher,  it  has  been  reduced  to  its  present  limits,  which  were 
never  a  part  of  Macomb's  purchase. 

The  earliest  records  extant  are  1808,  when  John  Wilson  was  elected 


11  i 

;il  'i   > 


348 


HISTORY   OP   ST.  LAWRENCE 


aupervixor;  John  E.  Pnrkins,  c/erA';  Rlisha  W.  Barber,  Tliomns  SteaH- 
iiMin,  I'iiiorli  F'reiicli,  asscusorn ;  Anron  Wright,  collector ;  Benj,  Williutl, 
Jarvis  Kiinhnll,  Knocli  Frendi,  coin'm.  fiifrinvm/s ;  Jtio.  Heevo,  Aaron 
\Vr\ii\it,  ronslnbles;  driflin  I'lacu,  John  Cinrv'ui,  fence  viewers;  John  Hiil- 
\nri\,  (.irUYui  I* \m'v,,  pound  masters.  At  this  tne(Uinp,  voted  a  |)etition  tor 
the  erection  of  Louisville.  In  180(5,  n  vvoil"  bounty  of  .*3,  and  in  1810, 
of  $5.  In  1818,  Jji.lOO  voted  for  tlie  poor.  In  1820-1,  a  l<>x  l)oiMity  of  .TO 
ct8.  In  182.'),  voted  to  let  the  Deer  river  settlers  have  .*'200  out  of  the 
poor  funds,  in  case  tliey  are  set  oil',  and  no  more.  In  182(),  voted  in 
fuvor  ot  allowing  that  part  of  No.  IG,  still  belonging  to  Massena,  to  be 
attached  to  Brasher,  and  of  allowing  $10  of  jmor  money  to  be  allowed 
them.  In  1828,  J.  B.  Andrews,  Jolm  11.  Perkins  and  Lemuel  Haskell 
appointed  to  wi  it  upon  the  court  house  commissioners,  and  represent 
the  interests  of  the  town.  The  location  at  Cohind)ia  village  advised. 
In  184J),  voted  to  raise  $100  to  build  a  f1oat,and  furnish  wires  for  n  ferry 
on  Grass  river,  near  the  centre  of  the  town.  In  IS.iO,  voted  not  to  mnko 
a  distinction  between  the  town  and  county  poor;  and  in  1851,  against  a 
tax  for  repairing  the  court  house. 

Supervisors.— \8Q2,  Amos  Lay;  1808-9,  John  Wilson ;  1810-11,  Thomas 
Steadman;  1812,  Calvin  Hublmrd;  18i;j-17,  Willard  Scaton;  1818-19, 
John  K.Perkins;  1820-1,  John  Stone,  Jr.;  1822-4,  John  B.Andrews; 
1825-G,  Chester  Gurney;  1827-8,  Lenmel  Haskell;  1829-30,  Ira  Good- 
ridge;  18.31,  John  B.Andrews;  1832-3,  L.Haskell;  1834-7,  Ira  Good- 
ridge;  18^38-9,  John  B.  Judd;  1840-1,  Benjamin  Phillips;  1842-4,  John 
B.  Andrews;  1845,  E.  D.  Ransom;  184G,  Allen  B.  Phillips;  1847,  E.  D. 
Ransom;  1848-9,  Allen  B.  Philli()s;  1850,  Willaou  Bridges:  1851-2,  J. 
B.  Andrews. 

The  first  settlement  in  Massena  began  as  early  as  1792,  by  the  erection 
of  a  saw  mill  on  Grass  river,  a  mile  below  the  present  village,  on  premises 
leased  and  owned  by  the  St.  Regis  Indians.  Amable  Foucber,from  Old 
Chateaugay,  near  Montreal,  afterwards  occupied  them,  and  was  in  pos- 
session till  1808.  The  first  dam  built  by  F.  was  swept  ofl  up  stream, 
by  the  back  water  from  the  St.  Lawrence,  thrown  up  by  the  obstruction 
of  ice.  The  pecidiarity  of  the  great  river,  which  caused  this,  deserves 
notice. 

From  the  coumiencement  of  the  rapids  below  the  village  of  Ogdens- 
biu-gh  to  the  head  of  lake  St.  Francis,  at  St.  Regis,  the  St.  Lawrence 
seldom  freezes  sufficiently  to  allow  of  crossing  on  the  ice,  although  at 
particular  seasons,  and  for  a  short  time  there  has  been  a  bridge  of  ice 
sufficiently  strong  to  sup(iort  teams.  The  waters,  however,  being  chilled 
by  snows  drilled  into  them,  and  obstructed  by  anchor  ice,  or  masses 
formed  at  the  bottom  of  the  stream,  as  is  common  in  rimning  water  in 
our  climate,  will  commence  forming  a  dam  or  slight  obstruction  usually 
near  St.  Regis,  where  its  surface  is  covered  with  solid  ice,  and  this  being 
fixed  by  freezing,  and  increased  by  cakes  of  floating  ice  and  snow,  will 
accumulate  at  successive  |)oints  above,  raising  the  surface,  und  causing 
still  water  just  above  the  obstruction,  which  allows  the  freezing  process 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


349 


to  tnkc  pincfl.  This  hns  token  place  dtiriiii;  Revcro  snnw  Htorni8,  and  in 
intenHcly  cold  W(!iitiier,  ho  rapidly,  cui  to  raise  the  waleraoflhe  St.  Lmcrenee 
at  certain  points  Jif teen  feet  in  as  many  minutes;  and  the  Long  Sunt  rnpida, 
where  the  watcrw  nsually  shoot  downward  with  the  swiftness  of  un 
arrow,  have  I)U(mi  known  to  ho  ns  placid  ns  the  snrface  of  n  mill  pond, 
frofn  ol)atructioiis  hclow.  Tlie  descent  of  the  water  is,  of  course,  the 
eanie,  hut  the  rupids  are  carried  furtlur  down  stream,  and  still  water 
occurs  at  points  where  it  is  rapid  ot  ordinary  seasons.  Tlie  extreme 
difference  of  level  hitherto  ohserved  from  these  oitstructions,  is  almut 
twentii-Jive  feet,  in  Robinson's  bay;  in  Massena,  about  nine  miles  above 
St,  Regis,  and  in  Grass  river,  it  has  been  known  to  raise  to  an  equal 
height.  No  winter  passes,  without  more  or  less  of  these  ice  dams  and 
reflex  currents,  which  usually  lia|)peii  towards  the  latter  part  of  winter, 
at\er  the  waters  have  become  chilled,  and  ice  has  formed  below.  Above 
the  head  of  the  Long  Saut,  they  are  seldom  or  never  noticed.  Similar 
occurrences  ha|)[)en  ut  Montreal,  at  certain  seasons,  and  liave  oAen  catised 
serious  accidents.  The  apparent  solidity  of  the  obstrtictions  thus  tempora- 
rily formed,  is  seldom  trusted  by  those  accpiainted  with  the  river;  al- 
though there  have  been  those,  fool-hardy  enough,  to  veutm-e  across  the 
clmimel  upon  them.  They  will  sometimes  form  and  break  away  with 
astonishing  rapidity;  for  such  is  the  irresistible  force  of  the  mighty  cur- 
rent, that  no  obstruction  can  long  withstand  its  power.  In  1833,  a  bridge 
at  Massena  Centre,  supposed  to  bo  placed  sufficiently  high  to  he  above 
the  reach  of  all  floods,  was  swept  away  from  this  cause,  the  waters 
having  arisen  nearly  five  feet  higher  than  had  been  before  observed ;  and 
it  has  been  foimd  quite  impracticable  to  maintain  bridges  below  Massena 
village  across  Grass  river.  The  water  has  been  seen  to  pour  over  the 
dam  at  Haskell's  mill,  up  stream,  for  a  short  time,  and  the  dam  at  Massena 
village  has  been  preserved  against  the  back  water  with  extreme  difficulty. 
The  lower  dam* on  Grass  river  is  built  to  resist  the  current  from  both 
directions,  and  the  level  of  this  river,  as  well  as  the  St.  Lawrence,  is 
from  this  cause  higher  through  a  portion  of  the  winter  than  its  normal 
level. 

Settlements  under  the  proprietors  began  in  1798,  in  the  fall  of  which 
year  Amos  Lay  began  to  survey.*  In  1799,  a  road  from  Oswegatchie  to 
St.  Regis,  was  surveyed  and  partly  opened,  and  portions  of  it  are  still 
traveled.    The  first  land  agent  was  said  to  be  Henry  Child,  who  was 


*  Mr.  Lay  was  born  Aug.  17,  1765,  in  Lyme,  Ct..  nnil  wns  early  employed  in  the  northern 
mrveyj,  of  Ma^send,  in  llie  fall  of  1798;  of  Canton  and  Lisbon,  in  '99,  and  ufterwards,  of 
Stockholm  and  Louisville;  and  in  1820,  No.  7,  tract  No.  a.  J"  1S17,  he  published  a.  riiup  of 
New  York,  and  afterwaid,  one  of  the  United  Statei,  which  have  gone  through  several  editions. 
He  wai  recently  living  in  Lower  Canada. 


350 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


,•(■  ,i' ' 


au';ceo(le(l  by  AmoH  Lny,  nrid  tlio  latter  by  Matthew  Pcrkiiiii.  Mnmri 
Victory,  Calvin  I'liiniley,  miss  llniHiiiffton,  Klijiili  Hiiilcy,  David  Lytle, 
8eth  Ueed,  Leonard  llerrick,  Joint  linilard,  Nntlinniul  Kceser,  Jacob  and 
David  Hntcliins,  Daniel  Robinson  and  otiierfl  bad  settled  in  IHOtj,  niorttly 
fVoni  Vermont,  wlio  ramo  by  way  of  Cliateangay  and  St.  Regiii.  '1  lio 
town  bef^an  about  tliis  time  to  settle  rapidly,  and  in  1807,  there  were  in 
the  town,  as  it  then  was  constituted,  98  voters,  with  property  qualifica- 
tions. 

In  the  summer  of  1803,  Calvin  Hubbard  and  Stephen  Reed  erected  a 
saw  mill  on  Grass  river,  at  the  village  of  Maasena,  wliieb  was  the  second 
one  in  town,  in  1807  or  8,  they  built  the  first  grist  mill  near  the  same 
place,  which  bad  a  single  rim  of  rock  stone.  In  1810,  they  sold  to  James 
McDowell,  of  Montreal,  who  held  the  lower  mill,  and  the  Indian  reser- 
vation on  which  it  stood.  He  continued  the  owner  of  the  upper  mills 
until  about  1838. 

The  first  school  is  said  to  have  been  taught  in  the  winter  of  1803,  by 
Gilbert  Reed,  at  what  is  nowMassena  village. 

The  annoyances  experienced  from  the  ludiand  by  the  early  proprie- 
tors and  settlers,  arc  set  forth  in  the  following  memorials. 

"  To  the  Honorable  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of  New  York,  in 
Senate  and  Assembly  convened: 

The  petition  of  the  sidjscriber,  humbly  sheweth:  That  he,  together 
with  a  ninnber  of  others,  bis  associates,  did,  (at  sundry  times],  locate  on 
several  tracts  and  pieces  of  land,  and  obtained  grants  lor  the  same,  on 
the  southeast  side  of  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  and  easterly  of  and  adjoin- 
ing the  township  of  Louisville.  T'liat  your  petitioner  and  associates, 
were  induced  to  this  distant  object; /rs/,  to  be  clear  of  intefering  with 
other  claims,  and  secondly,  by  a  stream  of  water  passing  through  the 
middle  of  the  said  collected  several  tracts,  then  called  and  known  by  the 
name  of  Lilile  Black  river,  and  noted  in  u  inaj)  of  the  state,  published  at 
the  time  of  the  Revolution,  by  the  name  of  Ei/ensawfje,  and  now  called 
by  the  St.  Regis  Indians,  Grass  rivur.  That  your  petitioner  and  associa- 
tes, attempted  last  season  to  commence  settlements  on  the  premises 
aforesaid,  and  were  prevented  from  taking  possession  by  the  St,  Regis 
Indians,  who  alleged  that  the  said  Black  river  and  one  half  mile  on  each 
side  thereof  is  reserved  by  treaty,  and  confirmed  to  them  by  the  com- 
missioners of  the  United  States  and  the  state  of  New  York.  Tliat  your 
]»etitioner,  therefore,  to  investigate  the  claim,  applied  to  the  record  of 
the  state,  and  found  the  original  ticity  there  desposited,  dated  the  31st 
May,  1796,  whereby  it  appears,  the  premises  so  surrendered  by  the  com- 
missioners aforesaid,  is  about  eight  square  miles,  being  the  most  valuable 
part  of  the  property  held  by  your  petitioners,  &c.,  under  the  solemn 
grants  of  the  state,  in  the  years  1788,  and  1790.  A  copy  of  said  treaty, 
and  cession  aforesaid,  is  hereunto  annexed,  together  with  a  map  of  the 
several  grunts  certified  by  the  surveyor  general.  That  your  petitioner, 
previous  to  the  discovery  of  the  cession  aforesaid,  did  subscribe,  and  is 
accountable  to  contribute  a  considerable  proportion  towards  a  road  from 
Plattsburgh,  jointly  with  the  proprietors  of  Louisville,  and  is  now  without 


AND   TRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


351 


the  prospnrt  of  (Inriviii^  tlio  lonwt  lipiicfit  thernCiom.  In  rnse  thiifi 
ciirtiiiixtiiiic*!!!  Willi  til)!  St.  ltcf(iH  IikVdiiih,  wIdi  iiri!  not  ninonnlilt!  to  tiin 
Imwk,  your  |iotiiioii(<i'  anil  iiHHociiitrN  nn-  iniiiirctl  to  ii|)|ily  tor  IcgiNJiiiivfl 
aid  in  tlio  prcniiHt'N,  luxl  |)i'iiy  tlint  tlicy  will  he  iilc-nm-d  to  grunt  riicIi 
relief  HH  they  in  thvir  wimluni  will  jnd^t;  (■(|nitalil«^  nnd  just. 

Jkr'.    V.    KK.VXHF.tiAKH. 

Many,  17//t  Januan/,  17il!>.  irnii«eirnnd  AMSocintes," 

In  conscriiUMicc  of  the  ai)ovo,  the  stnto  pni-chnoed  tho  kiiish  incadowii, 
]iiiyinf;,  it  Ih  Huid,  imi<;li  inoro  thun  thoy  were  worth,  und  inuru  ihnn  nfter- 
wardH  8ol<l  for. 

To  His  I'iXTellcncy,  Jolin  Jay,  T.ik].,  Oovcrnor  of  tlio  Stnto  of  No^v 
York,  in  roiiiicil.  The  pt-litioii  of  tli«  Bovond  p<'rsoiii«,  wIiohc  nanwH 
nre  hereunto  siibscrilied, sotthrH  in  the  townships  of  Massena,  nnd  Loiiis- 
ville,  on  tliu  l)ind\H  of  the  river  St.  Lawnnu-e,  in  the  Miate  of  New  York. 
Hninbh)  npresenteth;  that  the  Indian  chiefn  nnd  warriorn  of  Ht.  Re>rifl, 
nre  posseMsed  of  a  tract  of  land,  chiefly  wild  inendow,  extendinfr  from 
the  month  of  (JrnPH  river,  in  the  township  of  IMnsseiin,  up  to  tho  falln, 
which  is  ahont  seven  miles.  Tlint  your  |>etitioners  havinj,'  settled  in  tho 
said  townships  of  Massena  and  Louisville,  nre  jrieatly  annoyed  hy  tho 
snid  Indians,  who  threaten  to  kill  aiul  destroy  their  ciuth!  miavoidnhly 
trespnssiiif;  upon  these  meadows,  tlujy  liein;;  exposed  eirn;fly  without 
fence,  nnd  several  of  their  cattle  aro  missing.  Your  petitioners  therefore 
humbly  prny  your  Excellency,  in  coimeil,  to  take  such  measures  of 
nccommodation  with  the  said  Indians,  as  shall  seem  meet,  in  order  to 
Hiicure  to  your  petitioners  the  pencahh!  enjouiieiit  of  their  lands  and 
property,  against  the  depredations  of  tho  said  Indians.  And  your  (te- 
titioners  will  ever  pray,  &c. 

Signed,  Amos  Lay,  IMnmri  Victory,  Calvin  Pliimley,  Kinner  New- 
comh,  Samnel  Nevvcomb,  G.  S.  Descotenux,  VVm.  Poiley,  Anthony 
Lamping,  Aaron  Allen  und  two  illegible  signatures.  Dated  June  24, 
1800." 

The  first  bridge  over  Grnss  river,  was  built  in  1803,  nt  the  village,  nnd 
has  been  rebuilt  severnl  times.     In  1846  a  tnx  of  $873  was,  liy  law, 
directed  to  be  rnised  for  tlie  erection  of  n  bridge,  which  wns  done  in  the 
same  year.     A  bridge  wns  built  at  the  centre  of  tlie  town,  in  1832,  but 
soon  swept  off.     Rnqnette  river  is  crossed  by  two  bridges. 

In  early  times,  when  from  the  insecurity  of  the  Inws  and  the  tardiness 
of  justice  in  overtaking  nnd  punishing  ofTenders,  there  lived  in  the  lower 
part  of  Massena,  a  class  of  people  who  sometimes  executed  the  laws 
that  pleased  them  best,  and  the  "blue  beech  law"  bad  perhaps,  in  some 
cases,  the  precedent  of  that  formed  upon  the  statute.  Fighting  was  of 
frequent  occurrence,  and  the  only  redress  in  certain  cases,  that  could  he 
appealed  to,  for  the  settlement  of  personal  difficulties.  When  courts  of 
justice  came  to  be  established,  the  decisions  were  at  times  very  unsatis- 
factory, and  sometimes  absurd.  It  is  snid  that  on  one  occasion,  a  man 
having  been  convicted  before  a  mngistrnte  for  figiifing,  was  sent  to  Og- 
densburgh  jail,  in  the  custody  of  a  constable.  To  sustain  the  journey, 
hey  took  along  a  jug  of  rnm,  and  both  partook  freely  of  its  contents, 


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352 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


until  becoming  nearly  intoxicated,  the)'  fell  to  blows,  and  both  beinj^ 
biitlly  beaten  and  gory  with  blood,  returned.  The  keeper  of  tlie  prisoner 
then  o.'^'ired  to  again  start,  and  tiie  latter  ])rotnised  ptjaceably  to  go,  on 
condition,  that  their  jng  should  be  repl<  iiished.  'IMie  account  does  not 
relate  whether  fliis  very  reasonable  ofler  was  complied  with,  on  the  pan 
of  the  worthy  magistrate. 

Early  in  the  summer,  1812,  an  American  Diuham  boat  on  its  way  up 
from  IMontreal,  was  stopped  at  Mille  Roche,  a  corijoral's  guard  was  put  on 
board,  and  it  was  ordered  t  •  Cornwall.  The  militia  ollicer,  (Mr.  Grant,) 
being  somewhat  a  stranger  to  the  river  and  its  channels,  gave  up  to  the 
captain  and  crew  of  the  boat  its  management,  and  the  latter  in  running 
it  down,  steered  across  the  foot  of  Ilarnhart's  island,  and  before  the  guard 
on  board  had  time  to  realize  their  situation,  they  were  moored  to  the 
shore,  and  taken  prisoners  by  the  inhabitants,  who  seeing  the  boat  ap- 
proaching, and  comprehending  the  movement,  had  seized  their  arms  and 
rushed  to  the  water's  edge,  to  await  them.  The  boat's  crew  had  more- 
over carelessly  spattered  water  upon  the  gims  of  the  guard,  so  as  to 
I'ender  them  entirelely  useles.  A  militia  training  was  then  in  progress 
at  Massena  village,  and  thither  a  messenger  was  despatched  for  help,  but 
before  they  coidd  arrive,  the  boat  and  the  guard  had  been  secured,  and 
the  latter  were  on  their  march  to  the  village  as  jjrisoners.  Their  leader 
thenceforth  bore  the  title  of  Commodore  Grant,  and  the  thing  was  looked 
upon  as  a  good  yankee  trick.  'J'he  boat  was  never  recovered  by  the 
British,  but  the  gtiurd  having  been  handsomely  treated,  were  dismissed 
«)n  parole. 

During  the  same  summer,  the  inhabitants  of  Massena  village,  by  volun- 
tary lul>or,  uu(jertook  to  enclose  a  portion  of  their  premises  with  a  stock- 
ade. This  was  built  of  tindier  set  iiuo  the  groinul,  with  two  sides  hewed 
to  make  the  joints  someu  hat  perfect,  and  the  fops  cut  off  about  twelve 
feet  liom  the  grotmd  and  sharpened.  A  difl'ereiu'e  of  opinion  liaving 
arisen,  in  relation  to  where  the  line  of  pickets  shoidd  run,  and  what  pre- 
niises  should  be  inchuled,  the  work  was  abandoned,  and  of  course  never 
afforded  any  jirotection,  if  indeed  any  was  in  reality  reipiircd.  Quite  an 
amount  of  labor  was  expended  on  this  work.  During  the  months  of 
July  ami  August  of  the  same  year,  a  barrack  was  erected  near  the  centre 
of  the  town,  north  of  Grass  river,  at  the  expense  of  the  government, 
tmiler  the  direction  of  Lieiu.  Emerson.  It  was  a  tiauie  building,  about 
one  hundred  feet  in  length,  ami  occu|tietl  by  militia  of  the  county,  under 
the  command  of  Col.  Fancher,  of  IMadrid,  for  about  three  months.  The 
numbers  posted  here  were  about  200  or  250.  At  the  expiration  of  this 
period  a  part  of  these  returned  liome  and  a  part  repaired  to  Ogdena- 
burgh. 


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AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


857 


In  Sei)tember,  1813,  a  company  of  some  HOO  provincial  militia  of  the 
county  of  Stormont,  in  Canada,  ami  under  Major  Josepii  Anderson, 
crossed  tiie  St.  Lawrence  in  tiie  night,  .burned  the  hnrraci<,  and  took 
several  prisoners  who  were  subsequently  released.  A  bnildinj,'  which 
had  been  used  as  a  storehouse  for  i)rovisions,  &c.,  was  spared,  on  the 
representation  that  it  was  private  propertj'.  They  also  destroyed  several 
Din'iani  boats  that  had  been  sunk  in  the  river,  and  wliich  were  partly 
exposed  by  the  low  water.  This  party  crossed  at  the  foot  of  Uarnharl's 
island,  and  returned  by  way  of  Grass  river,  up  which  the  boats  that  had 
l>ron<rlit  them  over  had  been  sent  to  meet  them. 

Haifa  century  since  Massena  was  overspread  with  a  forest  that  afforded 
sii|)erior  lmul)er  and  timber  tor  spars,  wiiich  made  the  business  of  lum- 
bering one  of  much  prominence  for  many  years.  In  1810,  $t;0,000 
worth  of  timber  was  rafted  to  Quebec  by  one  man.  Spars  from  80  to 
110  ((;et  long,  were  often  obtained.  This  Inisiness  ceased  with  the  pro- 
gress of  the  settlements  about  1828,  altliough  wood,  ami  certain  qualities 
of  timber  are  still  annually  rafted  to  Montreal. 

JMassena  Springs  are  situated  on  the  west  bank  of  Raquette  river,  one 
mile  from  Massena  village,  which  is  on  Grass  river,  and  communicate 
with  the  depot  of  North  Potsdam  by  a  plank  road.  They  have  acquired 
a  wide  reputation  for  their  medicinal  qualities,  and  this  celebrity  is  ra- 
pidly increasing.  The  early  surveyors  noticed  them  in  1799-1800,  when 
a  copious  voluTie  of  clear  cold  water  was  thrown  up,  strongly  charged 
with  sulphur,  and  the  earth  around  trod  into  a  mire  hole,  by  deer  and 
moose,  which  frequented  the  spot  on  account  of  the  saline  qualities  of 
the  water.  The  Indians  here  found  an  abundance  of  this  game  at  all 
seasons,  and  vague  traditions  exist,  that  they  used  the  waters  medicinally, 
but  of  this  there  is  much  doubt.  The  whites,  however,  began  to  use  the 
waters  at  an  early  day,  and  SfiafFord,  in  1813,  mentioned  them  as  occur- 
ring near  Lay's  falls,  and  as  possessing  a  reputation  for  the  cure  of  cu- 
taneous complaints,  lu  1822,  Caj)t.  John  Policy  erected  the  first  accom- 
modatioiis,  and  in  1828,  the  present  Harrogate  house  was  built  l)y  Ruel 
Taylor,  for  Parsons  Taylor,  of  St.  Regis,  which  was  opened  for  the  ac- 
•conunodation  of  inva'ids,  by  David  jMerrils.  Other  private  houses  were 
erected  in  the  vicinity  soon  after,  and  the  spring  was  curbed  and  the 
ground  around  improved  by  a  platform.  In  1848,  Benjamin  Philli|is, 
Esq.,  erected  the  present  spacious  and  convenient  hotel  represented  in 
our  accom|ianying  engraving.  It  is  of  brick,  90  by  44  feet  on  the  ground, 
three  stories  in  height,  with  the  wings  and  acconmiodations  for  about 
two  hundred  visitors.  It  is  pro|)osed  to  extend  the  building  to  the 
ground  occupied  by  the  barn,  which  would  quite  double  its  capacity. 
Both  hotels  are  now  owned  by  Mr.  Phillips,  who  has  provided  every 


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358 


HISTORY   OP   ST.    LAWRENCE 


convenience  as  well  for  tlie  sick,  as  for  tiiose  who  resort  thither  for  pur- 
pose of  recreation  during  tlie  warm  season.  A  neat  huihiing,  supported 
by  pillars,  has  been  erected  over  the  s|)ring,  and  the  grounds  around 
planted  with  shade  trees,  and  appliances  for  the  exterual  use  of  tlit 
water  by  warm  and  cold  butii,  have  been  prepared.  Tlie  waters  have 
been  analyzed  by  Prof.  Emmons,  with  the  following  results: 

Harm  sprint.     Cold  sprlns;- 

Chloride  of  Sodium, (J.!)88  C,205 

Magnesia, 044  84G 

Calcium, ],02(i  4m 

Sulphate  of  Lime, 2,71)4  1,900 

Carhouate  of  Lime, ],(;;30  1,100 

Hydro  Sidphuret  of  Sodium,  Magnesia  and  Or- 
ganic Matter, 1,870 

1:3,08-2  12.447 

The  complaints  for  which  these  waters  have  been  most  used,  are  cu- 
taneous diseases  of  nearly  every  description,  dyspepsia,  especially  of  the 
chronic  variety,  and  chronic  diarrhoea.  For  a  disordered  condition  of 
the  digestive  organs  in  general,  and  for  the  debility  arising  from  want  of 
exercise,  and  close  application  to  any  sedentary  employment,  they  have 
been  found  to  exert  a  salutary  influence.  Active  organic  diseases  of  the 
liver  and  hmgs  have  been  oftener  aggravated  than  relieved  by  the  use 
of  these  waters.  They  are  found  serviceable  also,  iii  general  debiliiy, 
chronic  ophthalmia,  calculous  affections,  and  the  debilitating  causes 
pecidiar  to  the  female  constitution. 

Religions  Socielie.i. — Meetings  were  held  as  early  as  1603,  by  traveling 
preachers,  and  in  180ti  two  missionaries,  one  of  whom  was  the  Rev, 
Royal  Phelps,  visited  the  town,  but  no  church  was  flnrnied  until  February, 
1819,  when  a  Congregatioual  one  was  formed  luider  the  Rev.  Ambrose 
Porter,  a  native  of  Coimecticut,  and  a  graduate  of  Dartmouth  College. 
The  number  at  first,  was  12.  In  five  years  he  was  succeeded  liy  h'.  F. 
Packard,  who  stayed  three  years.  lu  Se[>tend)er,  18.'53,  the  2(1  Congrega- 
tional Church  was  formed  at  the  village,  the  former  being  at  the  centre 
of  the  town.  The  same  clergyman  has  usually  preached  at  both.  The 
Rev.  Messrs.  Philetus  I\Ioutague,  Justin  Taylor,  Joseph  A.  Northrup, 
Rufiis  R.  Demming  and  Thomas  N.  Benedict,  have  been  successively 
emjjloyed.  The  1st  Congregational  Society,  was  incorporated  August  0, 
1825,  with  John  E.  Petkins,  Renjamin  Phillips,  Charles  Gurney,  James 
G.  Steadman  and  U.  l\.  Orvis,  trustees.  This  society,  aided  by  other 
^'ects  in  183(J,  erected  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  west  of  Grass  river,  a 
brick  meetinj;  house,  at  a  costof  .*l,()00.  The  2(1  Congregatioual  Society, 
was  incorporated  October  15,  1844,  with  Silas  Joy,  William  S.  J'addock, 
Samuel  Tracey,  Renjaniin  PliJHi|)s,  Robert  Diitlon,  John  IJ.  Jiidd  anr'  J. 
B.  Andrews,  truste«!s.  A  meetinghouse  was  built  at  the  village  in  1843-4, 
at  a  c(jst  of  $2000,  inchiding  the  site.  The  years  182.5,  1842  and 
184(i,  have  been  marked  by  religious  revivals,  in  which  other  deiiomiua- 
tions  shared. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


359 


Tlie  Baptists  nnd  IMethodists  linvo  eticli  ntj  orgnnizntion  in  town.  Tlie 
chiircli  of  tlie  former  is  in  the  census  of  1850,  estimated  worth  $800.  A 
Universalist  Society  was  incorporated  Sejttemher'^I,  iS'i't,  with  Cornelius 
Burntfs,  Enos  Beach  and  Joseph  Tucker,  trustees.  Tiiey  liave  no  pinco 
of  worship. 

'I'iiere  is  a  Catholic  church  west  of  Grass  river,  nhout  a  mile  belo\V  the 
village,  which  in  the  last  census,  is  reported  worth  $[iOO. 

HIORRISTOWN 

Was  formed  from  Oswegatchie,  March  27, 1821,  at  first  10  miles  square, 
but  in  the  erection  of  Hammond  and  Macomb,  reduced  to  its  present 

limits. 

The  first  town  offi'jers  were  David  Fovt],  supervisor ;  David  Hill,  clerk; 
John  Canfield,  Paschal  Miller,  Horace  Aldrich,  assessors;  Henry  Hooker, 
collector;  John  Hooker,  Daniel  W.  CJunch,  John  K.  Thurber,  overseers  of 
poor;  VVni.  Swain,  Alexander  JJ.  Miller,  Wm.  11.  Ward,  commissioners  of 
hi!:^hwa!is;  Powel  Davis,  James  lii\n)ln\u\,commijisioners  of  schools ;  Erastus 
Northuni,  John  Gramiis,  Alexander  R.  Miller,  inspectors  of  schools. 

Supervisors.— 1821,  David  Ford ;  1822,  Timothy  Pope ;  1823-4,  Aupustua 
Cliapmaii;  182.')-(),  Paschal  Miller;  1827,  Augustus  Chapman;  1828-9. 
Jacob  J.  Ford;  18:10-2, Richard  W.  Colforx;  18:«-4,  John  Parker;  1835-7, 
Jacob  J.  Ford;  1838-!),  Isaac  Elhvood;  1840-52,  Moses  Rirdsall. 

.Votes  from,  the  Records. — 1821,  Canada  thistles  to  be  cut  twice  in  the 
year,  uniler  a  penalty  of  S5,  to  be  sued  by  the  poor  masters.  In  18'i3, 
voted  against  any  part  of  the  town  being  set  on  to  Hammond.  In  183G, 
efforts  miitle  to  bridge  Black  lake  at  the  Narrows.  In  1844,  voted  against 
any  division  of  the  county.  Resolved  to  build  a  town  house,  but  this  has 
not  been  done.  In  184(),  voted  in  liivor  of  abolishing  the  office  of  deputy 
superintendent  of  schools.  In  1848,  resolved  that  an  application  be 
made  to  the  legislature  lor  an  act  granting  the  ferry  money  received  at 
Jlorristown,  to  the  support  of  common  schools,  and  to  give  the  care  of 
the  ferry  to  the  town  otKcers.  The  same  resolution  was  passed  in  rela- 
tion to  a  ferry  across  Black  lake.  The  care  of  this  ferry  was  asked  to 
be  given  to  the  town  officers  of  the  two  towns. 

This  town  was  settled  principally  under  the  agency  of  Col.  David 
Ford,  who  in  the  summer  of  1804,  visited  the  town  to  make  preliminary 
arrangements  for  imi)roveinents.  The  town  was  surveyed  in  1799,  by 
Jacob  Brown,  afterwards  Gen.  Brown,  and  a  villa  ^e  plat  laid  out  at  the 
present  village  of  Morristown,  named  Morrisville,  and  another  at  the  Nar- 
rows, named  Marysburgh,  both  of  which  names  are  discarded.  Col. 
Ford  first  made  an  actual  settlement  about  1808.  Mr.  Arnold  Smith 
and  Thomas  Hill,  settled  at  about  the  same  time,  on  the  site  of  the  pre- 
sent village. 

The  first  house  in  the  village  was  erected  by  Mr.  Ford,  and  Arnold 
Smith  kept  the  first  public  house.     A  wharf  was  built  in  1817,  by  John 
Canfield,  Sen.,  who  also  erected  the  first  store  bouse  at  this  port.     The 
first  school  in  town  was  kept  it  is  said,  by  George  Couper. 
23 


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TV-: 


360 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


To  promote  the  settlement  of  the  village,  the  ngcnt,  nhoiit  the  jcnr 
1817,  offered  to  mechanics  a  village  lot,  and  a  park  lot  of  some  five  acres, 
as  a  free  gift,  on  condition  that  they  should  carry  on  their  trade  drring 
five  years,  and  within  a  limited  time  erect  a  house  of  specified  dimen- 
sions, feeveral  lots  were  thus  taken  up,  but,  except  in  one  or  two  in- 
stances, the  conditions  were  not  complied  with  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
acquire  a  title.  It  was  the  intention  of  the  proprietor  to  have  conveyed 
a  glebe  of  two  hundred  acres  for  tlie  benefit  of  the  Episcopal  church, 
but  his  death  occurred  before  tiio  legal  conveyance  was  made,  and  his 
executors  never  carried  his  intention  into  effect.  Mr.  Morris,  witli  the 
above  exceptions,  r.  i)art  of  which  existed  in  intentions  only,  never  gave 
any  property  for  the  use  of  the  town  of  Morristown. 

The  first  settler  on  Black  lake  was  John  K.  Thurber.  Henry  Ellen- 
wood  located  near  this  place  in  1810,  and  Henry  Harrison,  E|)hrniin 
Story,  Benjamin  Tubhs  and  Benjamin  Goodwin  about  the  same  time,  in 
the  vicinity  of  Black  lake.  The  first  tavern  erected  at  the  i)resei:t  vil- 
lage of  EJwardsville,  or  the  Narrows,  was  by  Arnold  Smith.  A  ferry 
was  first  established  here  by  Mr.  Ellenwood.  A  post  office  was  erected 
March  22,  1837,  .Jonathan  S.  Edwards  being  the  first  post  master;  and 
the  ofiice,  from  him,  was  named  Edwardsville,  although  the  place  Iins 
scarcely  acquired  that  name  among  the  inhabitants.  A  union  churcli 
was  erected  here  in  1847,  and  dedicated  on  the  3d  of  November  of  that 
year,  by  a  sermon  preached  by  clergymen  of  each  of  the  two  principal 
denominations,  who  erected  the  house,  the  Rev.  3Ir.  Wait,  a  Presbyte- 
rian, and  Rev.  Mr.  Carey,  a  Methodist. 

A  ferry  across  Black  lake  has  existed  for  many  years,  at  this  place,  but 
never  under  a  regular  license,  until  1851.  It  was  then  leased  in  accord- 
ance with  law,  at  the  rate  of  $45  per  annum,  the  income  being  equally 
divided  between  ftlacomb  and  Morristown,  for  the  benefit  of  schools. 
This  point  is  very  favorably  situated  for  the  location  of  a  bridge,  as  the 
lake  is  narrow,  and  near  the  middle  divided  by  an  island.  The  project 
has  been  brought  forward  several  times,  but  more  especially  in  1836, 
about  the  time  when  high  anticipations  were  entertained  from  the  min- 
eral wealth  of  the  counti-y  south  of  the  lake ;  but  has  not  hitherto  been 
carried  into  effect.  The  present  ferry  is  admirably  arranged,  and  affords 
a  means  for  crossing  adequate  to  the  wants  of  the  country. 

This  town  scarcely  began  to  be  settled  before  1817,  during  which 
year,  and  the  two  following,  great  numbers  of  settlers  came  in  and  took 
up  lands.  The  sales  continued  until  the  year  1820,  when  they  wore 
suspended  during  the  settlement  of  the  estate  of  Gouverneur  Morris, 
one  of  the  principal  proprietors  of  the  town.    In  1823,  the  lands  were 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


361 


mostly  ngain  opened  for  sale,  portions  having  been  ])urcha8e(l  by  Augiis- 
tiiK  Clia)>inun  and  otiiers,  and  since  that  period  tiie  town  lias  progressed 
steadily  in  wealth  and  improvement.  Bring  underlaid  by  the  Potsdam 
mindstone,  it  is  generally  fertile  and  productive,  and  bnt  little  if  any  land 
occurs  in  town  which  is  not  susceptible  of  profitable  tillage.  Along  the 
shore  of  lilack  lake,  in  common  with  parts  of  Hammond,  Do  Peyster 
and  Macomb,  considerable  attention  has,  within  a  few  years,  been  paid 
to  the  cultivation  of  Iiojjh.  The  town  wants  an  adequate  supply  of 
water  power,  as  the  only  stream  which  has  any  pretensions  to  hydraulic 
privileges,  is  Chippewa  creek,  which  flows  across  the  town,  and  affords 
at  one  or  two  places  a  limited  supply  of  water  during  a  part  of  the  year. 
To  remedy  this  inconvenience,  a  wind  mill  was  erected  in  1828,  on  a 
commanding  elevation  at  the  village,  and  for  one  or  two  years  did  good 
business;  but  the  projector  having  been  accidentally  drowned,  no  one 
was  found  able  or  competent  to  imdertake  its  continuance,  and  it  waa 
r.'mndoned.  This  is  believed  to  be  the  first  and  only  wind  mill  for 
prinding  grain,  erected  in  the  county;  although  at  several  jioints  along 
the  Canada  shore,  they  have  been  erected  and  used.  Tlie  ruins  of  the 
oldest  of  these,  is  on  the  bonk  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  between  Prescott 
and  Maitland,  and  was  old  and  dismantled  at  the  time  when  Ogdens- 
biirgh  first  began  to  be  settled,  in  179G.  Steam  has  very  generally  super- 
ceded wind,  as  the  motive  power,  and  from  its  cheapness  and  efficiency, 
is  justly  preferred.  There  are,  it  is  believed,  two  or  three  steam  grist 
mills  in  town.  The  central  and  eastern  part  of  Morristown  was  settled 
by  English  emigrants,  in  1817-18,  and  a  portion  still  bears  the  name  of 
English  settlement.  They  were  Robert  liOng,  George  Bell,  James 
3IcDugal,  Robert  Johnson,  Edward  Lovett,  William  Arnold,  William 

Ilolliday   (Irish),  Carter,    William    Willson,   George   Couper, 

Wm.  Osburne  and  Thomas  Baldrum,  in  1817,  and  John  Pringle,  Tho- 
mas Young,  John  Taylor,  Joseph  Taylor,  John  Willson,  Joseph  Couper, 
and  a  few  others  in  the  year  following.  Thyse  were  principally  from 
Roxburghshire,  Northumberland,  Yorkshire  and  Lincolnshire,  and 
met  casually  without  having  jjreviously  been  acquainted. 

Religious  Societies. — The  Presbyterian  church  in  this  town,  was  formed 
by  the  Kev.  Mr.  Smart,  of  Brockville,  assisted  by  the  Rev.  Isaac  Clinton, 
of  Lowville,  in  June,  1821,  at  first  of  eight  members.  A  church  was 
erected  in  1837,  at  a  cost  of  81,950,  and  dedicated  Feb.  14,  1838,  by  the 
Rnv.  J.  Savage.  The  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Rogers,  James  Taylor,  John 
IMcGregor,  Solomon  Williams,  Henry  E.  Eastman,  Henry  W.  Wait, 
Samuel  Youngs,  and  Robt.  T.  Conant  have  been  successively  employed. 

The  first  religious  Union  society  was  formed  Feb.  11,  1833,  with  Joel 
Carter,  John  Cliild,  Abel  Beardsley,  Zenas  Young  and  James  Burnham, 
trustees. 

The  Presbyterian  society  was  formed  March  25,  1833,  with  Stephen 


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362 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


Caiifi(!l(l,  David  Pnliner,  Eriisliis  Nortlmm  niid  Win.  N.  Brown,  trustees. 
Tlio  Ha|itist  cliurcli  was  <)r>,'anizo(l  January  ii.3,  IB'JS,  at  the  Narrows 
and  first  consisted  of  ton  rri(!rnl)(?rs.  'I'lic  first  settl«Ml  jtat'tor  was  Kidcr 
Clement  Havens,  althou^rji  several  had  l)een  employed  previously  for  n 
Niiort  time.  Whole  numl)ur  since  first  I'ornied,  I.').');  present  numher,.'^!. 
Present  paston,  I  Id.  Ayers. 

(yhrist's  church,  of  Morristown,  was  formed  nhout  1830,  and  now 
numhers  ahont  40  memhers.  'I'lie  society  was  incorporated  July  fi, 
184(),  with  (ieorjte  Couper  aiul  Cuthhert  Jlamsey,  wardens,  and  Augiis- 
tus  Chapman,  Chilion  Ford,  Hohert  Ashtoii,  Moses  IJirdsall,  James  W. 
Munsoll,  Thomas  IJoldram,  John  Brewer  and  Henry  Hooker,  vesirynicn. 
The  Jicv.  Messrs,  Aaron  Huuiphreys,  David  Griflith,  J.  A.  lirayton, 
(jeorjte  A.  Hiack,  K.  J.  W.  Uohertsand  John  Seovil  have  heen  employed 
in  the  ministry  of  this  church.  The  cliurch  edifice  was  huilt  in  18;33, 
nt  a  cost  of  hetwcon  two  and  three  thousand  dollars. 

The  first  Evangelical  Lutheran  conj:rejration  was  formed  March  18, 
1847,  with  Joseph  Weaver,  John  Dilleidieck  and  John  Mitchell,  trusteoa. 

A  Methodist  society  was  fi)rtned  Nov.  KJ,  1847,  with  Win.  C.  Griflin, 
Samuel  N.  Wrifiht,  J.  C.  filodard,  John  Jewett,  Lemuel  Lewis,  Cornelius 
Walrath  and  P.  W.  Hindmarsh,  trustees.  They  erected  a  cliurch  ilmt 
was  dedicated  Nov.  10,  1848,  burned  in  \ov.,  1850,  and  rehuilt  in  1851, 
at  a  cost  of  §1,G00. 

A  Con<!regational  cliurch  was  formed  on  Chippewa  street,  in  May, 
18.')2,  of  25  memhers,  under  the  ministry  of  the  Rev.  Samuel  Young.  A 
church  edifice  had  heen  erected  here  in  1849,  at  a  cost  of  §550. 

NOKFOLK. 

An  attempt  was  made,  in  1817,  to  divide  tlie  towns,  making  one  six 

miles  square,  with  the  present  village  the  centre,  and  failed.    On  the 

9th  of  April,  1623,  Louisville  was  divided,  embracing  mile  squares  30  to 

95,  and  all  of  34  and  35  south  of  Grass  river.      April    15,   1834,  mile 

squares  6,  7,  8,  9,  10  and  the  north  halves  of  14  and  19  of  Stockliolin 

were  added,  and  April  3,  1844,  lots  36  to  44,  and  parts  of  34,  35,  45 

were  annexed  to  Louisville.    A  swamp  between  Raquette  and  Grass 

rivers,  rendered  a  division  of  Louisville  necessary. 

The  first  town  meeting  was  held  at  the  house  of  Elisha  Adams.  In 
1828,  a  committee  of  five  to  wait  upon  the  court  lioiise  commissioners. 
In  1848,  voted  against  dividing  St.  I^awreiice  into  three  counties.  In 
1851,  voted  strongly  against  enlarging  court  house.  In  1852,  S050  voted 
for  a  town  hoiif^e.  This  has  heen  built  of  brick,  00  by  40,  with  a  |)iazza 
8  feet  wide  in  front.  It  is  decidedly  the  finest  town  hall  in  the  county, 
and  has  cost  about  .*1,000. 

5'«pcr»i,TOr5.— 1823,  Christopher  G.  Stowe;  1824-9,  Phinens  Attwnter; 
1830-1,  Wm.  Blake;  1832-3,  P.  Attwater;  1834-0,  Wm.  Blake;  1837, 


The  first  industrial  operations  in  Norfolk,  in  common  with  many  of 
the  towns  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  lying  on  the  Great  river  or  its  tribu- 
taries, was  commenced  by  timber  thieves,  previous  to  1809.  In  that 
year  Erastus  Hall,  from  Tyrringhain,  Mass.,  came  into  town  to  explore. 


m.\ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


863 


with  a  view  of  settlutncnt.  lie  arrived  at  Pntsdnni  May  9,  1800,  at  the 
inn  of  Ruoil  Tnylor,  and  meeting  with  Judge  Ilaymoiid,  wub  induced  to 
go  nnd  look  nt  lands,  in  which  the  latter  liad  the  agency,  in  what  was 
then  the  town  of  LouiBvillo.  Ira  Brewer,  from  the  siime  place  with  Mr. 
Hall,  accompanied  him  on  his  journey,  ond  they  proceeded  through  a 
bush  road  which  had  been  cut  as  far  as  the  present  village  of  Raymond' 
ville,  for  the  purpose  of  conveying  potash  to  a  point  from  whence  it 
could  be  shipped  in  canoes  for  Canada.  Arriving  at  their  destination, 
but  on  the  opjwsite  side  of  the  river  from  that  vvliich  they  wished  to  gain, 
they  made  a  rude  raft  of  logs,  on  which  they  placed  their  coats,  guns, 
axes  Olid  fire  works,  and  endeavored  to  paddle  over,  but  soon  found 
themselves  at  the  mercy  of  the  current,  without  the  ability  to  guide  their 
frail  raft  with  the  poles  they  had  i)rovided.  Passing  under  a  tree  they 
threw  on  shore  their  freight,  and  with  much  difticulty  rescued  them- 
selves by  seizing  and  clinging  to  the  branches.  One  lost  his  hat,  but 
soon  recovered  it  by  swimming,  and  the  two  found  shelter  in  a  shanty 
erected  by  lumbermen  in  proci.ring  timber.  A  great  numl)er  of  beauti- 
ful ninsts  had  been  taken  in  the  woods  near  Raquette  river  in  this  town. 
In  returning  they  attempted  to  cross  the  river  in  an  old  bark  canoe,  but 
this  instantly  filled  with  water,  and  they  were  obliged  to  hasten  back. 
On  the  firet  night  they  were  unable  to  get  to  their  destination,  and  slept 
under  a  log.  Several  days  after,  they  returned,  and  had  farms  surveyed 
out  by  Sewall  Raymond,  of  Potsdam.  The  first  contract  for  land  in 
town  was  given  to  Mr.  Hall  in  June,  1809.  The  first  framed  building' 
erected  was  a  small  ware  house  on  the  east  side  of  the  river  at  Raymond- 
ville. 

By  night  the  explorers  built  a  ring  of  fires,  as  the  only  means  of  being 
free  from  the  clouds  of  mosquitos  and  black  Jlies,  of  which  the  latter  in 
particular  were  very  annoying.  In  fifteen  minutes  the  faces  of  those  ex- 
posed would  be  covered  with  blood,  and  on  their  return  to  the  settle- 
ments their  friends  did  not  know  them,  they  hud  become  so  disfigured 
During  this  summer  the  Raquette  river  was  leveled  and  found  boatablei 
as  far  ns  the  Morris  tract,  near  the  present  village  of  Norfolk.  Mr.  Hall 
employed  some  jiersons  at  the  Union  in  Potsdam,  to  erect  him  a  house, 
and  in  the  fall  returned  to  New  England  for  his  family.  Mr.  Eben  Jud- 
son,  from  Williston,  Vt.,  and  Martin  Barney,  came  on  the  same  year  and 
niade  small  beginnings.  In  March,  1810,  Mr.  Judson  came  on  with  his 
family,  and  his  wife  was  the  first  white  woman  who  settled  in  town. 
They  started  on  the  7th  of  March,  1810,  on  the  first  snow  that  had  fallen 
that  winto-,  having  been  delayed  several  weeks  waiting  for  snow,  and  ar- 
rived on  the  third  day  from  Lake  Champlain  at  the  Union,  in  Potsdam, 
from  which  they  proceeded  to  their  destination.    The  cothQauy  con- 


*•   i. 


364 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


h''t' 


114  ;. 


flisted  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.JiulHoti  and  tlnrc  cliildi'cn,abrotlior  and  n  brother- 
in-lu\v,  niid  two  brotlicrH,  Asldjcll  and  Joini  Hall,  young  men  wlio  ro- 
mnincd  several  niontlm  and  returned.  Tliny  had  two  horao  teaniH,  an  ox 
team,  and  n  cow.  The  brother  and  brother-in-law  of  JMr.  JudKon  ini- 
mediately  returned,  leaving  the  family  established  in  their  house,  which 
was  a  shanty  10  by  14  feet,  built  between  two  hemlock  trees.  They  also 
bad  a  shed  for  their  cattle,  which  was  an  open  bower  covered  by  bougiis.* 
Mr.  Hull  and  wife  arrived  four  days  after. 

Ill  September,  1810,  Timothy  VV.  Osborne,  from  Georgia,  Vt.,  cunie 
on  with  a  company  of  eight  or  ten  uicn,  as  an  agent  for  Major  Pohan 
Shepard,  of  St.  Albans,  Vt.,  and  erected  a  saw  mill  on  Trout  brook.  The 
second  mills  were  built  by  Jonathan  Culver  at  a  point  then  called 
Hutchcn's  falls,  in  1812,  and  were  at  the  lowest  place  on  Raquette  river 
ever  occupied  by  mills.  It  is  about  three  miles  below  Raymondville. 
They  were  afterwards  burned.  Judge  Attwater  erected  the  third  mills 
in  town,  on  the  Morris  tract,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  present  village  of 
Norfolk,  in  the  summer  of  1816.  The  first  Durham  boat  ever  run  on  the 
Raquette  river,  was  in  this  year,  and  was  laden  with  mill  irons,  goods, 
and  provisions,  from  Schenectady,  sent  by  Judge  Attwater  to  begin  the 
settlement  ut  his  mills.  It  was  drawn  around  Culver's  dam,  and  aller- 
wards  for  one  or  two  seasons  performed  regular  trips  every  week  from 
Culver's  to  Norfolk,  in  cornection  with  a  line  below  the  dam,  which  run 
to  ports  on  the  St.  Lawrence.  The  latter  was  required  to  be  regularly 
furnished  with  clearance  papers  from  the  collector  of  customs. 

Christopher  G.  Stowe,  Martin  Barney,  Milo  Brewer,  and  several  others, 
came  in  and  commenced  improvements  in  1810,  but  the  families  of  Hall 
and  Judson  were  the  only  ones  that  spent  the  winter  in  town.  In  1811 
the  settlement  was  increased  by  several  families.  The  first  death  was 
that  of  Mr.  Judson,  June  29,  1813.  Dr.  Lemuel  Winslow,  from  Willis- 
ton,  Vt.,  was  the  first  physician;  he  located  in  1811.  The  first  road  to- 
wards Massena,  was  made  in  November,  1810,  by  Hall  and  Brewer. 
Great  expectations  were  i-arly  based  upon  the  supposed  value  of  the 
navigation  of  the  river,  nvr]  Judge  Raymond,  with  characteristic  enthu- 
siasm, supposed  that  his  location  would  grow  to  great  importonce.  A 
village  plat  eastof  the  river,  was  surveyed,  and  uamed  Racketon,  o(  whkh 
SpafFord,  in  his  Gazetter  of  1813,  says: 

"  The  village  of  Racketon  is  a  new  and  flourishing  settlement,  forming 
in  the  southeast  part  of  the  town,  at  the  head  of  bateaux  navigation  on 

•  Judge  Raymond  happening  1o  paas  soon  after,  and  being  belated,  accosted  the  family  with 
the  facetious  remark  "  that  ihey  must  be  keeping  tavern,  since  they  had  erected  sheds,"  and 
accepted  the  humble  accommodations  of  bit  aettlers,  wiUi  a  ^ogd  nature  and  familiarity  which 
4id  oraOlt  to  hia  ohwiioter. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


365 


tlir  Rnqiietto  river,  20  miles  tioni  its  coiifiiionco  witli  tlio  St.  Lawrence. 
At  tills  |iliice,  iiiiniediiitely  nliove  llie  liiiidiii;.',  is  a  tall  of  tlio  waters  of 
HM<|iit'tto  river  of  nlfoiit  Hi  (eft,  ami  excellent  aeeoiiiiiioduiioris  lor  liy- 
(Iriiiilic  works.  Kucketoii  is  about '^5  niileH  east  ot' 0^'(leiisl>in->!li ;  anil 
nnitinj,'  its  advantages  liir  good  navigation  to  tlieSt.  Lawrence  with  those 
of  iis  central  position,  in  a  rirh  and  fertile  coinitry,  must  become  a  rich 
and  i»o|iuloiis  place." 

About  1814  n  bridge  was  built,  and  in  IBlli  Raymond  moved  bin  fannly 
to  the  place  and  remained  sovend  yearw.  I'roni  liim  the  inhabitants 
named  the  place  Kaymondville,  and  a  post  oHicc  of  this  name  has  been 
established.  It  is  however  still  called  the  Lower  village  by  many,  to 
distinguish  it  from  the  Upper  village,  or  Norfolk  village  proper.  The 
place  possesses  a  fine  water  |)ower,  and  commiuucates  with  the  rail 
road  at  North  Potsdam,  by  a  plank  road. 

The  first  settlement  at  Norfolk  village  was  made  in  1810,  by  Judge 
Uusscll  Attwatcr,  from  Rnsaell,  who  in  June,  the  year  previously,  ptir- 
cliased  one  half  of  the  Morris  tract,  and  ibo  west  half  of  88  of  Louis- 
ville. This  tract  bad  been  assigned  to  James  D.  Le  Kay  in  a  partition  of 
lands,  and  sold  by  biin  to  G.  Morris.  A  clearing  of  ten  acres  had 
been  made  for  Lc  Ray  in  the  summer  of  1811,  in  the  lower  part  of  what 
is  now  the  village  of  Norfolk,  on  which  in  1812  a  crop  of  wheat  was 
raised.  A  large  stonu  grist  mill,  with  two  run  of  stones  was  built  the 
first  year,  by  Mr.  Attwater,  on  the  site  of  the  stone  mill  of  Mr.  Sackrider. 
A  chapel  was  fitted  up  with  seats  and  a  desk  in  the  third  story  of  a 
mill,  and  this  was  the  first  accommodation  for  public  worship  in  town. 

A  company  styling  itself  the  Phoenix  Iron  Company,  under  the 
firm  of  E.  Keyes  &  Co.,  was  formed  Oct.  7,  1625,  and  the  year  follow- 
ing, built  in  the  village  on  the  north  bank,  a  furnace  for  making  iron 
from  bog  ores,  which  existed  abundantly  in  the  swamps  of  this  and 
neighboring  towns.  It  passed  through  several  hands  and  run  about  two 
hundred  days  in  a  year,  till  1844,  when  it  was  burned  by  an  incendiary. 
It  produced  about  twelve  tons  daily,  and  was  lined  with  sandstone,  from 
Potsdam  and  Hopkinton.  In  1846  a  forge  was  built  by  VVm.  Blnko 
a  little  above  the  furnace,  and  run  two  or  three  years,  until  it  was 
burned. 

The  villoge  of  Norfolk,  possesses  manufactiu'ing  facilities  which  are 
destineil  to  render  ita  |)lace  of  much  importance.  The  Raquette  river 
here  has  a  descent  of  about  70  feet  witliin  a  mile,  passing  over  three 
dams  already  erected,  and  affording  opportunity,  for  at  least  four  more, 
at  each  of  which  the  whole  volume  of  the  river  could  be  used.  Below 
tl. cupper  dam,  the  channel  is  divided  by  an  island  of  about  two  acres  in 
extent,  which  aflfords  liicilities  for  the  erection  of  dams  at  its  head  and 
at  its  foot,  and  the  water  coidd  be  diverted  to  either  side  or  used  upon 
both  sides  of  the  island  and  the  main  shore.  At  the  foot  of  the  island 
tho  river  turns  to  the  left,  Kud  the  bank  on  the  iuaide  of  tbo  bend  is  low 


366 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


and  flat,  nnd  but  little  elevated  above  liigh  water  mark,  while  timt  on 
the  outside  of  the  bend  is  an  elevated  i)luin  of  easy  ascent,  and  abniptiy 
terminating  upon  the  river.  This  elevated  bank  continues  with  a  slight 
interrui)tion  to  below  the  village.  The  left  bank  of  the  river  is  low, 
and  on  this  the  main  |)art  of  the  village  is  at  present  built.  Throughout 
the  whole  extent,  the  bed  of  the  river  is  formed  of  limestone,  alfording 
at  the  same  time  a  secure  foundation  for  building,  and  the  materials  tor 
the  erection  of  walls.     Lime  made  from  this  stone  is  of  good  (piality. 

It  is  by  [)lank  road  three  miles  distant  from  the  Potsdam  station,  and 
the  same  distance  to  Knapp':;  station.  At  the  time  of  writing,  there  ex- 
ists a  stone  grist  mill,  with  three  run  of  stones,  three  saw  mills,  one 
planing  machine  eight  shingle  fiictories,  a  tannery,  a  woolen  factory,  a 
trip  hammer,  a  furnace,  and  several  other  manufactories  using  water 
power.  At  none  of  the  dams  now  erected  is  the  entire  water  privilege 
occupied. 

The  town  of  Norfolk  and  especially  the  village  of  Rnymondville,  pos- 
sesses great  natural  advantages  for  the  manufiictnre  of  brick,  which  are 
of  (superior  (|;iality.  Their  durability  and  hardness  is  probably  due  to 
the  clay  of  which  they  are  made,  ancl  of  which  an  account  will  be  given 
in  the  chaj)tpr  on  the  geology  of  the  county. 

JVorfolk  Union  IJbrarif  was  incorporated  May  25,  1834.  Phi'ander 
Kellogg,  Wm.  Grandy,  liiram  (J.  Francis,  Denis  Kingsbury,  Daniel 
Small,  John  W.  Williams,  and  Nathaniel  Brewer,  trustees. 

Religious  Socitties. — Meetings  were  held  in  the  lower  part  of  the  town 
almost  immediately  after  it  was  settled. 

Neither  3Ir.  Hall,  nor  Mr.  Jordan  were  members  of  church,  but  be- 
lieving t'.iat  the  observance  of  the  sabbath  conduced  to  morality,  they 
soon  after  their  arrival  agreed  to  hold  religious  meetings  alternntely  at 
the  house  of  euch,  at  which  a  sermon  should  be  read,  and  that  tlieir 
families  should  not  remain  and  visit  after  the  ireeting  was  dismissed. 
Occasionally  others  of  the  settlers  would  come  in  on  tiie  sabbath,  ana 
these  weekly  imions  were  kept  up  for  some  time,  when  one  Montague, 
who  came  on  with  others,  to  build  a  mill  on  Trout  Brook,  having  heard 
of  these  meetings,  attended,  and  was  the  first  worshiper  who  co'dd  sing 
and  pray;  and  thenceforth  they  lacked  none  of  the  elements  requisite  in 
the  protestant  worship.  In  1811,  Seth  Burt,  a  missionary  from  Massa- 
chusetts, came  and  left  books.  The  Rev.  James  Johnson,  from  Potsdam, 
and  the  11::^.  Mr.  Winchester,  from  Madrid,  occasionally  visited  the 
town,  and  held  meetings  in  the  vicinity  of  the  present  village  of  llay- 
mondville.  After  Mr.  Attwater's  arrival  in  181G,  as  soon  as  circumstances 
would  adnut,  the  upper  story  of  his  grist  mill  was  fitted  up  for  the  pur- 
pose of  divine  worship,  according  to  the  rites  and  doctrines  of  the 
Episcopal  church.  Here  he  officiated  /or  several  years  as  a  lay  reader, 
and  succeeded  in  making  a  few  individuals  acquainted  with  the  doc- 
trines of  the  church,  among  tliese  was  one  who  is  now  an  able  and 
honored  bisho[)  of  the  church,  the  lit.  Kev.  L.  Siliman  Ives,  D.  1).,  of 
North  Carolina.  The  paiish  of  Grace  church,  in  Norfolk  was  first 
organized  in  the  year  1825,  by  the  Rev.  Seth  M.  Beardsley,  then  acting 
as  missionary  in  the  country,  who  also  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to 
build  a  church.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  Hiram  Adams,  in  18'28, 
and  by  the  Rev.  Henry  Attwater  in  1829.  From  July  1836,  to  Alarch 
1842,  the  public  services  of  the  church  were  discontinued,  with  the  o-x- 
ception  of  occasional  lay  reading,  and  owing  to  the  want  of  a  clergy- 
man, and  the  removal  of  several  families,  the  organization  of  the  parish 
was  lost.  A  reorganization  took  place  March  29,  (342,  when  the  Rev 
JoluJ  A.  Chiids,  began  to  ofiiciate  as  missionary.    During  the  two  years 


I 


*! 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


367 


ill  which  he  ministered  in  this  place,  another  eifort  was  made  to  build  a 
chtircii  but  failed.  In  1845,- the  Rev.  Joiin  IT.  Hanson,  the  pre&ei.*  mis- 
sionary, was  enfinffed  by  the  i)arish.  On  July  .SOth,  the  corner  st'jne  of 
a  church  was  laid  l)y  the  lit.  Rev.  Wm.  H.  Deiancy,  D.  D.,  Uishop  ')f 
Western  New  York,  in  a  lot  of  ground  piurhased  by  the  vestry,  and  sit- 
uated in  tiie  centre  of  the  village.  The  church  thus  begun,  was  fully 
enclosed  in  1841),  but  is  not  yet  completed  within.  It  has  cost  about 
$'2000  and  will  retpiire  about  half  as  much  more  to  complete  it  after  the 
oriirinal  design.  It  is  after  the  Elizabethean  style  of  church  architecture, 
is  70  feet  in  length,  including  the  porch,  tii\y  feet  across  tbt*  transept  and 
twenty-two  across  the  nave.  The  ridge  is  thirty-four  leet  I  • '.'.  The 
walls  are  of  stone  and  very  massive,  and  the  whole  wants  bu  he  moss 
nnd  the  ivy  to  ^dvc  it  an  a|)pearance  of  venerable  antiquity,  consonant 
with  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  erected.  This  is  the  only  gothic 
edifice  in  St.  Lawrence  or  Franklin  counties. 

The  Presbyterian  church  so  called,  being  Congregational  in  tbrm,  was 
organized  July  1,  1817,  by  Ilev.  Royal  l'hel|)s,  of  the  Cayuga  Presbytery, 
then  acting  as  a  missionary,  assisted  Rev.  Jolm  Ransom,  of  llopkinton, 
at  first  of  17  members.  The  meetings  were  first  held  in  the  loft  of  a 
mill,  and  afterwards  in  the  chamber  of  the  tave-n  of  J.  Langworthy,  and 
in  the  scbml  house.  The  stated  supplies  have  been  mmierous.  The 
Kev.  Adolphus  Taylor,  after  preaching  several  years,  died  here.  Loring 
Brewster  was  installed  1st  pastor,  April  28,  1828,  and  G.  B.  Rowley  the 
present  pastor,  from  whom  these  facts  are  received,  Nov.  10,  1847.  The 
society  was  incorporated  Feb.  20,  1828,  G.  C.  Stowe,  Martin  Beach,  E. 
S.  Tambling,  Wm.  Blake,  Philemon  Kellogg,  and  John  C.  Putnam, 
trustees.  Reorganized  Dec.  12,  1840.  A  meeting  I  oiise  was  built  in 
1840,  at  a  cost  of  $4000,  and  the  church  mmibersnow  153.  The  church 
of  Raymondville,  was  a  colony  from  this,  and  their  brick  meeting  house 
was  finished  and  dedicated  in  1844,  at  a  cost  of  §3000,  and  soon  after,  a 
bell  of  300lbs,  was  placed  in  it.  Rev.  Moses  Ordway  was  the  first  resi- 
dent minister.  The  Methodists  organized  a  society,  April  1!),  1831,  with 
Iloyal  Sheldon,  Lucius  Chandler,  Justice  Webber,  Hintm  Johnson,  and 
Ebenezer  Houghton,  trustees,  They  reorganized,  Feb.  10,  1840,  and  in 
that  year  built  their  present  chapel  in  Norfolk  village. 

OsWEOATChrE. 

Incorporated  with  the  county,  March  3, 1802,  from  Lisbon.  The  town 
records  were  destroyed,  April  17, 1839,  in  the  great  fire  at  Ogdensburgh, 
and  the  following  list  of  supervisors  is  partly  made  up  from  other 
sources  than  tlie  records. 

Supervisors. — 1802,  and  for  several  years,  Nafbr,n  Ford;  1814-23, 
Louis  Ilasbrouck;  1895-8,  Sylvester  Gilbert;  1821),  Washington  Ford; 
1830,  Jacob  Arnold:  1831,  Baron  S.  Doty;  1832-4,  Preston  King;  1833, 
Josepii  W.Smith;  183(i,  Royal  Vilas:  1838,  Baron  S.  Doty;  1839-44, 
Geo.  W.Sheimrd;  1845-52,  Geo.  M.  Foster. 

Settlements  were  began  here  under  Samuel  Ogden,  the  nmnrietor,  by 
Nathan  Foid,  his  agent,  in  179G,  who  on  the  11th  July,  1797,  was  made 
his  attorney,  to  sell  lands.  It  had  been  the  intention  to  commence 
earlier,  but  possession  of  Fort  Oswegatchie  could  not  be  got.  Under 
the  British  administration,  parties  from  Canada  having  obtained  from 


rJ'Jii 


368 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


the  Oswegn'.cliic  Iiiclians,  leases  of  extensive  tracts  of  land  in  tiiis  town, 
had  commenced  .niprovements,  and  were  orcu|iyinjj  them  wlien  first 
known  to  the  junTliajcrs.  As  tlie  iiistory  of  theee  ?;)in*ious  titles  pos- 
sesses nunh  interest,  wo  will  here  insert  one  or  two  of  tiiem. 

"  To  all  people  to  whom  these  jiresents  shall  come;  Ogentairo,  Dowa- 
(iimdah,  tSahiindarish,  and  Canadalia,  the  four  representatives  of  the 
Indian  village  of  Oswegatchie,  have  this  day,  by  and  with  the  advice  of 
the  whole  nation,  being  duly  assembled  in  fnll  council  ot  the  whole  tribe 
or  nation,  as  above  mcntiuncd,  Men,  Women  and  Children  being  all  pre- 
sent, have  this  day  bargained,  agreed,  and  to  fiirrne  let  for  ever,  to  iMajor 
Watson,  of  Oswegatchie,  and  to  his  heirs  and  .tssignes  for  ever,  all  that 
tract  or  parcel  of  Land,  Situate,  Lying,  and  IJeing,  on  the  South  Side  of 
the  River  St.  Lawrence,  beginning  at  the  northwest  corner  of  a  tract  of 
land  granted  to  Daniel  Smith,  and  running  up  along  the  stream  of  the 
river  one  League,  or  three  English  miles;  thence  East  South-east  from 
the  Lake  or  River,  into  the  woods  three  Leagues  or  Nine  English  Miles, 
thence  Northeast  one  League  or  three  English  miles,  thence  North  North 
west  three  Leagues  or  Nine  English  Miles,  along  the  Lino  of  said  Daniel 
Sniitli  to  the  i)lat;e  of  Beginning,  at  the  River  Keeping  the  breadth  ot' 
one  League  or  three  English  miles,  from  the  i'ront  of  the  River  .vitli 
Nine  JMiles  in  De|)th;  to  him,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  with  the  npfii  *.k- 
nances  thereunto  IJelonging,  ok'  anywise  appertaining  to  him  the  i 
3Iajor  Watson  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever,  for  the  yearly  Renis  uiid 
Covenants  herein  Reserved  to  the  above  Ogenta;^o,  Dowasimdah,  Sahun- 
darish  and  Canadalia,  their  he'rs  and  successors  or  assigns,  forever;  to 
be  yearly  and  Every  yeai*  after  the  day  of  the  date  liearof,  and  to  com- 
mence on  the  first  day  of  December,  one  thousand  Seven  hundred  and 
ninety  three,  the  sum  of  Twenty  Spanish  Mill'd  Dollars,  thirteen  and  one 
third  Bushels  of  wheat,  and  thiny  three  and  one  third  [)ounds  of  pork, 
to  be  paid  on  the  premices  by  the  said  Major  Watson,  his  Heirs,  Execu- 
tors, administrators  and  assigns,  to  the  above  foreuientioned  representa- 
tives, their  heirs  or  assigns,  if  legally  demanded  on  the  premises,  they 
giving  sufficient  discharges  for  the  satne,  every  year,  hereafter,  as  the 
same  rent  becomes  due.  Now  therefore  this  Indenture  witnesseth,  that 
the  above  Ogentago,  Dowasunda,  Sahundarish,  atul  Canadalia,  tiie  four 
Representatives  of  the  al)ove  mentioned  village,  and  being  the  true  and 
lawful  owneis  of  the  above  described  Lands,  and  for,  and  in  considera- 
ntion  of  the  yearly  Rents  and  Covenants  above  mentioned,  the  receipt 
whereof  they  do  here  acknowledge,  hath  granted  Bargained  aliened 
released  and  confirmed,  and  by  these  presents  doth,  fully,  freely,  and 
Absolutely,  do  grant,  Bargain,  and  sell;  alien,  Release,  and  Confirm, 
unto  the  said  Major  Watson,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever  all  the  Title, 
Interest,  Property,  Claim,  and  Demand,  of  and  unto,  the  above  men'.ion- 
ed  Land,  and  premises,  together  with  all  the  Trees,  T  her,  woods, 
ponds,  pools,  wate",  water  courses,  atid  streams  of  water,  lishing,  fowl- 
ing, hawking,  and  hunting,  Miiies  and  Minerals,  Standing,  growing. 
Lying,  and  Being,  or  to  he  had,  used,  and  enjoyed  within  the  limits  and 
Bounds  aforesaid,  and  all  other  profits,  Benefits,  Liberties,  priviledges, 
heriditiments,  and  appurtunanceys  to  the  same  Belonging,  or  in  av  ..  :se 
appertaining,  to  have,  and  to  hohl,  all  the  aforesaid  Land,  and  pr*-  ifse^ 
to  the  said  Major  Watson,  his  heirs,  and  assigns,  to  the  proper  use  ji^.  .. 
fit  an<l  Behoof  of  him,  the  said  Major  Watsci,  his  Heirs  and  assigns  for 
ever,  So  that  neither  of  them  the  said  Releasors  nor  timir  lieirs  or  any 
other  person  or  puraous  whatsoover  for  them  or  either  of  tliuw,  iu  thek 


&> 


4 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


369 


orcitlior  of  tlieir  Names  or  write,  Shnll,  or  Mav,  hv  any  ways  or  means 
whatsoever,  at  any  time  lierearitr,  Claim,  CfiallJnjfe,  or  demand  any 
Estate  Right  Title  Interest,  of,  in,  or  to,thesaid  nhove  released  premices, 
or  any  part  thereof.  But  from  all  and  every  action  and  actions,  Estate, 
Rii'lit,  title,  Claim,  and  Demand  of  any  kind,  of,  in,  or  to,  the  said  iire- 
mises,  or  any  i)art  thereof,  they  and  Evtry  of  them,  Shall  he  for  ever 
Bound,  by  tliease  presents,  and  thay,  and  Everv  of  them,  the  above  said 
premises,  with  the  appnrtunances  to  the  said  .Major  Watson,  his  heirs 
and  assigns,  shall,  and  will,  for  Ever  Warrant  and  Defend.  In  Witness 
whereof,  they  hav..  hearunto  Set  their  Hands,  and  Seals,  the  Twenty 
Second  day  of  August,  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  seven  Imn- 
drerl  and  ninety  two. 

Sealed  and  Delivered 
in  the  Presents  off. 


Senhavve  x  his  Mark. 
Sahieh  x  Iiis  Mark. 
Henry  Galton. 
Chrest.  Swansichton. 
Ogcntago  X  his  Mark.  t.  a. 

Downsundah,  x  his  Mark.  h.  s. 
Sawlinndarisli,  x  his  Mark.  l.  s. 
Canadaha.  x  his  Murk.         l.  s. 


1  •   B.   A  true  Coppy. 


^■" 


Endorsement  on  Preceding. — Be  it  for  Ever  hereafter  ReineMbered,  that 
the  chiefs  of  the  Oswegntchie  Nation,  have  received  of  M.ijor  Watson, 
Jared  Seeley,  and  Daniel  Smith,  and  John  Livingston,  an  acttiai  pay- 
ment for  the  consideration  contained  in  the  Deeds  executed  by  us  and 
our  fathers,  comprehending  ten  miles  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  with 
nine  miles  back  into  the  woods;  we  say  received  the  rent  in  full,  lor  the 
year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand  seven  liundred  and  ninety-^even,  agree- 
able to  the  conditions  of  the  within  Lease  or  Deed,  and  the  paid  parteys 
are  hear  by  Regularly  Discharged  for  the  same,  us  witnesses,  our  hands. 


Witness  present, 
Amot;  Ansley. 


Candaha. 


mark. 


Lashalagenhas,  ^  his  mark. 
Lawongelass,  i<  bis  mark>. 


"  -i         '    ■':  ■  ^^ 


w 


m\ 


370 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Onntchntoyent,  Totnpoines,  Onnrios,  Tiotansern,  Aonnotii,  Gnteniontie, 
Gnnonseiitlie  niid  Oiicntc,  Osweiifitcirie  cliicfk,  nt  Grenville,  U.  C,  June 
],  1795,  ill  tlio  piTsence  of  .losepli  Ariiioi>oii,  Joliii  Sti[jnini)  uiiil 
K[)liniini  Jones,  coiifirmod  to  Cntliniiiieniul  Fiances,  the  wife  niul  son  of 
Ciipt.  Vernonil  Loriniier,  n  veilml  lease,  executed  in  1785,  of. i tract  on  the 
soiitli  slioie,  half  a  rijile  on  °acli  side  of  the  sniali  river  called  Black 
river,  and  up  to  Black  lak<!,  for  the  yearly  rent  of  one  liuii<lred  silver 
dollars,  or  money  ecpiivalent  thereto.  This  was  n  full  warranty  deed 
with  covenant.  Lorimier  had  been  a  French  oflicer  in  coininand  of  Fort 
Presentation,  and  a  tradition  relat<!s  that  he  also  possessed  a  French  title, 
which  with  other  papers,  were  scattered  and  lost  in  a  j^'de  of  wind  that 
tinroofcd  his  house.*  It  liaviiiji  been  reported  the  St.  Rejiis  Jndians  dis- 
countenanced these  proceedings.  Watson  and  his  associates  wrote  to 
them  on  the  subject,  and  received  the  ibllowing  answer,  dated  at  St. 
Uefris,  April  10,  1795. 

"Sir — We  were  favored  with  your  letter  of  the  9  March,  and  we 
have  to  inform  you  that  no  Indian  of  St.  Regis  ever  will  molest  or  trouble 
you  on  i.r  tiresent  jiossessioiu  Yon  pay  our  brothers  of  the  Oswe- 
patchie,  i   (  i  rent,  and  as  long  as  you  will  make  goodjiayment  of 

the  same  i\  ur  brothers,  who  are  the  same  in  all  respects  as  our- 

selves, we  sh;i  iid  ever  will  be  hajtpy  to  keo|)yon  in  full  possession;  do 
not  ever  believe  any  thing  ta  the  contrary  from  any  person  whatever. 
We  are  with  esteem,  your  brothers  and  friends, 

Thaionhiageton,  Ononsagetira, 

Assorontonkota,  Tionategekha. 

for  ourselves  and  others  of  our  village  of  St.  Regis." 

To  still  further  substantiate  their  title,  thelessfees  from  the  Indians  pro- 
cured of  the  conimaiident  of  the  Fort  at  Oswegatchie,  a  jierniit  to  locate 
ii|)on  and  occupy  the  tracts  included  in  their  leases.  This  document  is 
given  below,  in  the  orthogra|ihy  and  punctuation  of  the  original. 

'  This  is  to  cartifye  that  John  Levingstoii  Daniel  Smith,  Major  Watson 
and  Jered  Seley  have  tnade  a  |)iirchase  ofa  tract  of  land  from  the  Indians 
of  the  Oswegatchie  within  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  British  post  of  Oswe- 
gatchie, 1  having  examined  said  purchase  and  find  it  to  be  a  fair  one 
therefore  the  said  John  Levingston  Daniel  Smith  Major  Watson  and  Jcred 
Seley  are  lier»l>y  ortherized  to  settle  cultivate  and  improve  the  saim  and 
I  as  cunimanding  officer  of  said  jjost  Do  hereby  Uatifie  and  Confirm  said 
ptirchase  and  |)romis  the  Kings  protection  to  them  and  Their  associates 
Witness  my  hand  And  seal  Don  at  oswegatchie  this  Tenth  Day  of  June 
one  thousand  seven  hundred  niiity  four 

Richard  Porter.  L.  S." 

By  virtue  of  tliesc  titles,  and  under  protection  of  the  British  flag,  a 
saw  mill  was  erected  west  of  the  Oswegatchie,  near  its  mouth,  and  the 
business  of  lumbering  was  commenced  and  prosecuted  with  spirit,  under 
which  the  majestic  forests  so  often  alluded  to  in  our  first  chapter,  began 
rapidly  to  disappear;  and  these  operations  extended  to  the  whole  river 
front  and  the  tributaries  of  the  great  river,  capable  of  floating  spars  and 
rafts. 

The  following  correspondence  in  relation  to  these  claims  and  trespas- 
ses, passed  several  years  before  settlements  were  attempted: 

•Stated  on  the  authorily  of  Wm.  U.  Guest,  haq.,  of  Ogdeiuburgli- 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


371 


New  York,  Nov.  1,  1793. 
His  Excellency  George  Clinton,  Esquire : 

Myself  and  nssociutes,  owners  of  ten  townships  of  lund  lyinfr  on  tlie 
east  side  of  tlie  river  St.  Lawrence,  linvinn  liad  tiie  iionor  of  addressing 
you  tn  the  yd  of  Se|)teniber,  17'jy,  and  stating  to  you  n>*  tlie  iiead  of  the 
executive  of  this  state,  certain  representations  of  trespasses  daily  com- 
mitted on  said  townsiiips,  hy  sulyects  of  tlie  governenent  of  (ircat  Britain, 
in  iiopes  tiiat  through  your  aid  some  measures  would  ho  taken,  either  hy 
the  government  of  the  state,  or  hy  the  general  government,  to  |)Ut  a  stop 
to  the  great  evil  of  which  wc  complained.  But  finding  from  good  in- 
formation that  the  trespass  was  not  only  continued,  hut  very  much  in- 
creased, I  conceived  it  for  the  interest  of  myself  and  the  other  gentlemen 
concerned,  to  take  a  journey  to  that  country,  as  well  to  establish  the  facts 
contained  in  that  letter,  as  to  endeavor  hy  making  a  representation 
thereof  to  the  govcinor  of  Canada,  to  have  an  immediate  stop  |)ut  to  the 
evil.  How  far  my  expectations  have  heen  realized,  your  excellency  will 
judge  from  a  j)erusal  of  the  co|)ies  hereto  amiexed,  of  the  letters  whicli 
pas>ied  between  Governor  Simcoe,  my  Lord  Dorchester,  and  myself. 

You  will  allow  me  in  behalf  of  myself  and  associates,  to  aver  to  you, 
that  all  the  facts  contained  in  our  letter  to  you,  as  well  as  those  contained 
in  my  letter  to  Governor  Simcoe,  and  my  Lord  Dorchester,  are  true,  aiul 
1  trust  you  will  readily  see  the  necessity  of  some  immediate  and  spirited 
measures  to  stop  the  trespass,  or  the  greater  of  all  our  valuable  tind)er 
will  be  destroyed,  and  carried  out  of  the  United  States  by  a  set  of  men 
whose  oidy  motive  is  to  plunder  and  destroy.  Our  title  under  the  state 
we  know  to  be  good,  and  we  conceive  we  have  every  just  claim  for  pro- 
tection and  indemnity  from  it.  It  is  now  upwards  of  eight  years  that  we 
paid  into  the  public  treasury  a  large  sum  of  money  for  this  tract  of  coim- 
try,  under  full  expectation  that  we  might  make  peaceable  settlements 
thereon:  But  unfortunately  for  our  interests,  we  are  not  only  prevented 
by  the  British  government  from  settling  those  lands,  but  the  subjects 
thereof  have  already  robbed  us  of  the  most  valuable  pa'-t  of  that  |iro|)erty. 
It  is  the  ap|)rehension  of  constupiences  of  a  pid)lic  nature,  that  restrains 
us  IVom  appealing  to  the  law  of  the  state  for  the  |»rotection  of  that  pro- 
perty. There  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  the  justice  of  the  legislature 
ought  to  give  us  an  ample  indenmity  for  our  sufferings.  How  liir  then 
it  may  be  [)roper  for  us  through  you,  to  make  a  representation  of  the 
hardships  under  which  we  labor  to  it,  at  the  approaching  session,  is  with 
much  respect  submitted  to  your  wisdom,  au'l  we  well  knowing  j'biu 
anxiety  for  the  dignity  of  the  stale,  and  the  interests  of  its  individuals, 
have  no  doubt  that  you  will  do  every  thing  that  may  be  proper  in  the 
premises. 

I  have  the  honor  to  be  your  most  obedient  humble  servant, 

Sam'l  Ogde.n. 

YouK,  Upper  Canada,  August  31, 1793. 

"  His  Excellency  John  G.  Simcoe,  Esq.  : 

"Sir — Having  obtained  under  the  state  of  New  York,  a  title  to  a  large 
tract  of  land  lying  on  the  southeast  side  of  the  River  St.  Lawrence,  at  or 
about  Oswegatchie,  and  being  informed  that  many  persons  calling  them- 
selves subjects  of  your  government,  are  daily  committing  great  trespass 
on  said  tract  of  land,  by  cutting  atid  transporting  to  Montreal  large 
quantities  of  tind)er  therefrom,  1  beg  leave  to  represent  the  same  to  your 
excellency,  in  full  confidence  that  your  iiii'  (position  will  put  an  imtne- 
diate  stop  to  such  proceedings  as  tend  very  much  to  my  injury.    It  may 


■■  ■■|i 

i 


'  '■! 


'I 


9M 

I 


372 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRKNCE 


not  hn  impropor  to  juhl,  tiiot  provioiiH  to  my  limviiig  New  York,  I  wns 
adviscil,  iiiul  uoll  knew,  lliiit  the  i'.\(MMitivti  oC  lliiit  stiitc  would,  on  my 
iipplicnlion,  fi'wv  liis  iiiiiiKMiiiitc  aid  lor  tlic  protoclioii  of  this  propcr'y. 
lint  ooiK't'iviii^  Niicii  nil  operation  would  itivolvtMi  ^'ovcriiiiKMital  ipicsiion 
(wliifli  lor  v<'ry  obvious  reasons  .'  fonccivo  at  this  tinn;  oiiffht  to  be 
avoidtMJ),  at  {iri'al  rxfu-nsc  and  tiitifinc,  I  nndiMtook  a  jonrnoy  to  thin 
country,  that  I  mijjht  iiiakf  this  reprfstJiitalion  to  your  (!.\c(!ll(!iicy  pre- 
vious to  any  other  nieasiires  beiii<^  taken  in  the  preniises. 

I  have  the  lionor  to  lie,  tivc, 

Sam'l  Oode.n," 

YoiiK,  August  ni,  1793. 
"Samuel  Offden,  Enquire: 

SiK — [  am  just  liivored  with  your  letter  oC  tiie  Mist  of  Aiifriist;  T  bei:f 
leaver  to  observe  to  yon,  that  last  antiiinn  on  the  representation  ot"  the 
()swe;iatehi(!  Indians,  the  niagistrutes  of  the  town  of  Augusta,  warned 
some  of  his  iiiajesiy's  subjects  to  quit  thosc^  very  lands.  [  appreiiend 
yon  claim  under  a  title  from  iIk?  state  of  New  ^'ork.  In  regard  to  your 
intimation  that  the  executive  of  the  state  tif  Ni^w  York,  would  give  its 
immedi:ito  aid  for  the  iiroteeiion  of  this  property,  I  have  to  observe  that 
yon  are  pt'rfeetly  just  in  your  observiition  that  siicli  would  be  a  govern- 
mental ipieslion.  inasnmeli  as  it  is  obvious  to  all  Iherr  in  no  lirnli/  line, 
nor  can  he  reanonnbli/  e.rpceted  In  he  acknowledged  hi/  (Ireal  liritain,  until 
tht!  prior  articles  ot'  the  treaty  shall  be  fulfilled  by  the;  I'niled  Slates. 
Hut  in  the  iiiimediat(>  point  of  view,  as  tliis  fpieslioii  does  not  concern 
his  majesty's  subjects,  who  have  already  been  Ibrbidden  at  the  rerpicst 
of  the  Imlians  claiming  the  land,  to  form  settlements  on  that  side  ol'  the 
river,  I  can  only  refer  you  to  his  excelltMicy  the  commander-in-chief,  iiir 
any  further  explanatiims  you  recpiire,  to  whom  your  very  liberal  j)rinci- 
pies  as  expressed  in  your  letters  which  I  shall  transmit  to  him,  can  not 
but  be  highly  recommendatory,  and  impr(!S8  those  sentiments  ol' respect, 
with  which  I  am  your  jbcdient  servant, 

J.  G,  SiMCOE, 

Lt.  CorV  l^pper  Canada." 

Quebec,  September  29,  17*J3. 

"  His  Excellency  Gay  Lord  Carlton,  Governor  General,  S,-c.  : 

IMy  Loun — His  excellency,  (iovernor  Simcoe,  having  in  his  letter  to 
ine  of  the  31st  of  August,  referred  me  to  your  lordship  on  the  subject 
about  which  I  wrote  him,  I  beg  leave  to  address  yon  thereon,  and  to  in- 
close you  for  your  inforinalion  that  correspondence,  and  a  representation 
of  some  facts,  w Inch  came  to  my  knowledge  since  writing  to  (jovernor 
Simcoe.  On  examining  the  tract  of  country  which  I  own,  I  fomid  the 
most  wanton  and  exc(!ssive  waste  of  timber  imaginable,  so  much  so, 
that  I  conceive  injury  already  committed  to  the  amount  of  many  tbousaiul 
I)ounds.  I  found  also,  a  laiire  saw  mill  building,  within  two  or  three 
iiuiulied  yards  of  the  tort  of  Oswegatchie,  which  if  jiersisted  in  will  de- 
stroy the  most  valuable  tract  of  timber  in  all  that  country.  This  mill  is 
building  by  Verne  Francis  Lorimier,  ii  half  pay  captain,  who  lives  o|)po- 
sit(«  my  tract  on  the  western  side  of  the  river,  with  whom  I  had  a  con- 
versation on  the  subject.  After  producing  a  copy  of  the  records  of  New 
York,  shewing  my  title  to  these  lands,  and  representing  the  injury  that 
would  arise  to  me  from  the  waste  of  timber  wiiich  the  mill  would  occa- 
sion, I  offered  in  order  to  prevent  any  further  ditliculty,  to  ])ay  him  hi.'' 
disbursements  in  case  he  would  desist.    This  he  refused,  and  iiitbrined 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


373 


mc  tlint  lio  wns  conductor  of  tlm  IndiniiN,  on  wliose  landH  ii  wnH,  nnd 
tliiit  so  l(iii<|  (IS  oiMi  o|°  tlit'in  \v(!i'(!  alive,  \w.  should  |iosh(!sm  tlio  mill.  'I'liiH 
(loiilltMiiau  hciii;;  iii  tlin  (MU|)loy  of  your  frovcrniuciit,  l\ir  ludinn  nfTiiiiH, 
or  ii>,'(.'iicy,  and  under  that  prelenci!  is  in  llie  coiiMtanl  practice!  of  selling 
larue  (|uantitieH  oltindnir.  It  is  not  m;/  husiiiess,  rny  lord,  to  discuss  any 
(piestion  of  a  pnhlic  nature.  I  sliall  not,  tliereliirc,  alKMupt  to  n^ason  as 
to  Ihc  rlfxlil  tlie  Indians  may  liavt;  to  lliose  lands  (wliieli  I  am  iidiirmed 
liy  the  f^overnor  ol'N(!\v  York  have  hecti  lou};  sine«!  |>ui-clias«;d  of  them); 
on  th(!  propriety  of  thi!  detention  of  the  post  at  Oswejratchie,  or  on  tlio 
rccrul  esUtblishimiil  of  an  Indian  villat;e  (>n  my  lautls.  \vX  I  can  not  lii'ip 
ohseiviiif?  tliJit  no  claim  of  title  can  in  the  rniiiis  nf  .Viw  York,  justily 
tlinsi!  trespasses  on  my  propcirty,  which  the  state  stands  honn.l  to  pio- 
tect  mc!  in.  I  presume  your  fioodness  will  excuse  the  earnest  importu- 
nity of  an  imiividual  who  conceives  himself  a  great  sullertM",  and  liu'ls  a 
most  anxious  desire?  from  various  iiattives,  that  your  interposition  may 
prevent  any  furtiier  settlement  or  waste  lieing  committed  on  those  lands, 
until  the  (piestion  of  the  posts,  shall  hy  the  two  governmeiils  he  finally 
adju.sted  and  seitliMl. 

1  have  the  honor  to  l)c,  your  lordship's  most  ohod't  sprv't, 

Sam'i.  Ooden. 

Ill  the  summer  of  1795,  Mr.  Ford  was  sent  hy  Ogden  to  tuko  further 
mensiires  to  ohtain  possession,  and  commence  a  settlement.  His  letter 
of  instructions,  dated  Perth  Amhoy,  July  12,  17M5,  will  he  read  with 
interest. 

"  Hear  JVnlhnu. — I5y  this  opportunity  I  have  written  npnin  to  my  hro- 
tlier*  oil  the  suhject  of  his  application  to  my  Lord  Dorchester,  and  have 
told  him  that  you  would  stay  a  li'W  days  at  .Alontreal,  and  reupiested  him 
to  communicate  to  you  thor<!  (to  tla;  care  of  Mr.  l'\)rsytli)  his  lordship's 
determination.  .\ow  in  case  ol'  his  giviiiff  you  |)ermission  to  re|»air  one 
or  more  of  the;  houses,  and  placiiiff  iiihahitants  therein,  you  will  then, 
while  at  Oswegatcliie,  make,  with  the  advice  of  Major  Driimmond,  the 
u'.'ces'^ary  arraniiements,  and  jirocnre  some  proper  person  to  move 
therein  as  my  tenant.  The  importance  of  this,  you  will  see,  nnd  it  win?/ 
ftccomc  rt  (/Kcj^'on,  wlietlier  yon  iiad  not  hetter  in  this  (;asc,  nsturn  from 
Toronto  via  (hii'ef<;ntrh!e,  and  spend  some,  iceeks,  or  perhaps  vionths  there, 
this  summer  and  autumn,  so  as  to  jin-pare  and  arrange  things  (or  your 
reception  next  spring.  If  you  should  succeed  in  the  idea  I  gave  you, 
n^specting  the  saw  mill,  then  i7  ought  to  he  kept  diligently  at  work  in 
sawing  pine  hoards  and  shingles  |)ro|)er  for  the  hnildings  we  mean  to 
erect  next  year,  which  ought  to  he  carefully  set  up  when  sawed,  so  as  lo 
he  seasoned  for  use  next  summer.  Can  not  you,  hy  some  means  or 
other,  possess  yourself  of  a  |tarticular  account  of  tiie  (listance  and  route 
from  Oswegatchie  up  the  river  and  lake,  and  so  on  to  Fort  Stanwix,  or 
such  route  as  the  nearest  dir»!ction  may  lead  to?  In  doing  this,  attend 
to  the  Ibllowing  queries:  1.  What  falls  of  water  hetween  the  Oswe- 
gatchie and  the  lake?  2.  What  distance  from  the  fort  to  the  lake? 
Avhat  streams  put  in  and  where?  with  a  full  description  of  lands,  mea- 
dows, 8wam|)s,  &c.  Be  very  particular  as  to  this.  ii.  A  very  particular 
description  of  the  lake,  as  well  as  the  outlet,  and  the  land  around  its 
margin,  with  an  estimate  of  its  dimensions  and  course,  so  that  we  may 

*  The  Iloa.  Isaac  Ogden.  of  Montreal,  who  became  a  loyalist  in  the  revolution,  anil  after, 
wards  filled  a  high  judicial  station  in  Canada. 


I 


M 


II 


;»if 


"•11 


374 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


form  nn  estimate  of  its  sitiintion  in  the  t()\vnsiiii)s.  Eslimnte  its  course 
witli  that  of  tlie  {^rent  rivers.  4.  What  streams  run  up  into  tlic  laiic, 
nnd  what  water  comniiinii^ation  leads  tVoin  towards  Fort  Stanwix,  i.nd 
what  niny  be  the  supposed  distance?  5.  In  yonr  description  of  land, 
attend  to  tindjer,  iinieslone,  intervale,  hog  meadow,  swamps,  &c,  J^ct 
your  ohstnvaticms  he  made  in  writing,  and  do  not  spare  |)aper.  Perhnps 
u  jinv  dollars  laid  out  in  presents  to  the  Oswegatchie  Indians  would  hn 
nsefid.  Yon  will  procure  from  the  commanding  oflicer,  at  Montreal,  a 
letter  of  introduction  to  the  serjeant  nt  Oswegatchie.  This  will  hecoiiie 
very  necessary.  Col.  Gordcn  and  Col.  McDonald,  if  ut  Montreal,  will 
aid  you  in  this. 

j\iy  health  is  mending.    God  bless  you. 

Sam'l  Oodk.v. 

Major  Ford. 

In  answer  to  the  foregoing,  the  following  letter  was  returned,  dated 
Kingston,  Aug.  28,  171)5 : 

^^ Dear  Sir: — I  have  this  moment  received  your  letter  dated  July  12tli. 
Its  contents  shall  he  attended  to.  I  wrote  you  the  2d  and  7th  inst.,  hotli 
of  which  1  ho[)e  you  have  received.  I  left  Montreal  the  Dth  tor  Niagara; 
on  my  way  I  paid  Oswegatchie  a  visit,  and  was  much  surprised  to  tind 
the  dam  so  completely  out  of  repair.  The  north  end  of  the  dam  is  to- 
tally gone  for  filleen  or  twenty  feet,  and  all  the  gravel  is  off  the  dam, — 
indeed  it  dues  not  appear  there  ever  was  any  great  quantity  upon  it. 
Such  another  built  dam  I  never  saw.  It  looks  more  like  an  old  log  house 
than  it  does  like  a  dam.  There  is  a  kind  of  crib  work  built  up,  which 
supports  logs,  set  nearly  |)er[)endicular,  without  having  even  the  hnrk 
taken  ofl*,  and  chinked  exactly  like  a  log  house.  It  appears  there  lius 
been  a  little  gravel  thrown  on  hut  there  is  scarce  a  trace  of  it  left. 

Nothing  has  been  done  this  summer,  and  I  doubt  much  if  they  do  re- 
pair, liomiiwell  has  sold  out  to  Lorimier,  and  he  has  rented  to  a  num- 
ber of  people,  and  so  confused  a  piece  of  business  as  it  is,  I  never  saw. 
There  is  no  person  about  the  |)lace  that  can  give  me  the  whole  history 
of  the  business,  llonniwell  is  not  at  home,  or  I  could  Iiave  known  all 
about  it.  I  was  happy  to  find  that  most  of  the  people  upon  the  other 
side  are  glud  to  find  that  a  settlement  is  to  be  made,  and  many  intend 
coming  over.  I  did  not  go  to  see  Lorimier,  and  for  this  reason.  After 
conversing  with  Mr.  Farrand  fully  upon  this  subject,  we  finally  con- 
cluded it  would  be  best  for  me  to  show  the  greatest  indifference,  merely 
call  at  the  mill,  look  at  the  fort,  and  take  cure  to  impress  the  i<lea  fully 
upon  whoever  I  talked  with,  that  by  the  treaty  the  Ibrt  was  to  be  given 
u[)  in  June,  that  there  would  be  a  garrison  sent  there;  that  settlers  would 
be  brought  on  and  business  commenced  extensively.  This  I  have  done 
ina  way  that  I  hope  will  have  its  desired  efl'ect.  In  my  absence,  Mr. 
Farrand  will  make  business  ut  Oswegatchie,  and  sound  Lorimier  on  tiie 
subject,  and  if  possible  make  him  apply  for  terms.  If  he  can  l)e  brought 
to  tliis  state,  a  negociation  may  be  had  upon  better  terms  than  if  I  should 
apply  to  him.  Mr.  Farrand  concurred  fully  in  this  idea,  and  thirdis  it 
the  most  probable  way  to  accomplish  our  wishes.  Loromier's  circum- 
stances are  in  a  very  embarrassed  state,  the  mill,  together  with  the  farm, 
are  mortgaged  to  llonniwell,  and  many  other  demands  are  rising  u|) 
against  the  estate.  My  intention  is  to  return  to  Oswegatchie,  if  I  keep 
my  health  (which  thank  God  was  never  better).  1  intund  leaving  my 
baggage,  and  find  my  way  through  the  woods  to  the  Little  fulls.  This 
idea  1  suggested  to  you  in  a  former  letter.    Never  was  any  body  more 


AND   FRANKMN    COUNTIES. 


375 


iinfnrtminto  than  I  liiive  boon  in  passHj/cs.  I  Imd  n  lonj,'  i)as.«npo  np  tlin 
North  river  ami  a  Ion;;  passaj;o  to  St.  Jolnis,  was  dotaincd  lonj^er  at 
Moiitr(!iil  than  was  neccfisar}-,  lor  want  of  a  convoyancn  up  th(!   river;  n 

n  loMj;  |)assa<.'(!  np  tho  river,    and  as  tlic  d 1  nnist  have  it  so,  arrived 

licre  only  two  honrs  too  late  for  a  passaire  to  Niajrara,  and  this  is  the  nintii 
(lay  I  iiave  heen  here  wind  Iwnnd,  and  what  is  more  than  all,  a  packet 
uliich  ai'rived  two  days  airo  ti'oni  Niaijara,  hrinirs  word  that  tht;  (.'overnor 
li'lt  that  placid  six  dajsago  for  l.onjjf  I'oint,  at  which  piae(!  his  stay  is  very 
nncertain.  I  shall  jro  on  to  Niajiara,  and  if  I  do  not  lind  his  rc^turn  cer- 
tain in  a  short  tiini;,  I  shall  j(o  on  to  I''ort  Erie,  nnil  there  hire  an  Indian 
til  lakt!  ine  on  in  a  liireh  canoe,  initil  I  tind  liini.  I  think  this  will  he  saving 
tinic.  TIk;  whole  time  i  have  heen  at  tliis  place,  is  completcdy  lost,  for 
1  durst  not  he  out  of  tlu^  way  for  (iiartlie  wind  shonid  come  fair,  in 
which  case  the  vessel  woid<l  leave  me.  Were  not  this  tiie  case,  I 
sliduld  have  visited  the  isle  of  Tannty,  and  the  (irand  isle.*  All  this 
must  he  lelt  imtil  I  retnrn.  I  believe  there  will  he  no  donht  of  a  law 
suit  respecting;  (irand  isle.  J  have  heen  to  the  mills  upon  the  Thames, 
aad  tind  tla'ni  very  nnich  ont  of  repair.  My  time  was  so  short  that  I 
could  not  get  a  very  lidl  aceonnt  ahont  them  and  the  land.  I  shall  see 
tlif'in  ai.'ain.  The  greatest  ohjtu't  of  all  is  the  fixing  of  the  Oswcgatohie 
htisiness,  and  no  ston«!  shall  he  nntnrned  to  bring  this  to  a  happy  issne. 
iMr.  Farrand  tells  me,  that  Lorimier  relies  nimn  a  French  title  wiiich  be 
Siiys  he  has.  This  Mr.  Farrand  will  get  a  sight  of,  an<l  shoidd  it  be 
worth  any  thing,  a  negociation  will  he  more  necessary  !Mr.  Farrand 
will  he  in  I'nil  possession  of  all  the  business  against  my  retm'n,  (which  T 
shall  mak(!  as  spe^edy  as  possible,)  and  which  I  shall  not  leave  until  1  see 
an  end  of.  'J'he  boat  which  is  going  to  Montnsal  is  waiting  lor  this,  and 
hurries  me  so  that  1  have  not  time  to  write  you  as  I'lUly  as  yon  wish, 

N.  Ford. 
Col.  Ogden,  J\''ewnrk. 

Newark,  in  Upper  Canada,  Sept.  10,  1795. 
Dear  Sir: — I  wrote  you  from  Kingston,  the  yOth  of  August,  which  1 
liope  you  have  received.  In  that  I  mentioned  my  ill  luck  in  not  arriving 
nt  Kingston  a  lew  hoiu's  sooni!r,  which  woidd  have  made  mo  in  time  to 
have  taken  passage  in  the  packet,  by  which  misfortime  1  was  detained  nt 
Kingston,  from  the  IDth  of  August  to  the  1st  September,  and  after 
another  p;un-hont  vojia^e.  of  six  days  arrived  at  this  jjlaee,  where  1  am 
now  detained  by  the  governors  not  having  returned  Iroin  Long  Point, 
from  whence  he  is  daily  exi)ected.  I  shall  transact  my  business  with 
liini  as  soon  after  his  return  as  |)ossible,  and  retnrn  to  (Jswegatchio  im- 
mediately, when  1  hope  to  settle  that  business.  Should  i  not  be  so  Ibr- 
tunatt!  as  to  obtain  leave  of  the  governor  to  repair  the;  houses,  that  will 
not  prevent  my  negotiating  with  Lorimier.  Mr.  Farrand  will  have  taken 
the  necessary  measures  tor  bringing  about  a  negotiation.  1  have  this  day 
written  him,  to  meet  me  at  Uswegatchie  on  my  retnrn.  I  take  it  for 
granted  you  have  received  all  my  fbriuer  letters,   which  contain  all  the 

•  Mr.  Ford  wns  cdinnii-sioned  by  Col.  Ogden.  and  Nicliolns  Low,  to  make  inquires  into  the 
tiller)  anil  terms  of  the.«e  isliinds,  and  purchase  llipin  oC  .'^ir  John  Jolinson,  ni  the  name  of 
Alfx'r  Wi-.llaee  an  i;ngh<linnin.  (as  tliey  say  in  Caiiiida),  on  speculation,  lie  was  authorized 
to  oii'er  £20110  sterling;  lor  ilie  isle  ol"  Tiinte.  Kleven  familie-  had  been  scltled  three  years  upon 
il-  (irand  isle  liad  heen  purehaM'il  at  .Montreal  iVom  ,Mr.  Curut,  a  rreneliman  (wlio  lield  it 
under  a  grant  I'roni  the  kmi?  ol'  I'rance)  for  XoOi)  with  a  lurlliiT  sum  ol  ciiiarier  dollar  fier 
acre,  wlieii  the  title  was  esiahlislied  Tnese  purchases  were  not  made  by  Mr.  Ford  Ue  ex- 
aiiiiiied  them  and  inude  very  lull  reports  upon  soil,  timber  &.C.,  wlii.h  are  preserved  with  liii 
papers."    P.  H.  H. 

24 


370 


IlITSORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


information  I  hnv«.  I  will  write  you  tlicnce  by  wny  of  Montronl,  nnd 
inform  yon  of  my  succoss  witli  iiin  oxcclloncv.  L'nlusrt  Honietliinfr  very 
nn(brsn«n  takes  place  I  shall  nndonhtedly  leave  my  hajryafrt)  nt  Oisvvo- 
itntchie,  and  jjo  tliroii<;h  the  woods  to  the  Mohawk  river.  [  am  of 
t)|)inion  that  it  will  he  host  to  strike  the  river  as  low  down  as  the  Litlio 
IJdls,  which  is  said  to  ho  V20  miles  from  Oswepatchie.  I  am  sorry  to 
tell  yon,  it  is  a  very  sickly  season  in  this  province ;  never  was  it  more  so, 
hut  I  am  very  happy  to  add  that  it  is  less  so  about  Oswejiatchie.  That 
part  is  looked  upon  to  l)e  the  most  healthy  of  any  in  Upper  Canada, 
Should  I  pass  throufjli  this  comitry  without  a  touch,  1  shall  be  peculiarly 
fortimnte.  It  is  said  here  that  strfuiirers  are  scarce  ever  cxtMuj)!.  I 
liope  to  reach  the  Fort  in  a  state  to  bo  able  to  undertake  the  pr'.|)os(;(l 
inarch.  I  should  recommciul  to  you,  not  to  sell  before  I  retinn.  I  think 
there  can  bo  no  doubt  of  those  lands  settling;  very  fast.  I  hope  to  f.'ivo 
you  a  very  satisfactory  account  of  thein  on  my  return.  I  liave  this  mo- 
ment lieard  that  the  governor  is  ut  Fort  Erie,  on  liis  retm-n.  Believe  nio 
to  be  your  very  humble  servant. 

N.  Ford. 

Mr.  Ford,  in  a  letter  dated  Kinpston,  Sept.  23,  1795,  mentioned  that 
the  governor  had  returned  sick,  and  tliat  his  business  could  oidy  he  sot- 
tied  in  council.  He  again  states  his  intention  of  traversing  the  woods  to 
the  Mohawk,  but  it  is  not  known  whether  this  dt!sign  was  carried  into 
effect.  Jay's  treaty,  which  was  finally  ratified  in  t'ehrunry,  1790,  pro- 
vided in  its  .second  articles,  that  his  inajesty's  troops  should  be  with- 
drawn from  all  posts  within  the  states,  on  or  before  the  1st  of  June;  the 
jjfoperty  of  British  subjects  being  secured  to  them  by  the  pledge  of  the 
government,  and  they  were  to  be  free  to  remain  or  go  as  they  saw  fit. 

The  signature  of  the  treaty  having  at  length  rendered  it  certain,  that 
the  surrender  of  Fort  Oswegatchie  would  remove  the  last  obstacle  which 
bad  for  several  years  hindered  the  settlement  of  Northern  New  York, 
Mr.  Ford  at  length  started  with  n  company  of  men,  a  few  goods,  aiul 
articles  of  prime  necessity,  for  a  new  settlement,  with  the  design  to  re- 
pair or  rebuild  the  dam  and  mills  on  the  Oswegatchie,  and  survey  and 
settle  the  country.  As  a  guide  for  his  operations,  the  proprietor  drew  up 
the  tbilowing  nietuorandum  of  instructions,  which  eud)ody  the  designs 
and  wishes  of  Col.  Ogden,  in  relation  to  the  new  settlement: 

"On  your  arrival  at  Oswegatchie,  endeavor  in  as  amicable  a  manner 
as  possible,  to  gain  immediate  possession  of  the  works,  mills,  and  town. 
If  difficulties  do  arise,  you  will  of  course  exercise  the  best  of  your  judg- 
ment and  discretion,  in  order  to  remove  them.  This,  perhaps,  may  he 
done  best  by  soothing  measures;  perhaps  by  threats  and  perha|)s  by 
bribes,  as  to  which,  it  must  be  entirely  sid)mitted  to  your  judgment,  .-is 
circumstances  may  turn  up.  It  seems  certain  that  you  will  have  no  diffi- 
culty in  o!)taining  possession  of  the  fort  and  works.  These,  therefore, 
I  presume  you  will  immediately  possess.  The  mills  seem  the  great  dif- 
ficulty, for  wiiich  you  will  make  every  exertion  after  you  have  possession 
of  the  fort.  After  you  have  obtained  possession  of  the  mills,  you  will 
immediately  commence  the  repairs  thereof,  so  as  to  have  the  saw  mill  at 
work  this  autumn  before  you  leave  it.  As  to  the  maimer  of  re|)airing 
the  dam,  it  must  be  lefl  to  your  own  judgment.  I  nuist  however  recotn- 
mond  it  to  your  particular  attention,  to  liave  it  solidly  placed  and  well 
filled  in  with  stone,  aiul  graveled,  so  as  to  render  it  permanent  and  se- 
cure. Perha|)s  it  may  be  best  fortius  fall's  oj)eration,to  |)Iace  the  whole 
of  the  saw  mill  on  the  same  site  as  it  formerly  stood,  observing,  how- 
ever, that  in  our  next  sununer's  operations  we  shall  place  many  other 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


377 


works  on  the  same  dam,  nnd  tlint  tliosn  works  must  l)o  cnrricd  so  far  down 
the  river  as  to  he  [)laef!d  on  the  iiavignhic  water,  so  that  vessels  nuiy  conio 
to  them  to  load  and  nnlond.  If  the  old  mill  is  destroyed,  and  you  find 
that  a  new  one  must  be  constructed,  I  would  recommend  that  you  con- 
Ktruct  it  so  as  to  saw  plank  or  tind)er  of  forty  feet  long.  You  will  ex- 
ercise your  own  jud<rment  ns  to  what  rejiairs  it  may  be  proper  for  you 
to  put  on  any  of  the  buildings  at  the  old  flirt.  It  strikes  me  that  it  will 
he  best  to  rejiair  the  old  stone  houses,  and  ns  many  of  the  frame  as  may 
he  found  sound  and  free  from  decay.  Of  this,  however,  you  will  bo  able 
to  judge  after  a  careful  inspection  thereof.  Shoidd  you  meet  with  any 
(iirticiiity  with  the  Indians  wiio  live  below,  send  a  letter  to  Mr.  F  *  *  *  and 
enclosing  one  to Grey,  (the  interpreter),  who  lives  nt  St,  Rejris;  de- 
sire Grey  to  come  up  to  you,  and  with  bim  fall  on  such  measures  as 
niny  be  proper  for  an  accommodation. 

If  on  experiment  you  find  that  a  further  supply  of  goods  will  be  ad- 
vantageous this  autumn,  write  me  so^  and  seiul  me  a  memorandum 
tiiereof,  so  that  I  may  forward  them  to  you.  If  on  experiment  you  find 
tiint  any  particular  article  of  commerce  will  answer  a  good  and  speedy 
remittance,  you  will  bo  very  early  in  your  communications  to  me  thereof, 
arul  it  is  |)robabIe  that  you  may  point  out  the  best  and  most  expeditious 
manner  of  transporting  the  same. 

It  mai)  be,  that  certain  articles  of  remittance  moy  offer,  which  it  maybe 
proper  to  send  to  Montreal  for  sale,  in  which  case  ycu  will  forward  tbem 
to  the  care  and  direction  of  Thomas  Forsyth,  of  that  place,  taking  care 
to  give  him  written  instructions  how  to  dis|)oso  thereof,  and  always  re- 
member in  your  letter  book  to  keepregidar  copies  of  aWi/our  letters.  Your 
sett  of  books  nnist  be  regularly  kept,  so  as  to  shew  u  very  exact  account 
of  all  expenditin-es  and  disbursements,  so  that  every  shilling  may  bo  ex- 
plained and  accounted  for.  Write  me  from  Schenectady  the  result  of 
your  conversation  with  Tibbets,  so  that  1  may  endeavor  to  fidl  on  some 
uieusures  for  the  completing  that  object.  If  on  examination  you  find 
any  tract  of  land  witliout  my  i)iuchase,  and  which  you  believe  to  be  an 
object  worth  our  attention,  write  me  nfull  account  thereof,  and  er!"ble  me 
to  take  it  if  it  should  be  found  an  object.  Mr.  Grey  gave  me  some  rea 
son  to  believe  he  could  find  a  mine  of  iron  ore,  within  our  ten  town- 
ships. Pray  extend  your  researches  thereafter  as  early  as  possible,  as  it 
IS  very  important  that  we  should  at  as  early  a  period  as  possible  com- 
mence our  iron  work  operation,  and  nothing  can  be  done  until  the  ore 
be  found  The  letters  I  forward  you  from  hence,  I  shall  forward  to  the 
care  of  D.  Hale,  Albany;  any  which  you  may  write  to  me,  (not  by  the 
post),  you  will  also  direct  to  bis  care. 

July  12th,  1790.  S.  Ogden." 

Mr.  Ford  left  New  York  in  July,  179G,  and  on  the  18th  arrived  at  Al- 
bany, and  crossed  with  teams  to  Schenectady,  where  be  met  Mr.  Day  and 
John  Lyon,*  men  whom  lie  liad  employed  to  come  with  him,  together 
with  Thomas  Lee,  carpenter,  and  Dick,  a  negro  slave  who  was  owned 
by  Mr.  Ford.  These  were  considered  sufficient  to  man  one  l)oat.  To 
hire  another  would  cost  £85  to  Oswegatchie,  besides  ])orterage  and  1  1. 
fees,  which  would  amount  to  £5  more.  Of  the  boatmen,  Mr.  Ford  re- 
marked: "So  abandoned  a  set  of  rascals  as  the  boatmen  at  this  place  are, 
I  never  saw."  Instead  of  complying  with  their  demand  he  bought  a  four 
handed  boat,  and  tried  to  hire  men  by  the  day,  but  licre  lie  was  again 
met  with  u  coalition,  and  was  obliged  to  pay  high  wages  to  his  hands. 


*  Mr.  Lyon  died  in  February,  1834,  at  the  age  of  SI. 


:f^.^^ 


378 


HISTORY    OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


'  (■  "i 


M'  •: 


So  idipiTHHPil  was  lie  witli  tlio  itiipositioiis  ami  cxaclioiiH  tlint  lliiis  oli- 
Hfnicl(>(l  tlio  '(Mtoway  to  tlic  u'iv;it  ucM,  that  lio  priMlictcd  tliat  at  no  distant 
(lay,  it'a  ciianfrc  tor  iIk;  lictn'i-  itiil  not  hoom  occin*,  "  tlin  \\<'sl('i'ii  couiili'v 
would  seek  a  tnarkrt  in  .Montreal,  nitiicr  than  Hulnnit  to  ilio  cxai'lioM  <  (if 
f  rsi!  niiMi."  Coidd  a  prophi'lKr  vision  l)nt  Iimvo  cairicd  liini  ti)i'win-d 
tln-on>;li  Ixit  liall'  a  century,  and  placed  liirn  on  that  very  spot,  where  he 
could  have  seen  tlie  thi'ohs  oC  those  miiihty  arteries  which  tran.sniit  ilio 
wealth  oC  millions  alon<;  their  chiuuicls.  ami  on  their  iron  tracks,  in  oho- 
(lien(!0  to  till!  electri(!  nies«af:t^  mid  the  heaiitiliil  Alohawk  reduced  to  mi\ 
itisiitnilicant  stream,  Iroin  the  withdrawal  of  its  waterH,  hy  the  canals; 
the  senses  must  have  (liilcd  to  impart  to  the  nnderstaiidiiif;  the  vastncsH 
of  the  chan<:'e,  and  the  hewihleri'd  eyc^  would  have  ijazed  without  coiii- 
preheiKsion  upon  the  scene,  as  l)elon;.'in;r  to  a  iheam! 

Is  an  (Mpial  chanu'e  reserveil  lor  the  comiujf  hall  <'(;ntnry? 

Mr.  I''(»rd  having'  purchased  a  boat  for  CKI,  prejiared  to  Itjavc!  the  town, 
and  the  journal  oi'  his  voyaju'c?  will  ;>ivo  tin;  incidents  which  occnned, 
with  imicli  vividness,  and  will  liero  ho  (pioted: 

"  Left  Schcnectada  on  Friday,  'J'2d  .fnly,  17!M),  nt  '2  o'clock,  with  two 
l)oats,  for  Oswepatchie;  procced('d  up  the  river  as  far  as  Mahy's  tavern, 
where  he  lodjred,  distance,  (i  miles.  'i.'Jd.  Set  out  early  in  the  ninniin;:, 
ami  ffot  (is  On'  as  Mill's  tavern,  where  w«!  lodjied,  distance  10  miles;  had 
n  very  heavy  shower  this  afternoon.  '24tli.  Left  Mill's  tavern,  and  irot  to 
("Jonnoly's,  wher*;  we  lodjied.  clistance  17  miles.  Our  passnire  np  tlu! 
river  is  rendered  very  slow,  owinj:  to  the  lowintss  of  tin;  water,  and  our 
hoats  heinjar  fnll  loaded.  I  have  been  luuhu'  the  necessity  of  loadiiii; 
them  full  for  two  reasons:  1st,  Itecause  1  could  not  make  nj)  three  full 
loads;  and  fid,  because  of  the  iitfamous  price  1  was  asked  for  takin 
loud.  It  will  scarcely  be  believed,  when  I  say  that  1  was  asked  .C8' 
on(i  boat  load  to  he  taken  to  Osvve}ratclii(!,  besides  locks  and  portage 
which  would  make  it  amoniit,  in  the  whole,  to  £!)0.  This  !  thouirht  ,«o 
enormous,  I  could  not  think  of  snbmittin<r  to  it.  I  ))urclias(;d  a  boat, 
and  hireil  another  with  three  batteanxnuMi,  and  with  my  own  peo|ile,  1 
set  out,  and  thus  far  we  have  come  on  tolerably  well.  ^.Ttli.  Left  (-iiti- 
iioly's  this  morninjr,  and  (!ame  on  to  what  is  called  Caty's  rift,  distance  .'I 
niil(!.s.  At  this  nnlbrtunate  ))Iace  commenced  my  ill  l()rtnne.  I  at  first 
hired  only  two  hatteauxmen,  but  previous  to  my  leavinj^  Schenectada,  I 
liinMl  a  third,  hopiiiir,  by  this,  I  had  put  it  out  of  the  power  of  any  acci- 
dent to  happen.  TIk^  boat  beiiifi;  manned  by  thrcM;  jirolessed  batteauxnicn, 
and  one  (rood  hand  (though  not  n  boatman),  ascemhMl  this  rift  to  within 
a  boat's  lenj.'tli  of  bein<jr  over,  when  she  took  a  sluiar  and  Hdl  back,  and 
soon  acquired  such  velocity,  that  the  resistance  of  the  boatmen  hccaino 
(piite  inadequate  to  stoppiiifr  her.  The  consequence;  was,  she  M\  cross- 
wise of  the  cm-rent,  and  when  she  had  desccjiided  the  ra[)ids  idiout  half 
way,  she  broujrht  np  broadside  upon  a  rock  (which  lays  in  the  middle  of 
the  stream),  find  simk  almost  instantly,  about  four  or  five  iiich(>s  inider. 
In  this  situation  she  lay  about  two  hours,  before  I  could  procure  assist- 
ance to  get  her  unloaded,  the  delay  of  i;eltinff  to  her,  together  with  llie 
difficulty  of  coming  at  her  cargo,  made  ns  three  hours  before  we  could 
relieve  the  boat,  during  wliicli  time  we  expected  to  see  her  go  to  pieces, 
which  would  undoubtedly  have  happened,  had  she  not  been  a  new  boat, 
and  well  built.  It  was  particularly  niitbrtnnate,  that  it  was  on  hoard 
tl'is  boat  that  I  had  almost  all  my  dry  goods,  which  got  most  thoroughly 
wt't.  Upon  getting  the  boat  ofl",  I  found  she  had  two  of  her  knees  broke, 
and  one  of  her  planks  split,  and  leaky  in  several  places.  I  imnicdiately 
had  one-half  the  cargo  reloaded,  anci  set  forvvaril    iij)  the  rapid,  at  the 


AND   FRANKF.IN    COUNTIFS. 


379 


lieml  of  wliicli  livoH  IVIr.  SpniktT.  Horn  I  iMiloiidcd,  niiil  smit  tho  IkimI 
liMi-k  I'oi-  tilt'  rcHiiliic.  I'lioii  their  nrrivnl,  I  Hct  aliniit  (i|it'iiiiii.>'  tlii!  ihhii\h, 
III!  iiI'nnIiIcIi  W' ic  Hdiikin;:  Wft.  'I'Ik;  cii.sIsh  I  Imil  tlie  l'imhIh  in,  vvonlil 
li:iv(;  tiiriM'd  wut)>r  for  a  hIioii  time,  liiit  tiic  j  iiirtii  ol'  tiini-  tlii>  Ikimi  was 
under,  ;,'a\e  an  n|i|i()rmni'y  iWr  all  the  ea.sks  to  (ill.  'I'hc  three  hnxes  of 
lea  were  all  soaked  throiiL'h.  The  difiicnlly  ol  ^'eftin;;  this  arliele  dry, 
was  heightened  liy  tins  very  nhoWfiry  w<'alher  wt!  had  'I'ne.sday  and 
Wt.'ilnef'day ;  but  Ity  payiiij:  the  ^fniatcMt  (itlenlion,  wiMvc-re  eiiahlvd  to 
''et  it  all  drv  liv  Wednesdav  eveidii''.     The   ''oimIm   I   had  all 


d  and 

repaeked ;  the  lioat  1  had  iakeii  ont  of  the  water,  atnl  repaired;  alinoxt 
(,'V'ery  ihiiiir  wan  now  ntady  l()r  Mettiniroiit  in  the  niornin!.'.  I'pon  drying 
tiie  lea,  I  fonnd  it  was  t(i()  iniieh  daniau'ed  to  take  on;  I  conehided  it 
would  he  lietter  to  send  it  liiek  to  .New  \'ork,  aini  have  it  disposed  ol'nt 
anelion,  liir  what  it  would  hrinj:,  rather  than  have  the  repination  of 
hriii^'in;;  forward  dainaL'ed  ttsi,  atui  disposin<r  ot'il  li)r  ^iiod;  ami  that  in 
a  country  where  my  fniiire  siieeess  very  umeh  dui'emls  upon  the  repu- 
tation I  L'stahlisli.  '.'Htli.  I  tinishiMl  packing  up,  and  at  lU  o'idoek  we  ^'Ot 
on  hoard,  ami  proceeded  npon  our  voyaj^e  a^'ain ;  yot  as  far  as  Nelh.'r's 
tavern,  distanee  ahout  I'i  miles;  raiiK'd  very  sharp  this  afiernoon.  'J!Uli. 
Got  to  the  Little  lidls  this  afternoon,  id)ont  three  o'idoek.  The  tea  I  left 
liovi'd  lip,  in  the  earn  ot'  Air.  Spraktn-,  to  he  Ibrwarded  to  !\lr.  Miird<H'k, 
ScheiHH'tada.  I  liavfs  writtiMi  him  to  lorward  it  to  .Mr.  .AIcKie,  yon  ^vill 
bo  so  j,'ood  as  to  ;;ivi!  him  direetions  ahoiit  it.  It  was  foitiinate  that  two 
cliusts  of  tea  were  iel't  at  Scheiiectada,  a.s  was  also  a  liarnd  of  sniill',  tScc, 
which  I  liavo  orderi.'d  to  ho  forwarded  to  Kiiiirston.  'I'lie  two  cask.s  of 
powder  1  have  akso  sent  hack  to  Mr.  .McKie;  that  u-ticie  was  totally 
spoiled  (e.xcept  to  work  over  ajiain).  Tlie  liest  ol'  me  muslins  was  in 
Uichard's  trunk,  and  did  not  ^'i.'t  wiit.  I  liopi;  the  dry  ^'oods  are  not  so 
daina;.'ed  as  to  jirevent  a  sail!  of  tliein.  The  cutlery  is  very  much  injured, 
notwithstaiidin^j  the  greatest  attention.  This  is  not  only  a  heavy  loss,  but 
is  attended  with  vast  fatijiiie  and  per|)lexity.  I  coiilil  not  |irocnr()  oil 
cloths  li)r  the  boats  (the  one  you  had  was  sold  with  the  boat).  1  Imvo 
only  tow  (doths,  which  I  fear  will  not  be;  siidiciciit  to  protei-t  the  froods 
ii;.'aiiist  tlie  very  heavy  rains  w(!  have  bad,  and  still  have.  It  has  been 
rainiii;;  about  twelve  boiirs  very  lieavy,  and  should  it  contiiiiie,  1  appre- 
hend the  casks  will  not  fully  .shed  the  water.  No  industry  or  persever- 
ance shall  bt!  wantinif  on  my  part,  to  make  the  best  of  the  voyai;e." 

On  the  1st  of  Aii;,nist,  the  voyaj^ers  arrived  at  Fort  rftanwix  (Rome), 
on  which  date  3Ir.  I'ord  wrote  to  Col.  Oifdeii,  that  althoii^di  the  voyage 
had  thus  far  been  disastrous  and  e.xtrcniely  unpleasant,  yet  lie  antici|iitted 
arriviii''  at  Osweyatcliio  in  a  week,  and  bojied  to  go  on  iileasanlly  down 
hill. 

A  cojjv  of  the  letters  of  Judge  Ford,  from  179(5  till  1807,  is  before  us, 
which  describe  the  events  of  that  jieriod  with  niiniiteness,  and  are  ex- 
pressed in  language  remarkable  for  that  force  and  originality  so  peculiar 
to  tliat  singular  man.  They  would  of  themselves  form  a  vohiino  of 
considerable  size,  luid  we  shall  be  under  the  necessity  of  gleaning  lioiii 
them  the  succession  of  events,  although  we  confess  oiir  utter  inability  to 
approach  that  conciseness,  and  that  striking  peculiarity  which  indicate 
the  talents  and  giMiiiis  of  their  writer. 

He  arrived  August  11,  17!J(i,  and  was  accompanied  by  Richard  Fitz 
Randolph,  a  clerk,  Thonias  Leo,  a  carpenter,  John  Lyon  and  lainily,  and 


'■ 


■M 


380 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


1.  'f 


''  'il 


a  few  boatmen  from  Schenectady.  His  goods  lie  set  np  in  tlic  serjennt's 
room,  wliicli  lie  nsod  as  a  store;  tli(5  liimily  of  Tnttic,  whom  he  Imtl 
sent  on  to  stay  in  the  fort  and  keop  things  in  order,  he  placed  in  tiie  bar- 
racks adjoining  tiie  store;  Mr.  Lyon,  he  placed  in  tlie  mill  house,  and 
imniediattly  crossed  to  Canada,  and  obtained  three  yoke  of  oxen,  linir 
milch  cows,  peas,  wheat,  &,c.,  hired  about  forty  men,  and  set  about  build- 
ing a  dam  and  saw  mill.  He  Ibnnd  many  persons  J  be  other  side  anxious 
to  settle,  but  was  not  at  tli>'  time  authorized  to  sell  lands,  and  could  only 
defer  their  applications,  iiy  telling  them  that  settlements  could  not  be 
made,  'ill  the  himis  were  surveyed.  In  n  few  days,  Josejih  Edsall  ar- 
rived, ajid  began  to  sin-vey  the  town,  lie  brought  with  him  a  small  bag 
of  orchard  grass  set  1,  half  for  Ford,  and  half  for  Mr.  Farrand,  on  the 
nor»h  shore.  On  the  7tb  of  September,  be  wrote  to  Mr.  Ogden  m 
folio  vvs: 

"  When  I  wrote  you  last,  I  tnentioned  Major  Watson  and  several  other 
persons,  who  had  settled  upon  the  lands  up  the  river.  These  peo|)le 
have  relin(iuished  tbiiir  pretentions,  and  ti'id  iha' they  had  better  become 
jiurchasers.  Watson,  and  several  oiher.s  of  them,  are  at  work  for  nic. 
From  what  I  had  beard  before^  it  was  Watson  I  was  expecting  that  would 
be  the  person  who  meant  to  give  us  trouble,  but  1  am  glad  to  tiiid  it  is 
not  like  to  be  the  case.  Hut  I  am  well  informed  that  .John  Smith,  or 
Joseph  Smith  (who  goes  by  the  name  of  Yankee  Smith),  is  the  man  who 
says  be  will  try  the  title  with  you.  He  lives  ujiou  the  other  side  himself, 
Rtid  keeps  a  tivern.  I  believe  he  is  n  man  of  but  little  fi.'ce  to  set  about 
establishing  title  to  such  a  tract.  I  h'lvc  been  told  that  be  was  on  his 
way  to  warn  me  about  my  business,  bin  was  taken  sick  and  returned.  1 
have  not  seen  him.  It  would  be  vll  to  make  an  exam|)lG  of  him,  if  we 
could  get  iiim  over  this  side.  Those  fellows  only  want  to  be  treated  with 
promptness,  to  bring  them  to  terms.  I  dare  say.  Smith's  object  is,  to 
make  a  fuss,  ho[»ing  that  to  get  clear  of  him,  you  will  give  him  a  deed 
for  a  tract,  which  lie  is  not  able  to  purchase.  This  I  would  never  in- 
dulge him  in.  It  is  through  such  fellows  that  so  much  trespass  has  been 
connnitted,  and  [by]  this  Smith  particularly. 

I  have  bad  all  the  ehiels  of  the  St.  Regis  village  to  see  and  welcome 
me  to  this  country,  exce[)tiiig  Gray  and  two  others,  who  are  gone  to  the 
river  Cliazy,  to  receive  the  money  from  the  state. 

They  gave  me  a  hearty  welcome,  and  jnessed  me  very  much  to  pay 
them  a  visit.  I  treated  them  witli  the  utmost  civility,  and  sent  them  all 
away  drunk.  As  to  the  0?wegatchie  Indians,  I  have  never  heard  a  word 
from  them  upon  the  possession  <>!' their  lands, — many  of  them  have  been 
here  to  trade,  &c.  As  to  Lorimier's  claim,  1  never  beard  any  thing  from 
them,  until  I  had  been  here  several  dajs.  I  had  been  asked  what  I  in- 
tended doing  with  the  widow,  &c.,  by  people  who  were  not  interested, 
(an  i  who,  Isupi  ose,  intbnned  her  what  1  said  upon  the  subject);  my  re- 
jny  was  that  we  bad  been  very  illy  treated  about  the  business  heretofore, 
iiut  I  bad  understood  that  the  widow  was  in  indigent  circumstances,  and 
it  was  not  your  or  my  intention  to  distress  the  widow  and  fatherless; 
what  was  right  we  intended  to  do.  Were  Mr.  Lorimier  alive,  we  should 
hold  a  very  dif!ert  language.  This  was  my  uniform  rejdy  to  those  who 
said  anything  to  me  upon  the  subject.  U|)ou  the  17tb,  Mr.  Sherwood  (u 
young  lawyer),  came  over  and  presented  me  a  letter  from  Mrs.  Loruuier, 


n 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


381 


(a  copy  of  wliif  ii  ia  nnncxed)  which  after  I  hnd  rend,  he  hegnu  to  npolo- 
i/r/A'.  fi»r  lu;iiif|  iiiidcr  the  necessity  of  foruiidiy  foriiiddiiif^  me  to  proceed 
ill  my  hiiildiiig  upon  the  premises,  mid  liejr^tul  I  would  not  \w  o(f(!iided 
if  iio  culled  in  two  witnesses,  that  lie  mifrlic  do  it  in  form,  lie  went  on 
to  nay  that  he  tlioii<;ht  Mrs.  Lorimier's  rifrlit  would  hold  good  nnder  the 
Uiid  article  of  the  treaty,  &c.  &c.,  to  all  which  Itnude  no  other  reply,  but 
that  I  should  not  have  any  objection  to  Iiis  being  as  formal  as  lie  wislied, 
and  as  to  her  coming  within  the  2nd  article,  I  did  not  conceive  it  could 
lie  made  to  bear  such  a  construction,  and  concluded  by  observing  that  if 
Mvi.  Loriinier  me'uit  to  set  <ii>  title,  it  must  be  the  hardest  kind  of  one, 
and  that  all  idea  of  charity  must  be  nt  an  end.  ile  insinuated  that  the 
cause  would  be  tried  in  their  courts,  it  being  a  matter  that  the  treaty  was 
to  d(!i"ide.  This  idea  I  trijated  with  levity,  as  did  also  Farrand,  when  I 
niciitioned  the  thing  to  him.  A  fisw  days  after  this  transaction,  I  was  over 
till!  river,  where  I  saw  Capt.  Anderson,  (who  lives  at  Kingston,)  to  whom 
the  estate  is  iiuhibted.  He  told  me  he  was  going  to  administer  on  the  es- 
tate, and  wished  to  ktiow  if  wo  intended  to  make  the  widow  any  com- 
jK'tisation.  I  told  hint  the  widow  had  sent  ire  a  1  tter  and  a  lawyer,  to 
i()ii)id  my  proceiuling;  that  I  supposed  slie  meant  to  press  her  title  if  she 
had  any,  in  which  case  charity  would  be  entirely  out  of  the  (piestion. 
That  we  had  ever  been  dispos«;d  to  do  what  was  right,  he,  himself,  very 
\V(;II  knew.  Who  had  advised  her  to  the  stej)  she  had  taken,  I  did  not 
know,  neither  did  I  care.  If  they  thought  the  widow  would  do  better  by 
a  law  suit  than  nilying  upon  our  justice  and  gencnosity,  she  was  at  per- 
fect liberty  to  try  it;  that  I  should  give  myself  no  further  tioulile  about  it. 
lie  told  UK!  he  thought  it  n  very  unwise  stej)  she  had  taken,  and  could  not 
imagiiK!  who  had  advised  her  to  it,  that  the  thing  was  given  u|),  and  I 
should  never  hear  any  more  of  it.  Notwithstanding  all  ids  protestations 
to  the  contrary,  I  did  believe  then,  and  ever  shall,  that  be  himself  was 
tlip  man — I  took  care  not  to  insinuate  such  a  belief.  I  then  interrogate<l 
I.  Ill  as  to  her  title,  this  he  evadcul,  upon  which  I  told  him  that  he  must 
1)(;  well  enough  acquainted  with  law  to  know  that  a  widow  could  not  dis- 
pose of  real  estate,  and  if  they  had  any  title  to  the  land,  I  should  not  do 
any  thing  until  the  heir  at  law  gave  me  a  release  and  quit  claim.  That 
if  1  w«!iit  into  the  business  at  all,  I  difl  not  mean  to  doitliy  halves.  This 
brought  forward  an  elucidation  of  their  title,  as  he  has  it  from  the  widow, 

and  as  he  says  the  lease  which  Ik;  has  seen  is: .     lie  states  that  in 

the  year  1785,  they  built  asaw  mill  and  lived  upon  this  side;  that  the  dam 
and  mill  went  away,  and  tliiiy  removed  over  the  river.  That  in  the  year 
17!t.'},  the  Indians  gavt;  Lorimier  a  verhiil  lease  (Utr  t\m  h\i\(\,  ns  stated  in 
her  letter  to  me).  That  after  Ijorimier'.i  death,  the  Indians  came  forward 
and  contirnKMl  to  her  in  her  own  nam^  (in  writing),  a  lease  for  the  same 
lands  (the  widow  states)  they  gave  Lorimier  a  verbal  lease  lor.  This 
last  act  was  done  this  spring  or  last  fall. 

This  he  assures  me  on  his  honor,  is  all  the  title  they  have.  After  much 
conversation  upon  th(!  subject,  1  told  him  that  if  their  condiu't  towards 
me  was  such  as  it  ought  to  be,  I  would  take  the  bus!  •  ss  into  consideru- 
ta)ii,  and  make  an  eqiiilable  valuation  of  the  mill  and  noiise,  and  pay  the 
widow  thereliir,  jnoviiled  they  gave  up  all  idea  of  Alv.  This  lieas.iired 
nio  tliey  would  do,  and  rely  upon  our  gtaierosity.  I  am  to  write  to  him 
upon  the  subject,  which  when  I  do,  he  will  come  down,  and  we  shall 
havt!  an  end  to  the  business.  1  do  not  wish  to  be  in  too  great  a  hurry, 
for  ti'ar  that  something  may  be  behind,  which  1  may  find  out.  I  shall  be 
attentive  to  the  business,  and  not  lose  too  much  time. 

As  to  business  in  the  mercantile  way,  it  equals  my  expectation.  I  am 
confident  much  business  may  be  done  here  in  that  way.     I  am  sorry  that 


fiii^ 


vr 


111 .. 


fk>' 


382 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


I  have  not  a  fiiitlier  supply  of  conrsn  goods  liere  for  the  season.  Provi- 
sions of  (.-very  kind  can  he  taken  in  lieie  in  ahundance.  Il  was  inifjossi- 
ble  for  mcto  know  soon  enough  wiiat  wonhl  answer  this  country  for  you 
to  forward  them  this  autumn.  I  shall  make  the  hest  and  tnost  of  wiiat 
I  have, — it  will  go  some  way  in  making  provision  for  our  next  summer's 
operations.  1  would  suggest  to  you  the  propriety  of  sending  to  Kngland 
this  iall,  to  have  the  burr  stones  shipiicMl  to  Montreal;  they  will  eonie 
easier  and  much  cheaper  that  way  than  coming  up  the  iMohawk.     It  is 

astonishing  what  a  mill  may  do  here, lioidton's  mill,  which  is  at  the 

Garlows,  is  now  resorted  to  for  fifty  njiles,  and  a  worse  mill  I  am  sine, 
.lever  was.  I  have  not  yet  heen  able  to  get  information  relative  to  iron 
ore.  If  I  can  get  the  tlam  done  soon  enough,  1  intend  to  take  a  ramble 
back  of  the  lake.  If  we  get  the  saw  mill  under  way  this  fall,  which  I 
liope  will  1)0  the  case,  it  will  be  absolutely  necessary  to  have  a  bill  of  such 
timber  as  will  be  wanted  for  the  gri^t  mill,  so  that  every  preparation  for 
that  may  be  going  on  this  winter.  This  you  will  be  so  good  us  not  to  fail 
sending  me. 

My  carpenter  will  stay  the  winter.  I  can  now  give  you  an  accurate 
account  of  the  surveys  and  claims,  made  by  the  people  who  have  leases 
from  Indians. — Yankee  Smith,  begins  1  mile  from  the  fort,  runs  .'5  miles 
upon  the  river,  and  9  miles  back.  Watson  then  begins,  and  has  the 
same  quantity.  Sealy  then  begins  and  lias  a  like  quantity.  Sealy  lives 
ujion  the  other  side,  he  has  been  here,  but  I  did  not  know  at  the  time, 
of  his  j)retentions.  Watson  tells  me  that  Sealy's  lease  is  in  New 
England.  I  should  not  be  surprised  to  find  that  he  hail  sold  it  to  tiie 
epeculators  there.     The  Ibllowing  is  Mrs.  Lorimier's  letter  to  me. 

Edwardsbcrgii,  IGth  August,  170G. 

iSjV. — I  am  informed  you  have  arrived  in  Oswegatchie,  with  a  mun- 
ber  of  people,  and  have  taken  possession  of  one  of  my  houses  there,  anil 
that  you  are  about  to  make  a  dam  across  the  Hlack  riv  r,  fir-t  taking 
away  what  remained  of  mine.  That  you  may  not  be  deceived,  I  now 
inform  you,  that  I  have  a  good  title  to  half  a  mile  on  each  side  of  that 
river,  from  the  mouth  to  the  scource  of  it,  which  I  can  not  think  of  re- 
linquishing without  a  valuable  consideration;  and  Christian  charity 
obliges  me  to  think,  that  you  would  not  endeavor  to  wrong  or  in  any 
manner  d'  .ress  the  widow  and  fatherless,  and  as  it  appejys  yon  wish 
to  form  .1  settlement  there,  I  hereby  give  you  my  first  offer  to  purchase 
my  title,  and  would  be  glad  to  have  you  answer  upon  the  subject,  as 
soon  as  possible,  that  I  may  know  how  to  govern  myself, 

I  am  your  most  himibie  serv't. 

To  Major  Ford.  Catharine  Lorimier. 

I  was  not  particular  in  stating  to  you  that  Lorimier's  verbal  lease,  was 
obtained  of  the  Indians,  af>er  you  bad  warned  him  off  the  inemiscs.  I 
have  drawn  uf.'on  you  through  i\Ir.  ForCvsyth,  for  five  himiired  dollars, 
payable  ten  days  after  sight.  1  hope  hi  will  honor  the  bill,  I  have  rc- 
(picsted  him  to  fi)rward  me  four  liundred  dollars  in  cash,  and  one 
hundred  dollars  in  rum.  Richard  joins  in  best  respects  to  Mrs.  Ogilen 
and  liunily,  I  am  very  anxious  to  hear  from  you,  and  when  you  write, 
pray  let  me  know  the  news,  and  how  the  world  is  going.  I  believe  you 
will  begin  to  think  it  is  time  for  me  to  stoj),  for  you  must  be  tired  of 
reading,  and  I  »im  sure  1  am  of  writing. — So  Cod  bless  you,  is  the 
earnest  prayer  of  your  friend  and  humble  servant. 

Col,  Samuel  Ofrden.  N.  Ford." 


i  r 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


383 


On  the  approach  of  winter,  Mr.  Ford  returned  to  New  Jersey,  and  did 
not  jjet  bacii  to  Oswegatchie  nntil  the  Utii  of  August,  1797.  lie  found 
that  the  Canadian  claiinanta  had  been  over  tiie  spr.nj^  hefore,  hehl  n 
town  meeting,  elected  civil  and  military  officers,  and  sent  on  Ensly  their 
moderator  to  get  their  ])roceeding,s  confirmed  hy  the  governor,  and  that 
they  hud  opened  a  land  office  for  selling  and  seuiing  his  tract.  lie 
wrote  to  Ids  partner: 

"  I  also  found  that  sor^e  of  those  jockeys  had  come  over  and  stripped 
n  (piantily  of  hark,  1  immediately  sent  INfr.  Uandol|)h,  with  a  lioat 
(properly  manned),  witli  orders  to  take  on  hoard  as  much  bark  as  he 
could,  and  biu'ii  the  residue,  lie  accordingly  set  out,  and  did  not.  (un- 
fortunately), arrive  at  the;  |)lace  bel'ore  they  got  otf  with  one  boat  load, 
hut  was  fortunate  enough  to  arrive  just  as  they  had  got  the  f^econd 
loailed,  which  he  di'liiined.  and  after  making  tti(!m  assist  in  loading  his 
boat,  he  ord(!red  both  to  sail  l<)r  the  garrison,  where  they  arrived  in  good 
or(h'r,  and  well  (conditioned.  I  immediately  sent  the  bark  to  a  tanner  in 
Johnstown,  where  I  send  my  hides,  so  that  we  shall  !iav(!  our  hides  tan- 
ned with  our  own  bai  k.  Tliey  have  kept  themselves  very  (pfiet  upon 
the  suliie(-t.  I  ;'ave  out  that  I  wanted  more  bark,  and  only  wait  for 
trespassers  to  come  over  and  get  it  thv  me.  If  it  is  |)ossible  t()r  processes 
to  III!  made  out,  leiniiiii;  the  names  to  la;  tilled  up,  and  a  deputation 
made,  lam  (dear  for  having  some  of  the  ringleaders  in  Herkimer  jail, — 
this  1  am  siu'e  would  settle  the  business.  11  this  can  be  done,  let  friend 
Richard's  name  be  mentioned  for  the  deputation,  and  I  will  s(M!  that  the 
business  is  properly  executed,  but  you  must  write  me  jiarticularly  how 
it  is  to  be  done,  and  you  must  be  particular  thiit  the  opinion  be  given  by 
a  lawyer  of  New  York,  lor  depeiul  iijion  it,  there  is  a  difference  between 
New  York  and  New  Jersey  laws  upon  these  subjects." 

In  a  letter  writte'  early  in  17i)8,  Ford  stated  his  anxieties  about  the 
leases,  and  advised  that  influenci!  should  be  used  with  ilie  govtunor,  and 
legislature,  to  jirevent  any  mischief  that  miglif  luisc  from  the  ex  parte 
representations  which  he  inulerstood  were  be,  used,  ami  added,  that 
it  would  make  ix  fatal  hole  in  Oswegatchie  towti^:  p.  •^Iiould  tin  claims 
hajjpen  to  be  Ity  any  means  confirmed.  The  trouble  about  the  lease 
was  finally  settled  by  purchase  from  3Irs.  Lorimier  and  her  eon,  Sept. 
20,  1798,  in  whicli  Mr.  Ford  paid  £02  10s.  Canada  currency,  for  a  i]uit 
claim,  "during  the  rest  residue  and  remainder  of  said  term  which  is  yet 
to  come  and  unexpired,  to  wit:  so  long  as  wood  shall  grow  and  water 
run,  i)encubly  and(puetly  to  enter  into,  have,  hold,  and occiip;/,  possess  am' 
enjoy."  The  original  is  extremely  difluse  in  its  style,  aiul  aboutuls  in 
re|)etitions,  ^Vatson  was  arrested  on  a  charj'e  of  having  violated  the 
statute  by  dealing  with  the  Indiiuis  for  their  lands;**  taken  to  the  county 
jail  at  Rome;  indicted  in  June  1799,  tried  and  convicted  in  June  1800, 
having  laid  in  jail  a  year,  and  was  released  upon  his  signing  a  release 
and  (|uit  ciuiin,  ami  surrenderitig  his  papers. 


It  * 


•  See  page  120,  of  tliis  work,  for  t!ie  law  on  lliis  sutiject 


384 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


It  appears  tlint  Watson  and  Ensly  were  tlie  only  ones  of  tlie  Icsseps 
wlio  hud  ventured  to  sell  lands  to  settlers;  the  others  oidy  awaited  the 
residt  to  set  up  their  claims.  In  his  letter  to  hia  attorney,  Tiio's  R. 
Gould  of  Whitestown,  inforininj,'  him  of  the  condition  of  the  aftairs,  and 
forwarded  by  Mr.  Sherman  the  keeper  of  Watson,  on  his  way  to  jail,  he 
expressed  his  regret  at  tlie  necessity  which  led  him  to  the  measure,  and 
added  that  every  milder  means  had  been  exhausted.  His  efforts  to  se- 
cure the  others  failed.     In  a  letter  of  Sept.  14,  1708,  he  says: 

•'  Tho  aheriff  then  went  in  pursuit  of  Ansly,  hut  by  some  means  or 
other,  he  got  suspicions  that  something  more  than  conmion  was  pre- 
paring, and  he  made  his  escape  over  the  river,  by  which  means  he  eluded 
the  orticer  Watson  I  have  forwarded  to  jail,  and  as  he  is  really  the  prin- 
cipal, I  lio[)e  it  will  be  sutlicient  to  finish  the  business.  I  am  soi/y  that 
Ansly  was  not  taken,  for  he  is  a  great  villain.  I  am  not  sure  hut  1  shall 
lay  a  |)lan  for  taking  him  yet;  nothing  but  the  difKculty  of  sparing  hands 
to  send  down  willi  him  will  prevent;  but  should  he  recross  the  river, 
and  be  saucy,  I  will  do  it  at  all  events.  They  have  carried  on  with  a 
tolerable  high  hand  since  my  absence,  in  insulting  our  settlers.  I  have 
given  it  to  the  charge  of  all  the  |)eople.  if  any  person  dare  threaten  thein 
or  abuse  them,  for  settling  under  the  title  derived  (iom  the  state,  to  make 
me  instantly  ac(iuainte(i  with  tla;  fiict,  and  J  will  immediately  issue  a 
warrant  for  them,  and  send  them  to  jjiil.  This,  by  the  state  law,  I  hiive 
a  right  to  do,  and  I  certainly  shall  do  it.  The;  remote  situation  of  this 
place  has  encouragtMl,  and  still  does  encourage,  to  do  and  act  as  they 
would  not  dare  to  act,  wore  the  jail  a  little  handier,  and  there  is  no  way 
to  get  the  jail  nigherto  us  but  by  cutting  the  road  to  the  Mohawk.  This 
is  a  thing  "ou  must  take  pains  about,  and  with  a  little  [)ains  I  am  confi- 
dent it  may  he  effected,  and  if  oidy  a  winter  road  can  be  got,  the  v;ilue 
of  the  lands  will  almost  double.  At  jtresent  it  is  impossible  for  i>eople 
to  get  here,  th'!  expense  is  so  great.  I  shall  draw  upon  you  shortly  for 
(i  or  800  dollars,  and  hope  you  will  be  prepared.  Friend  Richard  joins 
in  best  resp(!Cts  to  Mrs.  Ogden  and  family.  Believe  me  to  be  as  ever 
your  humble  servant, 

N.  Ford," 

In  a  letter  of  Sept.  IG,  17!>8,  to  Samuel  Ogden,  he  says: 

"I  wrote  you  th  ?  11th  inst.,  in  which  I  mentioned  having  sent  Watson 
to  jail,  &c.  The  minds  of  those  in  his  and  Ansly's  interests,  are  much 
agitated  at  the  circmnsiance.  They  are  at  present  very  quiet,  luid  Ansly 
durst  not  !)e  seen  this  side  thi  river.  It  has  been  suggested  that  the 
Imliuns  will  be  excited  to  do  private  mischief.  I  am  not  uneasy  for  my 
personal  safety.  We  are  so  totally  outside  of  tlic!  jirotection  of  govern- 
ment, that  it  may  become  absolutely  necessary  to  go  into  some  vio- 
lence, should  violence  be  threatened.  Nothing  but  necessity  will  induce 
me  to  do  a  thing  which  will  not  be  perfectly  consistent  with  law,  but 
when  that  necessity  presents  itself,  I  shall  do  that  which  is  most  effect- 
ual lor  sidf  defence,  and  oppose  violence  with  violence,  and  trust  to 
connnon  justice  the  event.  I  have  been  told  the  Indians  have  biuiit  a 
quantity  of  wild  hay  I  had  put  up  some  distance  fiom  here;  tin;  truth  of 
the  liict  I  have  not  yet  asciM'tained;  1  shall  finil  out  the  persons  who 
have  done  it.  I\Iy  line  of  conduct  towards  them  1  shall  not  pretend  at 
present  to  say." 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


385 


During  the  season  of  1797,  a  grist  mill  was  commenced,  it  being  the 
game  aa  tliat  now  owned  by  Wm.  Furness,  wliich  was  placed  a  consider- 
able distance  bidow  the  dain,  in  order  that  vessels  might  there  load  and 
unload.  A  large  number  of  hands  were  em[)loyed,  anil  to  add  to  his 
cares  Isaac  Ogden  had  hired  and  sent  up  from  Montreal,  four  French 
masons  and  five  or  six  laborers,  at  higli  prices,  and  with  the  ])roniise 
that  they  should  be  paid  in  money  as  soon  as  tiieir  work  was  done. 
There  was  no  lack  of  ability  or  inclination  on  the  part  of  Mr.  S.  Ogden 
to  sustain  these  expenses,  but  the  means  of  conununication  by  letter, 
and  especially  the  remittance  of  money,  were  very  jjrecarious  and  un- 
certain. This  produced  the  greatest  difliculties,  and  in  this  and  the  fol- 
lowing years  almost  rendered  the  firm  insolvent.  It  was  in  these  ex- 
tremities tiiat  the  energy  and  perserverence  of  Mr.  Ford  were  displayed 
in  the  most  striking  manner,  and  in  such  a  way  as  to  indicate  his  quali- 
fications I'or  founding  a  new  colony,  beyond  the  protection  of  the  laws, 
and  among  those  whoso  interests  would  have  been  promoted  by  his 
inisfiiiniiics,  Aitcr  cnmplaining  to  his  partner  of  the  high  j)rices  pro- 
mised (s;JO  for  masoiiti  and  $15  for  laborers,  while  he  could  hire  tlie 
hitler  li 4- $11.Q5),  Ik-  adds; 

"Ther(!  is  a  disadvantage  over  and  above  the  very  I;igh  price  allowed 

the  Frencii  laborers,  because  nothing  but  money  will  answer,  for  d 1 

tiie  tiling  will  they  purchase.  There  is  their  expenses,  which  amounts 
to  $\]0  or  $40  exclusive  of  their  pay.  Your  brother  writes  very  anxiously, 
fearing  he  may  be  led  into  some  scrape  in  the  business.  I  will  give  you 
an  extract  of  that  part  of  his  letter:  'You  are  to  pay  them  at  Oswe- 
gatdiie,  in  silver  (Mhtrs;  be  careful  that  you  do  not  bring  me  into  a  law 
suit  with  tiieni  for  non-compliance  on  your  part,  as  you  see  I  am  bound; 
it  would  not  be  well  for  a  judge  to  be  sued.'  lie  also  mentions  that  he 
had  wrote  you  upon  the  subject,  &c.,  and  you  will  see  the  positive  ne- 
cessity of  putting  it  in  my  power  to  defray  the  heavy  expenses  wliich 
must  unavoidably  accrue  in  so  extensive  a  building.  The  cash  I  am 
obliged  to  pay  out  for  the  supplies  of  last  winter  and  this  spring,  will 
take  every  (arthing  of  money  I  brought  with  me,  and  unless  you  take 
measures  for  my  being  inunediately  supplied,  it  will  be  impossible  for 
me  to  go  01).  The  store  aflbrds  me  a  considerable  assistance,  but  tlie 
sales  fall  vastly  short  of  the  supply  wanted.  I  hope  you  will  not  let  this 
escape  your  attention.  The  success  of  our  operations  very  much  de- 
pends upon  this  year's  exertions.  There  are  a  number  of  jteople  who 
wish  to  conic  over,  who  have  not  joined  the  mo?>,  but  tli(;y  iiave  no  money 
to  purchase,  and  are  i)oor.  How  I  shall  do  with  them  1  know  not.  I 
must  shape  the  thing  by  way  of  agreement.  Another  ye;ir  1  shall  insist 
upon  your  sending  an  agent  about  your  landed  matters;  it  is  positively 
more  than  I  can  attend  to  and  take  care  of  my  business.  I  can  not  con- 
clude without  taking  again  the  liberty  of  jiressing  upon  your  mind  the 
necessity  of  forwarding  me  the  ways  and  means;  without  it,  1  shall  not 
be  able  to  do  iiuich  this  year.  You  will  have  the  goodness  to  present  my 
best  respects  to  Mrs.  Ogden,  and  all  the  family,  and  believe  me  to  be 
with  every  sentiment  of  esteem,  your  friend  and  hundjle  sorvan*, 

N.  FoRi). 


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336 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


N.  B.  I  took  out  my  roiiiniission  as  n  miipistrate,  .but  could  not  hi; 
sworn  in  liy  any  otli(>r  lint  a  jmlf;n  or  clerk  of  the  court  oC  this  coiuitv 
and  not  any  hcini--  iiaiuly,  J  coidd  nor  sparo  tlio  tinit;  to  hunt  iheni  up.' 
The  invcntuin  of  our  frii-nds  over  the  river  have  hetMi  upon  the  stretch 
to  invent  lies  to  destroy  our  intlueiice.  Aniouy'  tiio  j.n-eat  nnniher  [iro- 
paffated  I  shall  only  mention  was  tliat  you  and  I  wi.-re  hoth  hroke,  and 
that  Mr.  Randolph  had  sunist  orders  to  (juit  tiie  ground  us  soon  as  ho 
jiossihly  could  (dausihly  do  it,  «fcc." 

In  a  letter  of  Aui,'.  '-2:3,  he  uri^ed  the  justice  of  tlu;  claims  of  tlio  luhor- 
crs,  many  of  whom  were  poor,  and  whose  families  would  he  brought  to 
want,  and  repreaeiited  in  stroiifj  language,  the  <liscredit  that  would  be 
brought  upon  themselves  in  case  of  failure  to  ])t\y  them.  The  tollowing 
bill  of  goods  was  probably  the  first  ever  ordered  in  town.  They  were 
directed  to  bo  sent  to  Fort  Stanwix,  to  meet  bouts  from  Oswegutchie, 
and  to  be  packed  in  tight  barrels. 

"  Fotu"  doz.  pieces  of  llununnms,  that  will  come  at  Is.  lOd.,  or  ^s.  pr. 
yd.;  .T  or  4  pieces  ot"  coarse  bine,  and  mixed  coloi'csd  cloths;  '200  yds. 
check  tlanmd,  yd  widi;;  stri[)ed  cotton,  blue  and  white;  2  ps.  of  caniblct, 
for  cloaks  (brown):  1  ps.  swan's  skin  ;  2  jis.  coating;  I  ps.  bhn; '<Jd  doili; 
J  jis.  yellow  flannel;  1  ps.  of  y(u\\  1  ])s.  of  whiti;;  colored  silk  and  twist; 
10  or '20  ps  calico,  some  of  which  to  be  larg(,'  liirurcid  tor  Indians,  the 
rest  tiishionahle;  1  ps.  Russian  sheeting;  I  cwt  liar  lead;  .'lOO  oil  flints; 
Vermillion  f'or  Indians;  1  small  case  hats;  '2  doz.  of  cotton  liandker- 
chiel.s  for  men;  '-J  doz,  do.  for  women;  \  cwt  indigo;  2  or  '.]  ps.  of  blue 
and  black  moreen;  2  or  3  ps,  of  caliminco;  do.  '2  ps.  durant,  do. 

If  you  should  det(!rmine  to  send  the  above  articles, you  nuist  do  it  im- 
iiKidiately,  and  send  me  word.  I  do  not  know  any  body  at  Fort  Stan- 
wix, unless  you  shall  write  to  Mr.  Weston,  and  he  will  have  them  stored. 

Ill  n  letter  dated  Sejitendier  13, 17D7,  to  S.  Ogden,  he  wrote: 

"  I  am  still  disappointed  in  ?iot  hearing  from  you  ;  lion  to  account  for 
it  I  am  totally  at  a  loss.  How,  or  in  what  Tiianner,  I  am  to  turn  myself 
to  meet  the  jiresent  demands  at  ]ireseut,  I  know  not,  and  how  I  am  to 
do  wIkmi  th(!  season  of  work  closes,  I  a;ii  still  much  more;  at  a  loss  to 
know.  I  have  not  ten  dollars  at  command,  and  have  now  f()rty-livo 
hands  (besides  a  number  of  women  and  childr(.'n),  to  find  in  ])rovisions. 
'I'hesc!  must  all  be  t'fi]  and  paid,  and  unless  you  fiirward  me  the  means, 
it  will  be  out  of  my  power  to  go  on  with  the  business.     I  have  sipieezed 

along;  knows  how  until  this  time,  but  this  will  do  no  longer.     The 

money  must  be  paid  fiir  what  has  been  had,  as  well  as  what  is  to  be. 
Laying  aside  every  other  consideration,  this  way  of  carrying  on  business 
is  extravagant,  for  supplies  must  be  had,  and  at  such  |)rices  as  those  who 
bav(!  them  choose  to  ask,  but  if  1  had  it  in  my  jiower  to  send  a  man  out 
and  |iurcliase  with  cash,  I  should  be  abh;  to  get  things  a  little  at  my 
prices.  The  supply  of  provisions  will  amonnt  to  considerable,  but  when 
I  come  to  pay  off  the  hands,  and  then  tell  them  I  have  no  money,  what 
must  their  o|iinion  be  of  us!  They  hav(!  nothing  but  their  labor  to  di!- 
p(.'i;d  upon,  and  have  been  at  work  and  still  are  at  work,  under  the 
strongest  impression,  that  the  moment  they  want  tlii'ir  money  they  can 
have  it.  Tin!  contract  your  brotluM'  made  with  the  l''renclimen  was  such 
that  they  were  to  hr^  paid  monthly.  They  W(!re  so  dissatislied  at  the  ex- 
piration of  the  first  month,  that  it  was  with  ditliculity  1  jirevented  their 


m^ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


387 


going  to  ^Tontrenl,  nnd  {loniQiidiiij;  tlioir  pay  fioin  your  lirotlicr,  Tliry 
(iiiid,  '  ho  is  tlio  inuii  tlicy  Imrfrniiicd  witli  .".iid  In;  sludl  (idfil  tlio 
coiitnict.'  'i'iieir  .second  montli  will  <.'X|iii'f  the  7ili  (if  n(!Xt  niontli,  and 
tJKUi  I  suppose  tliero  will  ho  more  noise  tliaii  all  the  work  is  worth,  for  I 
have  not  in  my  power  to  pay  tliiun,  and  I  am  snro  they  will  then  leave 
nil',  and  your  hrothtM'  mnst  stand  in  the  gap.  A  noise  at  Montreal  with 
till!  Frenchman,  and  a  noise  here  with  tin;  people  over  the  river,  ^vill  be 
rather  more  than  any  one  man  ran  stand.  Were  I  not  ipiitc!  (•(tnlident 
that  yon  had  taken  lueusurus  before  now,  1  should  he  almost  induced  to 
nni  away." 

In  this  letter  ho  gave  u  niiniite  accomit  of  the  yilan  of  the  mill  nnd 
fi.xtiircs,  and  his  hopes  and  lears  in  relation  the  first  rait  which  ho  was 
preparing  to  send  to  Montreal.  As  the  biisitiess  nt"the  season  was  about 
being  closed  np,  his  embarrassment  became  extreme,  and  is  fully  set 
iorth  in  the  following  letter,  dated  Oct.  7,  IT!)/. 

"I  have  this  moment  received  your  letter  of  the  ].^th  of  August,  and 
my  lettin*  of  the  IlJtli  September,  (which  I  hope  yon  have  received)  will 
he  answering  much  of  it.  Some  Itsw  days  ago  I  received  part  of  the 
money  yon  had  jilnced  in  your  brother's  hand,  but  the  whole  sum  of 
f<oOO,  which  1  am  authorized  to  draw  upon  him  fiir,  is  so  trifling,  com- 
pared with  our  dishm'sements,  (as  you  will  see  by  my  last  letters,  to 
which  permit  me  to  reli-r  yon),  that  I  am  almost  discouraged.  Vou  know 
wlicn  i  left  you,  yon  did  not  fiu'iiish  mo  with  any  more  cash  than  was 
necessary  to  get  me  here,  and  pay  our  dcitts.  This  you  very  well  re- 
nieniher,  I  remonstrated  against,  but  you  assiu'cd  me  I  should  have  a 
siilliciency  forwarded  to  Montreal  early  enough  to  meet  my  exigencies, 
upon  which  promise  I  set  out,  and  liave  struggled  through  the  season 
thus  fiir,  at  the  close  of  which  I  receive  .*5()0,  a  sinn  that  is  oidy  •'<.')  inon! 
tiian  will  [)ay  the  i'our  I''rench  masons,  and  six  laborers  from  ^Montreal. 
\ow  what  am  I  to  (\o  with  all  the  rest?  and  how  am  1  to  |)-iy  for  provisions, 
and  lay  in  our  winter  stock  ?  'i'he  mode  yon  ]ioint(iiit  is  to  draw  upon  yon 
at  short  sight.  1  have;  no  doubt  that  the  bills  would  be  punctually  paid,  but 
let  me  ask  to  whom  am  I  to  i^tdl  tin;  bills  in  this  country  ?  'I'his  cannot  be 
(lone  to  any  one  short  of  Montreal,  so  that  the  very  moment  Mr.  Kan- 
(lolpli  returns  from  that  |)lace,  I  tmist  send  him  back  to  negotiate  the 
hills:  the  V(!ry  expense  attending  this  will  bo  (lonsiderable,  and  tin"  loss 
of  his  service  at  this  time  will  be  much  more  than  the  expense;  tor  it  is 
more  than  I  can  jiossibly  do  to  atteiul  to  ke(!p  upwards  of  forty  hands  at 
work,  i)rovi(le  provisions,  and  lend  tin;  store,  which  T  hav(!  been  oblig(Ml  to 
do  ever  since  he  has  becMi  gone  to  Montreal,  which  is  upwards  of  three 
weeks.  Added  to  all  my  own  troubh's  1  have  been  iicrjilexed  with 
Kdsal's  thirte(!n  surveyors,  whom  he  left  mii)rovi(led  f(>r.  and  who  have 
given  me  a  great  deal  of  trouble,  and  'I'uesday  next  must  he  fitted  out 
f()r  home,  and  i)rovided  with  cash,  and  before  I  can  send  to  iMontreal, 
and  get  r(,'turns,  Odie  and  his  party,  and  King  and  Vamiper,  must  lie 
fitted  out  and  they  must  have  money  to  carry  them  home.  Their  wages 
will  h(!  paid  in  Jersey,  but  the  five  carpent(!rs  and  thirty  laborers,  I  have 
hired  from  over  the  river,  must  be  paid  here,  and  so  must  all  our  snp- 
jiiies.  If  you  had  received  your  money,  the  shortest  way  would  have 
been  to  f()r\vard  it  by  .Mr.  31cl)onald,  and  if  yon  had  not,  you  ought  to 
have  advised  me  to  draw  sooner.  It  is  now  tin;  close  of  the  s(;ason, 
when  the  hands  want  to  be  paid  ofTj  and  now  I  have  to  do  what  might 
hivn  been  done  long  since.     It  is  certainly  itlacing  me  in  a  very  eniel 


II 


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'" ,'  t 


389 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


sitiintion,  in  n  strange  conntry,  and  in  n  conntry  where  it  is  the  interest 
of  s(»  ninny  to  be  our  enemies,  nnd  wlio  Iny  iiohl  of  every  opportunity 
to  tin-n  every  slip  to  our  disiulvantuge,  and  I  am  sorry  to  add,  tiiere  nro 
some  ninonf?  tiiis  number,  who  have  professed  friendshii*.  God  knows 
I  iiave  a  heart  that  despises  tliem,  and  a  disposition  to  punish  them  for 
tlieir  ecnrrility,  as  soon  as  1  can  firing  it  home  to  any  one  who  has  the 
smallest  jiretentioiis  to  calling  liimself  a  gentlemim.  There  lias  been 
much  said  of  ns,  but  I  cannot  trace  it  to  those  whom  I  suspect.  If  I  am 
able  to  do  so,  I  will  call  them  to  a  settlement  that  shall  make  them 
tremble.  In  my  former  letter,  I  informed  you  that  I  had  sent  a  raft  of 
boards  to  Montreal,  and  tlie  prospects  of  raising  money  fiorn  that  source, 
&c.  The  raft  contained  !i8C0  boards — this  number  was  as  miicli  as 
could  JO  down  the  rapids  at  this  season.  My  orders  were  for  the  boat 
to  return  as  soon  ■"!  the  boards  were  landed,  and  friend  Richard  to  re- 
main and  sell  them  to  the  best  advantage.  He  has  not  yet  returned. 
The  boat  lias  returned,  and  by  it  he  has  sent  me  four  hundred  dollars  of 
the  money  in  your  brother's  hands,  the  remainder  he  retained,  and  wrote 
he  had  done  so  because  he  feared  the  rati  would  not  sell  for  enough  to 
pay  for  the  articles  I  iiad  been  under  the  necessity  to  purchase,  such  os 
rum,  nails,  tackles,  to  raise  the  mill,  &c.  Before  the  boat  came  away, 
he  had  sold  one  crib  for  $124  per  100  boards,  and  did  not  expect  a  higher 
jirice  for  the  remainder,  so  that  when  he  comes  to  jiay  your  brother  aliout 
$40,  which  he  advanced  for  the  Frenchmen's  outfit,  and  $40  which  we 
owe  to  11.  F.  &  Co.,  and  for  three  barrels  of  rum,  15  bushels  of  salt,  two 
casks  of  nails,  window  glass  and  tin,  and  add  to  this  the  cash  he  had  to 
jiay  the  hands  at  Montreal,  I  am  sure  he  will  have  no  raft  money  in 
hand,  for  at  the  most  the  raft  will  fetch  no  more  than  $380,  supposing  he 
is  able  to  get  $i'2i  per  100,  which  is  very  doubtful. 

*  *  *  My  room  door  opens  at  this  instant;  enters  my  ten  French- 
men ;  what  do  you  want  ?  "  Our  month  is  out,  and  we  want  our  moneys." 
Here  I  must  stop  and  settle  with  tliem.  *  *  *  I  have  done  it,  thank 
God;  and  had  I  not  received  the  money  from  Montreal,  as  I  did,  they 
would  have  lefl  me,  and  gone  to  yoiu'  brother.  But  by  doing  this,  I  am 
now  stripped  of  cash  again;  and  all  the  other  jieople  must  do  without. 
I  have  done  this  to  save  the  noise  which  would  otherwise  be  at  Montreal, 
The  noise  here  is  bad  enough,  and  I  fear  our  fiime  will  spread  last 
enough,  without  our  assistance  to  propagate  it.  What  I  am  to  do  now,  I 
know  not.  I  hose  from  whom  I  have  been  in  the  constant  habit  of 
jiurchasing  beef  at  4d.  York,  now  ask  me  44,  and  they  keep  the  hide  and 
tallow.  This  will  bring  our  beef  at  54d.,  and  this  arises  irom  no  other 
cause,  than  a  knowledge  of  my  being  without  money,  and  the  advantage 
is  taken.  They  know  I  must  have  beef,  and  they  know  I  must  get  it 
(ion  those  who  can  credit;  and  I  can  not  help  myself.  Had  I  the  cash, 
I  could  get  it  plenty,  and  I  believe  for  less  than  4d.  This  is  also  the 
case  with  my  Hour.  If  I  had  cash,  I  could  purchase  wheat  for  less  than 
a  dollar,  but  as  I  have  not,  I  am  under  the  necessity  of  |)uicliasing  of 

Mr. ,  who  charges  me  four  dollars  jier  cwt.     This  is  a  loss  of  one 

dollar  upon  every  hundred,  which  is  no  small  matter,  in  the  quantity  I 
am  oliliged  to  use.  This  is  doing  business  at  a  great  loss,  and  if  it  can, 
ought  to  be,  avoided.  You  certainly  have  no  competent  idea  of  the  mag- 
nitude of  our  building,  or  you  would  never  have  sent  me  five  hundred 
dollars,  under  the  idea  of  its  being  sufficient  for  our  summer's  operations. 
The  little  map  1  sent  you  in  my  last,  will  furnish  you  with  sufficient  in- 
formation to  form  a  judgment  of  what  we  have  to  do,  and  from  your 
knowledge  in  business,  of  the  expense  also.  Every  possible  economy 
is  made  use  of,  and  no  object  however  trifling  escapes  my  attention ;  and 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


389 


could  I  be  furnislied  with  n  cnpitnl  equnl  to  the  object,  I  nm  bound  to 
Hiiy,  no  work  of  cr,jul  niugnituile  would  be  set  in  motion  for  the  sunie 
money  this  would  he. 

*  *  *  If  yon  would  for  a  moment  conceive  yourself  in  my  very, 
very  unplensunt  situation,  J  nm  confident  your  humanity  woidd  become 
excited  to  that  defjree,  that  no  time  would  he  lost  in  };ivin<r  relief,  but 
you  are  too  far  from  the  scene,  and  my  pen  too  feeble  to  paint.  I  close 
the  sidiject,  not  doubting  you  will  take  the  earliest  opportunity  to  furnish 
ine  witli  the  means  necessary  for  the  occasion.  In  my  last  I  told  you 
we  were  almost  throujfh  the  stone  work  of  the  mill.  That  is  finished, 
and  a  most  complete  wall  it  is.  *  *  *  Before  I  close  this  letter,  I 
shall  give  you  a  description  of  the  dam  and  race  we  expected  to  raise 
on  the  12th.  I  should  now  have  the  pleasure  to  tell  you  it  was,  and 
j)artly  covered,  had  not  Odie  met  with  the  misfortune  to  stick  the  ad/o 
into  his  ancle,  which  has  laid  him  u|)  nearly  a  fortnight. 

There  is  one  question  you  will  naturally  ask  me,  about  paying  the 
Frenchmen,  which  is — why  did  I  not  draw  a  bill  and  send  it  to  your 
brother  at  Montreal,  to  negotiate  and  pay  them  there?  This  I  tried, 
and  pressed  it,  in  every  way  and  shape  I  could  devise ;  but  their  jealousy, 
or  their  ignorance,  or  the  orders  of  their  priests,  to  bring  the  money  with 
them  (so  that  they  could  have  their  share),  or  what  it  was,  I  know  not; 
hut  nothing  but  the  moneys  would  unswer.  I  have  kept  the  masons 
busy  at  the  walls  of  the  dam.  I  have  found  the  race  a  more  tedious  job 
than  any  I  ever  undertook.  I  have  drove  it  with  the  utmost  industry, 
and  have  progressed  in  it  as  fast  as  could  reasonably  be  expected,  con- 
sidering the  disadvantage  I  labored  under,  in  sending  so  many  of  my 
hands  with  the  raft." 

The  null  was  finally  raised  in  October  of  that  year.  He  proposed  to 
have  the  mill  stones  brought  to  the  place  in  sections,  and  put  together 
there,  to  save  the  expense  of  taking  them  whole  up  the  rapids  in  boats. 
His  Frenchmen  he  finally  sent  to  Mr.  Ogden,  of  Montreal,  for  the  bal- 
ance due  them ;  but  was  very  soon  enabled  to  reiriit  the  means  of  pay- 
ment. His  opinion  of  the  settlers  from  Canada  was  subsequently  mo- 
dified: 

"  Those  peo|)le  upon  the  other  side,  who  used  to  talk  so  much  about 
purchasing  and  settling,  say  very  little  about  the  matter  now.  The  in- 
tentions of  some  of  them  I  have  discovered,  which  was,  to  purchase  upon 
the  credit  given,  in  hoj)os  before  the  leases  expired,  the  land  would  rise, 
so  as  to  nett  them  a  handsome  j)rofit ;  in  this  I  prevented  them  by  annex- 
ing to  the  terms,  '  in  case  of  actual  settlement.'  I  think  it  much  better 
the  land  shoidd  rise  in  your  hands  than  theirs.  'J'here  is  another  class 
which'  would  come  over  but  are  so  poor  they  durst  not  i)urchase. 
Knowing  their  own  inability  to  pay,  they  are  fearful  that  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  time  the  land  will  be  taken  from  them,  and  they  lose  their 
improvement;  so  that  between  the  two  classes,  we  are  not  like  to  get 
many  from  the  other  side.  Indeed,  the  more  I  become  acquainted  with 
them,  the  less  I  fancy  them  as  settlers.  They  are  a  strange  (uedlcy,  and 
I  believe  it  is  well  the  river  is  betwixt  us.  I  am  well  convinced  in  my 
own  mind,  the  country  will  settle,  and  by  our  own  countrymen,  one  of 
whom  is  worth  six  of  his  majesty's  beef-eaters.  Let  us  get  our  buildings 
and  our  business  well  under  way,  and  if  possible  get  the  legislature  to 
assist  in  cutting  n  road  from  the  Moliawk,  and  the  country  will  soon  set- 


1^ 


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390 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


tie  itspir.  Tlio  rond  oiijilit  to  bo  iittPiuInd  to  tliis  wiiitnr.  Ynii  cnn, 
tliroiijili  the  iiirdiiim  of  your  iVit'iids,  jrct  tlin  thin;,'  pressed  in  tli(>  lepis- 
liitnre.  If  tliis  were  done,  iho  peoph;  on  the  otiiei-  si(h!  iissin'e  rue  they 
wonhl  iinieh  rather  tiikc;  their  prothieo  to  Alinuiy  in  the  winter,  than  ,;() 
to  i\lontreid.  'I'hi'V  have  ail  a  desire  to  trade  with  \(!W  York.  Were 
tins  avtMiiie  onee  opened,  it  would  ho  astonishing'  to  see  tlu!  ninnher  of 
]»eoplo  that  would  Hock  in.  The  navi^'ulion  is  too  intrirate  and  expen- 
sive lor  tiunilies  to  come  in  that  way.  The  consequence  is,  hinidreilH 
are  under  the  necessity  of  ^oin^  to  the  army  land,  and  the  Genesee;,  and 
every  other  new  coimtry  to  which  they  can  ^'et  with  sleiirhs.  'I"he  road 
finished,  and  oiu'  business  under  ^'ood  way,  will  at  once  rendi-r  O^'dens- 
bur;rh  tli(;  emporium  of  this  part  of  the  world.  1  hope  Kdsal  lias  fur- 
nished you  with  a  ma|i  and  lield  book  of  hii*  work.  I  charged  them  to 
do  so  as  soon  as  they  ;;ot  home.  I  was  happy  to  \>i'  iidi)rmud  that  Mr. 
G.  M.  was  so  siMUi  expected.  I  hope  he  has  arrived  sale.  1  am  nuich 
nt  a  loss  to  accoimt  lor  your  writing'  me  oidy  once  since  I  left  Jersey. 
You  promised  me  you  would  be  very  punctual." 

Postscript  of  a  Idler  dated  Dec.  17,  171t7,  by  .Y.  Ford,  to  Samuel  Ogdcn. 

N.  \\.  The  Yankees  I  mentioned  to  you  in  n  former  letter,  linvo  been 
with  me,  and  ;;(>  out  to-morrow  to  view  the  laiuls  upon  the  east  branch. 
Thcire  are  l()ur  of  tlM;m  who  will  settle  together,  ' n;!  as  I  conci^ive  it  an 
ohj(!Ct  to  "tet  a  settle-ixiut  yoin^  in  that  part  of  the  tract,  I  have  miulc  it 
un  object  with  them,  by  ailowin;;  them  each  to  take;  100  acres  adjoining 
each  other,  liir  lO.*.  |)er  acre,  in  four  amuial  i)ayments.  There  aie  four 
more  who  wish  to  join  them,  anil  make  a  like  settlement,  and  1  have 
]»rondsod  -Air.  Thurb(!r  (who  is  tin;  h;adin^  idiaracter  in  the  business),  if 
they  cum(;  tbrwar<l,  and  ^o  immediately  on  with  him  ami  his  associates, 
they  shall  have  a  like  (juantity  at  Vis.  ])er  acre.  Mr.  ThiU'ber  tells  ine  I 
may  expert  them.  As  soon  as  I  can  fjfet  this  settlement  imder  way,  I 
shall  venture  to  put  the  lands  in  that  cpiarter  at  l(i,s.  and  20j.,  and  so  on 
from  time  to  lime,  as  tin;  settlement  advances.  I  mentioned  in  u  tbriner 
letter  the  plan  the  people  over  tlu!  river  had  laid  for  speculution.  They 
lutving  been  d(;leat(Ml  in  that,  have  laid  another,  which  is,  to  [)urcliasc 
and  strip  otVthe  tind)er,  belbre  the  i)ayment  becomes  du<!,  and  then  ^ive 
up  the  hmd.  This  scheme  I  hiive  also  discovered  and  by  frustratinj,' 
this  jtlaii,  we  shall  not  have  mnny  settlers  from  the  other  side,  mdess  it 
should  so  turn  out,  upon  liiulin^  they  can  ^'et  no  advanta>;e  ii-om  their 
jilans,  siunc!  may  become  actual  settlers.  The  Yaid^t^e  immi^ratlun  is 
commoidy  in  the  winter,  and  as  the  ice  over  Lake  Champlain  has  not 
b(!en  f^ood  until  lately,  I  expect  there  may  be  some  aloiij!^  sliorlly.  1  shull 
have  another  opportunity  to  write  you  a^'ain  in  ten  or  twelvis  days,  and 
when  I  return  shall  ^'ive  you  a  full  history  of  every  thing.  Uon't  forget 
the  road  to  the  Moiiawk — every  thing  depends  upon  that.  (Jod  bless 
you.  N.  F. 

On  the  24tli  of  October,  1798,  IMr.  Ford  wrote  to  Ogilen: 

"I  Imve  sold  eight  or  ten  farms,  but  not  one  shilling  of  tnoney ;  but  I 
think  it  better  to  let  settlers  come  on  under  contract.  I  consider  Uiost 
of  them  i»ioneers  making  way  for  another  set,  which  will  most  assuredly 
succec<l  them.  Many  stand  aloof  yet,  waiting  the  fiite  of  Watson  (who 
i  suppose  is  now  in  jail),  hoping  or  doubting  as  to  the  title. 

*  *  *  1  mentioned  to  you  the  bin-ning  of  our  hay  by  the  Indians, 
in  consetpietice  of  Watson's  arrest.  The  report  was  not  true.  1  have 
had  an  opiiortuuity  of  seeing  tlie  Indians  who  were  suspected,  and  read 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


391 


flicm  n  Inctiiro  upon  tho  siibjnnt.  I  fontul  tliom  siil)tTiisoivo:  the  wliite 
Iiidiiiiis  Mi-o  the  worst;  hut  I  havo  so  totally  jrot  tho  hcttcr  of  white  iiiid 
hlsick  hidiaiis,  that  they  are  perfectly  quiet,  and  I  have  not  t!ie  least  np- 
jirelK'Hsioii  troni  either.  I  enii  not  coneliide  without  pressiii;;  your  at- 
tention to  the  road.     He  assured  it  is  every  thiii<,'  to  this  country." 

The  fircnt  olyect  of  solicitude,  Ihe  mill,  was  at  lenfrth  completed  so  as 
to  (,'ct  jjrinding  done  on  tiie  1st  of  Deccndier,  17lt8.  On  the  22\l  he  hod 
^'rouud  ahout  1,500  bushels.  During  the  sununcr  of  17!M),  wliile  the 
surveys  of  the  towns  were  in  progress,  vngiio  reports  of  iron  mines,  salt 
springs,  &c.,  were  circidated,  and  high  expectations  formed  from  the 
latter.  During  the  season  of  171)1),  a  sec  lul  saw  mill  was  erected. 
Diu'ing  the  first  eleven  months,  the  grist  mill  ground  n,i).')4  bushels  of 
wlieat,  l,8ii0  of  corn,  other  grain  100  for  customers,  and  GDli  for  the 
owners.  In  almost  every  letter  wiiicli  he  wrote  Mr.  Ford  hrought  in  the 
subject  of  a  road  to  the  Mohawk,  as  an  o!)j(;ct  of  vast  iniportance  to  the 
proMperity  of  the  new  Kettlement.  lie  observed  in  a  letter  to  the  Hon. 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  as  follows : 

"  The  difficulty  of  getting  to  this  country  with  families  is  beyond  what 
is  generally  supposed.  The  [)resent  road  thi<)Ui;h  the  Chnteaugay  coun- 
try, accomrnodales  the  i'ew  who  emigrate  (iom  the  np|>er  part  of  Ver- 
mont, but  the  immtmse  Hood  ot  [leople  who  emigrate  to  the  westward, 
go  there  because  they  have  no  clioice.  This  road  once  opened  as  con- 
templated, the  emigration  would  soon  turn  this  way,  not  only  because 
the  distance  would  be  less  than  to  the  Genesee,  but  also  because  the 
liuids  are  better  and  more  advantageously  situated.  If  the  legislature 
will  not  take  up  the  business,  I  am  fnlly  of  o|)inion  the  i)roprietors  will 
find  their  account  in  cutting  out  the  road  at  their  own  expiMise.  I  shoidd 
sii|)po.se  those  who  own  in  the  big  purchase,  would  unite  partially  in  the 
thing,  for  that  land  can  never  settle  until  a  roud  is  cut  The  traveling 
and  conunerce  wlii(;li  will  go  to  .\li)any  IVom  Upper  Canada,  will  far 
surpass  the  most  sanguine  idea,  f  am  (•onfulent  the  farmer  from  this 
country  will  take  his  produce  to  Albany  as  easily  as  he  can  to  Montreal, 
and  he  is  sure  of  going  to  a  better  market.  Over  and  above  this  (which 
is  a  sutti(^ient  reason  for  inducing  them  this  way),  is,  that  generally 
speaking,  those  who  have  settled  upon  the  o[)posilc  side  of  the  St.  Law- 
rence, are  tiom  the  North  and  Mohawk  rivers,  and  their  comiexions  are 
there.  So  they  have  adoui)le  advantage  of  seeing  their  friends,  and  doing 
business  upon  more  advantageous  ])rinci|iies.  Vast  numbers  of  the  most 
leading  larmers  in  that  country,  have  assured  me  they  would  go  to  Albany 
in  preferance  to  Montrtjal,  if  it  took  them  three  days  longer.  I  am  con- 
fident that  the  commerce  which  would  flow  into  Albany,  through  the 
medium  of  this  road,  would  very  soon  reimburse  the  state  for  the  ex- 
pense. Those  who  live  on  our  own  side  of  the  river,  are  compelled  from 
necessity  to  trade  at  Montreal.  This  is  the  case  witli  myself  My  incli- 
ujition  is  to  trade  to  Albany,  but  it  is  impossible.  It  is  highly  political  to 
prevent  if  possible,  the  commerce  of  this  country  from  tidling  into  a  re- 
gular system  through  Montreal; for  when  people  once  form  mercantile 
connections,  it  is  vastly  difficult  to  divert  and  turn  the  current  into  anew 
ciinnnel.  1  see  no  rational  mode  but  having  the  road  cut,  to  secure  to 
Albany  so  desirable  an  object.  1  have  taken  the  liberty  of  stating  my 
25 


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HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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idcns  ii|)oii  tliis  «iil)j«!ct,  wliicli  iftlicy  «honl(l  riicct  3'oiirs,  I  trust  and  liopn 
yon  will  tiiku  siirli  steps im  will  scctiio  ii  littnctit  to  tlio  Ntato,  uh  well  as 
promote  tiie  iiilereHt  of  the  proprietors  ami  settU-rs. 

I  eaii  Itiit  iifl  siispieioiis  that  you  and  I  lotrmiui,  liavt;  RiifTered  nil  iinpoHi- 

tioii  ill  Mr. and  Mr. 'ssiirvciy.  1  slndl  iiientioii  tlie  ^jrounds  of 

my  siispieioii,  and  you  will  lie  able  to  draw  your  own  roneliisioiiH.     Somo 

short  time   hetbru  Mr. had  finished  his  part  of  tiie  survey,  1   hud 

it  hinted  to  meticit 's  work  was  all  wroii}.'.     Not  many  days  after, 

Mr.  came  to  my  plaee,  when  I  meiitioiuMi  the  matter  to  him.     lie 

told  iim  he  had  iiinierstood  soiiietliinj;  of  the  matter,  upon  whieh  I  tnid 
liiiii  it  was  his  business  to  asoertaiii  tlio  faet,  and  as  an  honest  man,  mnku 

you  anpiainted   with   tlie  business  early  eiiou<;h  to  prevent 's  ni- 

ceivin;;  his  pay.  Tliis  I  told  iiiiii  was  not  a  business  that  immediately 
coneerned  ini!,  but  I  would  not  be  in  the  knowledfre  of  these  tliinjis  wiih- 
oiit  commimicatini;  them,  and  lie  mi<;ht  take  ids  ehoico  of  doin^'  it  him- 
self, or  1  would  do  it  for  him.  A  day  or  two  after  he  eamo  to  me,  and 
ufl'eeted  to  bo  very  iiiucli  distrossed,  and  wanted  my  advice;  tiiatiie  was 

confident was  n  villain,  and  much  feared  he  should  bo  involved 

witii  him.     I  told  him  to  fjet  two  surveyors,  go  into  the  woods,  and  take 

with  them,  examine  the  lines  he, ,  had  run,  as  well  as  the 

lines  jriveii  him  to  lay  out  his  work  from,  and  if  his  work  was  tiilse,  con- 
vict him  of  it  upon  the  snot;  then  let  these  surveyors  certify  the  fact,  and 
then  write  you  a  letter  fully  upon  the  subjtjct,  and  inclose  the  certificate. 

This  was  done.     The  surveyors  and told  me  they  had  never  seen 

such  iiifhmoiiH  work  done  by  any  body  wlio  had  the  smallest  pretensions 
of  heiiij;  a  surveyor.     Tiicy  very  particularly  exumined  the  line  giv^n  iiini 

to  lay  off  his  work  from,  and  found  that  right.    wrote  you  a  letter 

upon  this  subject,  which  I  made  him  sliow  me,  also  the  certificate,  botji 
of  which  he  promised  to  forward  iinme<liately.  I  liuvo  no  doubt  u|)()ii 
my  mind  ho  would  have  done  it,  for  there  never  were  two  men  who  ex- 
ecrated each  other  more  than  they  have,  or  appeared  to  be  greater  ene- 
mies, and  1  never  was  more  surprised  than  to  hear  that  they  met  by  mu- 
tual agreement  at  tlie  St.  Itegis  village,  and  travelled  on  to  Albany  togeth- 
er, and  found  no  diffKMilty  in  making  up  u  very  good  survey,  and  getting 
their  ))ay,  and  have  now  gone  to  N.  Y.  for  another  job  of  surveying.  No 
alteration  has  taken  ])iace  in  the  lines  since  they  were  examined  and  if 

they  were  wrong  then,  tiiey  certainly  are  wrong  now.     How  Mr. 

reconciles  this  business,  I  cannot  very  well  see.  1  should  have  been  hap- 
pier to  have  given  this  information  earlier." 

During  the  fall  of  1800,  Mr.  Ford  was  visited  by  Goiiverneiir  Morris, 
on  a  tour  to  sec  his  northern  lands,  and  wrote: — "  I  have  done  all  I  could 
to  add  to  his  accommodation,  but  that  has  been  so  trifling  it  scarce  de- 
serves a  name ;  for  tliere  was  no  accommodation  which  he  had  not  with 
him.  He  travels  in  the  style  of  an  eastern  prince."  In  this  season,  a 
fulling  mill  was  got  in  operation,  and  kettles  for  making  potash  were 
brought  on  at  great  expense.  In  the  summer  of  1801,  Edsall  was  em- 
ployed to  survey  a  road  through  to  the  Black  river,  which  was  completed 
in  September.  It  was  intended  to  run  to  the  High  falls,  but  he  found  that 
afler  leaving  the  Ox  Bow,  "  he  came  to  a  most  intolerably  swampy 
and  ridgy  ground,  growing  worse  anu  worse  as  he  progressed,  and  before 
he  reached  the  fulls  became  so  perfectly  confident  of  the  impracticability 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


393 


ofn  i(Ki(l  ns  woll  ns  tlio  imposHihility  "f  Hfttlcnioiit,  timt  ho  almiidotiniltlie 
idcii."  'J'liis  Hiiivi!}!)!-  loiik  n  ('(iiitnict  ol'cdiitiiiuiiij;  tlic  roud  (ioiii  l.oiiis- 
villo  to  tho  eaHt  braiicli  of  lilnc-k  lake,  (OMNvrpitciiii;)  and  arran^'eiiieiitH 
wen;  iiiado  for  fxtcndiiij,' it  on  to  tin,  l.onj;  lidl.«,  (now  Cartliaj,'!*,  JeffbrHoti 
(•((untj-,)  to  intoiscct  tiic  road  ll)ioii;;li  the  15lack  river  conntry,  tlien  nltoiit 
iicinfr  laid  out  by  Jacob  J{n)wn.  At  thin  tiino  a  project  was  on  loot  of 
opening  n  road  tbronj,di  to  Srinoon  lake,  in  tho  direction  of  Albany,  but 
tiio  rongiinenH  of  tho  coinitiy,  as  l!)und  of  I'dsall's  survey,  deterred  for  ft 
time,  tho  proHeeution  of  this  plan.  The  road  towards  ]Jlaek  river,  was 
so  far  eleared  of  underbrush  during  the  fail,  that  it  was  resolvcMJ  to  at- 
tempt the  joiu-ney  through  by  sleigh  as  soon  as  the  snows  permitted. 
Mr.  r.  was  strong  in  the  faith  that  before  tho  next  sunnnor  ho  woidd  have 
a  road  that  should  bo  drove  with  loaded  wafrons,  and  added:  "  I  have  no 
idea  of  putting  up  with  sueli  a  thing  as  they  liavo  luaile  through  Chatenu- 
gay,  which  scarcely  deserves  the  natno  of  an  apology  for  a  road."  Lato 
in  this  season  the  arrival  of  a  vessel  from  Oswego,  witii  I'^O  bbis  of  salt, 
was  recorded  as  a  nu.Muorablo  event, 

Tlie(;rectioii  of  a  new  county  was  prosecuted  with  zeal,  and  in  r»Iarch, 
18C2,  was  huccessfidly  accomplished.  Mr.  Ford  thus  wrote  to  S.  Ogden, 
concerning  the  first  session  of  tiic  county  court: 

"  Wc  had  a  respectable  grand  jury,  and  a  luimcrous  nmlience,  and  tho 
business  of  the  day  was  goiu;  tlirough  with   toleralih^  |)roprit!ty.     I  was 
iiiucli  disappoinleil  in   I'jdsali's  not  l)i;ing  in-re.     1  however  hroiight  Ibr- 
wari!  my  propositions  respecting  the  court  house, and  siiould  liavo  gone 
through  it  tolerably  well,  but  'furner  and  Tibbets,  with  the  assistance  of 
n  Mr.  l'"oote,  who  lives  in  Canton,  rather  seemed  to  think  it  had  nitherbe 
l)ut  off.     1  di<l  not  think  it  good  jiolicy  to  urge  the  thing,  and  make  i)arty 
at  that  |)articular  time.     This  is  of  too  much  importance  to  be  omitted  a 
moment,     [lieflccfions  u|)on  the  personal  motives  o(  certain  parties  omit- 
ted, in  which  the  interests  of  other  localities  for  securing  tho  coimlyseat, 
are  surmised.]     If  we  can  preserve  harmony  in  the  county,  it  will  be  tho 
hotter  way.  but  if  it  is  reiluced  to  a  ccM'tainty  that  we  are  to  be  opposed,  J  am 
determined  to  take  the  field,  and  we  will  try  our  strength.     1  would  wish 
to  try  all  other  means  first.     This  Idler  and   oin-  determination,  ought  to 
be  kept  a  profound  xecrcl,  and  let  ns  |)ursue  the  same  J'rmulsUp  which 
they  afRict  towards  us;  if  wc;  take  them  uj)on  their  own  ground,  wo  may 
have  a  chance  to  fight  them  with  their  own  weajjons,  but  to  do  this  with 
cfi'ect,  caution  on  our  part  is  necessary,     *     *     *     Von  must  let  me  hear 
ns  early  as  possible,  for  tho  board  of  supervisors  nnist  meet  shortly,  to  fix 
nliont  iei):iiring  tho  jail,  and   this  can  not  be  done  f()r  less  than  jCJUO.     It 
will  be  poor  ])olicy  to  tax  the  county  that  s"'ii,  in  addition,  f()r  a  thing 
that  ultimaU^ly  will  bo  lost,  and  at  this  particular  time,  I  do   not  think  it 
)iractica!)le  lor  the  county  to  jiay  it;  for  wheat  and  flour  have  no  market 
at  Montreal,  and  the  |)eo[il(!  have  nothing  that  will  bring  money      Tho 
policy  of  the  county  ought  to  be  tho  strictest  economy,  and  make  the 
tuxes  as  light  as  possible;  Ibr  nothing  scares  peo|)le  like  taxes,  and  par- 
ticularly in  a  new  country.     A  man  will  be  hardly  willing  to  (.'migrate  to 
a  new  country  where  his  litt'c  all  is  subject  to  be  sold  for  taxes. 


^1 

''  ^'] 


mi' 


m   -t 


h" 


m  ' : ; 


394 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


There  is  n  ciirioiia  circumstance  about  the  law  which  ])erhaps  it  is  not 
btst  to  say  any  tiiinjr  alwnt  at  itrescnt,  and  which  I  atn  confident  I  am 
not  mistaken  in,  and  Turner  stood  by  me  wiien  the  law  passed,  and  he  is 
confident  of  the  same  tiiinfr.  Tiie  bill  as  first  re [mrted.  fixed  the  plnceof 
tiie  court  house  here.  That  part  was  amended,  and  it  was  left  with 
ilie  judges  and  supervisors  to  fix  the  spot.  IJut  the  bill  now  says,  "  to  he 
left  to  the  future  order  of  the  legislature."  Another  thing  in  the  bill, — 
the  time  of  opening  the  court  was  on  the  Qd  Tuesday  of  June ;  the  bill  now 
says  the  1st  Tuesday.  Tiu-ner  and  myself  both  stood  by,  and  our  atten- 
tion was  necessarily  fixed  on  the  bill,  but  we  neither  of  us  can  remem- 
ber any  sucii  arnr!ndments.  IIow  they  have  since  ibund  their  way  into 
the  bill  I  do  not  imderstand.  As  we  now  must  apply  to  the  legislature 
to  fix  the  ])lace,  it  makea  it  necessary  that  we  should  be  as  luianinioiis 
as  possible.  If  we  are,  and  apply,  there  is  no  doubt  but  we  can  succeed. 
Edsall  has  be.  ;i  from  home  these  four  weeks;  what  has  become  of  him, 
I  do  not  know, — I  fear  some  accident.  I  met  with  him  at  the  Little 
falls,  and  mentioned  my  plan  to  him,  which  he  approved.  I  have  delayed 
doing  any  thing  very  pointed,  because  he  was  not  here.  The  season  thus 
far  has  been  tlie  wettest  and  most  backward  of  any  known  in  the  coun- 
try.   Wheat  has  no  market  at  Montreal,  neither  has  any  thing  else." 

In  a  letter  to  T.  L.  Ogdcn  on  the  subject  of  taxes  he  said: 

"  It  is  of  all  consecpience  that  taxes  be  ke|)t  out  of  view  as  much  as 
possible,  and  a  tax  of  £109  in  addition  to  those  which  must  be  raised  for 
other  purposes,  would  when  all  put  together  he  more  to  each,  than  any 
man  within  the  county  ever  paid  in  his  life,  let  him  come  from  whatever 
part  of  the  world  he  might,  I  need  not  tell  you  the  iiifiiience  this  would 
have  upon  the  mind  as  well  as  pockets  of  ull  the  settlers,  and  also  the 
influence  it  would  have  upon  those  who  contemplated  emigating  to  the 
county. 

It  is  too  obvious  to  need  the  smallest  obse,  ation ;  for  there  can  be  none 
but  will  readily  believe  the  emigration  would  very  soon  be  from,  instead  of 
into,  the  country.  You  will  most  undoubtedly  agree  with  me  in  opinion, 
that  all  measures  ought  to  be  pursuefl  which  will  have  a  tendency  to 
promote  and  encourage  settlement.  This  I  take  to  be  a  primary  object 
with  all  those  who  possess  lands  within  the  county,  fiorn  which  they 
expert  to  draw  resource.  Whilst  I  am  u|)on  the  sid)ject  of  taxes,  I  can  not 
omit  mentioning  one  circumstance  which  applies  forcibly  to  this  country, 
and  is  one  which  reijuires  address  and  management  in  the  afTairs  of  the 
county  to  obviate  its  effects,  and  this  arises  from  our  proximity  to 
Canada,  where  the  taxes  are  very  small,  and  scarce  deserve  a  name. 
People  will  be  drawing  a  parrallel,  and  when  they  fuul  the  taxes  upon 
this  side  of  the  river  to  be  so  nuich  higher  than  upon  the  other,  I  fear 
it  will  be  diflicidt  to  exj)laiii  away  the  eflirts  which  may  be  produciid. 
The  taxes  last  year  were  three  times  as  high  on  this  side  of  the  river,  as 
they  were  u|)on  the  other.  I  however  explained  the  thing  away  very 
jnuch  in  my  settlement.  People  however  talked  and  affected  not  to  see 
what  couhl  make  the  difleren  .  Our  taxes  now  of  course  must  he 
fiomething  higher,  but  if  things  aie  judiciously  managed,  1  hope  taxation 
will  be  circumscribed  so  as  net  to  be  oppres.sive.  Many  difiicidties  have 
this  long  time  presented  themselves  to  my  mind  upon  those  subjects,  but 
never  so  forcibly  as  they  have  since  my  r(!turn  home;  and  upon  mature 
deliberation  I  concluded  to  make  the  following  propositions,  and  if  the 
county  thought  proper  to  accept  the  offer,  I  woidd  set  about  the  court 
bonne  and  jail,  and  before  this  timt^  next  year,  I  would  have  a  room  for 


m 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIES. 


395 


the  court,  and  also  one  jail  room  fitted,  and  tlie  whole  should  be  finished 
as  soon  as  possible,  and  not  repair  the  barracks. 

ProposUhn. — That  every  person  should  sij^n  in  wheat,  as  many  bush- 
els as  they  thouf,'ht  proper, — to  bo  paid  in  wheat,  delivered  at  our  mill,  in 
the  following  manner.  J  in  Feb.,  i  in  the  Feb.  followinj,',  and  J  the  next 
Feb.  The  house  to  be  set  upon  the  east  side  of  the  Oswegatchie  river. 
Ogden  and  Ford  would  subscribe  !$1000,  take  the  wheat  subscription 
upon  themselves,  and  go  on  and  finish  the  building  at  once.  The  coun- 
ty was  very  mucli  disposed  to  take  the  offer,  and  very  properly  conclud- 
ed that  they  could  never  get  a  house  upon  so  good  terms,  but  Tibbets 
Turner  and  Footo,  threw  cold  water  upon  it,  and  I  did  not  think  proper 
to  lu-ge  the  thing.  Their  opposition  did  not  extend  beyond  their  own 
settlement,  and  many  of  </iejn  thought  the  offer  too  generous  to  be  slight- 
ed." 

In  a  confidential  letter  of  August  8, 1802,  the  fear  was  expressed,  that 
some  i)roject  was  on  foot  to  extend  the  county  back  to  the  height  of  land, 
in  which  case  the  court  house  would  undoubtedly  fall  in  the  great  pur 
ciiase,  or  of  dividing  it  by  a  line  from  the  rear  to  the  river. 

On  the  18t'i  of  Sept.,  1802,  he  wrote  concerning  the  road. 

"I  have  got  all  the  worst  places  cross-wayed;  and  to  convince  you  I 
have  effected  something  like  a  road,  a  waggju  ftom  the  Mohawk  river 
came  tbrougii  to  Ogdensburg  with  me.  I  do  not  mean  to  tell  you  it  is 
at  tiiis  minute  a  p;ood  waggon  road,  but  before  cold  weather,  I  intend  it 
siiall  be  so.  1  have  finished  tiie  brid'je  over  the  east  branch,  (now 
Heuvelton),  and  a  most  conjpleto  one  it  is;  there  are  few  so  good  in  any 
of  our  old  counties." 

During  this  season,  vigorous  efforts  were  made  to  collect  materials 
for  the  com-t  house.  Ou  the  12th  of  Nov.,  1802,  he  wrote  concerning 
the  settlement: 

"  Emigration  this  year  has  universally  been  less  than  it  has  been  for 
several  years  past,  au't  this  I  imjiute  to  the  sudden  fall  of  produce,  in 
consequence  of  the  peace  From  the  high  price  of  produce,  land  in  our 
old  settled  country  was  proportionate,  and  lands  not  ex|)eriencing  the 
same  sudden  fall  are  still  kept  up  by  thode  who  meant  to  sell  and  emi- 
grate; but  the  neighi)or  who  meant  to  buy  does  not  think  he  can  (in 
consequence  of  the  fall  of  produce),  pay  the  price  he  expected  he  could, 
and  the  consequence  is,  the  man  does  not  sell,  and  as  consequently  does 
not  emigrate.  But  this  is  a  thing  which  will  regulate  itself,  and  emigra- 
tion must  soon  go  on  with  its  usual  rapidity;  for  1  can  not  learn  there 
are  any  less  children  got  in  New  England  now,  than  there  were  when 
wheat  was  three  dollars  per  bushel,  and  it  is  cfpudly  necessary  that 
yankecs  swarm  as  it  is  for  the  bees.  We  are  getting  ou  with  our  settle- 
ment, I  have  got  three  settlers  out  upon  the  new  road,  fifteen  miles  from 
this,  and  several  intend  going.  I  hope  to  have  the  road  a  good  one,  I 
mean  to  have  it  in  my  power  to  say  it  is  by  far  the  best  new  road  I  ever 
saw  in  a  new  country." 

The  lumber  trade,  although  often  a  source  of  loss  at  times,  contitmed 
to  be  prosecuted,  and  one  or  two  rafts  were  sent  annually  to  Montreal. 


■  It 


"    !     IS 
"11 


396 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


I 


On  the  10th  of  July,  1804,  Mr.  Ford  wrote  to  Ogden  coiiccriiiiig  his 
raft,  &c. : 

"  Slie  ffiilcd  Vf stprdaj'  witli  flniir,  potash,  ])PnrI  barley,  boarfis  and  plniiK, 
nil  of  w'liich  I  toar  will  <io  to  a  (lull  inarkut,  but  this  is  a  tiite  attending 
doing  business.  We  must  hope  for  bettor  times,  and  be  the  more  in- 
dustrious. 1  found  our  business  at  home  in  as  good  a  train  as  1  could 
expect.  The  diflieulty  of  procin-ing  labor  in  this  country  is  unusually 
great.  The  high  |)rice  of  hunber  last  year,  was  such  as  to  induce  almost 
every  body  to  drive  at  that  business,  which  takes  off  all  the  surplus 
labor  this  year.  In  old  times,  '  iiil  the  world  went  up  to  Jerusalem  to  be 
taxed,'  l)ut  in  modern  days  ail  the  world  go  to  JMontreal  with  raits,  which 
if  lam  not  mistaken  will  prove  a  heavier  tax  to  them,  than  the  old  tiihes 
peofjle  experienced  at  Jerusalem.  I  have;  got  our  tanning  business  under 
way;  W(!  shall  mak(!  about  two  hundred  hides.  1  find  the  maul  have 
employed  in  the  business  to  be  very  industi'ioiis,  and  ho[)e  we  shall  find 
the  business  to  answer.  Hince  my  arrival  1  have  determined  to  set  a 
still  at  work.  I  have  employed  a  man  who  has  the  reputation  of  b(;ing 
clever  at  the  distilling  business.  I  have  sent  to  Albany  tor  a  still  of  loO 
gallons,  and  a  rectifier  of  50  gallons.  The  size  of  these  I  imagine  is  as 
profitable  as  any.  At  all  events  I  do  not  wish  to  di|)  too  deep  bef()re  [ 
make  the  experiment.  I  broujtht  in  three  masons  from  Troy  t)  work  at 
the  coiu't  house,  and  I  hope  to  see  the  chimney  above  the  roof  to-morrow 
or  next  day  at  fm-therest.  My  intention  is  to  hold  our  Novend)er  term 
in  the  house.  Alter  getting  through  this  and  the  two  foregoing  objects, 
I  intend  laying  aside  all  furth(3r  considerations  in  the  building  way,  until 
we  find  ore,  exetjpt  it  be  to  build  a  house,  which  I  intend  shall  be  of 
stone.  1  can  not  consent  to  live  in  thosi!  old  barracks  nnich  longer,  and 
the  groundwork  of  this  lid)ric  I  intend  shall  be  lai<l  next  summer.  1 
found  a  mimber  of  setlleis  bad  got  on  before  my  return.  I  have  s(dd 
several  farms  since,  and  a  nmubiir  more  are  intending  to  |)m'chase,  but 
moiK^y  they  havt;  not.  I  can  plainly  |)erceive,  there  will  not  a  gri'at 
length  of  time  elapse  before  u  race  of'  people  will  come  along  who  will 
jjurchase  improvements." 

On  the  17th  of  Nov.,  1804,  he  wrote:  "This  season  iiaa  passed  away 
without  hearing  a  word  from  you.  Why  you  are  thus  silent  I  do  not 
know.  I  told  you  in  my  last  1  was  jogging  away  at  the  court  liouse,  and 
now  1  have  tht!  ]>leasure  to  tell  you  1  have  compl(;ted  it,  so  as  to  be  very 
condortable  and  eonveifient.  We  have  also  fmished  one  of  the  jails. 
The  Novendter  term  W".?  held  in  the  hoiis*?,  and  the  ))eople  of  the  cuunty 
expressed  much  satisfaction  in  finding  themselves  in  the  possession  of  so 
tniich  accomm<  liation.  It  has  been  a  pretty  tough  job  to  get  along  with 
it,  for  it  has  interfered  very  nuich  with  our  business,  but  1  hope  the  el- 
fect  will  be  to  put  an  end  to  any  court  house  dispute  in  the  county.  I 
have  had  the  certificates  regularly  filed  in  the  |)roper  otlice,  and  it  now 
becomes  the  coiut  house  and  jail  of  the  comity.  1  told  you  also  in  my 
former  letter,  I  was  about  S(!tling  up  a  distillery,  and  ui)on  examiifing  1 
fouiul  it  would  be  more  troidjie  to  convert  one  of  the  block  houses  into 
a  distillery  than  it  would  be  to  build  a  new  one;.  The  court  house  de- 
layed me  so  late  in  the  lidl  that  1  only  got  at  diMilling  a  finv  days  since. 
I  liope  we  shall  find  it  to  answer.  Our  tannery  w<;  shall  find  to  answer. 
The  man  whom  I  have;  employed  1  lind  to  be  very  industrious,  anil  a  good 
workman.  As  to  settlement,  that  progr(!sses,  but  not  with  the  same  ra- 
pidity which  some  other  |)art  of  the  county  doi's,  I  bavi;  made  a  nuin- 
ber  of  sales  this  full,  and  to  some  who  are  resjtectable  people;  uiid  one 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


397 


ins 


IIK, 

inir 


sale  I  linve  made  (wliicli  is  not  fully  onrnploted,  and  which  if  it  takes 
place,  which  I  do  not  dotd)t  at  present),  of  importance,  lor  it  is  to  a  man  who 
will  pay  half  the  money  next  sprin;.',  iuid  the  resi<hie  in  one  or  two  years. 
Ho  has  heen  over  the  land  and  likes  it  well,  and  also  the  conntry  g«'n- 
crally.  He  will  purchase  hetween  '2  and  IJ,000  acrtjs,  and  is  to  i;ive  $'» 
per  acre.  Should  this  sale  take  ()laco,  tlKin;  arc;  a  numher  of  men  of 
liandsome  iiro|)erty  in  Ulster  county  (from  whence  this  man  comes),  who 
will  also  purchase  and  remove  liere.  Although  om*  sales  are  not  rapid, 
we  shall  ultimately  do  hetterthan  those  who  are  jiressinir  off  their  lands 
at  the  price  they  are,  and  upon  so  lon;^  a  credit,  for  the  rise  of  lands  is 
much  more  advantajreous  to  us  than  their  intcirest  will  hi;  to  them.  In 
either  case  no  money  is  received.  Notliiujj:  has  heeii  done  or  is  doin;; 
ahout  the  road,  and  unless  tliere  is  a  different  conduct  auiong  tlie  pro- 
prietors there  will  not  he  by  me." 

The  subject  of  the  road  to  the  Mohawk,  was  never  lost  sight  of  until 
accomplished,  which  was  done  by  a  law  of  April  9,  1804,  in  which  a 
lottery  was  created,  for  the  purpose  of  raising  ,s*i2,000,  with  10  i)er  cent 
in  addition  for  expenses,  to  construct  a  road  from  Troy  to  Greenwiclu 
Washington  county,  and  from  or  near  the  head  of  the  Long  falls  on  lilack 
river,  (Carthage),  in  the  county  of  Oneida,  to  the  mills  of  Nathan  Ford, 
at  Oswegatchie,  in  St.  Lawrence  county.  The  latter  was  to  he  six  rods 
wide,  and  Nathan  Ford,  Alexander  J.  Turner,  and  Jose|)h  Edsall,  were 
appointed  commissioners  for  making  it.  Owners  of  improved  lands 
might  require  payment  for  damages.  $12,000  of  the  above  sum  was  ap- 
propriated for  this  road.  If  any  person  thought  proper  to  advance  money 
for  either  road,  he  might  pay  it  into  the  treasury,  to  be  rej)aid  with  in- 
terest out  of  the  avails  of  the  lottery.  Vacancies  in  the  office  of  com- 
missioners were  to  be  filleil  by  the  governor.  They  were  to  be  paid 
$I"50  per  day.  The  summer  of  1805  was  devoted  to  the  location  and 
opening  of  the  road,  and  on  the  SUtli  of  October,  1805,  Judge  Ford 
wrote : 

"  I  have  just  returned  from  laying  out  the  state  road  between  Ofc- 
denshnrgh  and  the  Long  falls  upon  Black  river,  and  I  am  happy  to  tell 
yon  we  liave  great  alterations  (from  the  old  road),  lor  the  b(!tter,  as  well 
also  as  shortening  distance.  This  business  took  me  nine  days,  and  most 
of  the  time  it  was  stormy,  disagreeable  weather.  The  difficulty  I  fmd 
in  fornfing  a  plan  how  om*  lottery  money  can  be  laid  out  to  the  best 
advantage,  makes  me  wish  for  some  abler  head  than  mine,  to  consult,  or 
those  with  whom  I  am  associated  in  the  commission.  To  contract  by 
the  mile  is  very  dilHcidt,  and  to  contract  I)y  the  job,  comprehending  the 
whole  distance,  is  still  worse.  After  consulting  and  turning  the  business 
in  alt  the  ways  and  shapes  it  is  capable  of,  1  proposed  to  my  colleague 
the  propriety  of  employing  a  man  of  ri;i)Utation,  who  had  weight  of 
character  equal  to  the  procuring  of  thirty  good  hands  to  be  paid  by  the 
month,  and  he  to  siqterintend  the  business.  Tiie  superintendent  to  be 
handsomely  paid,  and  he  to  carry  on  and  condiKM  the  business  under  the 
direction  of  the  commissioners.      This  i)lan  we  have  adopted,  and  I 


if! 

11 


W  H 


Ml 


■-M4- 


398 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWBENCE 


Ul-  i    L'S 


trust  I  liiivn  foiiiid  a  iiinii  wlio  is  iiilly  a(lr(|iiato  to  tlic  task,*  and  vc 
eliall  make  our  (MifiagomentK  to  licjiiii  on  tlio  'JStli  of  May.     I  liopt;  no- 
tliiii!;  will  intcrt'eiB  wliifli  will  obstruct  our  profircsKJ!!!:.     I  am  sorry  to 
eay  I  am  not  wliolly  without  my  foarf,  altlionjili  1  durst  not  wlii8|)cri<iicli 
an  idea.     Von  would  ln'  astonished  to  see  how  mneli  ])ains  are  t.iken  to 
counteract  this  ohjeel,  liy  those  who  are  st!tding  lamls  to  the  east  of  us; 
and  you  would  lie  etiually  astonished  to  see  the  exertion  there   is  now 
niakiiifr  to  f;et  roads  in  ('very  <lireetion  to  lake  Cliani|ilain.     Their  exer- 
tion is  l)y  no  means  fruitless,  for  they  have  worked  throu^ih  with  several. 
This  I  liowever  am  happy  to  see;  notwitlistandin>r  it  produces  to  us  a 
temporary  evil,   will  eventually  be  a  thin;:-  which  can  not  liiil  to  pro- 
duce to  us  solid  advantafics;  because  throujih   these  avenues,  we  shall 
idtimately  reap  as  <>'reat  advantages  as  they  will.     All  that  can  be  said  of 
the  tliiufj  i.-<,  they  are  enjoyin^r  the  first  liuits.     There  is  not  nowscar<:ely 
a  town  in  tin;  rear  of  us  (in  iM..ct)mb's  jireat  purchase),  but  what  is  open 
for  sale,  and  iiavt;  agents  now  on,  that  trumpet  those  lands  to  be  the 
finest  in  the  world;  and  these  agents  being  yaidic.'es,  who  have  connex- 
ions in  the  eastern  slates,  have  tinned  (he  most  ot'  emigration  that  way. 
Those  lands  are  intinitely  better,  generally  speaking,  than  W(!  ever  bad 
on  idea  o\',  and  the  very  low  pi  ice  they  are  held  at,  induce  vast  numbers 
to  stop  at  them,  notwithstanding  their  original  intentions  were  otherwise. 
But  it  IS  a  tiict,  that  nine-tenths  of  tin;  liist  emigrants  enquire  lor  cheap 
lands,  and  the  reason  for  their  so  doing,  is  because  they  «;.\pect  to  sell 
their  improvements,  and  jog  liirtlier.     'J'hose  agents  cry  ilown  the  trout 
lands  as  a  poor,  sunken  and  fever  and  ague  country,  and  that  lands  have 
got  to  their  value,  and  a  thousand  other  stories,  equally  tiilse  and  ridicu- 
lous.    These  together  (or  some  one  of  them),  have  the  eflect  to  divert 
the  iinware  t<"  v(;ler.     Hy  the  dexterity  of  those  fellows  in  llio  east,  anil 
the  Black  river  jockeys  to  the  west  (whose  brains  are  eipially  inventive), 
they  really  have  the  elfcct  to  make  our  settlement  interior.     Were  1  to 
attempt  to  give  you  any  adeipiate  idea  of  the  means  made  use  of,  to 
divert  and  keep  back  seitlements  upon  the  river  towns,  by  these  jieople, 
I  should  exhaust  all  my  ingenuity,  and  then  tidi  vastly  short  of  the  objecl. 
Sutiice  it  to  say,  that  no  stone  is  left  unturned  ;  but  however  iniicli  it  may 
avail  them  for  the  present,  its  duration  must  be  short.     The  patroon  hav- 
ing sto|»ped  the  sales  in  Lisbon  and  Canton,  has  be(!n  of  great  injury  to 
us,  because  it  has  eiiablcMl  the  people  I  have  just  described,  to  assert  that 
the  sales  ol"  the  river  lands  are  stopped,  and   this  bus  prevented  many 
from  coming  on  to  view  lands  in  our  town.     Finding  that  every  species 
of  foul  play  is  pi-actiscd  against  us,  I  liave  thought  it  good  jtolicy  to  send 
u  man  (who  is  very  well  (|ualiHc<l),  to  that  part  ot  Vermont  from  whence 
the  greatest  emigration  to  this  country  comes,  to  make  a  true  statement 
of  the  country,  and  lessen  the  l()ice  of  misrepresentation,  by  ex|iosiiig 
the  tiaud  jiractised  ii|)on  the<'rediility  of  those  who  seek  a  better  country. 
I  have  also  authorizel  liini,  alter  lindingoiit  ])roper  influential  characters, 
to  privately  as.-iire  them,  il'  they  come  on  and   purchase,  ai<d  use  their 
influence  to  induce  others  to  follow  them,  1  will  make  it  a  consideration, 
which  shall  be  to  Ihcm  an  object.     1  have  also  employed  another,  who 
lives  beyond  the  mountains,  near  the  borders  of  New  Hampshire,  in  the 
same  business,  and  my  deterinination  is  to  show  those  lellows  wlio  have 
taken  so  much  |)ains  to  prevent  our  town  liom  settling,  that  it  can  be 
done.    31y  time  lieretofore  Una  been  so  much  occupied  willi  our  business, 


*  Duvid  Sc-yinour,  of  Spnnatield,  VI.,  the  fullier  of  Ooorge  N,  Seymour,   llsq.,  of  Ugd«iu- 
Uurgli 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


399 


mill  my  winters  so  wliolly  tiiken   up  in  cnrrvinjj  ont  mensnrps  with  the 
li;;:islutiir(s  timt  1  imve  not  liiul  it  in  my  power  to  traveiKC  tiie  ciisterii 
stiituH,  and  nioct  tlioso  agents  there,  and  havt;  an  o|)portnni»v  to  do  away 
tlicir  misrepresentations.     Tliere  are  a  nnmljerofiieoph',  wno  iiave  heen 
oil  tiicir  way  to  me  (aw  iiascronie  to  my  i\nowh;djre),  who  have  heen  turned 
aside  by  tliese  i'eilows.     'I'iieir  ".visii  was  to  settle   upon  tiio   lands  near 
tli(!  court  house.     Wiien  thry  have  mentioned  this,  they  have  heen  confi- 
(ItMitially  told  tlicre  is  no  cjurt  house  in  tiic  coimty  estalilihhed  hy  author- 
ity, and  that  tli(!re  is  no  lik.dihood  of  tiie  thini;  ht.'inj:  suiistantially  fixed 
here;  hut  tii;it  their  lands  are  in  tlu;  centre  of  tlie  county,  and  that  there 
is  no  doid)t  Imt  it  will  he;  tiiere.     Tliey  have  caught  many  hy  this  stratn- 
{zein.     I  should  not  he  surprised  it'  tiiere  should  he  an  attcm|it  to  make 
u  iiuh-hub  ahout  ihc^  court  lioii.->«;;  hut  I  hope  1  have  guarded  that  at  all 
jioints,  so  €-18  to  haflh:  llieir  designs.     Envy  and  jealousy  are  very  con- 
spicuous concerning  the  court  house,  and  you  would  he  surprised  to  s(;e 
liow  much  jiains  hav(!  heiin  taken  to  turn  all  the  eastern  roads  fi-om  our 
town,     'lliis  I  have  lookt'd  at,  without  its  heiug  known  that  I   have  ob- 
served it,  and  when  thi-y  had  got  the  whole  fixed  very  much   to  their 
minds,  and  as  they  sup|)osed,  so  as  to  kee|)  the  whole  emigration  interior. 
When  the  hoard  of  supervisors  set,  I  [Jioposed  to  them  to  appro|)riate  a 
sinu  of  money  for  the  purpose  of  opening  si  road  from  the  east  branch 
bridge  to  the  northeast  line  of  Canton,  t()r  the  purpose  of  accommodat- 
ing that  part  of  the  counly  with  a  road  which  would  felcli  them  to  the 
court   hous«!  six  miles  nearer  than  any  other  way ;  and  as  that  interior 
country  was  rapidly  settling,  I  thought  it  the  duly  of  the  board  to  fiicili- 
tate  their  communication  with   the   court   house    as   much   as  jiossible. 
This  idea  the  board  fell  in  with,  and  we  iiave  ajipropriated  between 
tliree  and  four  hundred  dollars  to  that  object,  and  in  drawing  the  reso- 
lution, I  have  taken  care  to  word  it  in  such  a  way  as  will  run  the  road, 
not  only  so  as  to  make  the  above  accommodation,  but  also  so  as  to  strike 
their  main   road,  at  a  point  which  will  exactly  embrace  all  their  other 
roads,  liy  which  we  shall  open  an  avenue  through  that  ])art  of  oin-  pur- 
cliiise  in  Dewitt  (now  a  part  of  Russell),  and  give  n  full  chance  for  those 
who  wish  to  settle  at  Ogdcnshiirgh.     This  stroke  has  <listnrl)ed  much  of 
tiieir  |)lans,  and  1  suppose  the  board  will  have  to  sufTer  a  little  slander 
for  ajipropriating  public  money  for  the  public  accommodation  against 
their  local  interest.     We  shall  have  the  commissioner.s  out  this  fall,  and 
have  the  road  laid  am)  recorded,  and  if  j)ossible,  iiave  it  tipened.     Alter 
we  get  it  rccord(;d,  it  will  be  ont  of  their  |)ower  (under  present  circum- 
stanccs),  to  get  it  altered,  and  thi>  is  what  they  fiiar.     IMiich  pains  were 
taken  last  \ear,  to  have  a  suflicient  number  of  towns  set  ofJ",  foi-  the  pur- 
Tiose  of  ov(;rbalancing  the  board  of  supervisors.     This  tli<;y  failed  in.    I 
fijicsee  that  much  jarring  interest  and  local  consideration  will  com|)el 
lis  to  .'iiect  that  dissension  which  all  new  counties  have   experienced 
bcl<)rc  us.    It  is  a  tiitality  incident  to  luiman  nature,  and  we   must  not 
expect  to  lie  exempt  fi'om  it. 

1  am  liaj.ny  to  tell  you,  we  have  got  the  cast  branch  bridge  finished, 
and  1  tliiiik  it  is  not  such  a  one  as  will  get  away  as  soon  as  the  ot!ier  did.* 
In  my  former  letter  1  told  you  I  had  lu;en  obliged  to  rebuild  the  lower 
side  of  our  d  im.  The  li-ost  had  so  injured  it  that  it  would  not  do  to  risk 
it  another  wintcyr.  Tiiis  ,ias  been  u  heavy  job.  This,  together  with  the 
bridge,  repaiiMig  the  two  houses  in  town,  and  our  ordinary  business,  has 
fbiiiid  vent  f()r  all  the  money  J  have  lieeii  able  to  muster.  The  want  of 
capital  obliges  us  to  carry  on  business  to  a  great  disadvantage.     If  we 

*  The  bridite  at  ihi»  \\Ace  had  teen  swept  ufl'  in  a  rrtehet 


«&V' 


I: . .  *■ 

•''    ','■ ''!?! 

i^  i  'I 


:,<  vi; 


KM';- 


r-  ■ 


(1 


400 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Imd  capital  siifliciont  to  open  Itiisincss  upon  such  n  scale  as  tlie  sitiintion 
of  this  place  is  eapahle  of,  we  could  \\  itiioiit  doubt  make  tiie  hiisiiicsH 
^illppol•t  it»(  If;  but  iiiider  iIk^  proeiit  ciiciiinstaiices  it  moves  ieebly  in 
comparison  to  tlie  dead  capital.  1  bopt-  we  sliall  not  always  stand  at 
the  same  |)oint.  Von  doubtlc^sis  recollect  the  letter  yon  wrote  me  last 
fall  npnn  tlie  subject  of  «  cler^'vman  beiu;^  sent  hei'e  under  the  direction 
of  the  bishop.  That  letter  I  answered  fully,  in  which  I  statcul  the  teeliiif;.s 
and  wishes  of  the  settlers.  J  also  mentioni.'d  to  them  the  measiu'es  pur- 
suinjr  by  tln^m  to  obtam  a  cliMfryman  of  their  own  persuasion,  i  als^o 
Slated  my  opinion  as  to  the  policy  of  attempting'  to  m(j;e,  or  in  any  way 
to  direct  their  wishes  in  this  matter.  To  that  letter  1  would  bej,'  leave 
to  refer  you.  Finding,'  them  determiniMl  to  iret  one  of  the  Presbyterian 
order,  and  their  minds  bein;;'  fully  bent  upon  that  object,  I  concluded  it 
was  proper  tijr  me  not  to  oppose,  but  tidi  in  with  their  views,  and  take 
sucli  u  lead  in  the  business  as  to  prevent  their  ^rettiuff  some  poor  charac- 
ter who  wonlil  p;'obably  be  a  harm  rather  than  adviuitajre  to  the  settle- 
ment. Umler  tins  impression  I  have  united  with  them  in  giving  a  call 
to  a  Mr.  Younglove,  a  gentleman  of  edncntion  and  abilities,  anil  who  has 
been  the  first  tutor  of  the  college  at  Schenectada  tor  three  years.*  Ilia 
recommendations  are  highly  honorable.  ll(!  has  spent  six  weeks  with 
us,  but  has  now  returned  to  his  Iriends  in  Washington  comity,  and  ex- 
pects to  be  I)!ick  in  February.  I  have  suggested  to  him  the  idea  of  taking 
the  charge  ot  an  aca<lemy  Jicre.  An  institution  I  make  no  scruple  will 
answer  well,  fo''  there  is  no  such  thing  in  Canada  short  of  Montreal.  If 
I  can  succeed  in  elTecting  this  object,  which  at  present  I  make  no  donht 
of,  it  will  be  the  means  of  adding  much  reputation  to  this  j)lace,  and 
jmrticularly  so,  by  having  it  under  tlie  guidance  of  a  man  who  has  already 
establisheil  a  reputation  as  a  teacher.  Our  court  room  will  afford  good 
accommodations  for  the  i»r(!sent.  Upon  his  return  I  shall  form  a  plan 
for  carrying  this  desirable  object  into  efl'eet,  and  advertise  the  thing  in 
our  papers,  anil  also  the  eastern  and  31ontreal  papers.  By  this  means 
full  puidicity  will  be  given  to  the  instilntion,  and  1  think  it  can  not  fail 
to  attach  much  reputation  to  the  village  of  Ogdensburgh,  and  when  we 
get  a  litde  more  forward,  and  find  the  thing  to  succeed,  we  will  build  an 
academy.  David  and  his  family  lefl  this  yesterday  for  their  new  iiahita- 
tion  in  Morristown,  where  I  hope  they  will  be  comfortable  the  ensuing 
winter.  He  writes  you  by  the  present  conveyance.  I  have  written  you 
a  number  of  letters  this  summer,  but  lam  sorry  to  tell  you  I  have  re- 
ceived none  from  you  except  the  one  by  T.  L.  O.  I  can  not  concliiile 
without  telling  yon  1  fear  the  Indians  will  jockey  about  the  lead  mine, 
liiit  if  they  should,  we  would  have  the  gratiiication  to  know  the  specnlu- 
tion  is  a  good  one;  the  lands  are  settling  rapidly.  I  am,  however,  not 
without  hope  we  shall  finally  attain  our  object.  Believe  me  with  much 
tiffectiou,  you.  friend, 

Col.  Sam'i  Ogdm.  N.  Ford. 


To  counteract  the  influence  of  traveling  agents,  Mr,  Ford,  in  the  winter 
of  1805,  'G,  also  sent  men  to  travel  through  the  ilistricts  in  which  the 
emigrating  epidemic  prevailed,  and  published  in  two  of  the  papers  in 
Vermont,  giving  a  little  history  of  the  county.    Dr.  J.  W.  Smith  was  one 


IJ-M        I 


•The  Rpv.  .Inlm  Yoniiftlove.  A.M.,  S. 'P.  D.,  (iriiduiited  nl  t-'nioii  Collepe  in  1^01.  In  the 
fdllim'jiif,'  yuar  lie  Wiis  iiii|)oiMlecl  liilor,  ■•uiil  w.'is  one  ol'  the  Iwo  lirsl  who  liclil  lliat  rifice  in 
Hull  i;ollf!/i!.  Ill' Imd  lii'ld  lliiil  lil:ici'  niilil  l-lir).  wlii'n  In;  received  llie  eall  as  uliove  siati'd 
ll  doi'a  not  iippear  that  he  •'eitled  llii'ic.  iililiinii.'li  he  ^\ki\\  some  time  liere. 


am 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


401 


of  tlie  persons  eniploycd  to  influence  emigrants.     Of  tlie  articles  lie 

"  I  slinlj  prrjKirc  nnotlier  and  forward  in  Fehrnnry.    Tlie  doctor  (to 
wlioin  I  show  tlinm),  says  they're  calculated  to  Im;  useful  in  Vi'rjjinnt,  and 
is  surprised  that  soinethiuf;  has  not  hcen  done  long  since.     1  have  ever 
JH'cii  of  o|tinion  it  was  as  easy  to  write  the  county  into  notice  as  it  was 
the  Gcneset!,  and  have  frequently  re<|uested  your  sons  David  aiul  Lud- 
low to  do  it,  hut  it  seotns  they  did  not,  and  ]  am  conscious  my  (ten  is 
too  feehlc,     ]$ut  1  |)resume  I  have  done  the  thing  in  such  a  way  as  will 
do  no  harm  if  it  does  no  good.     All  I  can  say  u  that  a  plain  simple  story 
SOUK  times  takes  effect,  provided  it  he  so  told  thai  no  suspicion  is  attach- 
ed to  it,  aiul  ]  have  tried  to  guard  my  expressions  so  as  to  prevent  that. 
There  has  iu)t  been  any  opportuinty  for  me  to  hear  from  Vermont  yet. 
This  I  however  expect  daily.     I  very  nnich  suspect  some  attemj)t  will 
he  made  at  the  legislature  for  dividing  the  avails  of  the  lottery,  for  the 
purpose  of  ex|)ending  a  ])art  of  it  U|)on  the  Champlain  road.     1  have 
written  to  my  tiieiuls  in  the  legislature,  guarding  them  against  it.     I 
nuMitioned  to  yon  that  the  hoard  of  supervisors  have  granted  a  sum  of 
money  for  making  a  road  from  the  east  branch  bridge  to  intersect  that 
and  other  roads  which  had  been  laid  out  by  those  interior  jteople,  for 
the  piu'pose  of  tinning  the  emigration  from  the  front  towns,  and  that  I 
expected  it  would  make  a  noise.     They  kept  themselves  tolerably  peace- 
iihlc,  hoping  aiul  exi)ecting  nothing  woidd  be  done  imtil  after  the  next 
town  meeting,  when  they  vvould  change  the  conunissioners  of  Canton 
and  Lisbon.    In  this  they  have  been  anticipated,  lor  we  have  contracted 
lor  the  making  the  road  and  building  the  bridge  over  the  natural  canal, 
and  making  the  crossway  through  the  swamp,  and  the  hands  arc  now  at 
work  at  it.    IJefore  town  me»!ting  we  hojte  to  have  the  heaviest  of  it 
completed.    They  have  no  hope  now  to  prevent  the  thing,  but  gratify 
tliernselves  by  railing  against  the  su|)ervisors  lor  granting  the  money. 
Tills  I  ilisregard.     business  as  usual  will  take  me  to  Albany  in  the  latter 
part  of  February.     How  long  I  shall  be  detained  there  is  very  uucertuin. 
1  shall  from  thence  pay  you  a  visit." 

Having  quoted  freely  from  the  correspondence  down  to  the  time  when 
it  ceased  to  relate  to  the  settlements,  we  will  resume  the  history  of  Og- 
dtu^burgh.  The  village  was  surveyed  the  seconder  third  year  of  the 
settlement,  and  the  streets  named  at  first  as  now,  with  trifling  exceptions. 
The  first  house  erected  and  finished  was  the  present  American  hotel. 
The  place  was  named  from  Samuel  Ogden,  who  was  a  son  of  David 
Ogden,  and  had  seveial  brothers.  On  the  occurrence  of  the  revolution- 
ary war,  the  father  and  all  of  the  sons  exce|)t  Abram,  (the  father  of  David 
A.  Ogden,  an  owner  of  Madrid,)  and  Samuel,  adhered  to  the  royal  cause. 
These  two  were  disinherited  by  their  father  for  their  political  faith. 
Samuel  Ogden  was  for  many  years  engaged  in  tlie  iron  business  in  New 
Jersey.  He  bore  the  title  of  colonel,  although  he  is  believed  to  have  held 
no  olKce  and  took  no  pju't  in  the  revolutionary  war.  He  married  a  sister 
of  Converneur  Morris,  and  the  acquaintance  which  resulted  from  thia 
relation,  led  him  to  become  concerned  extensively  in  the  land  purchases 
of  the  western  part  of  the  state,  and  in  the  township  of  Oswegatchie  and 


•ii'*!? 


403 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


.!*■    '" 


U'^i'l 


elsewlicre.  He  lived  for  a  time  nt  Trenton,  N.  J.,  and  owned  an  estate 
wiiicli  nt\«rwin'ds  was  purchased  hy  General  Morean.  He  subsequently 
resided  in  Newark,  N.  J.,  where  he  died  about  1818.  David  IJ.  Ogden, 
whom  we  have  had  occasion  to  mention  as  concerned  in  the  titles  was 
n  son  of  S.  Ogden. 

In  180*2,  was  held  the  first  celebration  of  our  national  anniversary  in 
Ogdensburgh,  if  not  in  tiie  county.  It  was  held  at  the  old  barracks,  and 
Mr.  John  King,  in  the  employment  of  Ogden  &  Ford,  delivered  the  ora- 
tion. In  1804,  a  pleasant  celebration  was  hold,  at  which  a  party  of  hoth 
sexes  from  Canada  united  with  the  villagers  in  the  festivities  of  the  occa- 
sion.  A  dinner  was  j)repureil  liy  Judge  Ford,  as  was  his  custom  for 
several  years,  and  in  the  evening  fireworks  were  first  displayed.  Tlicy 
were  prepared  on  the  premises,  and  said  to  have  been  very  fine.  Many 
of  the  Canadians  previous  to  the  war,  were  accustomed  to  cross  to  our 
side,  and  join  in  celebrating  our  national  anniversary,  and  even  the  war 
itself,  although  it  temi)orarily  checked  the  intercourse  along  the  lines  by 
inspiring  mutual  fear  and  suspicion,  did  not  long  separate  those  people 
who  had  many  interests  in  common.  In  1813,  along  the  lower  part  of 
St.  Lawrence  county,  old  neighbors  began  to  exchange  visits  by  night, 
and  continued  to  do  so  more  or  less  privately  till  the  peace. 

There  were  living  in  the  village  of  Ogdensburgh  in  1604,  but  four 

families,  viz:  Siosson,  on  the  corner  diagonally  o|tposite  tlie  St, 

Lawrence  hotel ;  Dr.  Davis,  on  the  ground  now  covered  by  E.  B.  Allen's 
residence;  George  Davis,  who  kept  an  inn  at  the  American  iiotel;  and 
a  Mr.  Clia{)in,  in  State  street  near  the  Ripley  house.  There  was  a  store 
kept  by  Judge  Ford  at  the  old  barracks,  and  occasionally  the  settlers  had 
the  opportunity  of  sho|)i»ing  on  board  of  Durham  boats  from  Utica,  in 
which  goods  were  displayed  for  sale. 

In  the  summer  of  1803,  Mr.  Washington  Irving,  then  a  yotmg  man, 
came  into  the  county  with  some  of  the  proprietors,  and  remained  a  short 
time.  His  name  occurs  on  several  old  decd-s  as  a  witness.  In  1804, 
3Ir.  Louis  Ilasbrouck,  the  first  county  clerk,  who  had  been  on  for  two 
years  previously,  removed  with  his  family,  and  settled  in  the  village. 

In  November,  1804,  Francis  Bromigem,  David  Griffin,  Richard  M. 
Lawrence,  John  M.  Lawrence,  John  Lyons,  Wm.  B.  Wright,  Seth  War- 
ren, Arcliibald  McCIaren,  and  Stej)hen  Slawson,  were  returned  as  grand 
jurors,  and  Daniel  McNeill,  Wm.  Sharp,  and  John  Stewart,  as  petit 
jurors  in  Oswegatchic. 

In  1808,  the  unsold  portionsof  the  village  plat  was  purchased  by  David 
Parish,  who  first  visited  the  town  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  and  measures 
were  immediately  taken  to  create  at  this  point  a  commercial  interest  that 


If 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


403 


should  contest  with  every  otiier  port  on  tlio  river  nnd  lake  for  superiority. 
In  this  year  n  brid^'e  wiishiiilt  by  n  Mr.  Aldricii  nt  a  costof  $l,r»CO,  vvliicli 
wiiH  warranted  to  last  five  years,  and  wliicli  .stood  fillcen.  In  18'^9  and 
in  1847  Legislative  provision  was  made  for  rebuilding  the  brid<,'e.  In  the 
full  of  1808,  the  firm  of  J  Uosseel  &  Co.,  snstained  by  the  capital  of  Mr. 
Parish,  coinrnenecd  mercantile  operations  and  brought  on  §40,000  worth 
of  goods,  which  were  o[)ened  in  u  temporary  store  until  a  permanent 
building  could  be  erected. 

On  November  10th,  1808,  the  building  of  two  schooners  was  com- 
menced by  Mr.  Jonathati  Brown,  of  New  York,  who  with  Selick  Howe 
was  sent  on  from  New  York  for  that  purpose  by  Mr.  Parish.    Two  ves- 
sels, the  Collector  and  the  Experiment  were  built  during  that  winter  and 
the  following  summer.     The  first  one  launched  was  the  schooner  Ur/jen*- 
meji/,  which  occurred  on  the  4tli  of  July,  180!),  and  this  formed  a  part 
of  the  exercises  of  the  day.     A  very  handsome  celebration  was  got  up 
for  this  occasion;  an  oration  delivered  by  a  Mr.  Ogden,  a  lawyer  from 
New  Jersey,  at  the  court  house,  and  a  dinner  was  prei>ared  in  a  beautiful 
walnut  grove,  on  the  jiresent  site  of  the  marble  row.     Great  murdjcrs  of 
Canadians  participated  in  the  proceedings  with  s|)irit.     The  yard  in  which 
the  Ex|)eriment  was  built,  was  on  the  site  of  Atiios  Bacon's  store.    She 
was  subse(piently  commanded  by  Capt.  Holmes,  and  had  a  burthen  of 
50  tons.    The  second  vessel  was  the  schooner  Collector,  launched  in  the 
latter  jmrt  of  the  summer  of  1809,  and  made  several  trijis  up  the  lake 
that  season  under  Capt,  Obed  Mayo,  and  the  next  year  she  was  run  by 
Capt.  Samuel  Dixon.     Her  first  arrival  was  Nov.  15,  1800,  with  salt  and 
dry  goods  from  Oswego.     She  was  owned  by  Rosseel  &  Co.     On  the 
following  sununer  (1810),  the  third  schooner,  the   Genesee  Packet,  was 
launched  and  rigged.     She  was  owned  and  commanded  by  Capt.  Mayo. 
On  the  5th  of  Jidy,  1810,  Mr.  Uosseel  wrote  to  his  patron  as  follows: 
"  We  have  renounced  the  project  of  building  boats,  since  with  them  we 
could  not  enter  into  competition  with  the  Kingstonians,  in  the  line  of 
transporting  produce  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  a  rivalship  which  we  are 
solicitous  to  maintain,  though  we  work  for  glory;  we  therefore  liave  re- 
solved to  combine  building  arks."    Early  in  the  season  of  1809,  Mr. 
Rosseel  proceeded  to  Montreal,  to  procure  from  thence  laborers,  where 
he  engaged  about  40  Canadians  to  work  by  the  month,  and  bought  two 
bateaux  to  take  them  up  to  Ogdensburgh,  with  blaidicts,  peas  for  soup, 
&c.,  each  receiving  a  month's  wages  in  advance  for  their  families'  sup- 
port.   These  bateaux  were  afterwards  used  in  bringing  sand  from  Nettle- 
ton's  point,  above  Prescott,  for  the  mortar  used  in  building,  the  cement 
of  which  is  remarkably  hard.    The  stone  building  at  the  wharf  was  com- 


404 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


t*''-      ■  ■* 


menced  on  tlic  7tli  of  May,  iindor  tlio  dirortion  of  D.  W.  Clnircli,  nnd 
ill  Juno  Mr.  Diivid  Parish's  bricit  iioiiao.  Tiie  coriimcrciiii  nnd  mei-cnn- 
tilt!  enterprise  of  tlie  coiii|iniiy  prospered  for  n  season,  nnd  tlio  vessels 
l)elon>,'iiif,'  to  the  |)ort  of  0>;deiisl)Mrfrli  ittcaiiie  flie  carriers  on  llie  lake, 
nnd  at  the  ixeakiiiji  out  of  tiic  vvur  it  was  growing  more  rapidly  timu 
niiy  port  on  the  !•  ke. 

The  earliest  record  of  n  scliool  in  Oj^densbnrjih  which  we  Imve  been 
nble  to  find,  is  tiio  followin;^  jnenioranduin  furnished  by  Mr.  Joseph 
llosseel,  dated  Nov. '24,  1800:  "  Upon  application  of  some  of  our  villafrcH, 
I  Iiave  granted  the  liouse  destined  for  Cnpt.  Cherry's  bivouac,  as  a  place 
for  the  use  of  a  school,  for  upwards  of  thirty  ciiildren,  whose  parents 
liave  enf;a<red  Mr.  llichiud  Hubbard  for  a  teacher."  Mr.  II.  was  iioin 
Charleston,  N.  II.,  and  bis  numbers  increased  from  (i  up  to  10  or  12. 
The  acconiinodalion  liavin}j  been  found  too  small,  a  dweliiny  liouso  was 
assigned,  and  soon  after  a  school  iioiise  was  built. 

In  inno,  the  spacious  and  elejrant  school  house  on  I'^ranklin  street,  in 
district  No.  1,  was  erticted.  Tiie  accompiuiyiii<j  (Mijiravingdoes  not  ndc- 
(piately  represent  ^thc  premises,  wliicli  are  arranged  in  a  manner  tiiat 
iniglit  serve  as  a  model  for  thosi  .liool  olTicers  who  conlemi)Iate  the 
(sreclion  of  a  convenient  and  well  arranged  school  boose.  It  is  located 
on  a  lot  of  about  thiee-(|iiarlers  of  an  acre  in  area,  in  what  is  at  present 
near  the  border  of  the  village,  but  which  will  shortly  bo  the  centre  of  a 
dense  population.  It  is  of  brick,  48  by  GO  foot  on  the  ground,  two 
stories  high,  and  surmounted  by  a  belfry  containing  a  Ixdl,  and  has  cost 
with  the  bxtures  and  improvements  nearly  throe  tl'oiisaiul  dollars.  The 
first  story  is  occu|)iei!  by  two  school  rooms  for  small  scholars,  with  sepa- 
rate play  grounds  for  the  two  sexes.  These  yards  are  with  n  high  and 
close  fence,  and  communicate  with  the  .street  and  school  rooms,  hut 
not  with  each  other.  The  second  story  is  occupied  by  a  single  spacious 
room  with  arched  ceiling,  and  conveniences  for  ensuring  ventilation, 
and  furnished  with  seventy  seats.  The  whole  building  is  capable  of  ac- 
commodating about  four  hundred  and  fifty  scholars,  under  the  super- 
vision of  three  teachers,  and  lacks  nothing  in  the  way  of  maps  and 
black  boards  for  illustrating  the  rudiments  of  education,  or  of  convenient 
yards,  wood  rooms  and  other  fixtures  to  promote  the  comfort,  health  and 
liap|)iness  of  children.  It  was  built  under  the  direction  of  Dr.  S.  N. 
Sherman,  A.  it.  James,  and  Otis  Glynn,  trustees. 

The  approach  of  the  war  arrested  the  growth  of  the  village,  as  well  as 
that  of  the  country  in  general,  and  the  embargo  entirely  stopi)ed  its  com- 
merce.    These  evils  began  to  be  felt  for  several  years  previous,  and  judge 
Ford  as  early  as  August  18,  1807,  in  writing  to  S.  Ogden,  said: 
"  The  sound  of  war  has  palsied  the  sales  of  land  in  this  county.    The 


m 


(iuiUou  Siiiilli- v.  -Mi—iUl. 


^.r.%.x.^. 


Si^huol  aoU!<f.     Wslricl  -No.  1.,  UHaLUshurKli, 


•M%^- 


"va 


Ifi! 


!«05 


m  ^'^' 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


407 


jtroisprrt  of  irtitnif^riition  tliin  fall  to  tlio  rnniity,  wiis  viiKtly  niilt('i'iri||f,  niid 
MiiiiMij,'  tin-  iiiiiiiIkt  wck!  iiit'ii  of  |iio|)i!riy  antl  r<'^|)(!clnliility.     Tliis  iiii- 
|iii|>|iy  nlliiir  will  very  miitciiaily  allfct  oiir  |ii<is|m  tIm  in  ilu;  inoiicy  liiic. 
1  yet  lio|i»!  i  nliall  iccrive  a  jiaymriit,  wliicli  if  I  do,  I  ^liall  not  tail  to  nl- 
Icviatn  your  piTWiiit  wniils.     1  lio\vc!v»'r,  am  a|i|ii<'liciisiv(!  tlint  llu^  >.'<'iitlf- 
iiiaii  (w'lio  is  now  out)  will  l<'Mr  to  rt'tnni,  for  iniicli  is  xairl  ol'tlic  lniliaiir<, 
and  nincli  pMiiiN  is  taken  liy  sonx;  pcopli!  upon  tlio  otlier  sido  ol  \\\v  rivtr, 
to  inspin!  a  hclict  tliat  tin,'  Jinliaiis  will  In;  einployt-d  by  the  Uriti.>.|i  jiovoni- 
nu'>;i,  and  thuir  innnlters  arc  iinini'iiscly  niaj^nilit'd,     'I'liin,  as  is  natmal, 
fii^dittnis  tin;  old  wonain,  and   tlir  anxiety  and  eonnnoiion  ainon^  ilieni 
is  astonishing^.     IMany  arc;  lor  tlyinK  innnediiitely,  wliilst  others  an;  so 
liiphtened  they  do  not  know  which  way  to  run.     'I'his  eoiistant  thenni  of 
fo.u',  orijrinatin;,'  w  ith  tht;  women,  pntw  tlio  d — 1  into  soino  of  tho  men, 
and  Hoino  amon^'  them  art;  heeoming  as  old-womanish  as  the  women 
tlienistdves.     'I'hese  ini'ii  I  abuse?  lor  their  eowardiee,  and  the  women's 
ienrs  I  so(»the,bnt  I  li.'ar  all  my  exertions  will  he  in  vain,  lor  it  is  incredible 
what  fri;,'htlul  stories  an;  fioinj,'  upon  this  subject.     Shoidd  tho  war-whoop 
continiH!  and  curtail  us  in  the  receipt  ofthat  money  so  certainly  expected,  it 
will  Ik;  totally  out  of  my  pow(;r  toailbrd  you  that  aid  you  wish.     It  woidii 
have  been  nut  of  my  power  to  liavi;  ^'ivt;u  you  assistance  whtiM  1  was  in 
•lersey,  if  Mr  Lewis  had  not  promi-sed  me  In;  would  answer  my  draft 
u|)on  him  in  October.     Upon  the  promise  1  purcliase<l  my  goods  upon  (> 
iniinths  cre<lit,  and  gave  you  his  note  lor  what  he  could  then  pay,  together 
with  the  ready  money  I  had,     Thr'se  two,  togetlit.'r  with  what  money  I 
liiid  to  pay  upon  our  Dtiwitt  pmchase,  made  up  a  siun  of  almost  two 
llioiisand  dollars.     Jly  this  means  I  was  under  the;  necessity  of  going  in 
debt,  ami  to  people  who  are  not  m  a  situation  to  lay  out  of  their  money; 
with  them  we   have  not  hereloliin!  had   dealings,  and   who  count  upon 
]>inictiiality.     *     •     *     Out  of  all  the  money  wts  have  due  in  this  coun- 
try, 1  am  <-onfldent  I  shall  not  be  able  to  commanil  live  hundrtMl  dollars. 
1  need  not  urge  U|)on  you  the  necessity  of  cherishing  that  credit  ami  re- 
putation whi'h  we  have  established  in  the  eouise  of  our  business,  neither 
n(.M!d  I  give  you  any  new  assurance  how  nnicli   [deasure  it  would  afford 
ine  to  have  it  in  my  jiower  to  help  you  to  sindi  sums  as  I  may  bo  able. 
I  really  viewed  the  time  as  having  airived  wIkjii  you  might   have  calcu- 
lated upon  a  certainty  from  your  estate  here,  and  nothing  but  the  dread- 
fid  dilemma  into  which  our  country  is  now  plimged,  could  have  prevented 
it.    I  yet  hope  the  whirhviinl  may  pass  by  without  material  injury.     *     * 
What    makes  this   war-whoop    more    particidarly    flisadvantageous  to 
US  at  this  tinn;,  is  the  event  which  we  have  so  long  anticipated  being  upon 
the  eve  of  taking  pluco,  of  this  becoming  tho  place  of  a  di^pot  insteacl  of 
Kingston.     'I'wo  of  the  i)rincipal  merchants  residing  at  tli(!  head  of  tho 
lake,  called  upon  me  when  on  their  way  down  the  river  with  their  pro- 
duce, to  know  if  arrangements  could  not  be  made  lor  recieiving  and  (or- 
wurding  their  produce  to  market,  provided  they  should  be  able  to  con- 
tract with  tho  owneis  of  vessels,  so  us  to  make  it  their  interest  to  come  to 
Ogdensbiu'gh,  ifistead  of  Kingston.     I  told  th«>m  I   was  not  prepared  at 
that  moment  to  answer  them  (h^cisively,  but  if  they  would  call  irpon  me 
upon  their  way  up,  1  w  ould  by  that  time  irudvo  an  estimate?,  and  give  them 
an  answer  what  1  could  do  tho  business  for.     Last  week  they  called,  and 
wc  Ibund  no  diHicnlty  in  agreeing  upon  the  price  of  forwarding,  but  they 
found  this  war  l)usiness  would  interfere.     Tliey  however,  told  me  they 
would  make  it  a  business  to  sec  the  owners  of  vessels,  ami  if  this  war 
sound  should  blow  over,  write  me  immediately,  that  I  might  make  the 
necessary  arrangements.     To  set  tliis  bus-iness  properly  \t\  motion,  will 
take  considerable  money.    'J'herefore  much  caution  is  to  be  used,  that  a 


[Iff'?  I 


'  V) 


nSwO 


ffi^-'  :      i 


408 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


fiiiliirf!  o?i  oiir  pnrt  slioiild  not  takn  plane.  If  \vp  can  but  <rot  the  tliiiijr  in 
fiiotion,  it  will  produce!  an  ('tH'Ct  that  will  ho  solid,  i^hoidd  tli';  temper 
and  times  admit  of  yoint:  inio  this  hiisiness,  I  shall  he  under  the  neces- 
sity oi'  sending;  to  the  8ns(piehannali  lor  thosf;  peo])le  who  have  huen  ni 
the  liahitof  makin<r  arks  and  mana/jin;:  them.  1  do  not  think  the  hiisi- 
neso  of  ark  hnildin;;  is  snlliciently  iijiderstood  liy  any  person  in  this 
conntr\.  to  hazard  any  thin<r  to  their  management,  an<l  as  the  success  of 
this  hnsiness  is  very  innch  to  depend  npon  economy  and  accurate  rnaii- 
iijrement,  I  think  we  had  hettcr  <ro  to  th'^  expense  at  once  ot'  i>rociM'ing 
men  who  ali'eady  nnderstaml  the  business,  than  hazard  it  to  those  wiio 
ijiiist  learn  fi'oni  experience." 

N.  Ford. 
On  the  ]8th  of  December,  1807,  he  said: 

"When  I  wrote  you  last,  I  told  you  the  sound  of  war  was  like  to  palsy 
eniifrration,  and  I  aiii  sorry  to  add,  a  i  onilimalion  of  th(t  war-whofip  has 
completely  pioduced  that  efTt^ct,  imd  if  one  (!an  jndfre  from  theactsof  the 
administration,  the  chances  are  much  in  fjivc^r  of  war  measmx's,  thoiijjii 
I  presume  .Ii'd'erson  iloi-s  not  calculate  tofi;:lit  Ifmself.  I  hope  and  trust 
there  w>ll  pood  sense  and  moral  honesty  u't  be  (onnd  in  the  people  of 
America,  to  avert  the  im|>endin<r  storm.  'I'ht;  extreme  wet  season  has 
prevented  the  post  making  the  njpular  toiu-s,  by  which  I  am  much  in 
the  dark  how  propects  in  the  political  hemis|)here  are  likely  to  stand.  **** 
Shoii'd  this  unph^asant  bustle  blow  over  this  winter,  1  presume  we  may 
calcidat'Mhe  ensuinj;  summer  will  |)rodnco  to  tin;  county  many  valuable 
settlers,  who  aie  layinj;  hixr.k  from  no  other  cause  than  to  see  tlie  tiiU;  of 
the  |iresent  conunotion.  Very  fi;w  sa!"s  Inve  been  made  in  the  county 
this  year,  and  most  of  those  which  ha''e  been  made,  wen;  to  that  de- 
scri|ition  of  people  who  may  be  considered  as  the  tirst  run,  and  couse- 
(juently  are  of  the  mf)neyless  kind.  Th''  people  in  tiie  county  have  very 
much  got  over  their  tirst  fright  about  war,  and  J  hope  should  il  <'ome,  liiey 
will  liJive  si)unk  enough  to  stand  their  grouM  1,  .-md  manliilly  delend  tlnir 
property.  I'he  d — I  of  it  is,  we  have  neither  guns  nor  ammunitinu  to  do 
with.  I  suppose  ujion  a  i)roper  representation  to  .letferson,  he  mi^lit  Uh 
induced  to  senrl  us  up  one  ot'his  gun  boats: — it  miL'ht  as  well  travel  our 
new  road,  as  plow  thriuigh  the  sandy  corn  fields  of  (ieorgia.  I  tliiukiui 
application  of  this  kind  made  through  Sluuc  of  Ne\v  .Jersey,  miL''ht  In; 
attemled  to  at  least  by  Slone,  whose  capacity  is  nf)t  eipial  to  distiuguisli- 
ing  but  tliat  sucii  ajiplication  and  mode  of  con\<'yance  would  lie  per- 
feclly  proper  and  coirsistent.  I  \\n\H>  you  will  write  me  olieu,  and  yive 
trie  il  sketch  of  the  tim  -s.  I  si'onhl  like  tokuftwa  little  belore  hand  how 
tin;  puillotini!  ]:■■  like  to  work.  That  is  a  mai-irnie  nuich  more  likely  id 
travid  than  .Jefferson  gun  boats,  and  my  o[)inion  is  tin;  Democrats  will 
never  rest  imiii  they  electa  tew  of  those  kind  of  shaving  mills." 

The  reader  is  referred  to  the  chapter  on  the  war,  for  the  details  of  the 
incidents  that  occurred  here  du'-ing  that  |)criod.  For  many  years  ath'r- 
terwards  business  languished,  and  the  country  wa;!  a  long  time  in  re- 
rovering  from  tliedi^pression  of  business  which  it  occnsione<l.  A  liirtto 
1)0  called  Fort  Oswesali'hie  was  be^iin,  atwl  after  the  war  some  thoiiglits 
of  finishing  it  v/ere  entertained,  but  the  woik  was  never  prosecuted. 
During  the  summer  of  1817,  iMr.  Monroe,  the  President,  made  a  tour 
through  the  northern  states,  ami  visited  Ogdeiisburgh.  He  reached 
Hamilton  from  P'atisburgli,  July  ;jlst,  ami  on  tlie  following  day  lie  was 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


409 


met  by  a  party  of  gentlemen  from  OgdensbiirgJi,  and  carried  into  town, 
preceded  by  a  band  of  music;  and  became  tbe  guest  of  Mr.  George 
Parish.  He  there  received  llie  respects  of  the  citizens,  and  the  trustees 
an<l  inhabitants,  througii  Louis  Ilasbrouck,  Esq.,  who  delivered  him  the 
following  address. 

"  Sir: — The  trustees  and  inhabitants  of  tiiis  village  welcome  with  pe- 
culiar satisfaction,  your  arrival  in  health  among  them,  after  your  long 
and  fatiguing  journey,  through  many  of  our  yet  infant  settlements.  In 
common  with  the  nation,  we  have  viewed  with  much  interest,  your  im- 
;)ortnnt  tour  along  our  seaboard  and  frontier,  particularly  confiding  in 
your  observation,  wisdom,  and  exfterience,  for  the  establishment  of  such 
points  of  national  defence  along  our  imn .  'Hate  border,  as  will  best  pro- 
mote our  iiuliviibial  prosperity,  and  stf  i.nhen  the  national  security. 
Born  aiul  educated  under  a  government  whose  laws  we  venerate,  enjoy- 
ing a  soil  rich  in  the  bounties  of  Providence,  and  grateful  lor  the  invalu. 
able  blessings  of  liberty,  bequeathed  to  us  by  the  heroes  of  the  revolu- 
tion, no  excitement  shall  be  wanting  on  oiu-  part,  to  maintain,  defend, 
and  transmit  to  posterity,  the  benefits  we  so  eminently  possess.  Expe- 
rience however  has  taught  us,  thai  individual  or  sectional  exertions,  be 
they  ever  so  ardent,  unless  cided  by  the  protecting  and  strong  arm  of 
fiovernnu'iit.  alTord  but  a  feeble  defence  against  a  j)owerful  foe.  Placed 
on  a  frontier  contiguous  to  a  warlike  and  powerfid  nation,  enjoying  the 
advantage  ol  an  extensive  and  increasing  navigation,  it  is  peculiarly  im- 
portant that  our  local  sitiuiticm  should  be  well  understood.  At  thecom- 
nienceme'U  ot  the  late  war,  the  attention  of  government  was  in  the  first 
insian(!e  naturally  drawn  to  the  dclence  of  tliszt  extensive  line  of  sea 
coast,  on  which  the  inunense  maritime  force  of  the  enemy  could  be  more 
fffectually  exerted,  and  consequently  the  more  remote  and  interior  de- 
fiances did  not  perliaps,  receive  the  protection  which  their  imj)ortance 
warranted. 

Hut  cotninencing  your  administration  in  a  time  of  profound  peace, 
cnjiiyinj:  the  ciuifiilence  of  the  nation,  and  presiding  over  a  geveru- 
inent  proud  of  iis  lif)nor,  tenacious  of  its  riirlits,  and  possessing  the  re- 
ijuisite  resources,  we  flatter  ourrelves,  should  any  collision  hereafter  take 
pliicc  (which  we  i»ray  heaven  to  avert),  your  penetration  and  judgment, 
aideii  by  your  local  observations,  will  have  jjointed  out  aiul  perti;cted 
such  a  line  of  detences,  as  will  ensure  our  personal  safety,  and  redound 
to  the  honor  and  prosperity  of  the  nation.  That  you  may  cstajjlish  these 
•lesiralde  objects,  progress  in  your  important  tour  iii  sdfety,  and  return 
iiappily  to  tli(!  bosom  of  your  domestic  circle,  is,  sir,  the  fervent  prayer  of 
your  obedient  ser\'ants." 

His  excellency  made  a  verbal  reply  to  the  following  effect : 

"He  thanked  the  citizeiv)  of  Ogdensburgh  for  their  attention,  and  very 
polite  reception;  he  received  them  as  i.-irks  of  respect  to  the  fu'st  magis- 
trite  of  the  nniion,  not  by  any  means  arrogating  ilieni  to  hiuiself  as  an 
individual.  It  gave  him  great  j)leasure  because  it  evinced  an  attachment 
ot  the  people  to  that  >orm  of  government,  which  they  themselves  liad 
established.  He  Has  satisfied  they  held  its  value  in  just  estimation,  and 
were  sincerely  deviated  to  its  preservation,  and  in  administering  it,  Jie 
would  supimrt  its  principles,  and,  to  his  best  ability,  ])romote  the  in- 
terests of  the  country.  As  the  luldress  correctly  stated,  his  jomuiey  was 
connected  with  objects  of  national  defense,  and  was  undertaken  for  the 

26 


410 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


E       I 


purpose  of  ncqniring  such  information,  ns  wonkl  better  enal)le  liim  to 
disclinrge  the  chities  of  his  oflice,  that  larpe  sums  of  money  had  heeii 
appropriated  by  tiie  government,  the  jiidicions  a|)plication  of  wiiieh  de- 
pended mnch  on  the  execntivo.  lie  perfectly  agreed,  that  the  time  of 
peace  was  the  best  time  to  prepare  lor  defense,  but  iiad  much  pleasure 
in  stating,  that  the  best  understanding  prevailed  between  our  govern- 
ment and  that  of  Great  Britain,  and  was  persuaded  lie  had  every  reason 
to  look  for  a  jiermanent  peace.  !Ie  said  that  the  importance  of  the 
situation  along  the  St.  I-awrence  had  not  escaped  his  observation,  and 
during  his  i)rogress  in  this  country,  he  was  much  gratified  to  find  it  fer- 
tile mid  abundant,  and  inhabited  by  enterprising,  i'vJustrious,  and  he  be- 
lieved a  virtuous  j)eople." 

In  the  evening  the  President  was  joined  by  Majpr  General  Brown,  of 
the  United  Stntei)  army,  and  his  whole  suite,  accompanied  by  whom  he 
repaired  to  IMorristown,  and  lodged  with  tiio  honorable  Judge  Ford. 

On  Saturday  the  2nd,  he  viewed  Mr.  Parish's  xtensivo  and  very  vn'.u- 
able  iron  works  at  Rossie,  considered  to  be  an  establishment  cf  great 
public  importance,  and  usefulness  to  the  surrounding  country.  From 
Rossie  he  proceeded  to  Antwerp,  where  he  was  met  by  IMr.  Le  Ray,  and 
others,  and  conducted  to  Le  Rayville,  where  he  spent  the  night, 

[.Ynrrative  of  a  Tour  of  Observation,  hi/  James  Monroe,  p.  187.] 

TTie  village  of  Ogdenshirgh  was  incor|)orated  A\)v\\  5,  1817,  and  the 
charter  then  granted,  has  been  amended,  April  21>,  18>1S>,  and  June  20, 
1851.  By  the  latter  act  the  bounds  were  extended  eastward  to  the  Tib- 
bets  tract  in  Lisbon,  and  westv-fard  to  the  lands  of  Hemy  Van  Heiisse- 
Jaer,  and  it  was  divided  into  three  wards,  of  which  No.  1  includes  all 
between  the  Oswcgatchie  and  Franklin  street.  No.  2,  all  west  of  the  Oswc- 
gatchie,  and  No.  3,  the  I'emainder.  The  ofiiccrs  consist  of  a  president: 
a  trustee,  and  an  assessor,in  each  ward;  a  police  justice,  n  collector,  and 
one  or  more  constables;  a  chief  engineer  and  two  assistants,  for  the  fire 
department,  and  one  or  more  street  commissioners.  The  above  down 
to  constables,  are  elected  annually  on  the  1st  Tuesday  of  April.  A  fire 
department  was  organized  in  1830,  and  a  company  formed  in  July  1827. 
The  village  at  present  owns  three  fire  engines;  a  fourth  is  owned  by  in- 
dividuals, and  a  fifth  by  the  rail  road  company.  Large  reservoirs  have 
very  lately  been  built  at  central  points  for  lise  in  fires.  On  the  27th  of 
May,  1824,  the  name  of  Euphainia,  was  changed  to  Slate,  and  of  Ger- 
trudz  to  Franklin  streets. 

St.  Lawrence  county  in  general,  and  that  portion  bordering  on  the  river 
in  particular,  partook  of  the  general  alarm  that  spread  like  an  epidemic 
through  the  country,  on  the  uproach  of  the  Asiatic  cholera  in  1832.  The 
village  of  Ogdcnsburgh  suffered  considerably  from  this  pestilence,  and 
strict  sanitary  regulations  were  adopted  in  this  and  other  frontier  towns, 
in  pursuance  of  the  recommendations  of  the  iegislnturo  iu  an  act  pas^scd 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


411 


Bt  a  special  session  convened  for  the  occasion.  Quarantine  grounds 
were  established,  at  first  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatcliie,  nnd  after- 
wards at  Mile  point,  tiie  site  of  tiie  present  depot,  wiiere  crafts  from 
Canada  were  to  be  detained  fifteen  days.  Tiie  following  facts  are 
mostly  derived  from  an  address  delivered  before  the  St.  Lawrence 
medical  society,  by  their  president.  Dr.  S  N.  Sherman,  who  had  witnessed 
the  progress  of  the  pestilence  at  tliat  place,  and  was  a  believer  in  its 
non-contagious  character. 

"Ill  June,  1832,  the  disease  appeared  in  America,  the  first  case  having 
occurred  in  Quebec,  on  the  8tli  of  that  month.  On  tlic  14th,  it  appearecl 
at  Montreal,  and  on  the  17th,  at  Ogdcnshurgli,  though  not  in  its  severest 
(irnde.  On  the  21st  of  June,  the  first  fatal  case  occurre<l  at  that  place. 
During  the  period  from  the  Btli  to  the  21st  of  June,  it  was  computed  that 
from  one  hundred  to  one  hundred  and  fifty  citi/eus  of  Ogdeiisburgh  and 
vicinity,  were  in  tiie  cities  of  Montreal  and  Quebec,  or  occupied  on  boats 
nnd  rafts,  in  the  [lassage  to  m-  Irom  thence.  Some,  it  is  true,  on  tlii'ir 
passage  down,  laid  up  tiieir  boats  and  returned,  but  of  all  that  number 
engaged  in  navigating  the  St.  Lawrence,  not  one,  so  far  as  wiis  known, 
(lied  of  cholera,  or  was  attacked  by  it.  I'he  case  that  occurred  on  the 
21st  of  June,  was  that  of  a  Frimclniian,  of  dissipated  habits,  and  bioken 
down  constitution.  He  assured  those  around  him  on  his  deiitli  bed,  that 
lie  had  not  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence  in  a  fortnight,  and  could  not  there- 
fore have  caught  the  dis(!aso  by  ordinary  contagion.  The  second  liital 
case,  was  that  of  a  child  tour  years  of  ag(!,  at  least  half  a  mile  irom  t'lo 
residence  of  the  lbrni<!r.  The  third  case  was  also  that  of  a  Frenchman, 
living  in  a  quarter  remote  from  the  others,  and  who  had  not  boeu  out  of 
tiie  village  lor  weeks.  Tin;  Ibiirth  case  occiired  near  one  of  the  wharves, 
and  the  subject  of  it  had  not  left  the  vilhiire,  but  subsequently  an  nsied 
couple  with  whom  he  boardiul,  sickeiic^d  and  died  of  the  disease.  The' 
fiftli  case  occurred  a  mile  liom  the  village,  on  the  lleiiveltoii  road,  the 
siiiiject  of  which  had  been  in  no  other  house,  and  not  a  stone's  throw 
from  her  own,  for  the  last  iiirtiiight. 

Cases  followed  in  ipiick  succession;  first  here,  tomorrow  at  a  point 
hall  a  mile  distant,  and  next  day  in  a  quarter  ecpially  remote  and  under 
circuinslances  that  strongly  tended  to  prove  the  non-contagious  character 
of  the  disease.  Precise  data  of  the  mortality  of  the  cholera  at  Ogdens- 
hurg  are  not  [ireservcid,  as  none  of  the  physici.  ns  ke|it  a  journal  of  the 
cases,  and  the  records  of  the  board  of  health  r.ie  lost.  The  number  of 
cases  reported  was  about  KiO,  and  of  death,  4i>.  In  18.'54,  the  numbers 
attacked  were  not  more  than  ten,  of  whom  seven  died.  It  is  but  just, 
however,  to  remark,  that  the  mortality  in  proportion  to  the  number  of 
cases  in  the  above  estimates,  is  too  large,  as  no  cases  were  counted  in 
which  the  third  stage  or  state  of  callapse,  had  noi  made  more  or  less 
progress.  In  1832,  byccmunon  consent,  the  physicians  reported  no  case 
as  cholera,  unless  among  other  symptoms,  the  rice  water  discharges, 
vomiting,  violent  crani()iiig  of  the  muscles  of  the  limbs  or  trunk,  or  both, 
the  broken  or  cholera  voice,  and  more  or  less  blucness  of  the  skin 
occurred.  Had  all  the  cases  been  reported,  in  which  the  disease  was 
checked  in  the  earlier  stages,  the  number  would  have  been  increased  ta 
hiindieds.  This  custom  was  adojited  in  Philadelphia,  and  other  cities, 
and  the  less  rate  of  mortality  which  they  exhibit  is  thus  explained.^ 
In  the  city  of  Paris,  there  were  treated  in  a  given  time,  10,274  cases,  of 


I 


^        SP 


412 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


whom  1,453  died.  In  New  York,  of  5,814  cases,  2,935,  or  nlvout  52  per 
cent  vvere  fatal.  In  Quebec,  tliere  lind  died  of  cholera,  up  to.  September 
1,  1832,  2,218,  and  the  city  probably  did  not  ninnber  over  28,000  inliahi- 
tnnts,  which  pives  n  mortality  of  eiffht  per  cent,  of  tiio  whole  popnhition. 
In  Philadelphia,  there  died  754,  out  of  2,500  cases.  In  Montreal,  the 
mortality  of  the  disease  was  greater  tlian  in  any  American  citj',  except 
Quebec.  No  reports  were  made  of  it  in  1834,  fiom  its  having  been 
deemed  the  wiser  policy  to  excite  as  little  as  possible  (he  attention  of  the 
))ublic  mind  to  the  subject,  and  thus  avoid  the  general  state  of  the  con- 
sternation and  alarm  which  are  well  known  to  operate  so  powerftdly  in 
j)roducinfr  fatal  results  in  mmierous  cases,  and  which  is  thought  to  have 
increased  the  mortality  of  the  disease  in  1832." 

The  state  of  alarm  which  pervaded  the  frontier  on  the  approach  of  the 
ciiolera,  and  the  stringent  quarantine  regulations  which  were  imposed 
upon  all  persons  coming  from  the  provinces  into  the  states,  checked  for 
a  season,  all  business  and  communication  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  in- 
creased the  alarm  winch  was  felt  in  relation  to  the  disease.  Intercourse 
was  not  established  along  the  river  for  several  weeks,  and  the  public 
mind  but  slowly  recovered  from  the  panic  which  the  pestilence  had 
occasioned.  We  have  given  on  page  1(J7,  an  i,  couut  of  the  ravages  of 
the  cholera  at  the  Indian  village  of  St.  Regis,  which  in  severity,  has 
scarcely  a  parallel  in  the  history  of  this  fearful  malady.  The  following 
memoranda  from  the  records  of  the  board  of  supervisors,  show  the 
expenses  which  were  incurred  in  the  several  towns  in  the  organization 
of  boards  of  health,  and  the  establishment  of  sanatary  regulations. 

"Brasher,  $8-50;  Canton,  $120;  Dekalb,  $0-50;  Edwards,  $5;  Fow- 
ler, $(5;  Gouverneur,  !*l);  Hammond,  .*18'25;  Dcj/eau,  $5;  Ilopkintnn, 
$5;  Lawrence,  $5;  Lisbon,  $10;  Louisville,  $9-87;  iAladrid,  .*87'87; 
Massena,  813;  I\Iorristown,.*l()4-37;  Norfolk,  8(5;  Oswegntcliie,  824  03; 
(Ogdonsburgh  8780-.'i.3);  Pierrepont,  84"25 ;  Potsdam,  $24*48;  Stockholm, 
$7;  Total,  $l,351-4(j." 

The  conjpietioi)  of  the  Oswego  canal  was  the  first  public  work  that 
conferred  a  benefit  upon  Ogdensburgh,  or  St.  Lawrence  county,  as  they 
thus  first  gained  a  direct  avenue  to  market.  The  Erie  canal  liinderod 
the  growth  of  this  jiortion  of  the  state,  more  than  it  promoted  it,  by 
oj)ening  new,  cheap  and  fertile  land  to  the  settler,  the  produce  from 
which  could  be  sent  to  market  at  less  expense  than  that  from  this  coun- 
ty, and  thus  great  numbers  were  induced  to  emigrate.  In  the  great  era 
of  speculation  and  high  prices  in  183G,  in  connection  with  the  txtraordi- 
nnry  mineral  resources  then  being  developed,  a  new  impulse  was  given, 
and  tneasures  were  adopted  to  im[)rove  the  hydraulic  power  of  the 
place,  by  the  purchase  of  the  water  privilege  and  erection  of  mills. 

This  right  had  passed  from  Ford  to  Thomas  Denny,  and  was  bought 
by  Smith  Stilwell,  in  183G,  for  $30,000,  and  has  since  been  sold  to  in- 
dividuals who  are  bound  by  certain  regulations,  to  sustain  the  expenses 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


413 


which  their  maintenance  may  require.  A  canal  is  extended  down  to 
below  the  bridge,  and  with  the  exception  of  a  few  weeks  in  summer, 
affords  nn  ample  supply  for  the  extensive  mills  and  manufactories  upon 
it.  The  dam  built  by  Judge  Ford,  in  179G,  has  with  some  repairs, 
lusted  till  the  present  time,  and  is  still  good. 

A  most  destructive  fire  occurred  at  Ogdensburgh  on  the  night  between 
tlie  ItJth  and  17th  of  April,  183t),  by  which  nearly  half  the  business  por- 
tion of  the  village  was  laid  in  ashes.  The  loss  was  estimated  at  but  little 
less  than  $100,000.  The  irritation  that  then  existed  on  the  frontiers  led 
to  the  suspicion  that  it  was  the  work  of  an  incendiary. 

This  fire  consumed  the  premise?i  on  the  southwest  corner  of  State  and 
Ford  streets,  including  the  post  )flice.  Republican  printing  office,  and  a 
large  number  of  stores  and  shops.  The  loss  has  been  estimated  at 
nearly  $100,000. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st  of  September,  1852,  another  fire  consumed 
a  large  amount  of  property  on  Ford  and  Isabella  streets,  extending  from 
the  store  of  G.  N.  Seymour  nearly  to  Wasliingtou  street,  and  shortly  after 
two  other  destructive  fires  burned  a  large  amount  of  property  on  Ford 
street,  including  the  ofllice  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Republican  and  the  en- 
tire premises  belonging  to  the  llasbrouck  estate,  and  represented  in  our 
engraving  on  page  209. 

Circumstances  connected  with  these  fires,  excited  suspicions  with  some 
tiuit  they  were  the  work  of  an  incendiary.  A  portion  of  the  burnt  dis- 
trict has  been  rebuilt,  and  ere  long  it  is  presumed  the  whole  will  be  oc- 
cupied by  blocks  of  elegant  buildings.  As  an  emporium  oi"  commerce, 
and  the  natural  limit  of  navigation  by  sail  vessels,  the  port  of  OgdeBS- 
bingh  enjoys  advantages  incomparably  superior  to  those  of  any  port  on 
tlie  river,  and  this  feature  of  the  location  presented  itself  to  the  minds  of 
the  French  in  their  selection  of  a  site  for  a  mission,  the  English  in  their 
retention  of  it  as  a  fur  station,  and  the  early  purchasers  under  the  state 
as  a  point  for  the  establishment  of  a  commercial  interest  and  the  nucleus 
of  a  new  settlement. 

The  completion  of  thr  Northern  rail  road  has  done  infinitely  more 
than  all  other  causes  cond)ined  to  give  an  impulse  to  the  prosperity  of 
Ogdensburgh  and  of  Northern  New  York  generally,  and  in  our  history 
of  iiniirovenionts  will  be  found  an  account  of  the  origin,  progress  and 
completion  of  that  work.  This,  in  connection  with  the  system  of  Cana- 
dian roads  in  prcgicss  and  the  great  natural  advantages  of  the  place,  can 
not  fail  to  give  it  an  eminence  as  [a  commercial  point  which  it  so  truly 
deserves.  Its  streets  are  adorne<l  with  n.any  buildings  that  for  elegance 
and  durability  would  do  credit  to  any  of  our  largest  cities.  The  traveler 
«<iit  find  at  its  several  hotels  tiiose  conveniences  and  attentions  which 


wr 


■2.1  1.1., 


94,    . 


V^   ■  ■  : 


Sf:M 


I 


414 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


rentier  the  tourist's  life  nfrreenbic,  nnd  llie  cnpitulist  nn  opportunity  for 
investment  tlint  can  not  fail  to  richly  remunerate.  We  hero  present  a 
view  of  one  of  the  Jiotels. 


Sf.  Lawrence  Hotel,  Osdentburgh,  N.  Y. 

This  hotel  is  on  the  corner  of  State  and  Ford  streets;  the  main  build- 
ing on  the  corner  was  built  in  1842,  and  the  addition  on  the  ri^ht,  (tiie 
lo\»er  story  of  which  is  occupied  by  stores,  and  which  is  known  as  llic 
Seymour  block),  in  1851.  The  whole  has  a  front  of  i;)2  feet  on  State  and 
94  on  Ford  streets.  Besides  the  public  halls,  parlors,  &c.,  it  has  8(5  slecj)- 
ing  a|)artnients,  and  from  the  observatory  on  the  top  a  splendid  view  of 
the  village,  tiic  livcr,  and  the  Canada  shore  for  many  miles,  is  afforded.  It 
is  ownedby  Geo.  N.  Scj  niour,  Esq.,  and  kf  |)t  by  Brown,  Sjjcrry  &  Co. 

A  cemetery  association  was  incorporated  under  the  general  act  July 
26,  1847,  with  Geo.  N.  Seymoin-,  Elijah  B.  Allen,  J(dui  Fine,  Collins  A. 
Buridiam,  Edwin  Clark,  David  C.  Judson,  Wni.  Brown,  Amos  Bacon, 
ami  James  G.  Hopkins,  trustees.  It  was  dedicated  on  the  18tli  o»'  Sept., 
1847,  b}  tli(>  clergy  and  citi/eus,  at  which  an  address  was  delivered  hy 
the  Hon.  John  Fine,  and  suitable  religious  exercises  and  the  singing  of 
a  byinn  composed  for  the  occasion  by  .\Ir.  C.  T.  Pooler,  closed  the  ex- 
ercises of  the  day.  The  circumstances  of  ^juch  an  occasion,  were  pe- 
c  uliarly  calculated  to  make  a  serious  and  lasting  impression ;  as  a  few 
revolving  jearu  would  doubtless  lay  beneutU  liiu  kurlace  u^un  vvliicli  tliey 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


415 


stood  mnny  who  participated  in  tlie  exercises  of  the  day.  The  cemetery 
is  situated  on  the  bank  of  tiie  Oswcgntcliic,  about  a  mile  from  tiie  village, 
and  when  the  premises  are  completed  after  the  contemplated  plan,  will 
be  nt  once  an  ap[)ropriate  and  ornamentul  ground,  and  will  compare  fa- 
vorably with  the  cemeteries  of  most  towns  of  tlie  size. 

The  Of^dennhurirh  Library  was  incorporated  Jime  10,  1838,  with 
George  Guest,  IJishop  Perkins,  James  G.  Hopkins,  Charles  Lawton,  and 
Huron  S.  Doty,  trustees.  This  is  believed  to  have  been  dissolved  several 
years.  School  district  No.  1,  in  this  village,  has  the  largest  public  library 
in  the  county. 

The  Ogdensbxirffh  Jitheneum  was  the  name  of  a  society  organized  at 
that  |»lace  in  IS^JO,  for  the  jxirpose  of  obtaining  for  the  perusal  of  its 
members,  the  principal  periodicals  of  Europe  and  America.  It  continued 
in  o|)eration  about  three  years.  This  was  the  fust  effort  for  the  establish- 
ment of  an  association  lor  mutual  benefit.  Courses  of  lectures  liad  oc- 
casionally bee"  given  by  citizens  an<l  strangers,  and  in  the  winter  of 
1851-2,  a  veiy  general  interest  was  felt  in  a  series  of  lectures  which  were 
got  up  under  the  name  of  a  Lyceum,  and  at  the  expense  of  a  fund  raised 
for  the  |iurpose  in  the  village.  While  these  lectures  were  in  progress, 
the  jiroject  of  a  more  permanent  and  useful  organization  was  discussed, 
and  on  the  last  evening  of  the  course,  a  consultation  was  held,  which 
eventually  residted  in  the  formation  of  a  Young  Men's  Jlssociation,ado\)i- 
ing  for  its  constitution  that  of  the  Albany  association. 

This  organization  was  effected  3Iay  8,  185'i,  there  having  been  pre- 
viously circulated  a  subscription  for  obtaining  the  means  necessary  for 
the  pur[)oses.  The  price  of  membership  was  fixed  at  S."),  and  the  con- 
dition of  the  subscription  was,  that  forty  mend)ers  should  be  i)rocured 
before  an  association  should  be  formed,  in  two  months  from  the  date 
of  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  and  by-laws,  the  number  was  in- 
creased to  fifty  jnembers.  On  the  Uth  of  July  the  following  officers  were 
chosen : 

Rev.  L.  Merrill  W\\\cr,  president ;  S.  Fonte,  A.  B.  James,  Z.  B.  Bridges, 
vice  presidents ;  R.  islixda,  recording  secretary ;  E.  M.  Holbrook,  correspond- 
ins;  secreta) y ;  George  Morris,  treasurer;  J.  (if.  Hoi)kins,  11.  G.  Foote,  W. 
C.  Brown,  P.  It.  Randall,  R.  W.  Judson,  R.  G.  Pettibone,  R.  3Iorris,  S. 
S.  Blodget,  II.  H.  Humpiu-ey,  II.  F.  Lawrence,  managers.    The  latter, 
witii  the  other  officers  above  named,  constitute  an  executive  committee. 
Sill)  committees  on  rooms  and  fixtm-es,  on  the  supply  of  the  reading 
room,  the  library,  &c.,  and  others  to  |)rocure  donations  and  subscriptions, 
and  to  make  arrangements  for  lectures,  were  appointed.    Conunodious 
rooms  in  the  second  story  of  Judson's  block,  op[»osite  the  St.  Lawrence 
hotel,  were  taken,  a  small  but  select  library  purchased,  and  a  reading 
room  supplied  with  all  the  standard  tnagazines  and  numerous  papers, 
was  fitted  n|>.     These  rooms  are  open  daily  and  on  evenings,  to  citizen 
inembeis  and  strangers.     The  design  of  this  association  is  to  embrace, 
besides  a  library  and  reading  room,  a  course  of  public  lectures  during 
the  winter  months.     The  interest  which  has  thus  tiir  been  very  generally 
niuniiested  in  this  measure,  give  assurance  that  the  association  will  be 
one  of  a  iiermanent  character;  well  calculated  to  promote  the  intellect- 
ual welfare  of  the  community  in  whicli  it  is  located,  and  that  its  success 
will  be  iiro[)ortioncd  to  the  excellent  intentions  which  led  to  its  institu- 
tion.    It  is  hoped  that  the  model  thus  offered  will  find  an  imitation  in 
other  large  villages  in  the  county. 


416 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


,  <t  (■■! 


Tlie  earliest  settlement  in  the  vicinity  of  Black  Inko,  in  the  town  of 
Oswegntchie,  was  mode  in  1797,  by  Cn|)t.  Jo8e[)h  Tinirber,  and  liis  sons 
Kelsey  J.  and  John  K.  Tlnirber,  from  the  town  of  Augusta,  in  Caniula, 
but  originally  from  New  lf»ni|mbirc.  Mr.  Thurber  bad  been  a  very  early 
settler  at  Plattsburgh.  David  Rose,  David  Judson,  Thomas  J.  Duvies, 
and  others,  were  very  early  settlers  in  this  part  of  the  town.  Jacob 
Pohlman,  a  millwright,  who  had  been  employed  in  1797  by  Ford,  on  his 
mill  at  Ogdensburgh,  was  an  early  settler  in  this  town  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  lake.  He  en.. grated  from  Germany  when  a  young  man,  and  first  ar- 
rived in  Philadelphia.  At  Albany  he  met  with  Mr.  Ford,  who  persuaded 
bim  to  remove  to  the  new  settlement,  and  be  spent  the  remainder  of  his 
life  in  town. 

The  river  road  towards  Morristown  began  to  be  settled  at  about  the 
same  time,  Thomas  Lee  being  the  pioneer  settler.  Schools  were  first 
commenced  in  Oswegatchie  in  thissettlement,  and  John  K.  Thurber  Avas 
the  first  teacher.  Capt.  David  Griflin,  Adam  Millis,  and  Elijah  Carley, 
also  located  along  this  road.  The  first  death  in  the  town  of  Oswegatchie, 
after  the  arrival  of  Judge  Ford  and  his  party,  was  Mrs.  Lyon.  The  first 
marriage  among  the  settlers  was  that  of  James  Chambers  and  Elizabeth 
Thurber,  in  1796.  As  there  was  no  magistrate  or  clergyman  authorized 
to  perform  the  marriage  ceremony,  the  parties  crossed  to  Canada  to  get 
yoked.  In  1801,  Mr.  John  King,  from  New  Jersey,  arrived  as  a  clerk 
for  Mr.  Ford. 

The  village  of  HeuveUon,  near  the  southern  border  of  the  town,  was 
surveyed  into  a  village  plat  by  Judge  Edsall,  of  Madrid,  before  it  had  an 
inhabitant,  and  received  the  name  of  Fordshurgh,  from  Nathan  Ford,  It 
was  sometimes  mentioned  as  the  East  Branch,  meaning  the  place  where 
the  highway  crossed  the  East  Branch,  or  Oswegatchie.  This  river  was 
sometimes  so  called,  and  Indian  river  bore  the  name  of  West  Braiicii 
Truman  Bristol,  and  families  by  the  name  of  Havens,  Jones,  and  Os- 
burne,  began  sninll  improvements  about  1805,  In  the  fall  of  1806,  Jairiis 
Remington,  formerly  a  Presbyterian  minister,  a  native  of  Massachusetts, 
but  then  from  Putney,  Vt.,  moved  in  by  way  of  the  Black  river  country, 
with  his  family,  and  commenced  keeping  a  i)ublic  house  on  the  left 
bank  of  the  river.  He  had  been  on  several  times  before,  and  had  made 
an  arrangement  with  Judge  Ford  to  establish  an  inn  at  this  point, 
where  it  was  very  much  needed  for  the  accommodation  of  the  numerous 
travelers  and  emigrants  who  were  coining  into  the  country  by  the  State 
road  then  newly  opened.    Judge  Ford  wrote  Jan.  6,  1806,  as  follows: 

"I  have  also  sold  four  lots  in  oin-  village  at  the  East  Branch  bridge,  to 
a  gentletnan  who  is  a  mau  of  education  and  influence  in  Massachusetts, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


417 


and  nlso  in  Vfii-tnoiit.  His  intention  is  to  set  up  hnsincss,  nnfl  from  the 
representiition  lie  makes  to  me  1  nm  induced  to  believe  he  will  he  very 
servicenlile,  not  only  ns  nn  iiilmbitunt,  but  ns  hein^  a  person  who  will 
bring  with  !iim  a  number  of  emigruiits.  I  have  made  it  \m  intercut  to 
be  servicable  to  us  this  way,  as  I  have  also  those  who  have  j^one  to  Ver- 
mont. This  gentleman  has  also  gone  for  his  family,  lie  has  made  ar- 
rangements for  building,  and  as  an  evidence  of  his  being  in  earnest,  he 
has  made  cousid(!rable  advances  to  carpenters  here,  for  beginning  early 
in  the  spring.  From  present  appearances  I  have  groimds  to  believe 
tiiere  will  be  a  strong  emigration  to  our  settlement  the  ensuing  season." 

Judge  Pinney  and  family  settled  hero  in  1808;  Redfield  and  family 
soon  after.  David  Burroughs,  irom  Shaftsbury,  Vt.,  arrived  in  1811. 
There  were  few  settlers  besides  these,  till  1820,  when  Jacob  A.  Vandcn 
Hei'  :,  an  enterprising  gentleman  from  New  York,  having  purchased 
the  village  and  an  extensive  tract  of  land  adjoining,  commenced  the 
erection  of  a  grist  mill,  and  numerous  other  im[irovements.  His  father 
was  a  Hollander,  who  emigrated  to  New  York  in  1792,  having  previously 
resided  several  years  in  the  Dutch  colony  of  Demarara,  in  Guiana,  of 
which  he  was  for  some  time  the  governor.  In  comiilimcnt  to  the  new 
pro|)rietor,  the  j)lace  received  the  name  of  Heuvel,  which  was  in  January, 
1832,  changed  to  lleuvelton,  iti  .ent  name.  A  saw  mill  and  dam  had 
been  erected  by  Mr.  Remington  for  many  years.  The  place  soon  after 
began  to  increase  in  population  quite  raj)idly.  The  bridge  first  erected, 
was  above  its  jtrcsent  location,  and  was  carried  off.  One  or  two  others 
on  the  same  place  failed.  The  first  school  in  the  settlement  was  a  very 
small  one,  taught  by  Mr,  Dyer  Badger  in  the  winter  of  1808,  in  a  small 
shanty  near  the  site  of  the  present  school  house. 

The  first  religious  meetings  were  held  by  Methodists.  Dr.  S.  N.  Sher- 
man was  the  first  i)hysician  of  the  place,  having  located  here  in  1825. 
Mr.  Van  Heuvel  with  much  liberality  erected  a  church  for  the  Episcopal 
worsiiip,  but  it  was  never  much  used  by  this  denomination,  and  has 
passed  into  the  hands  of  the  Universalists.  The  first  death  in  this  part 
of  the  town  is  said  to  have  been  that  of  Mr.  David  Seymour,  who  was 
drowned  in  180G.  He  was  at  the  time  engaged  in  the  erection  of  a 
bridge. 

Religious  Societi'at. — The  annals  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  Church, 
show  that  a  circuit  denominated  Oswefratchie,  existed  as  early  as  17'J3,  and 
it  is  from  this  probable,  that  meetings  were  occasionally  lield  by  the 
Methodists  at  flu;  garrison,  while  still  a  British  post.  The  importance  of 
some  organization  was  early  felt,  and  led  to  the  formation  of  the  First 
Church  and  Congregation  of  Christ,  in  the  town  of  Oswegatchie,  Oct. 
10, 1805,  with  Nathan  Ford,  John  Lyon,  Aaron  VVelton,  Louis  Hasbrouck 

*  Mr.  V.  H.  was  authorized  by  an  act  of  the  legislnture  passed  Feb.  8,  1S32,  to  asiume  the 
name  of  Van  Ileuvcl,  by  which  he  lias  since  been  known  His  father,  John  Van  Den 
Heuvel.  died  iu  New  York,  May  0,  1836. 


It' 


419 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


ir:-:  i. 


niul  Tliomns  J.  Dnvics,  triistcps.     In  n  letter  of  November  20, 1804,  Col' 
Ogdcii  wrote  to  Jn(l},'e  Ford,  as  follows: 

"  You  have  nildtui  liercto  tin;  stntn  of  my  nttpinpt  to  cftl-ct  the  cstiil«''r. ',. 
meiit  of  n  clorgymiin  witii  you.  I'loiii  wliut  has  pusscil  it  seoms  pitsity 
certain  that  one  will  visit  you  with  my  letter,  on  tiio  receipt  of  which  I 
nray  you  do  every  thing  in  your  power  to  establisii  him  with  you,  render 
liis  \iBit  as  j)lea(<ing  as  possible,  show  him  as  extensive  an  annuity  afl/)os- 
aible.  Will  not  'fihbets  and  and  others  from  the  other  townships,  as  >vell 
DH  from  the  other  side  o(  the  river,  contribute  towards  his  establishment? 
I  am  certain  nothing  will  jtromotc  our  object  more  than  the  settlement  of 
a  proper  clergyman  and  erection  of  u  church.  The  (bllowing  is  a  copy 
of  my  letter  to  you  which  I  have  left  with  the  bisho|>,  dated  New  Vok, 
23(1  November:  "My  desire  that  a  church  should  early  be  established 
nt  Ogdensbu igh,  has  induced  nn;  to  wait  on  bishop  i>Ioore,  and  some  olhcr 
of  the  clergj  of  this  i)lace,  desiring  a  clergyman  might  Ik;  induced  to 
make  you  a  visit,  uniler  the  belief  that  having  explored  the  lown,  situa- 
tion, &c.,  he  will  be  desirous  of  becoining  a  resident  with  you." 

The  following  are  the  i)roposals  I  have  made:  Samuel  Ogden  pro- 
poses to  have  two  town  lots  laid  out  in  the  town,  near  the  church  and 
court  house  lots,  one  to  be  hidd  as  n  parsonnfrc,  and  conveyed  lor  its  use, 
the  other  to  be  conveyed  in  lee  simple  to  the  first  clergyman  who  shall 
reside  in  the  town,  and  perform  Episcopal  <liifics  therein,  for  the  term  of 
ten  years.  One  fiirm  shall  be  also  laid  out  in  the  vicinity  of  the  town  ns 
n  parsonage,  to  be  conveyed ybr  the  use  of  the  church,  also  u  convenient 
lot  in  town  whereon  to  build  a  chmeli,  and  for  u  burying  ground.  The 
bishop  has  presented  uiu  with  two  <lozen  j)rayer  books.  How  shall  I 
send  them?"  This  was  ratiier  an  unwelcome  duty  to  impose  upon  judge 
Ford,  who  was  a  zealous  Presbyterian,  and  the  story  is  related  as  uuthoii- 
tic,  that  he  was  so  determined  to  establish  one  of  this  denomination,  that 
he  declared  he  icouldgo  to  h — II for  one  rather  than  be  disappointed.  The 
ingenious  manner  in  which  he  answered  the  above  letter  is  worthy  of 
perusal.     It  forms  a  part  of  a  long  letter  dated  Jan.  11,  ld05. 

"  I  confess  I  feel  much  cmbarrassnumt  in  answering  that  jmrt  of  your 
letter  whitih  relates  to  the  establishing  of  a  clergyman.  Not  because  I 
do  not  think  your  arrangements  judicious  and  liberal,  but  because  there 
are  local  considerations  which  claim  to  be  deliberately  and  cautiously 
examined,  for  however  miu;h  this  measure  niay  ])artake  of  yours  and  my 
wish,  I  fear  our  interest  will  be  materially  affected  by  it  at  this  time,  be- 
cause the  whole  emigration  to  this  country  is,  and  lias  been,  with  very 
few  exceptions,  Presbyterian,  and  this  summer  pains  have  been  taken  to 
settle  a  clergyman  in  Lisbon,  of  that  di^nomination.  A  visible  spring 
has  been  given  to  emigration  in  that  town  in  consequence  of  it.  Our 
neighbors  are  pursuing  that  kind  of  policy  which  comports  with  thefieel- 
jngs  and  wishes  of  the  [leople  in  this  respect,  by  which  they  expect  to 
profit,  and  they  will.  Tlie  moment  a  measure  should  be  pursued,  which 
bad  the  shadow  of  appearance  to  direct  the  religiouso|)inionsol' the  peo- 
ple, (no  matter  how  pure  our  motives  may  l)e,)jealousies  will  be  excited, 
and  uneasiness  create<l.  It  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  tell  you  how  quick 
the  sensibility  of  peo|)le  are  engaged  when  their  religious  notions  and 
j)rejudices  are  touched;  reason  loses  its  force,  and  passion  and  rancor  arc 
the  only  visible  features.  Since  Lisbon  has  settled  their  clergyman,  our 
people  or©  anxious  to  have  one  al&o.  The  idea  has  been  nuich  jiressed 
and  much  urged  by  them,  and  they  have  determined  to  have  one,  but  he 
must  be  a  Presbyterian.  I  have  suggested  our  i<lea,  but  it  will  not  take. 
The  question  now  is  whether  we  shall  find  it  our  interest  to  resist  their 


1,-1 '  - ' 

11:''' 


'•«}' 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


419 


wishes  nnd  llio  wisiies  of  flioso  wlio  it  i»  pmhaltle  will  come  to  oiir  set- 
tlement, or  wlielluT  it  will  not  be  better  to  let  tlieiii  (bilow  tlieir  own  pre- 
jiuliceH,  uihI  pleuHe  tlicniNelveB  in  tbeirreli^ioim  pnrsnits.  It  niKpieslion* 
nbly  must  be  the  nieiins  of  casting'  ti  double  erniKiation  into  Li»*bon,  and 
tliiH  1  make  no  doubt,  lum  operated  as  a  reason  lor  the  hiiste  with  which 
Lisbon  has  settled  their  eler^'ynian.  We  shall  iind  it  our  interest  to  inovo 
it)  this  tirm<;  with  caution,  and  not  hastily  take  a  step  by  which  our  neigh- 
bors will  fiain  in  proportion  as  we  lose,  by  n  wrong  move  upon  the  chess 
board.  We  stand  delicately  situated  at  this  time.  There  are  those  whoso 
interest  it  is  to  take  every  advantage  of  any  unguarded  measine  we  may 
pinsiie,  for  h(jwever  tiiiich  there  is  of  harmony  and  good  understaiuiing 
HI  the  country  at  this  time,  there  are  jealousies  and  secret  feelings  in  the 
breasts  oi  some  people  in  this  world,on  accoimtot  the  court  house.  1  have 
now  and  then  heard  them  echoed  in  whispers.  There  was  no  belief  the 
exertion  which  has  been  made  would  have  be(!n  to  have  the  comt  house 
binlt.  It  is  certain  that  edifice  was  considered  as  a  thing  which  might  be 
visible  seven  years  hence,  but  it  is  now  fixed  by  law;  consequently  all 
hope  of  changing  its  situation  has  vanished.  This  circimistanco  gives 
us  an  evident  advantage  of  the  other  towns,  and  they  will  naturally  for  a 
time,  leel  jealousies,  for  they  are  natural  upon  such  occasions;  and  if  by 
any  means  we  should  excite  a  religious  clamor,  we  must  ex[)ect  advantage 
to  he  taken  of  it,  in  which  case  we  shall  lose  more  than  we  shall  gain.  I 
conceive  this  would  be  the  case  for  the  purpose  of  counteracting  the  ad- 
vantage we  now  hold.  As  ii'oiii  any  assistance  from  our  neigid)ors  ou 
the  opposite  shore,  it  is  out  of  the  (luestioii,  for  they  are  universally  Scotch 

Preibyterians  or  Methodists.     As  lor ,  he  never  gave  a  liirlhing  in 

liis  life  lor  the  siip|)ort  of  any  clergyman;  he  holds  all  alike  in  ecpial 
coiitem[)t.  No  assistance  can  reasonably  be  calculated  upon  Ironi 
without,  and  want  of  accordance  within  our  settlement  nnist  and  will 
beget  an  expense  which  will  not  be  liivorablcto  our  interests,  for  we  can 
not  calculate  upon  more  than  a  mere  trifl  ■om  the  settlers,  if  any  thing 
at  all.  It  is  oidy  necessary  for  you  to  ask  yourself  what  success  it  is  |)ro- 
bnble  you  would  meet  with  were  you  to  set  a  subscription  on  foot  to  be 
subscribed  by  Presbyterians  and  Methodists,  for  the  support  of  a  Church 
of  fc^iigland  clergyman  ?  There  are  lew  who  are  better  ible  to  answer 
this  question  than  yourself,  for  your  knowledge  of  the  exciting  of  preju- 
dices which  attach  to  ditferent  sects,  is  such  as  will  enable  you  to  make  a 
prompt  decision.  I  liave  tried  to  conq)rise  my  ideas  upon  this  subject  in 
OS  concise  a  manner  as  possible,  and  shall  conclude  them  by  observing 
that  circumstanced  as  we  are,  whether  it  would  be  good  jwlicy  to  take 
any  step  upon  this  subject  at  present,  but  leave  the  people  to  act  for 
tiietnselves.     *     *     # 

Believe  me  to  be  with  warmest  affection,  your  friend, 

N.  Ford. 
Samuel  Ogden,  Esq," 

A  Baptist  church  was  formed  July  29,  1809,  under  Elder  Samuel 
Rowley,  a  missionary  from  Massachusetts,  of  9  members.  The  present 
stone  church  in  State  street  was  erected  in  1833.  A  society  had  been 
fonned  May  23,  1821,  with  Harry  Eastman,  Charles  Hull  and  Eraslus 
Vilas,  as  trustees. 

The  r  i)vtcrian  church  was  organized  Dec.  8,  1819»  of  9  males  and 
9  femaic's.  M' 13  whole  number  received  into  full  communion  up  to  Aug., 
1852,  V  as  GAG;  present   number,  255.     The  society  was  incorporated 


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420 


HISTORY   OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


June  1,  1820,  with  N. 
Ford,  T.  Lyon,  Duncan 
Turner,  Joseph  Rosseel, 
Wolcott  Hubhell  and  Wrn. 
I.  Guest,  trustees.  Their 
clergymen  have  been  Rev. 
Bnrnahas  Bruen,  1819; 
James  McAuley,  1821 ; 
Jnrnes  B.  Ambler,  1827; 
E.G.  Smith,  1829;  J.  A. 
Savage,  1832;  L.  Merrill 
Miller,  18.51.  The  abova 
dates  are  those  in  which 
they  commenced  their 
labors  respectively.  Mr. 
Savage,  after  a  pastor- 
ate of  nearly  20  years, 
was  dismissed  from  his 
charge,  in  order  to  a.^sinne 
the  presidency  of  Carroll 
Presbyterian  Church  and  Parionage^Osdeitsburgh.  College      Wisconsin.       A 

tempoiary  wooden  building  was  erected  for  a  church,  in  1818,  on  the 
southwest  corner  of  Ford  and  Caroline  streets,  and  the  present  church 
was  buiit  in  1824,  at  a  cost  of  $9,000,  and  in  1847,  enlarged  to  its  present 
size,  at  a  cost  of  $3,000.  The  church  has  a  clock,  bell  and  a  good  organ, 
and  adjoining,  a  jiarsonage  lot,  with  dwelling  and  other  fixtures,  worth 
in  the  aggregate,  including  the  church  property,  about  $15,000.  There 
is  a  flourishing  sabbath  school  connected  with  the  church,  numbering 
over  200  scholars,  and  a  library  of  about  .500  volumes.  The  ladies' 
missionary  society  contribute  $.50  per  year,  and  a  Dorcas  society  $40,  to 
charitable  objects  annually.  Contribution  to  other  benevolent  associa- 
tions, $-50  per  annum.  Most  of  the  above  data  were  collected  by  the 
Rev.  L.  M.  Miller,  for  this  work. 


St.  John's 
Church.  —  The 
Rev.  Daniel 
Nash,  on  a  mis- 
sionary tour,  in 
1816,  visited 
this  place,  and 
i  n  a  re{)ort 
which  he  made 
says,  that  he 
was  the  first 
Episcopal  cler- 
gyman who  had 
visited  that  vil- 
lage and  the 
county  of  St. 
Lawrence.  The 
second  one  who 

officiated,  was  the  Rev.  Amos  G.  Baldwin,  a  missionary  who  came  early 
in  June,  1818,  and  at\limes  performed  divine  offices  in  the  cou  -t  house; 
and  on  the  23d  of  May,  1820,  a  society  was  incorporated,  having  Thomas 


St.  John's  Churth  and  Rectory,  Ogdensburgh. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


421 


J.  Davies  and  Isaac  PInmb,  wardens;  George  Parish,  Louis  Hasbrouck, 
David  Ford,  David  C.  Jiidson,  Andrew  McCollom,  Junius  Walton,  Rich- 
ard W.  Colfax  and  Sylvester  Gilbert,  vestrymen.  The  first  report  to  the 
bishop,  was  that  of  15  rnetnbers.  In  1821,  it  \/a8  resolved  to  build  a 
stone  church  edifice,  and  in  the  same  year,  Rev.  L.  Carter  was  invited 
to  a  temporary  charpe,  which  he  immediately  assumed,  and  on  the  10th 
of  August,  1821,  he  laid  the  corner  stone  on  a  lot  of  groimd,  piven  for 
that  purpose,  by  David  and  George  Parish.  In  October,  1823,  the  build- 
ing was  opened  for  worship.  In  1824,  the  Rev.  Addison  Searle  and 
Rev.  Mr.  Beardsley  were  called  to  take  temporary  charge  of  the  congre- 
gation, and  in  1825,  the  first  measiues  were  adopted  by  the  vestry,  for 
the  erection  of  tho  present  rectory.  In  the  same  year,  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Todd  accepted  the  charire  of  the  ])arish.  In  1830,  the  Rev.  Nathaniel 
Iluse  was  called  to  the  parochial  charge,  and  in  1833,  the  Rev.  Richard 
Bury  was  chosen  to  a  temporary  charge.  In  1838,  the  Rev.  Francis 
Tremayne  became  the  minister,  and  in  183G,  the  Rev.  William  Barton 
became  the  first  roctor,  and  continued   until  1839,  when  he  resigned, 

and  the  Rev. Brayton  was  temporarily  employed,     in   1840,  the 

Rev.  H.  R.  Peters  was  invited  to  the  rectorship,  and  still  remains.  In 
1843,  the  church  was  thoroughly  repaired,  enlarged  and  made  to  assume 
its  present  appearance.  This  work  was  undertaken  by  Hon.  H.  Van 
Rensselaer,  one  of  the  wardens,  who  very  liberally  projtosed  to  make 
the  addition,  and  carry  up  the  tower  to  a  proportionate  height,  in  con- 
sideration of  the  additional  pews.  This  increased  the  length  30  feet, 
making  its  present  ditnensions  90  by  42  feet,  and  the  church  is  capable 
of  seating  from  500  to  GOO.  In  consequence  of  the  growth  of  the  con- 
gregation, further  additions,  or  a  new  edifice  will  ere  long  be  needed. 
The  reciory  adjoins  the  chm-ch  in  the  same  enclosure,  is  of  stone,  and 
was  built  on  land  given  by  George  Parish.  There  is  a  large  bell  in  the" 
tower,  and  the  church  contains  a  fine  organ.  The  author  is  indebted  to 
the  Rev.  Mr.  Peters  for  the  foregoing  data. 

The  first  M.  E.  church  in  town  was  incorporated  Feb.  22,  1825,  with 
Icliabod  Arnold  Joseph  Brooks,  Joseph  Cole,  David  Chapin  and  Joseph 
Arnold,  trustees.  It  has  been  reorganized  Nov.  13,  1827,  and  Feb.  17, 
1828.  A  second  M.  E.  society  was  incorporated  June  1,  1840,  with 
Benj.  Nichols,  Uriah  Van  Waters,  Amasa  Pace,  Ransom  Lovejoy,  James 
Russell,  Joseph  D.  Hutchinson  and  Hiram  Young,  trustees.  It  was  re- 
organized Dec.  12,  1848.  This  denomination  in  1850,  erected  the  pre- 
sent large  brick  church  on  Franklin  street.  A  society  was  formed  at 
Henvelton,  Sept.  14,  1843,  with  Nathan  F.  Griflin,  Isaac  Gray  and  Amos 
H.  Hewlett,  trustees. 

The  second  Presbyterian  church  and  society  in  Oswegatchie,  was 
formed  April  4,  1832,  with  Alex.  McCall,  John  J.  Doni,  John  Lamon, 
Ezra  Day  and  David  Griffin,  trustees.  Tliej  have  a  church  in  the  west 
part  of  the  town. 

The  first  congregational  society  of  Heuvelton  was  formed  Sept.  26, 
1842,  with  G.  T.  Howard,  Andrew  M.  Gray,  Ebennzer  Kate,  John  Pick- 
ens and  A.  H.  McMurphy,  trustees.     It  reorganized  Nov.  3,  1850. 

A  Universalist  society  was  formed  April  IG,  1842,  with  Allen  Chauey, 
Wm.  Gardner  and  O.  S.  Cummings.  trustees,  and  reorganized  Sept.  2G, 
1842,  and  April  15,  1843. 

The  Roman  Catholic  church  of  Ogdensburgh  and  its  vicinity,  incor- 

})orated  November  29,  1848;  James  Kennaday,  Daniel  Burns,  James  Mc 
'i^ulty,  John  Feelyard  and  Mitchel  Lequin,  trustees.  Dm-ing  the  summer 
of  1852,  a  large  stone  church,  GO  by  100  feet,  has  been  built,  by  Rev. 
James  Mackey. 


.^M.. 


I: 


422 


HISTORY  OP  ST.    LAWRENCE 


Farishville 

Was  formed  from  Hopkinton,  March  18, 1814,  and  at  first  embraced 
Sherwood,  Harewood,  Granshue,  Matildavale,  Wick,  Cookham  and  the 
west  third  of  Catharineville.  The  first  town  meeting  was  directed  to 
be  held  nt  the  house  of  Thomas  C.  Colbun.  The  poor  masters  of  the 
two  towns  were  directed  to  meet  and  divide  any  moneys  in  the  hands 
of  the  poor  masters  of  Hopkinton. 

it  at  present  embraces  Cookham  (29,541  acres),  and  7,971  acres  of  the 
west  part  of  CatharineviiJe.  Wick,  or  No.  11,  tract  2,  is  annexed.  The 
first  town  officers  were  as  follows : 

Daniel  W.  Church,  supervisor;  Abijah  Abbott,  clerk;  Stephen  Good- 
man, Ira  Ransom  nnri  Daniel  Rockwell,  assessors;  K])hraim  Smith,  col- 
lector; Jonathan  M.  Derl)ey  and  Stephen  Paddock,  poor  masters ;  Abel 
Brown,  Peter  Mahew  and  Elisha  Brooks,  cjmV*  q/"  At^Aicrt?/*;  Ephrnim 
Smith  and  Matthew  Wallace,  constables;  Peter  Muyliew,  Abel  Brown 
and  Elislia  Brooks,  fence  viewers;  Russell  Foot,  pound  keeper;  Abel 
Brown,  Peter  Mayhew  and  Foster  Brownell,  overseers  of  highways. 

Su/jeruMorjf.— 1814,  Daniel  W.  Church;  1815,  Abijah  Abbott;  1816-20, 
Daniel  Hoard;  1822,  William  Allen;  1823,  Daniel  Hoard;  1824-31,  Wm. 
Aliens  1832-4,  John  Brownell;  1835-7,  William  Allen;  1838-9,  John 
Hott;  1840-1,  John  Brownell;  1842-44,  Ethan  H.  Pease;  1845-7,  Sylva- 
nus  B.  Merrill;  1848-9,  Erastuu  D.  Brooks;  1850-1,  Nathan  Christy; 
1852,  William  F.  Gurley. 

JVotesfrom  tlw.  Town  Records. — 1814-15-lC — $5  dollars  for  wolves  and 
panthers,  with  half  this  for  the  young  of  these  animals.  1818,  $10  of- 
fered for  panthers.  1820,  $15  offered  for  panthers,  killed  in  town,  to  he 
proved  by  producing  the  iiead,  with  the  skin  and  ears  thereon,  and  by 
making  oath  to  the  same.  $0.50  bounty  for  foxes  and  $0.25  for  young 
foxes.  1821,  $15  bounty  offered  for  old  panthers,  luid  $7. 50  for  their 
young.  $1  fox  bounty,  and  half  that  sum  for  their  young.  1826.  Voted 
in  fiivor  of  a  division  of  county,  and  the  formation  of  a  new  one.  1827, 
this  action  again  taken,  and  William  Allen,  and  Daniel  Handin,  were  ap- 
pointed a  committee  to  represent  the  wishes  of  the  town  in  a  petition  to 
the  legislature.  1846.  $600  voted  to  build  or  furnisii  a  town  house  in 
the  village  of  Parishville,  to  be  raised  in  the  years  1847-48,  and  ap- 
pointed William  Allen,  D.  S.  Stevens,  and  E.  D.  Brooks,  a  committee  to 
petition  the  legislature  for  the  powers  necessary  for  raising  the  tax. 
This  measure  was  not  carried  into  effect.  1850.  The  town  voted  against 
reviving  the  distinction  between  the  town  and  county  poor. 

This  town  derives  its  name  from  David  Parish,  who,  Dec.  3, 1808, 
bought  the  town  of  J.  D.  Le  Ray  de  Chaumont,*  The  latter  had  pur- 
chased of  the  heirs  of  Wm.  Constable,  July  24,  1804.t 

The  first  settlement  was  made  under  the  direction  of  Daniel  Hoard, 
as  agent  of  Mr.  David  Parish.  Mr.  Hoard  was  a  young  man,  a  native  of 
Springfield,  Vermont,  who  with  his  brotiier  Silvius  Hoard,  had  been 

•  Clerk'i  office,  b.  3.  deeda,  p  180.    t  lb.  b.  2,  p.  lOS. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


423 


brought  to  the  notice  of  Mr.  Parish,  by  Gen.  Lewis  R.  Morris,  of  Springfield, 
who  hud  been  interested  in  the  lands  afterwards  purchased  in  St.  Lawrence 
and  Jefferson  counties.  Both  brottiers  were  employed  as  agents ;  the  first 
at  Parishville,  and  the  latter  at  Antwerp.  Mr.  Hoard  in  the  fall  of  1809, 
surveyed  and  cut  a  road  from  Potsdam  line  to  the  site  of  Parishville  village, 
In  April  1810,  he  returned  witli  Luke  Brown,  Isaac  Tower,  and  Hart- 
well  Shattuck,  from  Springfield,  Vermont,  and  Levi  Sawyer,  from 
Massachusetts.  These  were  employed  during  the  summer,  in  clearing 
lands,  and  during  the  season,  they  chopped  about  seventy  acres,  and 
"'eared  forty  on  the  site  of  Parishville  villnge.  A  Mr.  Whitmore  and 
u^fe  came  into  town  this  summer,  to  board  the  men  engaged  in  clearing 
lands,  and  this  woman  was  the  first  who  ever  came  into  town  to  reside. 
A  line  of  road  through  to  the  Black  river  had  been  marked  ])revious  to 
this  year.  The  route  led  several  miles  further  south  than  the  St.  Lawrence 
turnpike  was  afterwards  made,  and  passed  through  the  township  of 
Matildavale,  now  Colton.  Drring  the  summer  and  fall  of  1810,  a  saw 
mill  was  built  by  two  brothers  from  Oneida  countj',  by  the  name  of 
Barnes.  It  was  got  in  operation  the  same  season,  and  used  during  the 
winter.  Towards  spring,  the  family  which  had  first  moved  in  went 
away.  Soon  after  (March  31,  1811)  Luke  Brown  and  family  moved  into 
town,  and  this  was  the  first  permanent  family  in  Parishville.  He  settled 
about  two  and  a  half  miles  from  the  line  of  Potsdam,  on  u  farm  he  had 
previously  purchased,  and  commenced  improvements  upon.  Ira  Col- 
lins, Reuben  Thomas,  George  A.  Flower,  Joel  Hawkins,  William 
Thomas,  Richard  Newton,  Abijah  Abbot, Champlin,  ond Dag- 
get,  several  of  these  men  with  families,  came  in  and  settled  soon  after, 
During  the  year  1811,  the  turnpike  from  the  Black  river  settlements  was 
cut  through  the  town;  a  grist  mill  was  built  by  Daniel  W.  Church,  for 
Mr.  Parish,  and  a  distillery  was  erected  and  inclosed  by  Mr.  Hoard  the 
same  season.  The  latter  was  the  property  of  the  agent,  and  remained 
such  as  long  as  he  resided  in  town.  It  has  been  worked,  with  a  few  in- 
terruptions, nearly  every  year  since.  It  was  not  got  in  operation  till  the 
spring  of  1812.  Durirg  the  summer  of  1812,  a  large  tavern  stand  was 
erected  by  Mr.  Church,  for  the  proprietor  of  the  town,  costing  $12,000, 
and  during  this  season  the  place  received  large  accessions  of  inhabit- 
ants, many  of  whom  fled  from  Ogdensburgh,  and  other  places  on  the 
St.  Lawrence,  from  the  danger  they  apprehended  from  he  war.  This 
morbid  growth  gave  business  and  life  to  the  settlement,  which  has  never 
since  been  equalled;  and  for  a  time  the  village  and  surrounding  country 
increased  in  ])opuIation  and  improvements,  as  if  by  magic.  A  forge  was 
built  and  run  at  an  early  day  at  its  place.    In  1813,  this  prosperity  cou- 


I 


424 


HISTORY    OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


tinned,  and  extensive  buildings  and  improvements  were  undertaken. 
During  this  season  a  building  was  erected  at  tlie  expense  ot  Mr.  Parish 
for  public  purposes,  and  which  has  since  been  usually  known  as  the 
academy,  for  which  use  it  was  originally  designed.  It  hns  since  been 
used  as  a  town  hall,  school  house,  and  place  for  public  and  religious 
meetings.  It  is  a  one  story  wooden  building  with  single  room.  The 
first  birth  in  the  town  of  Parishville,  was  in  the  family  of  Luke  Brown, 
in  the  spring  of  1812.  The  first  school  was  taught  by  Miss  Harriet 
Bronson,  in  the  summer  of  1813,  in  the  barn  of  Daniel  Hoard  A 
school  house  was  erected  very  soon  after.  Religious  meetings  were  oc- 
casionally held  iu  1812-13,  and  subsequently  by  traveling  preachers,  but 
the  first  stated  ministry  was  established  by  the  Methodists  in  July  1818, 
at  the  house  of  Mr.  L.  Brown.  Baptist  meetings  were  first  held  by  an 
Elder  Johnson,  from  Jefferson  county. 

An  affair  occurred  in  this  town,  in  the  fall  of  1812,  which  created 
much  excitement  at  the  time.     A   desperate  character  by  the  name  of 

li ,  living  in  the  edge  of  Stockholm,  had  been  charged  with  a 

crime  which  carried  him  to  jail  in  Ogdensburgh,  in  the  month  of  June 
of  that  year.  While  undergoing  his  trial,  and  afterwards,  he  threat- 
ened vengeance  against  the  neigiihorhood  where  the  crime  was  commit- 
ted, and  against  a  Mrs.  Miller  in  particular,  who  hud  been  the  principnl 
witness  against  him.  Shortly  after  his  imprisonment,  he  succeeded  in 
breaking  jail,  atid  was  not  seen  for  some  time,  till  early  in  the  morning, 
on  Monday,  October  23(1,  he  was  seen  to  cross  the  bridge  over  llaquette 
river,  near  the  line  of  Pierrepont.  On  Wednesday  morning,  following, 
Mrs.  Miller  was  left  by  her  husband  in  the  act  of  rising  from  bed,  while 
he  went  some  distance  from  home  to  get  fire  at  a  neighbor's.  On  his  le- 
turn  she  was  not  in  the  house,  and  her  shoes  and  parts  of  her  clothing 
being  left  he  supposed  that  she  was  not  far  distant.  Nothing  more  was 
seen  of  her,  ond  her  absence  during  the  day,  becatne  a  subject  of  anxiety, 
which  increased  till  the  whole  country,  far  and  near  was  rallied,  and  a 
general  search  begun,  whicii  continued  several  days,  and  at  length 
given  up  in  despair  of  finding  any  trace  of  the  absent  one. 

On  Friday  night  several  houses  and  barns  in  the  vicinity,  were  burned, 
evidently  by  an  incendiary,  and  on  Saturday  morning  following,  the  jail 
bird  was  seen  to  recross  the  bridge,  of  Kaquette  river.     Suspicion  rested 

on  B ,  who  was  followed  up  and  arrested  at  Carthago,  having  in  his 

possession  a  stolen  rifle.  Nothing  but  suspicion  resting  u|)on  him,  in  re- 
lation to  the  abduction  and  arson,  he  was  tried  for  tiie  theft,  and  sent  to 
states  prison,  where  he  died.  On  the  following  spring,  a  woman's  head, 
was  found  some  distance  from  a  headless  body,  iu  the  woods  about 
three  miles  above  the  village  of  Parishville,  which  were  identified  as 
those  of  Mrs.  Miller,  who  in  all  probability  had  been  brutally  murdered 
from  a  fiendish  revenge,  by  the  ruffian  who  had  afterwards  set  fire  to 
his  own  house,  and  another  which  sheltered  his  wife  and  children. 

Parishville  was  surveyed  by  Joseph  Crary,  in  the  fall  of  1809.  The 
village  was  surveyed  into  a  plat,  by  Sewall  Raymond,  in  1812.  It  is  located 
on  St.  Regis  river,  at  a  point  where  that  river  is  crossed  by  the  old  St. 


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^>c*«fciS,»**^:;j^:;^  ^^'.^^.z:-: 


jflllB  ^  .  !«  =  J'llS  ItiitiiB  ]?  C  N  T, 


>-^'  JiMOO/f/yy^    j:j 


''n^ravijj  lor  Uiu  iiist-ii'v  ui'  ill 


awrni'C'.  an.-i    rat^k.^r   .curiLr 


o,    I'rniirtilr;  !',  ii',  Ui<.-. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


425 


Lawrence  turnpike.  The  river  hero  aflbrds  a  considerable  amount  of 
water  power.  The  channel  is  pressed  into  a  narrow  gorge  scarcely  ten 
feet  wide  and  the  river  descends  about  125  feet  in  the  distance  of  a  mile. 
JVick,  is  owned  by  Dr.  Samuel  W.  Moore,  of  New  York  whose  wife 
is  Emily,  a  daughter  of  Wm.  Constable.  There  are  in  this  township, 
three  school  houses,  several  mills  and  about  100  families. 

Religions  Societieg, — A  Congregational  church  was  formed  Aug.  7, 
1823,  by  a  council  consisting  of  the  Rev.  Messrs.  M.  Purmelee  of  Stock- 
holm, Rev.  Oliver  Eastman  of  Parishville,  Mr.  Custunt  Soiuhwortli, 
licentiate  of  Contcn,  11.  I'ettibone,  do.  of  Hopkinton,  Mr.  Henry  Winches- 
ter, delegate  from  Madrid,  and  Dea.  Sam'l  P.  Reynolds  of  Potsdam.  It 
began  with  11  members.  C.  Eastman,  Moses  Ordwav,Tertiu8  Reynolds, 
fVm,  K.  Talbot,  Bliss  Burnap,  Geo.  P.  Everest,  Milton  iradleij,  Enos  Wood, 
and  Bliss  Burnap  have  been  etnployed;  those  in  italics  having  been 
settled  as  pastors.  Whole  number  admitted  up  to  Sept.  20,  1852,  224; 
of  whom  90  now  belong  to  the  church.  The  stone  church  in  Parishville 
was  built  in  1834,  at  a  cost  of  $3000.  A  society  was  incorporated 
April  23, 1827,  with  Noran  Kockwell,  James  Hardy,  and  George  A. 
Flower,  trustees. 

A  Baptist  church  was  formed  in  October,  1833,  of  about  13  members, 
present  number,  172.  A  society  was  formed  April  5, 1831,  with  Graton 
Brand,  Seymour  Flower,  and  David  Burdit,  trustue^jthey  have  a  com- 
mudious  church,  costing  about  $1950.    The  pastors  have  been  the  Rev. 

Messrs.  Solomon  Johnson,  , Rhodes,  B.  N.  Leach,  J,  H.  Greene, 

G.  Brand,  L.  T.  Ford,  and  O.  W.  Moxley.  The  last  nahted  commenced 
his  services  with  this  church  in  May,  1840,  and  continued  them  until 
May,  1844,  when  he  moved  to  Madrid,  and  labored  with  the  Baptist 
church  there  until  March,  1848,  when  he  returned  to  Parishville,  where 
he  still  continues;  and  has  labored  longer  with  this  church  than  any 
other  minister,  since  its  organization.  They  have  during  the  intervals 
been  supplied  by  the  Revs.  Henry  Greene  and  W.  H.  Rice. 

A  Methodist  society  was  formed  March  10,  1828,  with  Luke  Brown, 
Francis  Goodale,  Nathan  Christy,  Levi  Fuller  and  Isaac  Russell,  trustees. 
It  was  reorganized  Aug.  23,  1833,  and  Oct  26,  1846.  A  chapel  was 
built  in  1846-7,  worth  $1000.  A  \Vesleyan  Methodist  society  was  in- 
corporated Dec.  6, 1843,  with  Luke  Brown,  Walter  W.  Bloss  and  Leavitt 
Hatch,  trustees. 

PfERREPONT, 

Was  erected  from  Russell  and  Potsdam,  April  15, 1818,  including  the 
townships  of  Emilyville,  Chaumont,  Clifton  Clare,  and  so  much  of 
Dewitt  as  would  lie  east  of  a  continuation  of  the  west  line  of  said  town- 
ships to  the  rear  line  of  Canton.  The  first  town  meeting  was  directed 
to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Cyrus  Grannis.  The  towns  of  Emilyville 
and  Chaumont  have  been  annexed  to  Fine,  in  the  formation  of  that 
town.  The  poor  moneys  were  to  be  equitably  divided  between  the 
towns.  The  portion  of  Dewitt  included  in  this  town,  was  by  an  act  of 
1807,  annexed  to  Potsdam.  This  portion  comprises  almost  the  entire 
settled  part  of  the  town.  A  small  part  on  the  west  belongs  to  the  Harri- 
son estate,  and  the  remainder  to  that  of  the  late  Hezekiah  Beers 
87 


420 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Pierrepont,  by  the  ogcnts  of  whom  it  hnH  been  principally  settled,  and 
from  whom  it  derives  its  name.* 

First  Town  OJfirtra.—CyvHB  Granmn,  supervisor ;  Andrew  A.  Criimp- 
ton,  c.VrA;  Wm.  Viilc,  Elisha  Woodruff,  Uiirdner  Cox,  assessors ;  Peter 
11.  Leoiiurd,  Jo»eph  Dorothy,  poor  masters;  F^iuviimJ.  Ciirtin,  Ezra  Crarey, 
Samuel  Heldin^r,  commissioners  of  roads ;  Riclinid  Welter,  covstahle  and 
coUedor;  Setli  Hn\e,  overseer  of  hphways ;  F.J.  Curtis,  Elienezer  Topper, 
Gardner  Cox,  commissioners  of  scI.joIs;  Cyrus  Grnnnix,  Wtti.  Ynle,  A.  A. 


Crnmptoii,  inspectors  of  schools;  Jose|)li  IJornthy,  Seth  Hide,  F.  J.  Curtis", 
Henry  Axtell,  fence  vieioers;  E.  Tn|)per,  P.  il.  Leonard,  pound  keepers. 

Supervisors.— ]8]d,  Cyrna  Grnnnis;  1820-1,  John  Axtell;  1822  3,  E/ro 
Crnrev;  1824-i),  Benjamin  Squire;  1829,  A u jr.  22,  Gardner  Cox  to  fill 
vacancy;  1 830-2,  G.  Cox ;  1833-8,  Samuel  Northrup;  183!),  Paine  Con- 
verse;  1840,  G.  Cox;  1841-2,  Andrew  A.  Crampton;  1843-4,  Josliiia 
Mauley;  184.'»,  Orin  A.  Howard;  184(1-7,  J.  Maidey,  1848-9,  Truman 
Smith;  1850-1,  Asa  W.  Briggs;  18.')2,  Peter  F.  Kyerson. 

JVoles  from  the  Toivn  Records. — 18i9.  At  the  first  town  meeting,  $30 
raised  for  the  support  of  schools,  and  $100  for  the  poor.    Similar  appro- 

i)riations  were  voted  nearly  every  year  for  many  years.  The  poor  funds 
laving  necrued  to  a  considerable  anioiuit,  the  town,  at  their  town  meet- 
ing ill  1829,  appointed  a  commiiteo  of  three  to  draft  a  petition  to  tlie 
legislature,  (irnyiiig  for  the  privilege  of  applying  this  to  the  support  of 
schools.  Benjamin  Squire,  Ziiriel  Waterman,  and  Samuel  Northrup, 
were  appointed  on  this  committee.  An  act  was  accordingly  jmssed  April 
29,  1829,  making  it  the  duty  of  the  overseers  of  the  poor,  to  pay  over  the 
funds  in  their  hands  to  the  commissioners  of  common  schools,  to  he  in- 
vested for  the  benefit  of  schools.  1'he  iiresent  amount  of  the  school 
fund  is  $575'G2,  secured  by  bond  and  mortgage.  In  1822,  $1  bounty 
was  offered  for  foxes  and  $5  for  wolves  and  panthers.  In  1825,  50  cents 
for  foxes  and  $5  for  wolves. 

From  the  field  notes  of  Benjamin  Wright,  made  on  the  first  survey  of 
township  number  three,  now  Pierrepont,  the  following  traditionary  re- 
cord is  taken :  "  The  Indians  tell  of  a  silver  mine  near  the  falls  on  Grass 
river,  which  was  worked  a  litde  about  1776,  but  was  stopped  by  unorder 
of  government  soon  aAer  it  was  begun."  In  township  No.  3  it  is  said: 
*'  The  Indian  line  of  navigation  from  Lake  Champlttin,  or  from  St.  Regis 
to  Black  river,  or  Lake  Ontario,  lies  through  this  town  by  way  of  I'^ail 
river." 

Thfe  first  settler  in  the  town  of  Pierrepont  was  Flavius  J.  Curtis,  who 
1  )cate«l  near  the  line  of  Canton  about  1806-7.  The  town  however  did 
not  begin  to  settle  rapidly  until  the  opening  of  the  St.  Lawrence  turn- 
pike through  it  in  1811-12.  Davis  Dunton,  Peter  R.  Leonard,  Joseph 
Mathers,  Ebenezer  Tupper,  Clark  Hutchins,  Zuricl  Waterman,  Foster 
Shaw,  Henry  Axtell,  Alanson  Woodruff,  and  others,  settled  about  1812. 
Religious  meetings  were  held  by  the  Rev.  A.  Baldwin,  an  Episcopal 

•  Bm  not*  E.  of  this  worlc. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


427 


clergyman,  in  1816.  Nnthgn  Crniey  tniiglit  tho  first  school  in  1815-16. 
Cyrus  Grnnnis  iH  said  to  have  opened  the  first  inn  near  the  centre  of  the 
town,  on  the  turnpike,  and  Mr.  Tuppcr  at  the  point  where  tliiii  road 
crosses  Raquette  river. 

Nenr  the  northeast  corner  of  tfie  town  of  Pierrcpont,  on  Raquette 
river,  is  the  little  village  of  East  Pierrrpont  or  Core^s  Mills,    The  first 
settlement  at  this  place  was  commenced  by  Gardner  Cox,  from  Barnard, 
Vermont,  who  in  1817,  purchosed  a  small  tract  of  land,  including  the 
water  privilege,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year,  in  company  with  John  P. 
Dimick,  from  the  same  place,  who  had  purchased  a  piece  of  land  ad- 
joining, he  commenced  a  clearing.    These  two  persons  shanticd  together 
several  weeks,  and  cut  over  some  twenty  acres  of  land.    They  returned 
to  Vermont  in  the  winter.    On  the  9th  of  March,  1818,  Benjamin  Cox, 
who  had  become  concerned  with  his  brother  in  the  purchase,  moved  in 
wilh  his  family,  and  this  was  the  first  family  that  settled  in  this  part  of 
the  town.     The  three  persons  here  mentioned  remained  during  the  sum- 
mer, and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  cot  out  the  frame  of  a  saw  mill.    A  dam 
and  saw  mill   was  built   in   the  sunmier  of  1819,  John   and  Joseph 
Goulding,  of  Potsdam,  being  the  millwrights.    From  1818  to  1822,  the 
surrounding  country  on  both  sides  of  the  river,  as  far  up  as  the  turn- 
pike, was  settled  mostly  by  people  from  Vermont,  many  of  whom  were 
induced  to  remove  and  locate  through  the  recommendations  of  Mr.  Cox. 
In  1822  Mr.  Cox  erected  a  grist  mill  with  a  single  run  of  rock  stones,  to 
which  a  second  wos  added  two  years  after.    This  mill  was  of  wood,  and 
in  1830  was  replaced  by  the  present  stone  mill.    A  bridge  was  built 
across  the  river  at  this  place  in  1828.    In  1845,  a  starch  factory  was 
erected  by  Mr.  Gardner  Cox,  and  has  been  in  operation  every  year  since, 
manufacturing  about  thirty  tons  annually.    It  is  contemplated  to  erect 
fixtures  for  the  manufacture  of  corn  starch.    During  the  present  year 
(1852),  a  gang  mill  is  in  process  of  erectien,  by  Ralph,  Clark  &  Dorn- 
bery,  who  have  for  several  years  been  concerned  in  the  Mclntyre  iron 
works,  in  Essex  county,  and  who  own  extensive  tracts  of  timber  in  that 
county  which  Ihey  propose  to  take  to  this  place  by  (he  natural  toater  commU' 
nications  of  the  interior.    Cold  river,  which  flows  through  this  tract, 
is  a  tributary  of  Raquette  river,  and  forms  a  part  of  that  wonderful  sys- 
tem of  waters  in  the  interior  of  the  southern  wilderness,  which  ren- 
ders access  to  market  for  the  timber  with  which  it  is  covered,  easy. 
The  mill  at  East  Pierrepont  is  to  have  fifty  saws,  but  is  built  of  such 
dimensions  as  to  receive  double  that  number.    Schools  have  existed  at 
this  settlement  since  1822.    No  religious  societies  at  present  exist  here, 
as  from  the  vicinity  to  Potsdarn  (about  four  miles},  the  inhabitants  hav9 


429 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


been  nssociated  with  the  several  rolif^ions  dcnominntiona  of  thnt  place. 
In  1846,  a  large  school  hoiiue,  built  with  rereronce  to  its  being  used  os  a 
place  of  worship,  was  erected,  and  iH  occasionoliy  used  by  the  several 
orders  for  tiiat  purpose.  East  Pierre|)o*it  affords  the  only  valuable  water 
privilege  in  town.  The  village  is  mostly  on  tho  east  side  of  the  river, 
and  contains  about  forty  families,  a  store,  und  the  usual  variety  of 
mechanic  J. 

In  the  summer  of  1709,  Judge  Raymond,  and  others,  engaged  in  8iir< 
veying  into  townships  the  great  northern  purchase,  had  a  provision  camp 
near  the  village  of  East  Pierrcpont.  An  incident  is  related  concerning 
thia  encampment,  worthy  of  record.  Some  of  his  men,  wearied  with 
the  labors  of  the  survey,  which  was  protractetl  till  late  in  the  season,  be- 
came anxious  to  return  home,  ond  tiiially  refusing  to  listen  to  reason  or 
argument,  became  nuitinous,  and  resolved  to  leave,  with  or  without  per- 
mission, and  so  declared  their  intention.  The  route  they  proposed  to 
take,  was  through  the  southern  forest,  and  thnir  guide,  the  compass  of 
Mr.  Raymond.  Hearing  of  this  intention,  the  latter,  having  exhausted 
bis  patience  in  attempting  to  diusuade,  resorted  to  another  expedient,  and 
privately  stole  out  of  tiie  camp  on  the  evening  previous  to  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  their  departure,  nnd  hid  his  compass.  When  the  mutineers 
had  made  all  their  arrangements  and  were  prepared  to  u-t,  inquiry  was 
made  for  the  compass,  but  it  could  not  be  found.  Mr.  Raymond,  having 
in  this  manner  gained  control  over  his  men,  succeeded  at  length  in  con- 
vincing them  that  it  was  their  interest  to  continue  the  survey  until  it  was 
completed,  and  then  return  home  honorably ;  and  having  obtained  from 
each  a  promise  of  obedience,  the  instrument  was  produced  and  the 
labors  continued  till  completed. 

From  observations  continued  annually  for  more  than  thirty  years,  upon 
the  height  of  the  spring  flood  of  the  Raquette  nt  Coxe's  mills,  in  Pierre- 
pont,  by  the  owner,  it  has  been  noticed,  that  with  but  few  exceptions,  the 
highest  water  occurred  on  the  last  week  in  April.  One  of  these  excep- 
tions was  in  July,  1830,  when  a  memorable  freshet  prevailed  throughout 
all  the  rivers  of  Northern  New  York  and  portions  of  the  New  England 
■tates.  It  was  produced  by  heavy  and  protracted  rains.  The  water  at 
this  place  was  then  about  three  and  a  half  feet  ;  hove  ordinary  summer 
level  on  the  dam,  while  the  ordinary  depth  in  spring  floods  does  not  ex- 
ceed two  and  a  half  feet. 

The  citizens  of  Pierrepont  at  their  annual  town  meeting  in  1846,  voted 
to  choose  a  committee  from  different  parts  of  the  town,  to  draw  a  plan 
for  a  town  house,  aad  purchase  a  site  for  the  same,  and  to  erect  the  said 
house  and  have  it  finished  at  a  cost  of  not  tq  exceed  $500,  before  the 
first  of  October,  1847,  and  also  to  petition  the  legislature  for  powers  for 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


429 


this  purpose.  Joshun  Monltiy,  Nntliau  Crnrey,  Jim.,  Henry  Glenson,  Mcr- 
ritt  Howard,  Cliilcnb  Hillings,  Lucius  Palmer, und  Cliristoplior  W.  Leon- 
ard,  weru  appointed  on  this  committee.  An  act  was  accordingly  pnsHcd 
on  the  27tli  of  April,  1847,  directing  the  board  of  eupervisors  of  St. 
Lawrence  county  to  levy  the  sum  of  $600  for  tlio  above  purpose,  and 
apjiointing  the  three  first  named  on  the  coumiitteo  to  superintend  its 
erection.  The  supervisor,  town  clerk,  und  superintendent  of  schoolei, 
are  by  virtue  of  office  trustees  of  the  town  house.  A  town  ball,  of  neat 
and  ample  proportions,  was  built  the  same  year,  near  where  the  Canton 
and  Colton  road  crosses  the  old  turnpike.  This  cditice  serves  the  pur- 
pose of  tt  church,  there  being  no  meeting  house  erected  expressly  for  tb« 
purpose  in  town. 

A  part  of  the  township  of  Clare  was  formerly  owned  by  Madam  Do 
Htael,  the  accomplished  French  authoress,  and  virulent  cneniy  of  Nnno- 
leon.     She  invested  tier  money  in  these  lands  nt  the  recommendatioi*  of  . 
Gouvcrneur  Morris,  with  whom  she  was  personally  acquainted.    On  tb« 
7th  October,  1806,  he  wrote  to  her  as  follows: 

"It  has  occurred  to  me  that  you  would  do  well  to  purcb  iso  tho  re- 
mainder of  the  to  /nship  of  Clare.  It  lies  next  to  that  of  Ballybee;? 
[Russell],  which  ti  rapidly  increoslng  in  populuiion.  Thus  in  time  a 
revenue  will  be  drawn  from  it,  inconsiderable  indeed  at  first,  but  subse- 
queiitlj  of  great  importance.  Now  such  a  provision  for  a  son,  is  of  nioro 
value  than  thrice  the  amount  of  money.  The  one  directs  to  industry 
nnd  economy,  the  other  excites  to  dissipation  unless  indolence  is  allowed 
to  exercise  its  ennervaiing  power.  It  would  perhaps  be  possible  to  pur- 
chase the  remainder  of  Clare  at  tho  rate  of  one  dollar  an  acre.  It  cer- 
tainly would  not  be  necessary  to  go  higher  thon  two  dollars." 

On  the  partition  of  lands  between  McCormick  and  others,  15,200  acres 
were  conveyed  to  Herman  Lo  Roy  and  Wm.  Bayard,  in  trust  for  this 
lady.  They  were  subsequently  conveyed  to  Theodosius  O.  Fowler,  nnd 
in  1846,  purchased  by  S.  Pratt  and  John  L.  Russell,  upon  directions  to 
sell  by  Due  de  Broglie  and  Ada  Holijtein  de  Stael,  his  wife,  the  only 
surviving  child  of  Madame  de  Stael.  In  1847,  a  question  of  alienage  of 
Dutchess  De  Broglie,  and  of  the  operation  of  the  New  York'  statute  of 
trusts,  having  arisen,  the  legislature,  by  separate  acts,  confirmed  the  title 
of  Russell  and  Pratt  to  the  Clare  lands,  nnd  of  Livingston  to  the  Clifton 
lands,  similarly  circumstanced. 

Religious  Socitties. — The  Methodists  hove  a  society  nt  J]ast  Pierrepont, 
which  was  incorporated  Jan.  3, 1844,  with  -jiardner  Cox,  Nathan  Christy, 
Levi  Fuller,  John  Hicks,  and  Harry  Train,  trustees.  A  Free  Will  Bap- 
tist church  was  organized  by  Elder  S.  VV.  Lewis,  in  September,  1850,  of 
seventeen  innmbers.  Present  number  twenty-five,  who  have  employed 
Elder  Wui.  Whitfield,  pastor. 


h 


430 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


III 


Pitcaihn 

Was  erected  fiorn  Fowler,  March  29, 1836,  nnd  made  to  include  town- 
Bhip  No.  11,  or  Portuferry,  excepting  a  triangular  tract  on  the  west  cor. 
ner,  which  was  retained  by  Fowler.  The  first  town  meeting  was  direct- 
ed to  be  held  at  the  house  of  David  Brown. 

At  the  first  town  meeting,  the  following  officers  were  elected:  John 
Sioper,  supervisor;  Stepiien  Seabnry,  clerk;  Levi  W.  Gicason,  Silvester 
Bacon,  Aaron  Geer,  /us/iVfS ;  Almond  Howard,  Hamuol  Gustin,  Robert 
Leach,  assessors;  John  Williams,  George  1*.  Burdick,  Levi  W.  Gleasoii, 
commissioners  of  highwni/s ;  Constant  Wells,  Jonathan  Paine,  Elijah  Ander- 
son, commissioners  of  common  schools;  Silvester  Bacon,  J.  Puiiie,  David 
Brown,  inspectors  of  schools ;  Almond  Howard,  George  P.  Burdick,  over- 
seers of  the  poor ;  Matthew  IM.  Geer,  collector ;  31.  fll.  Geer,  Constant  Wells, 
couslnbles. 

Supervisors.— mSG-iO,  John  Sloper;  1841-2,  Silvester  Bacon;  1843-4, 
Horatio  N.  Dickinson;  1844,  at  u  special  meeting  in  October,  Asaph 
Green;  1845-7,  Asaph  Green;  1848-50,  Eli  It.  Paul;  1851-2,  Asaph 
Green. 

Joseph  Pitcairn,  fi-om  whom  this  town  was  named,  was  born  in  Fifo- 
shire,  Scotland,  and  was  a  son  of  a  Scotch  clergyman.  In  early  life  he 
came  to  the  United  States,  and  subsequently  lor  several  years  he  resided 
in  the  East  Indies.  At  one  time  he  held  the  ofRce  of  consul  for  our 
government  at  Paris,  from  which  office  he  was  removed  by  Jefferson. 
Most  of  his  life  was  spent  in  the  ca|)acity  of  a  merchant,  at  Hamburgh, 
in  Germany.  In  1817,  having  acquired  from  Daniel  McCormick,  who 
took  a  great  interest  in  his  afTairs,  and  to  whom  he  is  believed  to  have 
been  somewhat  related,  the  ownershi|»  of  his  unsold  lands  in  St.  Law- 
rence and  Franklin  comities,  he  came  into  the  northern  part  of  the  state, 
appointed  agents,  and  took  measures  for  commencing  settlements  in 
Pitcairn,  Edwards,  Brasher,  and  other  places.  At  one  time  he  contem- 
plated making  the  village  of  Helena,  in  Brasher,  his  summer  residence, 
and  the  fine  stone  mansion  of  Mr.  Nevins,  of  that  village,  was  erected  for 
him.    He  died  in  New  York,  in  June,  1844. 

The  firit  settlement  in  Pitcairn  was  formed  by  emigrants  from  Pots- 
dam. In  the  full  of  1824,  Nathan  Dickenson  and  sons,  Nathan,  Justin, 
Anson,  Leonard,  and  Hubbard,  wiih  Levi  W.  Gleason  and  Nathan  C. 
Scovil,  came  in  to  select  land,  and  most  of  them  erected  the  body  of  log 
houses.  In  Decend)er,  Justin  Dickenson  and  family  moved  into  town, 
and  for  some  time  lived  alone.  In  February  he  was  joined  by  others. 
James  Streetcr,  from  Fowler,  arrived  in  February,  having  made  the  first 
clearing  in  town  the  full  previous,  on  the  site  of  the  |)resent  cemetery 
near  the  log  chapel.  Nathaniel,  Joseph  and  Elisha  Lamphear,  came  in 
in  1824,  but  did  uot  move  till  the  next  year.    Joshua  Sloper,  George 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


431 


Peabotly,  Anron  Geer  and  sons,  Dayton  Merrrill,  Samuel  Gustin,  and 
otliei-8,  catne  in  1824  and  1825.  EMur  Jonathan  Paine  in  182C,  becamo 
the  first  Baptist  preacher.  In  June,  1825,  the  first  birtli  occurred  in 
town,  in  the  family  of  N.  C.  Scovil.  The  first  school  was  taught  by  Miss 
Caroline  Dickenson,  in  182G.  The  first  marriage  was  Aaron  Bingham 
to  Miss  C.  Dickenson.  P.  Jenny  erected  the  first  saw  mill  in  1828. 
There  are  two  post  ofiices  in  town,  both  of  wliich  are  on  the  route  frnni 
Edwards  to  Lowville.  Pitcairn  post  ofiice  was  established  5tli  Juno, 
1840,  John  Sloper,  postmaster;  and  East  Pitcairn  post  office,  February 
6,  1850,  Charles  Bowles,  postmaster. 

Near  the  southeast  corner  of  the  town,  is  a  valuable  depository  of 
magnetic  iron  ore,. which  will  doubtless  hereafter  give  ctn|)loyment  to 
the  industry  of  great  numbers.  The  sujiply  is  reported  to  be  ample. 
About  ICO  tons  have  been  taken,  and  the  mine  has  acquired  the  name  of 
the  Jayville  mine. 

Mining  ex|)lorations  for  lead  were  formerly  carried  on  in  town,  and 
much  money  expended. 

The  following  incident  happened  in  Pitcairn  near  where  Green's  mill 
now  stands,  and  some  time  before  any  settle  s  had  located  in  town. 
James  Strecter.  then  living  in  Fowler,  was  out  hunting  for  deer,  in  the 
winter  time,  when  there  was  about  three  feet  of  light  snow  on  the  ground. 
When  on  Portaferry  creek,  he  noticed  a  great  nimiber  of  tracks,  which 
as  he  traced  across  the  ice,  he  discovered  had  bp°n  made  by  five  pan- 
thers. Following  these,  he  found  a  place  where  they  had  pawed  nway 
the  snow  to  the  ground,  and  had  nested  the  night  previous,  and  a  fevr 
rods  beyond  this,  he  overtook  a  large  male  panther,  which  his  dog  tread, 
and  which  was  killed  by  a  single  shot  from  bis  rifle.  A  few  rods  beyond, 
a  young  panther  was  treed  and  wounded.  A  second  shot  despatched 
this,  and  shortly  after  another  young  one  was  chased  to  a  spruce  treo 
and  despatched  by  a  single  shot.  The  three  were  beheaded,  and  Streeter 
returned  to  the  camp,  and  the  next  morning  came  back  with  a  companion 
and  despatched  the  remaining  female  panther.  A  large  male  remained, 
who  was  treed  without  difficulty  but  not  killed  till  after  .any  shots. 
This  one  evinced  much  venom,  keeping  his  eyes  fixed  upon  the  hunters, 
disregarding  the  do^,  gnashed  his  teeth,  growling,  spitting  after  the 
fashion  of  a  cat,  and  would  run  up  and  down,  as  if  about  to  attack  them. 
Getting  more  composed,  he  would  climb  to  the  topmost  branches,  and 
seating  himself,  would  purr  like  a  cat.  When  wounded,  he  would  again 
become  enraged.  He  was  killed  by  a  shot  through  the  head.  The 
bounties  on  panthers  were  $25  each  at  this  time,  which  made  the  day'i 
work  very  profitable. 


i 


432 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


KM- 


II 


vv^ 


frr 


Potsdam. 

Tliis  town  wns  erected  from  Mndrid,  by  tlio  onme  act  wliich  formed 
Stocklioltn  from  Miissena,  and  De  Kulb  from  Oswegatchie,  Feb.  21, 
180G.  Tbe  first  town  meeting  wna  directed  to  be  held  at  the  lioiise  of 
Benjamin  Kayniond.  In  1807,  a  part  of  tiie  present  town  of  Pierrcpont 
was  annexed,  which  was  taiien  off  in  the  erection  of  that  town.  The 
officers  elected  at  the  first  town  meeting,  were 

Benjamin  Raymond,  supervisor;  Gnrdon  Smith,  toion  clerk;  Bester 
Pierce,  David  Frencii  and  Giirdoii  Smith,  com'rs  of  highways ;  Giles  Par- 
mole,  Horace  Garfield  and  Benjamin  BuUcy,  assessors ;  Benjamin  Rny- 
mond,  Benjamin  Stewart,  Levi  SwitV,  Abner  Ray,  Jnn.,  Arclnbald  Rayer 
and  Isaac  Ihick,  overseers  of  hifrhioai/s ;  Ansel  \ia\\y,  constable  and  collector ; 
William  Smith  and  Oliver  Boyder,  pound  masters;  Jabez  Ilealy  and 
David  French,  overseers  of  poor ;  Levi  West,  B.  Pierce  and  Benj.  Stew- 
art,/ence  vietuers. 

At  a  special  town  meeting,  convened  at  the  academy,  Sept.  1,  1813,  in 
pursuance  of  an  act  entitled  "an  act  for  the  establishment  of  common 
echools,"  passed  June  19,  1812,  the  following  named  persons  were  elect - 
ed  school  commissioners,  viz:  Benjamin  Raymond,  Gindon  Smith  and 
Howard  J.  Pierce.  Four  school  inspectors  were  chosen,  viz:  James 
Johnson,  Liberty  Knowles,  '1  homas  Swift  and  Sylvester  Bacon.  These 
were  the  first  persons  who  held  that  ofiice  in  town. 

Supervisors. — 1806-7,  Benjamin  Raymond;  1808,  Charles  Cox;  1809, 
Benjamin  Raymond;  1810-11,  Charles  Cox;  1812-17,  Benjamin  Ray- 
mond ;  181 8-21,  Gurdon  Smith ;  1822.  Samuel  Partridge ;  1823-4,  Giudon 
Smith;  1825,  Samuel  Partridge;  189(i-7,  Horace  Allen;  1828-9,  Samuel 
Partridge:  1830-4,  Zenas  Clark;  1835-7,  Ansel  Bailey;  1838,  Amos  W, 
Brown;  183i),  Ansel  Bailey;  1840-3,  Aaron  T.  Hopkins;  1844-5,  Thomas 
Swif^;  1840-7,  Isaac  Parker;  1848  I),  Charles  Dart;  1850-1,  Amos  Blood; 
1852,  Isaac  Parker. 

Notes  from  the  Records. — 1810-11.  A  bounty  of  $5  offered  for  wolves. 
1826-7.  Voted  that  it  was  expedient  to  divide  the  county,  and  to  erect  a 
new  one.    18537.  Voted  against  any  division  of  ihe  town. 

In  June,  1799,  Mr.  jienjamin  Wright,  of  Rome,  having  arrived  at  St. 
Regis  with  a  surveying  company  of  seven  parties,  <lespatched  Mr.  Gur- 
don Smith,  one  of  his  surveyors,  up  the  Raquette  river,  to  make  obser- 
vations, and  ascertain  how  fiir  the  river  was  navigable,  and  what  places 
were  most  suitiible  for  provision  camps.  He  proceeded  with  his  boat 
as  far  as  Norfolk,  from  whence  he  proceeded  by  land  to  the  present  vil- 
lage of  Potsdam.  Finding  a  commodious  place  for  s])ending  the  night, 
on  the  rocks  near  where  the  mills  now  stand,  and  a  snug  shelter  under 
a  fallen  pine,  he  spent  the  night. 

Here,  fiir  removed  fiom  every  settlement,  in  the  untraversed  wilder- 
ness, and  in  all  probability  on  ground  which  the  foot  of  the  white  man 
had  never  before  trod,  he  discoved  a  tuft  of  timothj  grass,  evidently  the 
product  of  a  single  seed,  which  had  been  wafted  by  winds,  or  cariicd  by 
birds,  to  a  spot  congenial  to  its  growth.  Much  pleased  with  this  familiar 
object,  he  hailed  it  as  the  harbinger  of  civilization,  and  a  herald  pent 
forward  to  anticipate  the  future  destiny  of  the  county,  as  a  great  grazing 
region.  The  figure  of  the  great  and  indispensible  staple,  so  essential  to 
our  prosperity  as  a  dairy  district,  might,  with  much  propriety,  be  adopted 


.^'' 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


433 


by  tho  citizens  of  Potsdam,  na  an  emblem  for  thetr  seal,  with  equal  or 
inoro  npplicntinii  tiiuii  the  tiiistle,  the  shamrock  niul  the  roses,  of  Scot- 
land, Ireland  and  Kn^land,  which  have  come  to  bo  considered  as  the 
national  devices  of  tiicse  countries. 

The  first  settlement  of  the  town  of  Potsdam  was  begnn  by  Benjamin 
Raymond,  tiic  agent  for  the  proprietors,  in  1803.  In  May  of  thot  year, 
he  left  Rome  witli  a  bateau  laden  with  mill  irons,  provisions,  and  about 
half  a  dozen  men,  and  proceeded  by  the  difficult  and  tedious  route  of 
Oswego  river,  lake  Ontario  and  the  St.  Lawrence,  to  Point  Iroquois, 
above  Waddington,  where  he  left  n  part  of  his  load,  and  proceeded  to 
open  his  way  tinougii  thr  forest,  to  his  location  in  the  present  village  of 
Potsdam.  He  first  struck  the  river  some  distance  below,  and  here  he 
built  a  raft,  and  ascended  about  half  a  mile  to  tlic  falls,  where  he  arrived 
in  June.  He  here  erected  a  temporary  hut  on  the  rocks  west  of  the 
river,  and  commenced  building  a  saw  mill,  which  was  raised  and  got  in 
operation  the  same  year.  During  the  summer,  lines  for  roads  were  sur- 
veyed out  in  diftorent  directions,  and  some  of  them,  among  which  was 
the  route  from  Stockholm  through  Potsdam  to  Canton,  was  so  far  cleared 
of  underbrush,  as  to  allow  the  passage  of  teams.  The  frame  of  the  saw 
mill  was  the  first  building  erected  in  town.  Mr.  Raymond  had,  for  two 
or  three  years,  traversed  the  town  as  a  surveyor,  and  was  well  acquaint- 
ed with  its  location,  and  sensible,  before  commencing  a  settlement,  of 
the  natiu'al  superiority  of  the  soil  over  that  of  some  other  parts  of  the 
country.  Ebenezer  Patterson  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  man  who 
moved  his  family  into  town,  and  his  wife  was,  during  the  year  1803, 
reported  to  have  been  the  "  handsomest  woman  in  Potsdam."  In  1804, 
Mr.  Raymond  returned  with  his  family,  coming  by  the  way  of  the  Long 
falls  (Carthage). 

William  Smith,  Gurdon  Smith,  Benjamin  Stewart,  John  Delance, 
Dnvid  French,  Chester  Dewey,  Joseph  Bailey,  Bester  Pierce,  Roswell 
Purkhurst,*  William  BuUard,  Abner  Royce,  Reuben  Field,  and  others, 
came  in,  some  only  to  select  larms,  on  which  they  began  small  improve- 
ments, preparatory  to  removal,  and  others  moving  on  directly. 

•  Roswell  Parkhursl,  wliolived  many  years  In  Potsdam,  and  died  there,  was  in  his  youth  the 
subject  of  an  incident  which  has  formed  a  prominent  place  in  the  annals  of  Uoyalton.  in  Ver. 
mont.  In  1770,  a  company  of  tories  and  InJians  attacked  that  town,  and  took  a  number  of 
prisoners,  among  whom  were  several  men  and  children.  The  mother  of  one  of  the  latter 
followed  the  Indians,  and  urged  them  to  return  her  liiile  son,  whom  they  had  taken,  and  plead 
her  request  with  stich  earnestness,  that  she  succeeded.  Encouraged  by  this  success,  she 
Urged  the  matter  further;  and  had  the  address  to  prevail  with  llie  savages  to  give  up  twelve  or 
fifteen  of  her  neighbors'  children,  among  whom  was  the  subject  of  this  note.  In  u  fit  of  good 
humor,  one  of  the  savages  then  offered  to  carry  her  on  his  back  over  the  river,  which  offer  sho 
accepted,  and  she  was  safely  conveyed  across  on  the  shouUlersof  the  gallant  Indian. 

( WiUiami'$  Hittory  of  V«f  monC,  'id  *d.  vol.  ii,p.  S41. 


434 


HISTORY   OF   ST,    LAWRENCE 


W 


IP  ' 

During  tlio  summer,  a  frnmc  grist  mill  was  raised  and  partly  finished, 
but  no:  got  in  operation  till  the  followitig  year.  Ebenezer  Wrigiit,  a 
brother-in-law  of  Raymond,  was  the  millwright.  In  1805,  Horace  Gar- 
field, Timothy  h-hepard,  Jabez  llealey,  John  Fobes,  Oliver  Boyilen,  Ansel 
Bailey  and  brothers,  Giles  Parmelce,  David  Corey,  most  of  those  v/lio 
formed  The  Union,  which  will  be  described  presently,  and  John  and 
otiiers  by  tiie  name  of  Smith,  from  Tnnbridge,  Vermont,  relatives  of 
Joe  Smith,  the  celebrated  founder  of  the  Mormon  sect,  came  into 
town  and  settled.  John  Smith  is  nt  present  the  chief  or  high  i)rie«»  of 
the  nlorma»  settlement  at  Salt  lake,  in  Utah  territory.  The  first  death 
in  town  among  the  settlers  was  that  of  James  Chadwick,  a  young  man 
from  Tyrringhum,  IMass.,  which  was  caused  by  the  falling  of  the  limb  of 
a  tree,  in  July,  1805.  The  first  birth  in  town,  was  a  daughter,  in  the 
family  of  William  Smith,  in  the  year  1804.  Levi  Swift,  Charles  Cox, 
Asa  and  Ira  Perrin,  Abram  Collins,  and  many  others,  came  in  and  took 
up  farms,  and  in  that  year  the  land  aroimd  Potsdam  village  for  quite  a 
distance  was  contracted  to  actual  settlers.  The  first  frame  dwelling  in 
town  was  erected  by  Mr.  Raymond,  in  1804,  on  the  west  side  of  the 
river. 

On  the  Raymond's  again  returning  in  the  spring  of  1805,  he  proceed- 
ed with  a  team  and  sleigh  to  the  Ox  Bow  on  the  Oswegatchie  river,  in 
Jefl^erson  county.  Here  the  snow  left  them,  and  a  coinpany  of  some 
eighteen,  who  had  come  by  difi'trent  routes,  and  with  difierent  destina- 
tions, found  themselves^n  the  same  dilemma;  among  these  were 
Nathaniel  Holt,  James  Burnett,  Elijah  Pooler,  Isaac  Burnham,  Elisha 
Grifiin,  Dr.  John  Seeley,  and  perhaps  one  or  two  others,  on  their  way  to 
DeKalb.  Mr.  T'aymond  was  accompanied  by  a  brother  in  law,  Mr. 
Ebenezer  Wright,  and  his  family.  Finding  no  alternative,  they  con- 
structed a  ruft  of  about  thirty  pine  logs,  which  they  bound  together  se- 
curelj',  and  upon  which  they  placed  their  three  sleighs,  their  goods  and 
families,  and  proceeded  down  the  stream,  at  that  time  excessively  swol- 
len by  rains  and  melting  snows.  At  night  they  came  to,  about  opposite 
the  present  village  of  Richville,  and  towards  the  close  of  the  second  day 
(April  1,)  the  emigrants  arrived  at  Cooper's  settlement  in  DeKalb.  The 
horses  were  sent  around  by  the  state  road,  in  charge  of  Sewail  Ray- 
mond, n  cousin  of  B.  Raymond. 

The  land  records  of  Potsdam  show  the  following  list  of  early  settlers, 
in  the  order  of  their  purchases,  coirimencing  June  9,  1803.  During  that 
year  the  following  persons  purchased. 

Christopher  Wilson,  Jabez  llealey,  John  Fobes,  Moses  Patterson, 
P^lihu  Knights,  Ash  Knapp,  Elias  Champion,  Gurdon  Smith,  Joshua 
Conkley,  Francis  Whituey,   John  DeLance,  i3enjamin  Stewart,  Giles 


.1  a. 


AND   FRyAJKLIN    COUNTIES. 


435 


I'nrmelee,  Sylvnniis  Entoii,  Archibnld  Royce,  Willinm  Smiili,  Clicster 
Dc'wcy,  Niilliiuru'l  IJailey,  David  Froiicli,  Ksnii  Ricl),  Koiihnn  Ames, 
Birntilms  Ames,  Hcnjariiin  liuiluy,  Howard  J.  Pierce,  Newel  H.  Smitii, 
Ansel  Haiiey,  I'llu'iiczer  liubhard,  Ehenezer  Fatteisoii.  In  1804,  Eliene- 
zer  I'aikhuist,  Jini.,  Win.  Ames,  Jiurnalms  Iloj-le,  Thomas  Bowker, 
Divid  Covey,  Jeliiel  Slafter,  Josepli  Wriijlit,  Leixuis  Johnson,  IJesler 
Pieiee,  Hoswell  I'arkhtnst,  Alvin  Mills,  Reuben  Field,  John  IJowker, 
K|>al(linf5  Watennan,  VVilliam  Bnllard  and  associates,  F/ra  Ciarey,  In 
1805,  Ezekiel  Wilson,  I'anI  Raymond,  Jehiel  Slalter,  Horace  (Jarfield, 
Ehenezer  Jackson,  Dyer  JJottnm,  Elijah  Stevens,  David  French,  Azuriah 
Orton,  David  llendeo,  Levi  Wyman,  Josiah  Fuller,  Wm.  Tike,  Charles 
Cox,  Benjamin  I'ratt,  Levi  West,  Jeremiah  (iilmore,  Abraham  Collins, 
.Sninnel  llarris,  Levi  Swift,  Frederick  Cnrrier,  Josiah  Fuller,  Ai  I'nvers, 
Asa  Gooduow,  Aimer  Koyce,  Jun.,  Andrew  Patterson,  Timothy  Parker, 
Luther  Savin,  William  Lsliam,  Timothy  Shephard,  Earned  Rich,  Moses 
Patterson. 

On  the  28tli  of  Nov.,  1804,  Wm.  Bnllard  and  associates  took  up  u 
tract  of  *2,4"i7  acres,  about  two  miles  north  of  the  present  village,  nt  n  cost 
of  .$8G5G  04,  with  the  view  of  establishing  a  colony,  having  u  unify  of 
interests,  and  on  a  plan  which  he  hcd  drawti  up  in  New  England.  The 
records  of  the  land  otlice  show,  that  Ids  partners  in  the  j)urclia8e  were 
William,  Thomas  IL  and  Annni  Currier,  J.  liultolph,  J.  Borroughs,  J. 
and  R  Field,  N.  Howe,  J.  McAIIaster,  E.  and  S.  Shaw,  M.  Smith,  D,  and 
L.  Wjman,  and  B.  Wells.  Some  of  these  withdrew  and  others  joined; 
and  about  the  month  of  May,  1807,  they  formed  an  association  styled 
Tlie  Union,  u  d  consisting  of  the  following  members. 

Win.  Billiard  the  jirojector,  John  Burroughs,  Manassa  Smith,  Nathan 
Howe,  Ammi  Currier,  Thomas  Currier,  Isaac  Ellis,  Wm.  Currier,  Alba 
Durkee,  and  John  McAIIaster.  A  constitution  was  formed,  a  clerk 
chosen,  and  all  things  relative  to  the  Union  was  decided  by  a  majority  of 
votes,  on  strictly  republican  principles.  The  property  of  the  company 
was  held  in  couimoii  stock,  each  sharing  equally  in  the  proceeds,  accord- 
i"  g  to  the  amount  of  labor  invested.  An  account  was  kept  with  each 
member,  of  the  amount  of  stock  invested,  and  day's  works  performed, 
and  at  the  annual  meeting  of  the  stockholders,  whicn  occurred  in  Janu- 
ary of  each  year,  a  settlement  was  made  with  each.  The  comjiany  were 
prospered  to  some  degree.  Bnllard  acted  as  agent,  and  Burroughs  as 
clerk.  They  disclaimed  all  control  over  the  political  or  religious  views 
of  the  members.  After  dissolution,  the  land  was  divided,  and  most  of 
the  members  continued  to  reside  on  the  tract,  and  accumulated  property. 
But  two  of  the  company  are  now  living.  Mr.  Burroughs,  in  Potsdam,  now 
in  his  88th  year,  and  Win.  Currier,  in  Ohio.  Most  of  them  afterwards 
ndo|>;ed  the  religious  tenets  of  the  Christian  sect.  In  March  1818,  in 
this  settlement,  a  great  excitement  was  produced  l)y  finding  in  a  hen's 
nest,  an  es;^,  on  which  was  inscribed  in  white  and  raised  characters, 
very  leg''"''',  the  words,  "wo!  too!  to  those  that  deny  the  Trinilij,"  Like 
the  gokioii  egg  of  the  fable,  this  prodigy  and  the  hen  that  laid  it,  at- 
tracted the  greatest  curiosity,  and  hundreds  from  the  surrounding 
country  docked  tIMther  to  wonder  at  the  miraculous  denunciation,  and 
satisfy  themselves  by  actual  inspection  of  the  prodigy.  It  is  said  that 
$500  were  offered  for  the  hen,  and  that  this  sum  was  refused! 

Numbers  were  exceedingly  alarmed,  and  others  looked  upon  it  as  n 
direct  communication  from  Heaven,  while  still  another  class,  said  that  it 
was  a  trick  oj  some  viischievous  person,  and  that  the  characters  were  first 
traced  with  hot  tallow,  and  then  eroded  by  immersion  in  vinegar.  From  the 
accouut  book  of  the  Unio<i,  before  us,  it  is  obterved  that  a  minute  re- 


t" 


I' 


436 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


u 


U*':!' 


cord  was  kept  of  every  item  of  business,  apparently  witli  strict  justice, 
and  ut  its  dissolution,  tiie  inost  friendly  feeling  existed  between  the  niefn- 
bers.  In  SpnfFord's  Giizetteer,  1813,  this  society  is  erroneously  stated  to 
'  "  omposed  of  Moravians.  The  rnend)ers  were  liom  New  Kofjlnnd 
..rid  liad  formed  the  association  before  settling  in  I'ostduni.  Mr.  Bidlurd, 
the  (HOjcctor,  had  issued  a  pamphlet  to  set  forth  the  advantage  of  tiie  as- 
sociation, and  labored  zealously  to  establish  it. 

In  1809,  a  bridge  was  built  on  the  present  site,  which  lasted  till  1830, 
when  the  supervisors  of  the  county  were  directed  by  an  act  of  the  lejiis. 
lature,  to  levy  a  tax  of  $300  in  town,  for  the  jjurpose  of  rebuilding  it. 
The  bridge  tlicn  erected,  lasted  till  1849,  when  the  board  of  supervisors 
were,  by  un  act  passed  March  28,  1840,  authorized  to  levy  another  tax  of 
$500,  in  addition  to  the  tax  of  $250,  ordinarily  raised  for  improving 
roads  and  bridges,  across  Raquette  river,  in  the  village  of  Potsdam,  to  be 
expended  under  the  direction  of  lienjumin  G.  Baldwin,  and  VVilliard  M. 
Hitchcock.  The  additional  sum  of  $250  was  also  directed  to  be  raised 
in  1850,  for  the  same  purposes.  With  this  appropriation  the  present  ele- 
gant bridge  across  the  Raquette  river  was  built.  In  1810,  Judge  Ray- 
mond erected  n  building  near  the  centre  of  the  village,  for  a  public 
school,  and  place  of  worship,  which  subsequently  was  given  to  the  St. 
Lawrence  academy,  and  for  many  years  was  occupied  by  the  trustees  of 
that  institution  as  an  academic  building.  In  1820,  the  first  church  in 
the  village,  was  erected  by  the  Presbyterians,  and  in  1825  the  north 
nc-udemic  building  was  built.  That  on  the  south  was  built  in  1835,  after 
the  organization  of  a  teacher's  department.  A  full  account  of  the  origin 
and  history  of  this  institution,  will  be  found  in  the  chapter  devoted  to 
this  subject.  For  several  years  from  the  time  that  settlements  began, 
they  progressed  quite  rapidly,  and  in  no  town  was  more  energy  or  in- 
dustry displayed  in  promoting  internal  improvements,  and  thus  offering 
inducements  to  settlement,  than  by  Mr.  Raymond. 

The  village  early  acquired  a  growth  second  only  to  Ogdensburgb,  and 
the  location  of  the  St.  Lawrence  academy  tended  much  to  promote 
this  prosperity.  A  fire  company  was  incorporated  by  an  act  of  April  9, 
1823,  by  which  Samuel  Partridge,  and  all  of  those  residing  in  the  village, 
were  constituted  a  body  corporate,  with  the  powers,  privileges  and  im- 
munities, usually  granted  to  such  associations,  and  with  such  exemptions 
from  service,  as  militia,  or  jurymen,  as  is  customary.  On  the  Jncorpora- 
tion  of  the  village,  in  1831,  the  fire  department  was  placed  under  the 
jurisdiction  of  the  village  trustees,  who  reorganized  it  and  formed  a 
code  of  by-laws  for  its  government.  The  village  possesses  at  present, 
two  good  fire  engines,  but  there  is  scarcely  any  organization  of  a  fire  de- 
partment kept,  further  than  suitable  regulations  for  the  care  and  preser- 
vation of  the  engines. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


437 


In  1825,  the  citizens  of  this  town  united  in  celebrating  the  national  onni- 
versuiy  in  n  niimner  quite  novel  nnd  utihtarian.    Tlie  following  extract 
from  their  programme,  which  was  preceded  by  a  aeries  of  patriotic  resolu- 
ons,  will  bo  rend  with  interest. 

Resolved,  therefore,  that  it  be  recommended  to  the  inhabitants  of  snid 
town,  to  assemble  at  the  village,  at  an  early  hour  on  the  4th  day  of  July 
next,  with  teair.3  and  suitable  implements,  for  the  purpose  of  embanking 
the  meeting  houses  and  gun  house,  and  improving  the  public  8(|nnre  in 
siiid  town,  as  a  principal  part  of  the  exercises  of  that  day.  Resolvedf 
Tiint  Rev.  Jonathan  Wallace  be  requested  to  deliver  an  a|)pro[)riate  ad- 
dress on  the  square,  at  the  close  of  said  day.  Resolved,  That  Messrs. 
Jahez  Wiiles,  .John  C.  Smith,  John  Goulding  and  Anthony  Y.  Elderkin, 
1)6  a  committee  of  arrangements.  Resolved,  That  the  following  persona 
be  appointed  as  assistants  of  the  said  Committee,  for  the  purpose  of  no- 
tifying the  inhabitants  of  their  respective  neighborhoods,  fiu'uishing  a 
due  proportion  of  the  several  kinds  of  implements,  and  taking  charge  of 
the  (lifFerent  portions  of  work,  viz: 

Warren  Clark,  Moses  Cheeny,  Ebenezer  Brush,  Solomon  M  Crary, 
Seth  Benson,  Ai  Powers,  David  French,  Ansel  Bailey,  Louis  Plympton, 
William  Smith,  Sylvester  Bacon,  dies  Parmalee,  Archibald  Royce, 
James  Murphey.  Gurdon  Smith,  Stephen  Buss,  David  Barnum,  Thomas 
S.  Ilemenway,  Perez  Fobes,  Joel  Buckman,  Ezra  Lyman,  Samuel  Parker, 
3tid,  Samuel  Stickney,  Jacob  Redington,  Jonathan  Hoil,  Amnii  Currier, 
Frederick  Currier,  Daniel  Pride,  James  Porter,  John  Chandler,  Charles 
Edgerton,  Thomas  W.  Durkee,  Isaac  Ellis,  Jun.,  Isaac  Austin,  Stephen 
Maynard,  John  Smith,  Almond  Howard,  Parley  Perrin,Ira  Perrin,  Amos 
W.  Brown,  Aikins  Foster,  Bester  Pierce,  Horace  Garfield,  John  Olmstead, 
John  M.  Call,  Alanson  Fisher,  A.  Lyman,  John  B.Judd,Eleazer  Johnson. 

L.  Kkowles,  Chairman, 

H.  Allen,  Secretary. 

In  pursuance  of  the  above  resolutions,  the  undersigned  give  notice 
for  the  (4th  of  July  next)  of  the  followmg 

Order  of  the  Day. — 1.  The  day  will  be  u^iered  in  by  the  discharge  of 
cannon.  2.  At  half  past  7  o'clock,  A.  M.,  prayers  will  be  attended  on 
the  common.  3.  Labor  will  commence  at  8  o'clock  A.  M ,  at  the  dis- 
charge of  one  gun.  4.  At  half  past  112  o'clock,  at  noon,  at  the  discharge 
of  tt  gun  and  the  sound  of  the  bugle,  the  procession  will  form,  and, 
aided  by  the  band,  will  inarch  to  the  table  (on  the  common),  to  be  fur- 
nished with  the  provisions  which  each  man  will  bring  with  him;  and  it 
is  presumed  some  appendages  will  be  adu  d  by  the  people  of  the  vil- 
lage. Liquor  will  be  furnished  by  the  committee.  5.  At  half  past  one 
o'clock,  P.  M.,  labor  will  recommence,  at  the  aotmd  of  the  bugle.  C.  At 
5  o'clock,  P.  M.,  the  sound  of  the  bugle  will  announce  the  cessation  of 
labor,  when  the  procession  will  form  and  proceed  to  the  place  for  re- 
ceiving tlie  address,  from  Rev.  Mr.  Wallace.  7.  The  day  will  close  with 
music  and  the  discharge  of  cannon. 

J.  WiLLES,  ) 

>  A.  Y.  Elderkin,  (      Committee 

J.  C.  Smith, 
JuuN  Goulding. 
PoUdam,  June  23, 1825. 


)  ArrangemerUa, 


The  trustees  of  public  lands  in  the  town  of  Potsdam,  were  by  an  act 


43d 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


,rfi    J 


of  the  legislature  passed  April  18,  1828,  authorized  to  sell  the  gospel  and 
school  lot,  01*  any  part  thereof  iu  that  town,  on  such  terms  of  credit  less 
than  ten  years,  as  they  might  deem  most  conducive  to  the  interests  of 
the  town.    This  was  done. 

The  village  of  Potsdam,  was  incorporated  March  3,  1831.  The  aflfairs 
of  the  corporation  wore  directed  to  he  managed  by  live  trustees,  elected 
annually  on  the  first  Monday  of  May,  in  each  year,  who  were  to  elect  one 
of  their  luunher  as  president,  and  to  appoint  a  clerk,  treasurer,  collector, 
constable  and  pound  master,  who  should  hold  their  offices  for  one  year 
unless  sooner  removed  hy  the  trustees. 

At  tt  meeting  of  ihe  trustees,  held  May  3,  1832,  a  seal  was  adopted 
having  for  its  device  a  tree,  imder  the  word  Foisdum.  July  3,  1832, 
Zenas  Clark,  George  Wilkinson  and  Justus  Smith,  were  appointed  a  board 
of  health,  and  John  I'armelee,  health  officer,  iu  piusuanco  of  the  statute 
law  passed  June  22,  1832.  This  board  met  soon  after,  and  passed  a  series 
of  resolutions  restraining  persons  from  Canada  from  entering  the  village 
without  having  first  obtained  a  bill  of  health  fiom  some  health  officer 
wiihiu  the  coimty,  to  be  approved  by  the  board,  llegulutions  j-especting 
domestic  nuisances,  &c.,  were  also  passed,  and  vigilant  measures  taken 
to  remove  all  causes  which  might  tend  to  generate  disease. 

The  act  of  1831,  incorporating  the  village  of  Potsdam,  was  amcndcc' 
April  10,  184{>.  The  bounds  of  thu  village  were  by  this  act  increased,  and 
additional  powers  were  conferred  u|)on  the  trustees  in  relation  to  the  pur- 
chase and  conveyance  of  real  estate,  the  making  and  repairing  of  side- 
walks, roads,  &c.,  and  the  planting  and  protection  of  trees,  and  the  con- 
struction of  reservoirs,  sewers  and  ditches. 

About  five  miles  from  the  village  iu  the  north  west  part  of  the  town  is 
a  small  \  .llage  commonly  known  as  SmilKs  Corners,  from  Gnrdon  Smith, 
the  first  settler.  It  is  the  centre  of  business  tor  a  rich  agricultural  dis- 
trict, and  is  the  seat  of  the  post  ofiice  of  West  Potsdam  of  the  U.  States 
Mutual  Insiuauce  Co.  One  mile  south  from  this  is  a  small  tettlemeiit 
which  has  acquired  the  name  of  Yaleville.  The  first  beginning  was  made 
here  in  180G,  by  Moses  Patterson.  It  contains  two  saw  mills,  grist  mill, 
tavern,  two  stores,  several  mfcchunic  shops,  and  about  eighteen  fimiilies. 
The  post  ofiice  of  West  Potsdam,  was  first  established  here  in  1847. 
Barnabas  Yale  and  sons,  Lloyd  C.  and  John,  settled  here  in  183G,  and 
from  them  the  settlement  derived  its  name.  ' 

Buck's  Bridge  is  the  name  of  a  stnall  village  in  the  western  corner 
of  the  town,on  Grass  river,  three  miles  from  the  rail  road  d'ipot  for  Madrid 
nnd  Canton,  and  on  the  plank  road  between  those  places.  The  place 
derives  its  name  from  Isaac  Buck,  from  Shorcham,  Vt.,  wh  o  settled  here 
about  1807.  In  1801),  a  saw  mill  was  built  and  in  o|ieration,  and  some 
thirty  or  forty  acres  of  land  cleared.  A  store  was  opened  by  Mr.  Buck, 
about  this  time.  A  Methodist  chapel  has  beeu  erected  here,  and  it  is  the 
seat  of  a  post  office. 

Raquetteville  is  the  name  of  a  village  which  has  sprung  up  os  if  by 
magic,  near  the  point  where  the  Northern  rail  road  crosses  Raquette  river, 
an<l  at  the  depot  for  a  rich  and  growing  country,  both  north  and  south, 
with  which  it  conunuicates  by  plank  road.  Under  the  combined  influ- 
ences of  these  communications,  a  valuable  water  power,  the  character- 
istic energy  of  its  spirited  founder,  and  the  veiy  strong  probability  that 
it  will  become  the  terminus  of  the  rail  road  about  to  be  built  to  Watertown, 
it  can  not  fail  to  attain  that  importance  to  which  it  is  entitled.  It  has 
vpruiig  up  since  October,  1850,  and  is  mostly  upon  a  farm  of  400  acres 


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AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


441 


pnrchoscd  by  Bcnjaniin  O.  nnlclwin,  ISHG.  This  gentleman  conveyed  15 
acres  to  llie  cornpuny  lor  n  depot,  liesidcH  loiid  wiiy;  in  1850,  lie  erected 
a  tavern  lioiise,  which  iuirnt  donn  the  next  Murch,  und  in  1851,  two  other 
taverns  and  Huvcrul  dwellings  were  hiiilt.  In  185'i,  u  Riibstuntiul  dnin  with 
eigiit  teet  ihll,  wus  erecte«l  on  Huqnette  river,  which  (iftbrds  a  water  power 
of  great  value;  a  highway  bridge  constructed  n  little  helow;  the  premises 
aronnd  laid  out  lor  a  village,  with  ample  reservations  lor  public  grounds 
und  numerous  dwellings,  built.  Among  the  latter  was  u  large  hotel  luiilt 
by  Robert  M.  C!ill,  three  stories  in  height.  An  extensive  Ibrwurding  nnd 
mercantile  interest  has  sprung  up,  and  the  returns  of  the  rail  road  show 
an  amount  of  business  surpassed  only  by  that  of  its  two  termini.  It  is 
anticipated  that  additions  to  the  depot  which  is  50  by  100  leet,  will  soon 
he  necessary  for  the  accoumiodution  of  passengers.  The  water  power, 
is  owned  by  u  company,  and  there  is  in  prejiuration  for  building  u  large 
gang  saw  mill  on  each  bank,  and  other  machinery  on  an  extensive  scale. 
'J'lie  pecidiar  facilities  lor  the  transportation  of  timber  which  this  river 
afl'ords,  will  long  give  prominence  to  this  department  of  industry, — the 
nianniiicture  of  wooden  liibrics,  and  Raquetteville,  in  addition  to  the 
liicilities  of  other  points  on  the  river,  will  |iosses8  the  additional  one  of 
direct  rail  road  conurnmication  with  market.  A  post  oflice  na/ned  North 
Potsdam,  is  established  here,  und  a  telegraph  station  on  the  main  line 
from  Ogdensburgli  to  Burlington,  uniting  with  most  of  the  large  cities. 

By  un  act  passed  April  18,  1845,  the  hoard  of  supervisors  were  re- 
quired to  levy  u  tux  of  $000  in  eacli  of  the  years,  184tJ  und  1847,  in  the 
town  of  Potsdam,  which  moneys  were  to  be  paid  over  to  the  supervisors 
of  the  town,  Henry  L.  Knowles,  Samuel  Partridge,  Fluvel  Sm,th  and 
William  W.  Goulding,  for  the  purpose  of  being  sjient  in  the  erection  of 
a  town  house  in  the  village.  The  committee  hereby  appointed  were  at 
liberty  to  anticipate  this  appropriation  by  loans,  if  they  thought  proper. 
The  town  was  directed  to  choose  by  ballot  some  person  who  with  the 
supervisor  ond  town  clerk,  were  to  have  charge  of  the  town  house,  with 
liberty  to  grunt  its  use  lor  such  purposes  as  iniglit  not  be  deemed  incon- 
sistent with  the  purposes  for  which  it  was  erected,  or  the  interests  of  the 
town.  If  it  should  be  located  upon  the  westerly  side  of  the  public  square 
it  should  not  be  let  for  any  such  use  on  Sunday  without  tlie  consent  of 
the  trustees  of  the  societies  occupying  the  two  nearest  churches. 

A  town  hull  was  accordingly  built  the  same  yearundera  contract  with 
\Vm,  J.  Swtet.  It  is  of  wood,  about  ()4  by  40  feet,  and  stands  on  the 
centre  of  the  west  side  of  the  public  square. 

We  are  much  indebted  to  William  II.  Wallace,  Esq,,  for  the  following 

statistics  of  Potsdam  village,  as  it  was  in  the  full  of  1852: 

Population  of  village,  1,500  to  l.GOO;  of  town,  5,000  to  0,000.  There 
were  175 dwellings;  5  churches;  2  large  stone  academic  buildings;  12 dry 
goods  stores,  and  six  others  in  town;  1  furnace  or  hardware  store;  1 
book  store;  3  shoe  stores,  and  1  shoe  shop;  2  wholesale  and  retail  gro- 
cery stores;  I  printing  office  (issuing  a  weekly  paper,  circulation  000); 
6  groceries;  3  hotels;  2  jeweler  shops  and  stores;  2  saddle  and  harness 
shops  and  stores;  2  tailor  shops;  3  shoe  and  leather  stores;  2  tanneries; 
4  cabinet  shops;  2  finishing  machine  shops;  1  foundry  and  furnace;  1 
trip  hammer  shop;  5  blacksmith  shops;  1  wholesale  and  rett^il  tin  store; 
2  cooper  shops;  1  carriage  factory;  2  wheelwright  shops;  1  chair  shop 
and  factory;  1  marble  factory;  1  fanning  mill  Itictory;  1  large  flouring 
and  grist  mill;  2  saw  mills,  one  gang  mill  with  100  saws  and  4  gates;  1 
woolen  factory ;  I  cloth  dressing  and  carding  factory ;  1  hoe  factory ;  2 


442 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


y 


I*    •   -J 

SI 1  i 


oiilinrirfl ;  1  jilnstnr  iriill;  1  driiK  storo,  excluding  two  otliors  wlio  dniil 
cxtonnively  HI  driigH;  1  htikory;  1  hook  l)iii(l<;i-y ;  1  itiillincrv  riirniMliiti)^ 
Ntoro;  '2  iiiillincr  sliopH;  4  pliymciuiiButid  fnirL'tsoim;  5  priiciiciii^  liiwyrr.i; 
4  Ht>ttled  clergymen ;  1  largo  gang  saw  itiili,  l^i  iiiilcs  bulow  I'otHdani 
village,  on  ltii<|uettc  river,  80  HaWH. 

Tlio  Hecond  legal  execution  for  murder  in  St.  Lnwrcince,  wna  timt  of 
John  Donnovan,  for  the  mnnler  of  JnrneFi  Rowley,  nt  PotHdatn,  .Inn.  Qi], 
1852.  Itoth  were  Irishmen.  They  had  been  drinking  licer  together, 
and  nAcrwards  a  qnurnd  arose,  hard  words  and  hloWM  were  exi-hiinged, 
bnt  nnhsemiently  the  matter  was  settled,  and  they  parted,  apparently  as 
friends.  Kowley  had,  however,  proceeded  bnt  a  .short  di«taiieo,  wlien 
Donnovan  followed,  and  witli  a  jack  knife  inflicted  several  woimds,  which 
proved  fatal.  'I'he  niin'dercr  was  arrested,  after  somes  how  of  resistance, 
and  tried  before  judge  Hand,  in  February,  1852,  at  Canton.  The  jury, 
after  two  hours'  deliberation,  brought  in  u  verdict  of  guilty,  which  verdict 
the  iirisoner  received  with  the  same  apparent  iudiflerenco  and  stupidity 
he  had  evinced  throughout  the  trial.  On  the  21st,  lie  was  arraigned  anil 
received  his  sentence,  to  be  executed  on  the  KJtii  of  April,  which  sen- 
tence was  curried  into  efTect  in  the  yard  of  the  jail,  in  the  presence  of 
the  limited  number  which  were  legally  odmitted,  and  several  bundled, 
who  gained  u  i  ight  of  the  spectacle  frotn  the  roofs  of  buildings  and  other 
places. 

The  Washington  Benevolent  Society  lAbranj  was  incorporated  in  Pots- 
dam, June  14, 1814,  under  a  generalactiWith  Benjamin  Uaymond,  Liber- 
ty Knowles,  Azel  Lyman,  Robert  McChesney,  Pierce  Sliepurd,  Jacob 
Redington  and  Sewall  Raymond,  trustees. 

The  Union  Librarji  Jlssocinlion  was  incorporated  Jan.  8,  1828,  with 
Jabez  VVilles,  Zeiias  Clark,  Amos  W.  Brown,  Alyron  G.  xVIunson,  Horace 
Allen,  Solomon  M.  Crary,  Solomon  Parmcter,  trustees. 

Religious  Sodelies. — A  imitcd  religious  society  was  fortned  in  Potsdam, 
September  1(5, 180t),  with  Wm.  Bollard,  Jonathan  Adams,  Ammi  Currier, 
Reuben  Field,  IVIanasseh  Smith  and  Alba  Durgee,  trustees.  This  was 
the  Union  mentioned  in  our  foregoing  pages. 

St.  Paul's  church  society  was  formed  August  14,  1811,  with  Liberty 
Knowles,  Joseph  P.  Reynolds,  and  Azol  Lyman,  trustees.  Exceptions 
having  been  taken  at  the  name,  it  was,  Dec.  10,  1820,  changed  to  the 
first  Presbyterian  society  in  Potsdam,  with  A.  Lyman,  Sewall  Raymond 
and  Forest  Morgan,  trustees.  A  church  organisation  was  effected  June 
9,  1811,  by  aliout  20  members,  who  were  united  by  the  Rev.  William 
Wright,  and  Rev  James  Johnson,  the  latter  of  whom  became  their  first 
pastor,  and  was  installed  March  10,  1812.  The  council  that  performed 
this  duty,  were  the  Rev.  Messrs.  A.  Pettengill,  of  Champlain ;  A.  Par- 
melee,  of  Malone;  E.  Wright,  of  Russell;  J.  Winchester,  of  Madrid, 
and  Amasn  Bhinchard  und  Salmon  Gray,  delegates;  the  former  from 
Hopkinton,  and  the  latter  from  Madrid.  Ora  P.  Hoyt  was  ordained  Jan. 
18,  1820;  F.  E.  Cannon,  Sept.  7,  1831.  He  was  succeeded  by  B.  B. 
Hotchkin,  and  the  latter  by  Elijah  W.  Plumb,  liie  present  jjastor.  Up  to 
the  close  of  182G,  199  had  joined  the  church.  In  1840,  317  had  united. 
The  present  edifice  represented  on  our  engraving,  between  the  two  aca- 
demic buildings,  was  built  in  1820,  at  a  cost  of  $4,500,  and  dedicated 
Feb.,  1822.  In  1820,  and  in  the  fall  and  winter  of  1820-7,  were  periods 
of  unusual  religious  interest,  and  the  number  of  members  was  largely 
increased. 

The  Christian  sect,  in  the  autumn  of  1815,  through  the  labors  of  Beta 
Palmar,  for  a  church  in  the  neighborhood  of  tlie  Union.    It  numbered 


m 


If- 


'I 


HI 


-    %^yr:m 


AND    FRANK!. iN    COUNTIKS. 


445 


from  30  to  40  members,  most  of  whom  hiul  lielonffeil  lo  that  community. 
Eld.  Ira  Allen  coimiiciifcd  |)ieacl)iii!r  here  in  1819,  niid  has  since  hnd 
the  pastoral  chiuffe  ol"  tlic  clim-cli  ".vitii  only  two  years  iiiteival.  In  nil 
177  have  nnited,  of  whom  45  iiave  died,  wliicii,  with  other  causes,  linvo 
roductjd  the  numbers  to  78. 

•.,A  Baptist  chnrcii  was  orjL'nnized  Jan.  t),  ]8'i4,  of  0  males  and  6  fe- 
males, delegates  lieinji  present  from  the  churches  in  Ilopkinton,  Madrid, 
Stockholm,  Canton  and  Parishville.     The  following  have  Iteen  employed 

as  pastors:  Rev.  Messrs. Palmer,  Silas  Pratt, IJacheldor,  Ilenry 

Green,  Wm.  II.  Rice,  J.  Ide;  some  of  them  at  several  successive  times. 
The  |)re8ent  mimber  of  tlie  church  (Oct,,  1852),  is  58,  and  150  iiave  been 
received  fioni  the  tirst.    J^Jo  society  has  been  incorp(»rated. 

A  Universalist  society  was  incorporated  October  2,  1825,  with  James 
Whitcomb,  Asher  Brown  and  Steward  Banister,  trustees  It  had  been 
(brmed  on  the  17tli  of  Jan.  jjrevions,  but  this  soon  lost  its  organization, 
which  was  airaiii  effecteil  Jan.  6,  1825.  The  early  efforts  failed  to  secure 
the  means  for  IjuiUfmg  a  chiu'ch,  until  1832,  the  meeting  being  previously 
held  in  the  old  academy.  A  connniflee  was  then  appointed,  who  in 
1835-(3  erected  the  present  church  edifice.  Rev.  Jonathan  Wallace,  Rev. 
Wm.  II.  Waggoner  and  Rev.  Jonathan  Douglass,  have  been  successively 
employed  as  clergymen.  A  church  organization  was  effected  January 
17,  1852,  of  24  mendiers,  and  the  present  number  (October,  1852),  is  3.'J. 

A  Methodist  society  was  formed  Fel).  4,  18:^3,  with  John  Lockwood, 
Gersham  Conger,  Jonathan  Paid,  George  Wright  and  John  Byington, 
trustees.  It  was  reorgaidzed  January  4,  18.3(i.  A  Metiiodist  society  v/aa 
formed  in  West  Potsdam,  Juno  1,  1846,  with  John  Wellwood,  Erasti  3 
Robbins  and  Wm.  S.  llorr,  trustees. 

Trinity  clunch,  Potsdam,  was  organized  on  the  23d,  and  incorporated 
oil  the  25tli,  of  March,  1835,  with  John  C.  Clnrkson  and  Augustus  L. 
Clarksori,  wardens;  David  L.  Clarkson,  Zenas  Clark,  Theodore  Clark, 
Myron  G.  Munson,  Noble  S.  Elderkin,  Samuel  Partridge,  Frederick  Mil- 
ler, Jr.  and  Aaron  T.  Hopkins,  vestrymen.  Rev.  Richard  Bury,  appears 
from  the  records  of  the  vestry,  to  have  been  etnployefl  as  a  clergyman 
previously,  and  to  hiive  signed  the  records  of  liie  first  meeting.  He  was 
emplorai  on  the  Kith  of  Octolier.  1834.  The  elegant  cliurcli  edifice  on 
tiie  island  in  the  village  of  Potsdam,  re[)resented  on  the  opposite  page, 
was  erecie<l  in  '835,  and  consecrated  on  the  7th  of  August,  1836.  In 
September,  1831),  the  Hev.  All)in  R.  Putnam  was  employed  as  rector  of 
the  church.  Having  rei^'ived  a  call  to  the  rectorship  of  Im:nan;iel 
ciinrcli,  of  Bellows  Falls.  \'t.,  Ik;  resigned  on  the  20tl)  of  Februrry,  1844, 
and  was,  on  the  2L>th  oi"  April  following,  succeeded  by  the  R«v.  Nathan 
Watson  Monroe,  who  resigned  Aug.  10, 184().  The  Rev.  .1.  (i.  Hubl)ard 
was  elected  rector  of  the  church,  April  \%y  1847,  who  held  this  office  till 
Felu'iiary,  1851,  v/hen  he  resigned.  Tiie  Uev.  Kendrick  Metcalt;  D.  D., 
was  elected  on  the  2"Jth  of  3eptomber,  1851.  He  had  fieen  previously 
em|)loyed  as  a  professor  of  Creek  and  Latin,  in  Geneva  College  i  and  on 
the  change  of  name  and  fidler  einlowment  of  that  institution,  in  the  early 
part  of  1852,  he  ^-esigr.ed,  and  rctin-ned  to  that  institution  He  was  im- 
mediately succeeded  by  the  liev.  William  Staunton,  fiom  Ridgefield,  Ct., 
the  present  rectoi'. 

In  the  corner  stor.e  of  the  church  edifice,  was  deposited  the  following 
inscription  :  "  This  church  is  erected  to  the  worship  and  service  of 
Almighty  God,  by  the  name  of  Trinity  church,  Potsdam,  St.  Lawrence 
county,  state  of  New  York,  Anno  Domini,  1835.  Rt.  Rev.  Benjamin 
Onderdonk,  bishop  of  the  Diocese.  Richard  Bury,  rector;  John  C. 
Clarkson,  Augustus  L.  Clarkson,  wardens;  David  L.  Clarkson,  Theodore 

S8 


446 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


;!:;i 


pr  ! , 


Clnik,  Zenns  Clark,  Anron  T,  Hopkins,  Snmnel  Pnrtridfie,  Frederick 
Miller,  Jim.,  Myron  G.  Miinson,  NobU;  S.  KIderkin,  vestrymen.  Nfimea 
of  the  Imildinj;  committee,  .Toiin  C.  Clarkson,  Augustus  L.  Claikson, 
David  C.  Clarkson,  Zenas  Clark,  Samuel  Partridjie,  I'heodore  Clark. 
Master  builders,  Alanson  Fislier,  Jedidiali  Reynolds." 

There  were  also  de|)0sited  in  the  box,  one  IJible,  one  Common  Prayer 
Book,  one  co|)y  of  The  Spiritual  Character  of  the  Liturfry,  sundry  tracts, 
religious  |)eriodicals,  papers  of  the  day,  and  coins.  The  ceremony  of  lay- 
ing the  corner  stone,  was  ])erformed  on  the  ,'3d  of  June,  1835. 

The  Congregational  church  of  West  Potsdam  was  incorporated,  July 
8,  184fJ,  with  David  Barnum,  Bashin  lleniinway  and  Henry  Dayton, 
trustees. 

A  Fiee-Will  Baptist  chiu'ch  was  formed  at  West  Potsd-im,  Julv  4, 
1841,  by  Eld.  D.  F.  Willis,  of  30  members.  Pastors;  Elder  Willis, 
in  J841-2,  since  then  Elder  William  Whitfield  has  been,  and  still  is 
their  jiastor.  Present  number  49.  This  church  erected  a  house  of 
worship  in  connection  with  the  Meihodist  E|)iscopal  society  in  1842,  at 
the  cost  of  about  $(iOO.  It  was  dedicated,  2d  Oct.,  1842.  Sermon  by 
Eld.  Moorcs  Cole.  The  society  was  incorporated,  June  29,  1843,  with 
G.  S.  Hathaway,  Horace  Hathaway,  ami  B.  Lane,  trustees. 

There  is  a  small  congregation  in  Potsdam,  calling  itself  the  Catholic 
Apostolic  churcli,  wiiich  isone  of  a  body  of  churches  bearing  that  name 
HOW  existing  in  England,  Germany,  and  other  parts  of  Euro|)e,  as  well 
ns  in  North  America.  It  was  gathered  in  the  spring-  and  summer  of 
1837,  by  the  preaching  of  two  Evangelists,  who  came  from  England  to 
Canada,  tlio  year  before,  niul  were  invited  to  P.  isdam  by  some  persons 
who  had  heard  of  their  mission.  As  it  is,  with  a  single  exception,  the 
only  one  of  the  kind  in  the  United  States,  the  following  account  of  the 
origin,  government,  faith,  and  worship  of  the  body  of  which  it  forms  a 
part,  is  given  on  the  authority  of  one  of  its  ministers. 

"In  the  year  1830,  remarkable  spiritual  manifestations  began  to  appear 
in  different  j)arts  of  the  church,  at  lirst  in  Scotland,  id  afterwards  in 
England,  under  the  fo  n  of  pro|)hesyiug.«,  speaking  ih  tongues,  liealings 
&c.  Many  in  those  countries  believed  them  to  be  true  gifts  of  the  Holy 
Ghost,  as  in  the  beginning,  revived  again  to  prepare  the  chinch  for  the 
coming  of  her  Lord:  and  some  ministers  (amongst  whom  Mr.  Irving  of 
the  Scotch  Presbyterian  church  in  liOndon,  stood  fo?'emost),  gave  liberty 
for  their  exercise  in  their  congregations.  This  continued  lor  a  year  or 
two,  during  which,  the  spiritual  utterances  were  most  abundant,  throw- 
ing light  u])on  the  scriptures,  and  searching  and  cleansing  the  hearts  of 
hearers,  when  a  new  form  was  given  to  the  work  by  the  naming  of 
men  to  the  office  of  Apostle,  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  speaking,  as  was  be- 
lieved, through  Prophets.  The  number  was  gradually  increased  until, 
after  several  years,  the  Apostolic  college  was  completed,  and  stood 
twelvefold,  as  at  the  first.  Under  their  rule,  guided  by  the  light  of 
prophecy  at  a  living  ministry  in  the  ciiurch,  the  work  has  gone  forward, 
and  been  developing  itself  more  and  more  to  the  present  time.  Churches 
have  been  set  up  in  several  of  the  countries  of  Emope,  in  Canada,  and 
in  the  United  States;  and  a  well  defined  system  of  ordcu'  and  worsliij) 
has  been  estaulished,  of  which  the  following  are  the  principal  features. 
There  is  a  fourfold  ministry  of  Ayiostle,  Prophet,  Evangelist,  and 
Pastor,  by  the  conjoined  working  of  all  of  whom  in  their  several  places 
tlie  building  up  and  ])erfecting  of  the  church  is  to  be  accomplished. 
The  Apostles,  the  peci  liarity  of  whose  office  is,  that  they  are  sent  im- 
mediately by  the  Lord,  withciit  the  intervention  of  man,  have  the  rule 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIES. 


447 


IIS, 


and  giiidniice  of  all  the  cliiirclips;  and  arc,  under  Clirist,  the  heads  of 
the  wliole  body  of  tlie  b.-iptized.  They  linve  authority  to  onlniii;  they 
confer  ihe  gifts  of  the  Holy  Gliost  by  the  ]ayin>r  on  of  "their  hands;  and 
they  serve  as  bands  of  unity,  l>y  the  jjeneral  oversiiriit  whieh  they  exer- 
cise over  all  the  rninistoiii  and  their  flocks,  in  all  matters  of  worship, 
doctrine,  and  discipline.  Prophets  are  the  clinniiels  tin-ough  which  the 
siipernatin-al  lijiht  of  prophecy  is  jriven  by  the  inspiration  of  the  Holy 
(Iliost;  Evangelists  have  it  for  their  special  work  to  carry  forth  the 
gospel;  and  I'astors  are  eiitrnsted  with  the  care  of  souls  in  all  the 
congregations  that  are  gathered. 

Each  fully  organized  chinch  is  und'^r  the  rule  of  an  angel  (a  chief 
Pastor,  or  Bishop),  assisted  by  Elders  and  Deacons;  and  tiiere  are  also 
Under  Deacons  and  Deaconesses,  as  the  necessities  of  the  people  may 
require.  All  who  are  of  the  Priesthood,  are  callerl  to  tl  eir  olHce  by  the 
voice  of  prophecy,  and  ordained  by  Apostles,  (or  those  delegated  by 
them  for  that  purpose);  but  the  Deacons  are  chosen  by  the  people,  to 
whom  they  act  as  counsellors  in  temporal  matters,  while  they  can  also 
l)e  used  as  Evangelists,  In  such  churches,  there  is  daily  worship,  at  six 
in  the  morning  and  at  five  in  the  evening,  with  additional  shorter 
servic  IS  at  nine  and  at  three;  and  the  Eucharist  is  celebrated  every 
Sunday,  and  the  Comnnuii(>ii  also  administered  every  day  at  the  close 
of  the  morning  worship.  Forms  of  prayer  are  used,  end)racing  the 
most  valuable  parts  of  the  existing  rituals  of  the  church,  with  such 
changes  and  additions  as  have  been  thought  necessary  to  free  them  from 
error,  to  adopt  the  services  to  the  present  wants  of  Christendom,  and  to 
bring  the  worshi|)  of  God  into  the  highest  l()rm  which  the  circumstances 
of  the  time  allow.  Vestments  are  worn  by  the  ministers  in  fulfilling 
their  public  ofKces.  As  to  their  faith,  it  is  that  of  the  Church  Catholic  in 
all  ages,  as  embodied  in  the  three  great  creeds,  commonh'  called  the 
Apostles',  the  Nicene,  and  the  Athanasian,  all  of  which  are  used  in  their 
worship.  The  doctrine  of  the  Holy  'I'rinity,  the  apostacy  of  man,  the 
Incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God,  the  atonpint'iit  for  sin  through  His  sufTer- 
jugs  and  death,  the  oHice  of  the  Holy  Ghost  to  regenerate  and  sanctity, 
and  the  eternal  retributions  of  the  judgment,  are  held  by  them  as 
fundamental  truths  of  llevelation.  They  expect  the  speedy  coming  of 
the  Lord  to  establish  his  kingdom  upon  the  earth,  and  to  rule  over  it 
with  his  saints^  risen  and  translated;  at  wliich  time  they  also  believe 
that  God  will  tidtil  His  promises  to  the  Jews,  gather  them  to  their  own 
land,  and  make  them  u  blessing  to  all  nations.  They  look  upon  the 
church  as  embracing  all  the  baptized,  in  all  their  divisions;  and  as 
heii'g  a  divine  institution,  with  ministries,  sacraments,  and  ordinances 
appointed  by  the  Lord  himself.  They  recognize  all  Christian  men  as 
breilnen,  meudjers  with  them  of  the  one  body  of  Clirist,  which  however, 
they  believe  to  be  in  a  state  of  dismemberment  and  scliism,  and  full  of 
CAvor  and  i)ollutio!i,  through  the  sins  of  many  generations.  They  are 
distinguished  from  others  only  in  being  the  fust  gathered  under  Apostles, 
whose  work  they  believe  to  be  to  |)r('sent  the  bride  of  Christ  to  Him  at 
His  coming,  holy  and  undetiled.  They  look  ujion  themselves,  as  stand- 
ing III  no  other  attitiidt!  to  any  partof  the  churcii,  than  that  of  brethren,  to 
whom  the  returning  grace  of  God  has  been  lii>t  voucbsaled,  and  that  only 
that  they  may  be  witnesses  to  all  that  Hi?  kingdom  is  at  hand,  and  that 
He  is  visiting  His  people  now  at  the  end  of  the  disiiensation,  to  bring 
them  back  to  His  ways,  and  to  adorn  them  with  all  llu;  gifts  otTlis  spirit, 
they  take  no  other  name,  therefore,  than  that  which  belongs  to  the  whole 
church— Holy  Catholic  und  Apostolic — as  that  which  expresses  its  true 


449 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


sfnndins?  before  God,  nnd  which  should  never  hnve  been  Inid  nside  by 
nny.  In  tlie  fon<:rc{rntion  in  Potsdam,  wiiiuh  inis  never  yet  received  tiio 
full  orpniiizatiori  of  a  oliinch,  and  is  only  inider  the  care  of  a  Pastor  and 
Deacons,  there  are  rejinlar  services,  soineiiines  <laily,  and  sometimes 
only  on  Wednesiiays  and  Fridays,  of  the  week  days;  and  the  Lord's 
supper  is  administered  every  Sunday.  There  are  between  fifty  and  sixty 
conuTnniicants,  amon<:st  whom  there  have  been  some  spiritual  manifesta- 
tions in  the  form  of  [)ro{)hetic  utterances." 

I 

RossiE 

Was  erected  from  Russell,  Jan.  21, 1813.  The  following  memorandum 
in  relation  to  the  organization  of  this  town  occurs  on  the  records  of  the 
town  of  Russell : 

"At  a  special  meeting  of  the  freeholders  and  other  inhabitants  of  the 
town  of  Russell,  assembled  on  Tuesday,  the  fust  day  of  January,  1811, 
Jit  the  dwelling  lioiise  of  Moses  A.  Runnel,  in  said  Russell,  voted,  To 
grant  tiie  request  of  nenjamin  Pike,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  living 
on  that  i)art  of  Russell  called  Somerville,  that  they  be  set  off"  from  Rus- 
Bcll  and  annexed  to  the  town  of  Gouverneur." 

As  originall}'  formed,  it  embraced  townships  1,2  and  7,  or  Hammond^ 
Somerville,  and  Kilkenny,  of  tract  No.  3.  Fowler  and  Hammond  have 
since  been  taken  off,  and  the  line  between  Rossie  and  Hammond  was 
altered  Feb.  7,  1844.  The  town  derives  its  name  from  Rossie  castle  in 
Scotland,  which  was  owned  by  the  husband  of  David  ^'arish's  sister. 
Her  name  was  Rossie,  but  she  usually  bore  the  name  of  Rosa. 

The  first  town  tneeting  was  directed  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Reuben 
Streeter,  but  the  day  having  passed  the  legislature  appointed  another 
nnd  the  first  town  election  was  held  in  the  block  bouse,  then  the  resi- 
dence of  Air.  S. 

Supervisors. — 1814,  Reuben  Streeter;  1815,  Theodosius  O.  Fowler; 
181G-18,  Reuben  Streeter;  1819,  Kbenezer  Marvin;  1820,Roswell  Kyon; 
18J1,  Reuben  Streeter;  1822-4,  Lewis  Franklin ;  1825,  Ebenezer  Marvin ; 
182G-7,  James  Howard;  18<28,  William  Brown;  1829,  Reuben  Streeter; 
1830-2,  S.  Pratt;  1833-4,  William  Skinner;  183"),  S.  Pratt;  ]83()-8, 
Robert  Clark;  1839-40,  Martin  Thatcher;  1841,  Svlvenus  Rarker;  1842, 
JMartiii  Thatcher;  1843-4.  Wm.  R.  Bostwick;  1845-0,  S.  Pratt;  1847-8, 
Henry  V.  R.  Willmot;  1849.  Zaccheus  Gates;  1850,  Adam  Turnhull; 
1851-2,  Ziccheus  Gates.  Mr.  Gates  died  in  April,  1852,  and  S.  Pratt 
was  elected  in  bis  plice. 

Tlie  first  school  districts  were  organized  March  30.  1815,  when  No.  1 
embraced  the  present  town  of  Fowler;  No.  2,  all  Rossie  southeast  of 
Indian  river;  ami  No.  3,  between  Indian  and  St.  Lawrence  rivers.  Tiie 
town  is  very  tm|)leasantly  sitiuite<l  for  the  transaction  of  its  business,  in 
being  so  divided  by  the  Oswegatchie  and  Yellow  lake,  that  no  commu- 
nication can  be  ha(l  without  going  out  of  the  town  and  county.  In  1817- 
18-19-21,  an<l  22,  a  wolf  bounty  of  $5  offered.  In  1828,  the  town  voted 
in  favor  of  Potsdam  as  a  comity  seat.  In  1844,  voted  unanimously 
in  fiivor  of  u  new  county  from  parts  of  St.  Lawrence,  Jefferson  and 
Lewis. 


iliil  _ 

I'"  .  4 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


449 


The  cnrliest  settlomont  in  lliis  town  was  coniincncpil  in  l^O?,  !>>'  Jo- 
scpli  Teall,  of  FairCiold,  and  llenluMi  Stnjotor,  ot  Halislinry,  llfikiuier 
county,  wlio  liati  contnictcd  of  Lewis  l{,  Monis,  ilie  nephew  of  Gnnvei- 
iienr  Morris,  a  tract  lyinj^  between  the  O.swejratchie  and  tlie  south  iino 
of  Goiiverneur  extended  to  the  comity  Inn'.  Mr.  David  Parish,  Dec.  2, 
1808,  purchased  tiie  town  ('-2(!,804  acres),  the  niontiy  goinfj  to  (JJ.  Morris 
and  J.  D,  Lc  Ray,  with  whom  was  tlic  title  previously.  Tlic  land  records 
at  Of,'densl)mgi)  show  the  foliowiuir  [lurcliases  under  date  of  Octoher  ], 
18l!0,  at  which  time  these  men  came  into  town  and  selected  lands.  'I'licy 
were  mostly  fnmi  Herkimer  county.  Amhrose  Simons,  Oliver  Malterner, 
^mos  Keency,  Jr.,  Samuel  IJonty,  Silvius  Waters,  .losliua  St(!artis,  Jerorn 
Waldo,  George  W.  Pike,  IJenjamin  I'ike,  Jr.,  El)enezer  IJemis,  David 
Shepard.  The  first  improvement  was  made  liy  Reuhen  Strceter,  in  1807, 
on  a  fiirm  about  half  a  mile  east  of  the  present  village  of  Wegatchie. 
In  1808,  he  commenced  the  erection  of  a  mill  on  tlie  Oswcgatchie,  and 
in  the  spring  of  1811,  the  following  fiunilics  were  living  on  the  Teall  and 
Streeter  tract,  besides  those  already  named :  David  Freeman,  James 
Streeter,  Joseph  Teall,  Diamond  Wheeler,  Fli  Winchell,  f^imeon  Ste- 
vens, John  and  Wheaton  Wilcox,  and  Daniel  Wilcox,  (single.)  The  first 
school  in  town  was  taught  about  a  mile  west  of  Somerville,  by  a  Mr. 
Maynard.  The  following  additional  nam(!s  of  families  appear  on  the 
first  assessment  roll,  some  of  whom  resided  in  the  jiortions  now  Fowler 
and  Hammond:  Lemuel  Arnold,  Jedutiian  Daker,  James  Barnes,  Hora- 
tio G.  Rerthrong,  (fust  innkeeper  at  Rossie,)  Sanuiel  R.  Brown,  Truman 
Bristol,  Joseph  Dc^sbrow,  James  Ilaile,  Samucd  llendrix,  Jcdediali  King- 
sley,  Alexander  Osburne,  Ebenezer  Parker,  Richard  Townsend,  Joseph 
Teall,  Jr.,  Elias  Teall,  .Mvin  Wright.  Total  numlier  of  acres  wild  land 
90,575;  tax  f)ayers  37,  (some  of  them  iion-r(.'idents);  cleared  41)95  acres; 
total  value,  .'^18.'J,7.54;  value  of  buildings  in  the  three  townships,  §2,990. 

On  receiving  news  of  the  war,  tht;  inhabitants  of  the  southern  pai  t  of 
Rossie,  erected  a  block  iioiise  on  the  road  between  Somerville  and  We- 
gatchie,  about  half  a  mile  from  the  latter  place,  lor  mutual  protection. 
'J'hitber  the  inhabitants  were  accustotned  to  repair  to  spend  their  nights, 
on  occasions  of  public  alarm,  which  were  very  (i-equent,  and  as  often 
entirely  groundless.  The  sight  of  an  Indian,  however  innocent  Ins  in- 
tentions, was  sutlicient  to  originate  an  alarm  which  lost  nothing  by  pass- 
ing from  mouth  to  mouth,  and  stories  are  related  which  reflect  little 
credit  upon  the  courage  of  certain  ones  of  the  settlers.  This  block  bouse 
was  well  built,  of  hewn  timber,  24  by  30  feet,  and  stood  till  about  1840. 
It  was  used  oidy  in  1812.  A  similar  one  was  built  of  round  logs,  near  a 
small  str.:a;n  a  few  rods  northeast  of  the  present  village  of  Somerville. 
It  was  only  occu|»ied  a  few  nights. 

In  the  siumner  of  1812,  the  mills  built  by  Mr.  Streeter  were  Imrncd  iti 
the  night  time,  as  it  was  reported,  by  the  Indians,  'i'bis  is  believed  to 
have  been  done  by  a  man  w'lo  lived  in  the  edge  of  Gouvernenr  near  the 
Kearney  bridge,  and  who  wanted  a  pretext  tor  cpiitting  the  country. 
He  fled  to  New  York,  and  was  not  pursued  or  apprehended. 

The  mill  was  inmiediately  rebuilt  by  ]Mr.  Paiish,  and  owned  by  him 
until  sold  to  Mr.  James  llowanl  about  the  year  1817.  It  was  his  wish 
to  have  the  settlement  at  his  mills  called  Caledonia,  and  this  it  has  in 
Ronio  measin-e  r<!ta:ned,  although  it  has  been  since  known  as  Howard's 
Milts,  Church's  Mills,  and  ft'v^nlchie.  The  latter  name  was  given  it  u|)on 
th''  establishment  of  a  post  ollice  in  1849.  It  was  intended  at  one  time 
that  Caledonia  should  be  the  name  of  the  town. 

The  first  settlement  at  Rossie  iron  works  was  commenced  by  men  sent 


K^=i^l" 


m'W 


450 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    I-AWRENCE 


by  Mr.  D.  Piiiisli,  Into  in  llie  summer  of  1810,  to  erect  mills,  and  muke 
urn)n<;eiiiiMitH  tor  setlliiii;  iaiiilH.'* 

Tlie  stone  store  at  Offileiisbiirjrli  hoinir  enclosed  and  nearly  finislnHJ, 
Mr.  D.  W.  Clinrcli,  who  had  superintended  its  erection,  with  ."even  nien, 
one  of  whom  was  accotnpanied  hy  his  wife  to  cook  lor  the  party,  pro- 
ceeded  in  a  Canadian  huteaiix,  with  shanty  turniture  and  tools,  to  ilie 
lieud  of  navigation  on  Indian  river,  ami  landed  at  sunset  on  a  tine  flat 
ock,  on  an  i.sland  near  where  the  foundry  now  is,  and  sju'ttadin^  their 
sail  ii|)on  poles  for  a  tent  for  the  married  pair,  and  their  blankeis  on  the 
rocks  under  the  canopy  of  heaven,  around  a  fire,  for  theniselve.»<,  they 
spent  the  first  night.  The  following  evening  saw  a  conniiodious  hut  wiili 
two  rooms  erected,  near  where  the  saw  mill  now  is, anil  by  winter  a  saw 
mill  was  erected  and  in  operation.  In  December,  the  camp  was  broki  ii 
up  and  abandoned  till  s|)ring.  During  the  w inter,  parties  were  engaged 
in  getting  out  tindier,  which  subsequently  was  employiMl  in  buildings 
then  erecting  irt  Ogdensburgh,  and  in  the  frame  of  tho  Genesee  i'acket, 
built  soon  after  at  that  port. 

During  the  summer  of  1811,  the  Iimdter  business  was  prosecuted  with 
vigor,  and  in  the  following  winter  the  bridge  at  the  foot  ^^the  liig  hill 
was  built.  The  furnace  was  commenced  in  the  summer  <^1813,  under 
the  immediate  direction  of  Mr.  James  Howard,  and  from  this  period  the 
Rettlemeiit  exhibited  nmcli  life  and  spirit  under  the  enterprising  direction 
of  Mr.  Parish,  its  proprietor.  A  road  through  to  Ox  Bow,  had  been  rim 
out  in  the  fall  of  1810,  and  was  cut  and  cleared  the  following  summer. 
It  was  subsequently  made  a  turnpike  under  the  name  of  the  Ogdens- 
burgh turnpike.  The  first  male  child  said  to  have  been  born  in  town, 
was  Wm.  Rossie  Williams,  March  31,  1814. 

liossie furnace,  was  the  first  blast  furnace  erected  in  Northern  New 
York,  and  is  at  this  time  by  much  the  largest.  It  was  built  in  tho  sum- 
mer of  1813,  and  got  in  operation  in  ]8l5.  The  Caledonia  iron  mine, 
one  mile  and  a  lialf  east  of  Somerville,  began  to  be  wrought  at  about 
the  same  time  or  the  year  before.  The  ore  was  first  sent  to  Albany  for 
trial.  When  first  erected,  the  furnace  consisted  of  two  stacks,  but  only 
one  of  these  was  ever  got  in  operation.  They  were  about  thirty-two  feet 
square  at  the  base,  and  of  the  same  height. 

The  agent  employed  by  Mr.  Parish  to  builil  and  run  this  furnace,  wns 
Wm.  Bembo,  an  Englishman  of  great  experience  in  this  business,  but 
unacquainted  with  the  ores  and  fiiel  used  in  this  country.  The  result 
wns,  that  no  iron  could  be  made,  and  after  spimding  large  sums  in  ex- 
perimenting, and  in  building  a  costly  mansion  for  permanent  residence, 
he  abandoned  the  attem|)t  in  discouragement,  and  returned  to  England. 
At  this  juncture,  Mr.  Parish  met  with  jmrties  liom  New  England,  who 
guessed  that  the  thing  coidd  be  done,  and  he  accordingly  offereil  to 
Messrs.  Keith,  Marvin  and  Sykes,  the  liee  use  of  the  fiunace  and  coal, 
with  the  privilege  of  culling  the  best  of  the  ore  on  the  premises,  and  all 
they  could  make  in  three  months,  if  they  would  make  a  trial.  The  re- 
sult was  that  these  men  realized  a  large  |)rofit,  and  not  the  least  ditliculty 
was  found  iti  getting  iron  of  a  good  quality  and  in  the  great(!st  abundance. 
From  this  time  the  fiunace  was  run  by  S.  Fullers  &  Co.,  for  about  three 
years,  on  a  contract  which  was  to  have  riui  five  years,  but  Mr.  (Jeorge 
Parish  having  an  opportunity  of  leasing  it  for  a  long   term,  bought  the 


•  Tlie  early  selllers  fnimd  irnces  wliicli  iiidicalc  llml  llio  Eiiplisli  or  French  lintl  at  ?rmellme 
conlenipliiteil  Ihe  erection  of  .«oiiie  sliilKni  in  Hossic.  It  being  hi  llie  head  "f  ii  imvig.itioii  of 
27  miles  tuwiiriU  I'orl  .S'uiiwix,  reiidererl  it  iin.iorliiiit.  A  Uiirliniii  bout  liideii  Willi  sluiie,  was 
found  sunk  in  llie  river,  willi  every  iippeHraiicc  d' liiiviiin  been  u  loiij;  time  Milmier^ed,  uiid 
an  excavation  apparently  for  a  cellar  existed  wliere  the  stone  store  al  Kossie  now  stands. 


AND   FRANKUN    COUNTIES. 


451 


coiitrnct  nnd  Iciiaod  to  Robert  R.  Burr,  of  New  Jcrsny,  who  run  it  two  or 
three  years,  niul  loft  nhoiit  lHi7.  It  tlieii  hiy  idh)  al)oiit  ten  yenra.  A 
lorjio  WHS  erected  in  181G,  which  was  siibse(iiiently  hiirned.  Tlie  first 
liirnnce  vvns  what  is  teclinically  cnlhui  n  quarter  furnace,  w  ith  one  tewel 
or  pipe  for  air.  Durinjr  some  coiisideraliie  |)ortion  of  tiic  time. before 
]8'^(J,  bog  ore  was  in  part  used.  Tiie  principal  supply  has  l)eeu  derived 
fiorn  tiie  Caledonia  mine  in  Rossie.  the  ]vc(Mie  and  Wichs  mined  in 
Antwerp,  and  a  small  oi)eninff  adjoining,'  the  Kearney  mine. 

Tiiis  liu-nace  has  been  several  times  burnt  ;nid  rebuilt.  On  the  12th 
of  May,  1887,  it  was  again  got  in  operation  by  Mr.  Parish,  and  has  since 
been  run  by  bis  agents  with  short  intervals.  A  stack  '>Vi  fljot  srpiare  nnd 
4()  feet  high  was  built  in  18;37,and  stood  till  about  1844,  when  the  present 
one  was  erected.  It  is  40  feet  square,  4G  (cet  high,  U  feet  diameter  within, 
and  ca|)able  of  making  11  tons  a  day  with  a  hot  blast.  It  is  techni(;ally 
called  a  three  quarter  furnace,  and  has  three  tewels  or  air  pipes.  Since 
18;J8  the  hot  blast  has  been  used  niostoftluHime,  tlio  apparatus  of  which 
was  put  in  liy  Mr.  Alger,  the  |)atentee,  in  IB-'iS. 

From  110  to  120  bushels  of  charcoal  are  recpiired  to  make  a  ton  of  iron 
with  the  hot  blast,  nnd  200  with  the  cold  blast.  I''ire  brick  are  used  for 
lining.  Formerly  sandstone  was  cni|)loyed  for  this  piu-pose.  The  for- 
mer is  found  to  be  much  more  durable.  The  following  table  derived 
from  the  books  of  Mr.  D.  W.  Haldwin,  the  agent,  will  exhibit,  to^ those 
acquainted  with  the  iron  trade  an  acurate  idea  of  the  operations  of  the 
furnace,  nnd  the  averajre  yield  of  the  iron  ores  of  Northern  New  York, 
from  which  a  com|)arison  can  be  drawn  witii  the  results  of  other  fur- 
naces and  difTerent  ores.  The  table  exhibits  the  mnnber  of  tons  and 
pounds  of  ore  consumed,  the  tons  and  pounds  of  pig  iron  made,  and 
the  percentage  of  yield  of  each  blast  since  1837. 


Ore. 

Iron. 

Orf 

;, 

IRC*. 

torn,     lbs. 

ions.    11)3. 

per  cent. 

tons. 

Ihs. 

tonn.    Ihn. 

per  ctnt. 

1088  708 

4!)0  3()7 

45-04 

018 

810 

275  1125 

44-50 

cm    825 

382  550 

57  30 

3580 

990 

10!I8  1297 

47-44 

1328  !)92 

740  130 

.50.1(5 

1782 

1725 

908  1570 

50-97 

12.51  1048 

741  1222 

.5!)-25 

1310 

815 

008  305 

40.41 

1580  1!)1»8 

847  1747 

53-<)2 

3(i30 

11 

1087  485 

40-48 

1245  354 

758  827 

00-90 

52!)7 

231 

2508  8J)2 

48-48 

2078  717 

1113  508 

.53-50 

.5.398 

1700 

2724  1794 

50-05 

.574  708 

28!)  1.5()0 

.50-45 

1700 

1950 

851  1007 

49-88 

1281  1(j2 

010  70J» 

500G 

All  of  the  above  blasts,  except  the  last,  were  made  with  heated  air. 

The  iron  mines  in  this  town,  situnted  a  mile  and  a  qiin-ter  east  of  the 
village  of  Somervillo,  began  to  be  wrought  in  the  fall  of  1812,  and  have 
been  continued  with  more  or  less  iMterrii[)tion  till  the  present  time.  The 
amount  is  inexhaustible,  and  the  yield  in  the  large  way  about  50  per 
cent.  It  is  raised  by  laborers  of  little  or  no  capital,  at  a  sti[)ulated  price 
per  ton,  including  the  cost  of  draining  and  raising.  The  first  ore  that 
was  taken  to  the  Rossie  fin-nace  was  not  sorted,  and  a  laige  amount  of 
red  stone  was  carried  for  smelting,  which  was  one  of  the  principal 
causes  of  the  first  fiiihirea  in  getting  iron.  Afterwards  a  large  (piantity 
of  middling  quality  was  thrown  away,  and  none  but  the  best  was  taken. 
From  $1  to  .'*(3  has  been  {)aid  |)er  ton  for  drawing  ore,  13  miles,  to  the 
fin-nace,  and  this  business,  done  mostly  in  winter  by  sleighs,  has  enabled 
great  numbers  to  pay  for  lands  with  their  surplus  labor.    The  Caledonia 


WT3" 


452 


HlSTOltY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


mine  belonging  to  tho  Parisli  estnte,  and  llie  otio  tliiit  lias  heen  princi- 
pnily  wioiijilit,  is  eHtininied  to  liavo  rnrnisii(Mi  100,000  tons  of  oris. 

Tiie  geological  uiid  niin«;rnlo<.'i(ral  af^socintions  ot'  tWia  mine  will  bo 
foiMid  detuilfd  in  llie  chapter  on  iIk'sc;  siil)jects. 

Tlic  mills  repieaented  in  the  accompanying  view  ol"  Roasie  ironworks, 
were  erected  in  ld-15-(i,  an<l  the  large  foundry  on  the  opposite  f'nUi  of 
the  falls  in  1848-'.).  Tiiis  with  the  machine  shop  (not  represented  in  tho 
engraving),  are  capable  of  prodncing  (rvery  variety  of  castings,  and  ma- 
chinery on  the  moat  extensive  scale.  The  (aciliiies  of  a  jilaiik  road  from 
Waterlown  and  Rome  to  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  has  made  this  point  ac- 
cessible to  market,  and  it  can  not  fail  to  participate  in  the  future  pros- 
perity of  this  section  of  the  state.  A  large  amount  of  rail  road  castings 
have  been  made  here,  and  the  jiroporty  of  chilling  which  this  iron  pos- 
sesses to  a  high  degree  when  made  with  n  blast  of  cold  air,  renders  it 
peculiarly  well  adapted  for  those  purposes  which  rerjuire  hardne.is,  coui- 
liined  with  slreuglh,  'J'his  i>r()perty  belongs  in  common  to  all  the  iron 
made  by  the  cold  blast  from  the  specular  ores  of  Northern  New  York. 
Kossie  is  nine  miles  from  C'hippewa  ba^,  a  port  in  Hammond,  and  most 
of  the  distance  over  a  plank  load.  It  islioni  nine  to  thirteen  miles  from 
the  mines  which  8up|)ly  it  with  ore,  and  from  one  to  ten  miles  Irom  Ibr- 
ests  which  will  for  a  long  |)eriod  furnish  abundance  of  coal. 

In  SpafFord's  Gazetteer  (1813),  the  tbilowing  reference  is  made  to  this 
place: 

"Ulack  lake  seems  a  mere  expansion  of  Indian  river,  which  it  receives 
nt  the  foot  of  a  fine  cascade,  where  is  laid  out  the  village  plat  named 
Rosa,  and  some  mills  are  here  erected." 

That  |)ortion  of  the  town  of  Rossie,  lying  between  the  Oswegatcliio 
and  the  Indiiin  rivers,  is  usually  denominated  the  fc'Ciitcb  settlement, 
from  the  tact  that  nearly  every  inhabitant  within  these  limits  is  of  Scotch 
descent.  The  first  of  this  settlement  was  begun  in  1818,  by  ten  Ihmilies, 
who  emigrated  (rom  Scotland  in  that  year,  by  way  of  Quebec  and  the  S'. 
Lawrence  river,  viz: 

Robert  Ormiston,  James  Dickson,  William  Fac^hney,  James  Fairbairn, 
Corlan  McLarer,  Donald  ]McCarrie,  Thomas  Elliot,  James  Henderson, 
James  Douglas  and  Andrew  Dodds.  Their  destination  was  uncertain;  a 
portion  designed  locating  in  Delaware  county,  but  as  they  were  proceed- 
mg  up  the  river  in  a  Durham  boat,  they  stopped  a  short  time  at  I'rescot, 
vvliere  they  were  visited  by  an  agent  of  David  Parish,  and  induced  to 
cross  to  Ogdensbmgh,  with  tluiir  lamilies.  'J'lie  latter  were  liberally  pro- 
vided for  in  the  village,  while  the  men  went  to  view  the  lands  then  nearly 
surveyed  in  Rossie.  It  is  Haiti  that  they  passed  up  through  the  valleys  and 
across  the  richest  portions,  and  that  the  existence  of  hills  and  ledges  of 
rock  was  not  known  until  ul'ivv  tliey  had  located  tht'ir  larms,  and  com- 
meiK^ed  clearings.  To  assist  the  einigranis  on  first  starting,  Mr.  J'arish 
caused  10  acres  to  be  clean;d  tor  each,  supplied  each  liimily  with  a  cow, 
seeil,  wheat  anri  jirovisions  for  the  first  ytiar,  bt:sides  building  a  (romlort- 
able  log  house  on  each  tiirm,  and  furnishing  an  ox  team  to  every  two  of 
his  settlers.  For  these  they  were  to  pay,  when  they  had  got  liiirly  settled 
and  were  in  a  condition  to  earn  something  tiom  their  larms,  but  prices 
>vere  then  very  iiigh,  and  the  debt  ran  up  liister  than,  with  the  means  of 
payment  at  the  depreciated  prices  which  followerl,  they  could  cancel. 
The  settlement  was  increased  the  following  year  by  new  emigrants  from 
Scotland,  lint  to  these  the  fiicilities  extended  to  the  first  were  notollered. 
Meanwhile  some  of  the  Ibrmcr  became  disheartened  by  the  burden  of 
debts  wiiich  constantly  increased,  and  some  thought  of  giving  up  their 


11 

i','. 


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;■■. 

J 

AxND    IIIANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


455 


locntion  niid  liopimiin;.'  niiew  olwiwlicrc.  To  iivoid  tliis  and  to  pliipe  tlioin 
ill  n  i-oiidition  iiion;  l.ivnnihlc  and  ('f|ii.'il,  i\lr.  I*iiii!<li  nsxiMiililtid  tlicsc;  iii- 
Imliiliuits  (It  KosMU)  villii;:o,  in  tlio  winter  of  18VJ.J-4,  mid  alter  ascrrlaiiiin;; 
till!  iiidoltlt^dncMH  of  carli,  n-diuMid  llio  wlinlo  to  a  (•oninion  level,  Ity  can- 
celiiij;  all  above  )f<5(;0.  'I'liis  ineasiiio  im.'t  witli  f,'<'nt;rul  ii|)|iroliatioii, 
iind  Ills  tenants  nMiniKid  lionie  with  renewod  (•oniai.'(!.  W'itli  liiit  few 
cxre|)ti()ns  the  same  tamilicsor  their  iiiiiruMJiato  dcsei'iidantH,  still  occupy 
the  same  lil|•|ll^'  that  wimo  then  selected,  and  may  he  counted  amon;,'  thti 
more  thril'ty,  siiccessliil  and  iiidiistrioiis  liirniers  in  to\Mi.  In  181!)  the 
li)llo\vini;  iiiniilies  setljed:  llohert  (Jhirk,  Andrew  ("nlhertson,  John 
Ileiideison,  Andi(;w  rieminin;:,  John  Dodds,  Janie»  llohkiik,  JcdinTait, 
James  Orinislon,  David  Storii-,  Win.  Laidlaw  and  James  l.ockey. 

In  16W,  John  .McKolihie,  Tlnmias  'rnndtnll  and  iiiotliers,  Aliclmci, 
Adam,  Andrew  and  William,  imtl  Scotch  settlers  conlinned  to  arrive  oc- 
casionally nntil  \Sii.  l{oads  had  been  made  thion;;li  thi!  central  part  of 
the  town  helim?  these  Scotch  emigrants  arrived,  and  small  lieginninga 
made  in  on<^  or  two  places. 

Yellow  lake  deii  ves  its  name  frcm  the  circnmstances  of  its  being  coverd 
with  the  blossonw  of  the  niiphar  or  pinid  lily,  when  first  noticed. 

The  villajre  ot  Somervillc,  is  situated  upon  the  |)lank  road  lietw(!cii 
Antwerp  and  (lonveriieiir,  six  miles  ti'om  the  latter  and  seven  from  llio 
former  i)iaco.  It  derives  its  name  from  die  township  as  given  by  sur- 
veyor (j'eneral  Dewiit,  long  before  its  settlement.  IJeing  without  natural 
liicilities  it  has  remained  but  thecentrt!  of  a  fine  agriciiltiiral  <listrict,  and 
nt  j)resent  contains  about  a  dozen  dwellings  and  the  usual  vari  'ty  of  me- 
chanic shops.  'I'Ik;  IJniversalist  and  Methodist  societies  have  each  ii 
church  wliicli  will  com|)are  favorably  with  those  of  any  place  in  the 
couiiiy,  in  which  the  )iopulatir)nand  number  of  members  are  not  greater. 
They  were  both  erected  in  the  suminiM'  of  1840.  Perhaps  no  place  in 
Northern  New  York,  presents  more  inducements  to  the  visit  of  the  min- 
eralogist thiin  the  country  within  fifteen  miles  of  Somcrville. 

On  the  Oswetrat(;hie  river,  two  and  a  half  miles  from  Somervillc,  is  the 
little  village  of  Wegatclfn.'.  containing  a  post  office,  a  furnace,  uonleii 
factory,  grist  mill,  saw  mill,  and  about  20  dwellings.  The  fiirnace  wa.s 
begun  in  J847,  and  got  in  operation  in  the  spring  of  1848,  by  Skinner  and 
liiisii.  Up  to  the  spring  of  18r)"2,  it  had  made  about  'iOOO  tons  of  iron  at 
two  hot  and  one  cold  blasts.  It  is  'SO  feet  stpiare,  30  feet  high,  and  had 
two  tewels.  It  is  capable  of  making  (bur  and  five  tons  daily.  No  cast- 
ings are  mad(!  on  tht;  pr(!riiises. 

The  celebrity  which  has  been  given  to  Rossie  by  its  lend  iifines,  will 
give  interest  to  their  history. 

The  Indians  of  St.  Uegi.s  have  a  tradition  that  their  nnccstors  knew  of  the 
existence  of  lead  not  fin- from  the  present  mint's,  but  the  pnicise  locality 
is  not  known.  Ii  was  not  where  the  workings  at  present  exist,  because 
it  was  said  to  be  near  a  small  stream.  The  natives  wert;  accustomed  to 
smelt  the  lend  in  a  small  way  by  casting  the  ore  upon  afire  kindl(Ml  n|)on 
n  bark  or  pie(!e  of  wood,  and  pouring  the  metal  when  melted  into  a 
groove  in  sand.  'J'he  bar  was  then  cut  into  small  pieces  and  rolled  into 
balls  between  Hat  stones.  Many  years  before  the  mines  wen;  discovered, 
a  (piantity  of  pine  galena  was  Ibiind  on  tins  bank  of  the  Oswegatchie,  in 
the  village  of  Ogdeiisburgh.  evidently  n  cacltv  ol' some  Indian,  and  the 
traditi(Uis  of  U'.iu\  min(;s  in  the  woods  was  common  with  the  early  juo- 
jirietois.  It  is  said  that  lead  was  first  found  at  Rossie,  among  the  ashes 
of  a  log  heap,  but  its  precise  locality  was  not  then  known. 

Arthur  Bacon,  of  Kossie,  is  reported  to  have  discovered  mosses  of  gn- 
leiiu  among  the  earth  at  the  roots  of  an  up  turned  tree,  some  titne  before 


:i    '':\ 


:! 


111!, 
ill  ill 


!'i 

I  Hi 


458 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


imrticiilnr  iittcntion  vvns  diipotcd  to  tin-  milijort.  This  whh  nt  Coal  hill, 
(ho  (^iiIIlmI  rroiii  ilH  ixMri^  a  coal  jol>  or  pliico  for  niiikiii^'  cliaicoal).  'I'lio 
Viftoria  viiii,  ho  callorl,  was  Niil>M(;(|ii(Mitly  «lisc()v«'itMl  1)V  a  (iaiijjiitor  of 
Joel  Jo|>Moii.  (Jn  tJK!  nUiirii  nCMr.  (icorj.'!!  I'aiisli  lioiii  l'!iir(>|i«,  in  Sop- 
toiiilier,  lri.'J5,  li(!  leaniod  tliat  II.  T.  Na^h  proposod  to  Hoarcli  (or  oniH, 
and  on  tiio  Iltli  of  DoccinlxT  of  that  year,  a  contiact  was  executed  be- 
tvvHcn  iiiin  and  NaKli,  with  tin)  following'  cotnlitions: 

A  triiiiitn  of  .'^O  i-ents  per  ton  was  to  his  paid  for  iron  ore,  and  75  oontH 
per  ton  for  lead  ore,  should  mines  of  (Mthcr  i)0  found.  All  tin;  lead  ore  to 
bu  Hinelted  into  lead  in  Hos.iir,  and  no  ore  to  he  sent  nwny  lur  inanufuc- 
ture.     The  lease  was  to  cuntinne  ten  years  from  date. 

Provions  to  the  dravvin<;  of  this  contraet,  a  (M>m|taiiy  consisting  of  five 
persons,  viz:  II.  T.  Nasli,  Joseph  IJarher,  Zadoc  I)ay,.Iosepli  Dishro*.  and 

,  all  of  the  town  of  Oswej^aKriiie,  had  h(!en  formed  lor  the 

purposes  of  mineral  exploration,  and  Indian  traditions  had  led  them  to 
the  ilossio  district,  where  indications  of  ore  it'  not  ih(3  miiu!  itst-lf,  \ver(3 
dis(U)vered  before  the  lease;  from  Mr.  Parish  had  laien  procined.  The 
inticles  of  afjreement  htstwtien  the  individuals  oftiie  company  were  drawn 
np  in  duo  form,  signed  ami  st.-aled,  Mr.  Nash  soon  after  sold  the  right  to 
J.(y.  IJnsh.  The  remainder  applied  for  redrt.'ss,  and  tliey  '>i'  those  to  whom 
they  sold  their  chunces  af'K.'rwards,  compromised  the  matter,  and  two 
companies  were  incorporated  by  tlic  legislature  on  the  It2thol'Muy,  1837, 
for  the  working  of  the  lead  mines. 

The  charters  of  tiieso  two  companies  were  alike  in  date,  limitation, 
powers  and  privileges.  They  were  to  eoniimie  till  .lanuary  I,  1847;  cap- 
ital of  each,  .'?-i4,000,  to  be  divided  into  !HiO  shares,  of  .>icJ5  each.  The 
business  of  each  company  was  to  be  managed  by  live  directors,  of  whom 
the  first  were  to  he  those  named  in  the  act,  ami  these  were  to  l)e  chosen 
on  the  first  IVIonday  in  Feb.  animally.  They  were  to  choose  a  president 
fimuially.  Stock  was  deemed  personal  property,  and  stockholders  were 
made  personally  liable  for  the  company's  debts.  The  company  holding 
the  eastern  division  of  the  Coal  hill  vein,  was  styled  Tlw  Rossie  Lead 
Minins;  Companij,  and  David  C.  Jiidson,  James  Averill,  JOnistus  Vilas, 
Peter  C.  Onkley  and  Uoylas  Vilas  were  named  its  first  directors. 

The  western  80  rods  of  the  same  vein  was  held  by  TAe  liossic  Galena 
Compani/,  of  which  Joim  C.  Hush,  Bliss  T.  Narsli,  I'^lias  G.  Drake,  Syl- 
vester Gilbert  and  David  C.  Judson,  were  named  the  Ihst  directors. 

The  vein  upon  which  these  two  companies  commenced  their  opera- 
tions, was  in  a  ridge  of  gneiss  rock,  about  two  miles  southeast  fi'om 
Kossie  iron  works,  and  one  lioni  Indian  river.  The  relative  jmsition  of 
the  severid  veins  and  the  bearings  of  each  are  represented  in  the  accom- 
])anying  map.  The  appearance  of  the  Kossie  lead  mines  soon  after 
they  were  first  opened,  is  thus  described  l.y  Prof.  L.  C.  Beck,  who  visited 
the  locality  in  the  summer  of  ]83(),  as  stoTc;  mineralogist.* 

"  Following  the  road  from  the  village  of  Ilossie,  at  no  great  distance 
frotn  the  hank  of  Indian  river,  alter  passing  through  a  denso  fori'st,  there 
appeared  towards  the  west  a  prcci|)itoUf:  ledge  of  rocks  about  fifty  feet 
high.  My  attention  b(!ing  f)articidarly  directed  to  this  hill,  I  observed  a 
white  deposite  contrasting  with  the  dark  color  of  the  rock,  passing  down 
|)erpen(licularly  or  very  nearly  so,  from  the  smnmit  to  the  base.  The 
part  of  the  vein  thus  distinctly  and  beantit'nily  exposed,  was  ascertained 
Ity  measurement  to  bo  fifty  feet,  while  its  average  width  was  two  feet. 
Upon  a  more  close  inspection,  the  vein,  before  its  sinking  below  the 
ulluviuin,  was  fomid  to  inciino  slightly  towards  the  north,  and  the  whitish 

•  See  First  Animal  Report  of  New  York  Geological  Survey,  p.  51,  55. 


......-.-."•s- 


1 

V\-r^ 


■^-m^'-t 


mmr: 


■'         rl 


COMPARATIVE  V!K>V?  OK  TIIK  Cl.U'K  COITKU  MINK  OF  LAKE  Pll'MUOI!  AND  THE 

cuAi.  :;;;,:.  lead  mink  ok  uos*sik. 
Section  or  worki.nos  at  the  Cliff  Mine,  Lake  SirKBioR. 
Product  of  wiiolf.  excavation.     $:;?4,8S4n.'i 

Nr.MBER  OF  FATHOMS  FXCAVATKli.  -A^'^ 

YlEJ.0  PKK  Cl'UIC  FATHOM,  fUS 


SCALE  OF  FEET. 


143 


SECTION  OF  WORKINGS  AT  COAT-  HILL.  ST.  LAWKENCK  CO..  N.  T 

PRODIXT  OF  WHOLE  EXCWVTION,  $'J41.(M10 
NlMIlini  OF  FATHOMS  KXCAVATKI),  I.IWrt 

Yield  per  iiuic  f.vthom,  $172 


.10  nM  'S>  2li.' 


UCALE  or  FEET. 


•  o 


%^p 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


'103 


n|)|i('nriin('«i  was  fonnd  to  l»n  due  totlicsaltsof  Icind  roniicd  by  tlio  docotii- 

|i(i.sitioii  ol'  tlid  ;;al('M;i.  On  asciMidiiijf  llif  led;,'*'  of'  nx'ks,  tin;  coiirst; 
and  cNlciit  of  tlic  vein  could  lie  easily  dctoriiiiiicd  hy  llic  cxcavatiiiii.s 
that  iiad  Ikm-ii  made,  and  liy  tin;  a|ipcanni('(,'  ol'  tlio  sni'liici;  at  those  jiarts 
u  hcr(^  it  iiad  not  been  o|»(!ncd.  It  was  cxiioscd  at  that  iiini!  to  tlii!  »!.\lrnt 
(il'l.'iO  liv't,  and  every  part  ol"  it  seena-d  to  1»!  so  distinctly  (diaracterized, 
lis  to  excitu  snrpi'ise,  that  it  iiad  not  lonfi  since  liei'n  discovered." 

i'^'roni  an  examination  made  at  the  time,  it  was  inli'i'i-ed  that  the  oro 
contained  no  silver,  of  at  least  that  tlu;  (piantity  was  loo  small  to  denotu 
its  presence  liy  '.he  tots  employed,  and  of  ni;  importaiici;  practically, 
Tlu!  I<!ad  ashes  wen^  loinni  liy  jinalysis  to  consist  of  the  carhonate  and 
siil|ihate  of  lead  and  the  carlionate  of  lime,  in  variable  proportions, 
formed  liy  the  action  of  the  atmospliei'e. 

\\'orkint;M  on  the  western  section  coimiKMiced  in  l8M(i,  but  sy.«teiiiatic 
operation.s  were  not  heiriiii  until  .Ian.  I,  IH:{7,  at  which  time  the  eastern 
cdinpaiiy  also  commenced  operations.  An  immense  mimlKM'ot'lalioriM's 
weri!  employed,  and  the  linsiiies«  lor  a  consideridile  tini(!  went  on  pros- 
jicronsly  from  lh<!  immense  yield  of  lead,  notwithstandinj;  the  «'nliro 
inexperience  of  inana;;er.s  and  iiiine>rs,  and  tlu;  enormous  expenditures 
iiir  the  erection  ot  smellinj,'  houses  and  tiiaeliinery,  which  were  after- 
wards found  to  lie  ineHi(*ient.  W'aires  to  laborers,  and  prices  ibr  jir*)- 
visions  were  very  hijjh,  and  the  whole  op-. ration  was  condiK'ted  without 
regard  to  economy;  but  with  all  thise  drawb.-tcks,  the  companies  divided 
larjjt'  divideiuls,  stock  arose;  to  extra t'afiimt  prices,  and  iieopUi's  beads 
seemed  to  be  bewildered  with  the  da/y,lin<r  prospi-ct  ol'  wealth  wbieli 
<('veral  persons  suddenly  realized.  It  has  been  estimated  by  one  who 
was  intimately  iic(piainted  with  the  operations,  that  .s!t»,(>00  wtjre  paid  lor 
fnielliiif;  works  not  used;  .*H,00()  for  i!X|ieriments;  sl'i,(!()0  for  an  extra 
.set  of  manajrers  .'Ji  years,  where  one  would  have  Ikmmi  b(;tter;  !*<(),r)()0  for 
(hawiiifi  stone  to  the  smeltin>j;  house,  which  should  have  hvv.n  separated 
at  lli(!  mine;  on  contracts  at  excessive  rate.s,  5i;{(),0(K),  icakiiifi  .*<li7,(J0(', 
nliich  niifiht  have  been  saved.  The  economical  method  of  mining,  is  to 
sink  vt'ilical  sh.-ifts  at  intervals  ot'  three  or  i'our  hundred  i'e(;t  (doiig  the 
vein,  and  at  every  tc.-n  fiithoms  rmi  levels  as  is  represented  in  our  section 
ot'the  did' copper  mine.  The  ore  is  then  thrown  down  by  blasting  from 
ahovi!  tilt!  levels,  by  a  process  called  .f/o/Ji';(g,  and  the  on;  is  then  w!n;eled 
to  the  sliafts  iuid  r.-iistul.  Instead  of  this  at  the  Hossie.  mines,  the  work- 
iiijj,-  wore  naistly  from  .above  dow  iwards.  Tlir;  lunount  of  water  at  the 
W"r>;  •,  asoii,  \\a.s  about  VH)  gallons  |)er  minute,  but  the  machinery  ein- 
'  '  ;"d  10    r.iising  this,  from  its  being  ineflicient,  was  u  constant  .source  of 

*  >.  i '  i-ir  repairs,  and  llit;  workings  were,  from  this  cause, olieii  suspeiid- 
<  1.  ''  !u  'e  wjis  principally  smelted  by  iMessrs.  Moss  &  Kna|)p,  nt  a  fnr- 
na(  i;  \  ■.u.iaii  riviM-,  I  |  miles  from  liie  mines,  at  .*.y5  per  ton,  with  aidaese 
in  the  v  nt.  ct  giving  them  all  over  (18  per  cent.,  wlii(di  miule  it  .*yf*l(i, 
lii'sides  (Ir.-iwlng  the  miner.d  from  the  mines.  A  reverberatory  fiirisace 
was  erected  at  the  mines,  but  this  was  found  to  waste  more  lead  than  it 
yieldt'd.  The  Victoria  and  Union  veins  were  wrought  by  Mr.  Parish,  and 
their. yitdd  is  ri  ,      --ented  on  the  |iag(;s  of  the  sections. 

A  working  was  coiumenccMl  by  him  on  thc!  Kobinsou  or  Indian  river 
vein,  wlieri!  oi<!  was  Ibiiiwl  on  thi!  surface,  and  ilioiit  MOO  pounds  of  lead 
were  taken  out  directly  over  a  cavity  in  the  ranilc,  whicli,  on  blasting  to 
the  solid  vi-in  proved  io  be  I.')  li'et  deep.  A  shaft  !)  by  II,  and  7(»  leet 
deep,  was  Slink  here,  wlii(di  yielded  1,100  pounds  ol' lisad.  No  vein  in 
ill"   last  8  or  iO  fe(!t.     Cost  .*i,(iOO.     In  the  braindi  of  llio  Union  vein,  two 

'iafts  were  sunk,  the  western,  ."m,  the  eastern,  .'50  feet   deep.     Both  pro- 

'   .H'l:   a»ii!  still  sliou,  bome  Itad. 


'1^  :mi 


to 


V; 


ti  ••!' 


iV' 


I'-iL- 


464 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


The  following  statement  of  yield,  w 
Liiin,  who  kept  tlio  hooks  of  iMoss  & 
for  knowing  tiie  inodnct  of  iheir  ii 
pounds  of  leiul  strie Ited  in  each  monti 
liili  mine. 


as  drawn  u])  hy  Mr.  Charles  L. 
Knapj),  and  hncl  accurate  mi;ans 
irnace.  The  numbers  show  llie 
I,  for  the  two  sections  of  the  Coal 


Western  Section, 

Eastern  Section. 

1837 

1838 

1837 

1838 

To  J.  1,110,434 

(Slags.)  7,412 

Jan..  3, 

00,(590 

Jan.,     29,915 

50.901 

Jan.,   J  J  0,292 

Feb.  2  ( 

Feb.,     88,222 

F.  Sf.  M.  G8,880 

Fell.,     48,(il3 

IVlar.,    ( 

;  80,872 

31  a  r.,     52804 

(Slags),      8,38i 

31ar.,    G8,U54 

Apr.,  r 

121,888 

(Slags)    .5,285 

A|)r.,        3'J,'214 

Apr.,    34,()09 

May,  S 

Apr.,    54,903 

Mav,         25.830 

May,     80,534 

June, 

C0.714 

May,     49,400 

June,        90,298 

June,    ()7.892 

July, 

45,071 

June,    3.5,041 

July,         7G,1I3 

Jiilv,     90,480 

Aug., 

00,802 

Jiilv,     40.004 

Aiij;.,       73,749 

Aug..  111,349 

Se|)t, 

43.9()5 

Aug.,    51,921 

Sept.,     118,058 

[SUiirs)    (),503 

Oct., 

83,753 

Sept.,    44,422 

Oct.,       188,7. 

Sent.  111,271 

Nov. 

1(),927 

Oct. 

Nov.,       54,84; 

'      ,     G7,.575 

Dec, 

20,990 

Nov.,  & 

Dec.      101,211 

.,    32,892 

Tola 

afte 
yield, 

rwards,  4o5,559 

Total  yield, 

1,845,088 

1,405,083 

Making  in  all  3,2.50,090  lbs.  or  1025  tons  of  met  die  lead,  the  average 
yield  of  the  ore,  being  07  per  eent,  or  lOi  tons  pei  liuhom.*  The  ore  is 
associated  with  beautiful  white  calcareous  spjir,  fiee  from  any  inineiiil 
ill  intimate  combination  with  if,  which  renders  it  very  easy  for  dressing, 
and  the  smelting  of  it  in  the  large  way  has  been  found  not  to  exceed 
three  dollars  per  ton  of  metalic  lead.  It  is  so  fiivorable  fijr  smelting 
that  it  can  bo  rediiee<l  lor  three  dollars  jier  ton  of  metal,  which,  when 
suitably  dressed,  yields  seventy  j)er  cent  of  l(!a(l. 

Both  ol  these  companies  discontinued  working  about  1840,  and  num- 
bers lost  large  sums  from  the  depreciation  of  stock  and  loss  fiom  va- 
rious causes,  among  which  was  the  low  price  of  lead  in  market. 

An  incident  occurred  during  the  earlier  workings  of  the  mines,  that 
well  nigh  resulted  in  blood-shed.  During  the  spring  of  1837,  nearly 
five  hundred  Irish  h-borers  were  employe(l  in  and  about  the  mines,  who 
may  be  siipjiosed  to  have  been  actuated  by  the  peculiar  prejudices  coni- 
iiioii  to  the  lower  classes  of  that  ])eople.  On  the  evening  preceding 
"  St.  Patiick's  day  in  the  morning,"  some  inischievoiis  persons  had  sus- 
pended by  the  neck,  an  elligy  in  Irish  costume,  before  a  house  occu|)ied 
by  laborers  as  a  boarding  house,  and  alHxed  a  label  "  St.  Patrick,"  and  a 
wish  that  this  might  be  the  fate  of  every  Irishman.  This  had  its  natural 
effect,  and  the  indignation  towards  the  authors  of  this  act  knew  no 
bounds.  Those  living  near  the  place  accused  others  from  a  neighbor- 
ing locality  of  doing  it,  and  mutual  accusations  led  to  threats  of  ven- 
geance, and  the  whole  crowd  had  armed  themselves  with  such  wiiapons 
as  chanced  to  tiill  in  their  way,  and  were  disuaded  from  acts  of  violence 
with  the  greatest  diflicnlty,  on  the;  part  of  the  overseers,  who  to  a|)pease 
them,  ofiered  large  rewards  for  the  offenders.  Had  the  latter  been  dis- 
covered, nothing  would  have  saved  them  (iom  a  violent  death.  This 
gave  origin  to  a  lend,  which  subsisted  for  a  long  time,  and  the  laborers 
in  the  smelting  house,  in  some  way  became  obnoxious  to  the  Irish,  as 

•  Miners eslimatf  by  lIie/c(//iom  which  is  0  feet  in  leiisili  aril  deptli,  wiiliout  regard  lo  ilucli- 


larles  L. 
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1838 

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SKCTION  OF  UNION  MINK.    KOSSIB. 
SEcnos  or  woRKiNas  at  inE  U:fioj»  Veik,  St.  Lawrence  Co.,  N.  Y. 


PRonrcT  OF  EXCAv.tnos, 

NlIMIIKB  OK  PATII0M.1   EXCAVATED, 

Yield  pek  cuiiic  fathom, 


$10,170 
«U1 


.SCALE  OF  FCCT 


PROPOSES  PLAN  OF  WORKING  TIIS  COAL  HILL  MINB. 


L,^^ 


-•»-■—■-  ■   t 


rUOPOSET)  PLAN  OF  WORKIXG  THE  UNION  MIXB. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


467 


till'  stippopnd  nntliors  of  tlin  insult.  Boiiig  in  constant  npprRliensinn  of 
nn  iittiick,  tiin  sriH'ltcrH  provided  inoims  for  throwing  melted  lead  frorii 
their  tMriiace,  and  liot  water  (ioni  tlio  lioilers  of  tlio  online,  and  tlio 
knowledu't;  •)•"  these  prerantioiis  is  said  to  liavc;  savtMl  tlu^tn  li-oni  an  at- 
t.ick.  Some  time?  al't(;r  thin,  two  of  thu  Irish  lid)orerH  wc-ro  diieiMed  to 
(hill  a  hf)le  fiir  a  hiast  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  smeltiiif;  lionse, 
l{)r  the  pin  pose  of  formin<];  a  new  channel  lor  tiic  water.  Strict  orders 
were  jfiven  not  to  ciiarirc  the  hole  in  the  ahHonce  of  the  foreman,  lint 
this  was  disrejrarded,  and  the  drilled  hole;  and  a  crevice  in  the  rock,  were 
heavily  cliarfrcd  with  powder,  A  third  one  comiii;,'  up  emptied  the 
most  of  anothcM'  k(;fr  into  the  seam,  and  hastily  fdliii^  it  up  with  sand 
applied  a  match.  The  anlhors  of  the  mischief  having'  fled,  the  lilast 
tcjok  etlect  with  tromciidons  ciierijy,  castinj;  vast  <piantiiics  of  rocik  into 
the  air  to  an  inimensu  hei^dit,  and  jarring  the  gromid  to  a  great  distance. 
A  shower  of  those  projectiles,  falling  upon  the  roof  of  the  smelting 
h()iis(;,  perforated  it  in  many  |)laces,  but  fortunately  the  hoiler  escajted, 
and  no  one  was  injured  hy  the  terrihle  (!,\|ilosion.  All  suspicious  parties 
wore  forthwith  discharged,  and  the  immediate  authors  of  this  infamous 
uei  having  fled,  the  (juarrel  was  ended. 

These  h'ail  mines  linviiig  been  discontimied  more  than  ten  years,  and 
having  reverted  to  Mr.  I'arish,  during  the  sunnner  of  165^,  the  shaded 
jiortioii  of  the  premises,  shown  in  the  accompanying  map,  was  leased  by 
Iv.  P.  Uemiiigton,  for  ten  years,  with  a  privilege  of  ten  years  inore,  with 
one  twelfth  royalty,  and  a  company  styled  the  Great  S\o)iheni  Lend 
Compinv/,  was  incorporated  inider  a  general  act,  St.'pt.  8,  185'^,  for  a 
term  (jf  fifty  years,  for  the  ])ur[)oso  of  working  mines  of  lead  and  other 
ores  in  St.  Lawrence  county.  Capital  fixed  at  .*r)00,CO(),  in  shares  of 
,?I0  each.  The  number  of  directors  nine,  three  of  whom  will  re- 
side in  the  vicinity  of  the  mines,  the  remainder  and  the  officers  of  the 
company  in  New  York  city.  The  underground  work  will  be  in  cliaige 
of  an  agent  of  extensive  experience,  tried  ability,  character  and  judg- 
ment, who  conies  directly  fi'om  the  management  of  one  of  the  largest 
mines  in  Cornwall.  The  capital  in  band  to  commence  operations  will 
be  fifty  thousand  dollars. 

Tlie  directors  named  were  James  C.  Forsyth,  Ernest  Tietller,  P. 
Stracliaii,  John  F.  Sanford,  S.  T.  Jones,  Silas  M.  Stillwell,  diaries  G. 
Myers,  II. P.  Remington,  and  James  G.  Hopkins. 

This  company  have  commenced  uclive  operations,  and  erected  a 
Cornisli  engine  of  sixty  horse  power,  with  improved  and  very  jjcrfect 
machinery;  imimrted  a  large  niimbor  of  practical  miners  from  Corn- 
wall, who  are  under  the  directi-ai  of  an  experienced  captain,  and  intend 
to  |)rosecute  the  business  of  mining  on  an  extensive  scale.  New  dis- 
coveries of  ore  have  bciMi  made,  and  the  bottom  of  the  mines  are  very 
rich.  We  present  in  the  accompanying  cut,  the  sections  and  [ilans 
which  are  i>ioposed  for  future  operations.  Taking  into  view  all  the  ad- 
vantages of  this  section  of  our  county — the  rich  developments  in  min- 
eral wealth — the  ease  in  preparing  the  ore  for  the  furnace,  and  the  sim- 
plicity and  cheapness  of  its  reduction  to  metal — the  convenience  of  ac- 
cess by  plank  and  good  tiirn|iiko  roads  to  the  various  mining  localities — 
n  lieal'tliy  climate — abundance  of  fuel  and  products  of  the  soil — alto- 
gether present  it  as  a  decided  mining  region,  and  worthy  the  attention 
of  the  miner  and  adventurer. 

Rellfrious  Societies. — But  two  incorporated  societies  exist  in  town.  The 
first  Universalist  society  of  Somerville,  was  formed  Aug.  20,  1842,  with 


'I 


ii 


mm 


468 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


Lymnii  Moniiimii,  Alvn  Werks,  nnd  \Vm.  Ayors,  tnistoos.  In  181(iilioy 
erecli'd  a  cliuicli,  wliicli  in  \\\{\  \i\m  rcnsns  is  rf|i()it(!il  \V(»i-lli  .^I./OO. 

'J'liii  iMetlmdist  l'"i|)i.sco|inl  churcli  of  Sonifiviilc,  was  inciir|i(>iateil  I)i!r. 
1(),  1H45,  with  llirain  liail,  (Jiiii  l''rtM>Mian..l(ilin  .liilmson,  [''rcfdnni  Free- 
iiiaii,  Aujinsiiis  I'lcstoii,  and  A.  il.  Van  J)yck<!,  trustees.  Tliey  ejected 
in  IH4(>,  a  ciiapel,  nspoited  in  the  immisus  woitli  Jjili'iDO. 

Tiu!  (Jnthoiies  sevi'iai  years  since  C0Muneiice<l  a  ihiir«di  at  llussio  Iron 
Works,  wliicli  was  not  enclosed. 

RussEi.r,, 

Was  formed  by  an  net  of  March  27,  1807,  cnibrncinji  tlio  whole  ot' 
Great  tract  No.  3,  except  so  iniicii  of  townshijt  \\  as  is  now  inchided  in 
Pierrepont,  wITudi  by  tliis  act  was  attached  to  I'otschini.  'J'lie  first  town 
meeting  was  directed  to  be  behl  at  tiiu  bouse  of  KenlxMi  Ashman. 

By  an  act  of  April  10,  1818,  tiie  t()wnsiii|)s  of  Kdwards  and  Fifz  Wil- 
liam (now  llvrmoti  anil  I'idwards),  werc^  ti'anslicrred  from  Kiisseli  to 
Fowler.  'I'Ik;  lirsl  town  otlieers  were:  Russell  Atiw.-itcr,  siiprrvi.inr; 
Ueuben  Ashman,  clerk;  Kzra  iMoore,  .los.  Ilnlehiiisiin,  l'hili|»  V'iall,  f/sw,?- 
nors ;  Calvin  Mill,  ron.itnhle  mid  collcclor ;  .Folm  Knox,  .los.  Ilntcliiiisdii, 
overseers  of  the  finor ;  Ham'l  I'laton,  .lolm  Watson,  .iohii  Knox,  commis- 
sioners hif^liwajis ;  .lolin  Watson,  Thos.  (lillmore,  yiore  viewers;  Aze. 
Clark,  Siinecni  !5tiles,  Flihti  Morgan,  Joel  Clark,  overseers  of  liigliwmjs. 

Supervisors. — 1808  10,  Uussell  Aitwater;  1810,  at  special  town  meet- 
ing, K.  Ashman;  1810-14,  Ueiiben  Ashman;  18 1. '5-18,  Anthony  C.  Urown; 
18li)-yi,IMiimieas  Attwater;  1822,  K.  Ashman  ;  182:5-7,  James  Wiliia'ns; 
1828-n8,Uoliin  Smith;  i8:}4-8,  Klihn  Phelp,<:  IKJIMO,  llolm(!s  Nevin: 
1841-2,  K.  Smith;  184:]-(i,  JJeiijamin  Smith;  1847,  U.  Smith;  1848,  J, 
Williams;  1849-50,  Nelson  Doolitile;  1851-2,  Uollin  C.  Jackson.       ^ 

A'o/cf.— 180!),  8250  raised  for  the  poor,  $250  for  schools.  1810,  85  for 
wolf  bonnties,  and  8150  vot(!(l  for  this  piirposi;;  8250  raisiul  l()r  the  |ioor, 
to  be  let  on  good  security.  181 1,  same  wolf  tax  and  |)oor  tax  as  1810. 
Voted  that  the  books  sent  to  the  town  of  Kussell,  by  tht,-  llatnpshire  Mis- 
sionary Soci(!ty,  be  l(;ft  in  the  care  of  Moses  A.  Uunnel,  and  to  lie  re- 
turned to  him  within  tiu'ee  months  after  taken  away.  Voted,  that  a  sled 
shall  be  four  feet  wide.  A  fine  oi"82  I'or  going  on  the;  pid)lic  highwiiy 
with  a  sled  that  is  not  fom-  feet  wide  the  present  year.  The  same  in 
1812.  85  wolf  bounty,  8100  to  |)ay  these  bounties";  8250  for  the  poor; 
81  penalty  for  allowing  Canada  thistles  to  grow  and  go  to  seed.  18l.'5, 
85  wolf  boimty,  payable  out  of  the  money  jjreviously  raised  for  this  pur- 
jiose.  1814,  8250  for  the  poor.  1815  to  18l{t,  voted  to  raise  three  tinii's 
the  amount  for  schools  that  the  town  receives  fiom  the  state.  1820,  85 
boimty  lor  wolves,  ])ayable  trom  the  money  rais(!d  lor  this  purpose  in 
1810,  1811  and  1812.  In  1821,  a  committee  of  three  appointed  to  ex- 
amine and  see  if  there  is  any  money  in  town  raised  for  the  destruction 
of  wolves  ill  1810, 1811  and  1812.  Resolved,  That  such  balance  as  may  he 
Ibuiid  due,  shall  be  collected  and  paid  to  the  sujjervisor  lor  the  purjiose  of 
paying  a  bounty  on  noxious  animals  at  the  rate  ol' 82*50  lor  each  wolf,  pan- 
ther and  bear,  and  ^\  for  ea(di  fox.  In  1822  the  money  paid  for  boiintifs 
raised  in  1810-12  to  be  paid  in  work  on  roads  and  bridges.  182.'},  voted 
to  give  lip  to  Reuben  Ashman  $150,  raised  in  1810,  lor  the  destruction 
of  wolves,  on  bis  securing  the  retnaiiider.  In  18.'32,  voted  that  the  ter- 
ritory culled  Scriba,  and  Bloomtield,  be  set  off  into  u  separate  town,  on 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


469 


condition  tlint  tlicy  N.iil  not  mil  for  nny  of  tlio  jmlilio  funds  of  money 
now  on  liiind,  cvccpt  road  inoncv.  In  Jf^IJH,  rcnionslratcd  iifrninfit  llio 
|)olilion  of  tlio  inlmltilinitH  of  iIm!  town  ol  l)dwards,  to  Imvn  llii!  towii- 
HJiips  Nos.  Vi  and  14,  now  belon^iinf;  to  this  town,  set  oft'  to  tim  town  of 
Edwards.  In  Iri.'J!*,  voted  in  tlivor  of  aholisliinf;  tin-  poor  lionst;  ><y8t(!tn, 
und  agreed  to  nnitc  in  a  i)etition  to  the  legislatnre  to  that  etiict. 

This  town  is  nnined  from  Rnssell  Attwutcr,  and  now  cnd)racrH  a  part 
of  Dewitt,  the  wiiole  of  IJallyheen,  and  llie  north  linlf  of  Saralishnrgli. 
It  was  McCormick's  wish  that  the  town  nJionid  hear  the  name  of  Hally- 
heen,  after  liis  native  place  in  Ireland.  Mr.  A<twater  had  purchased  of 
JIcGormiek,  in  17!)8,  the  nortii  half  of  No.  5,  a  <piarl(>r  of  No.  (1,  a  quar- 
ter of  No.  14,  of  tract  No.  'i,  and  a  (jnarter  of  No,  22  in  Franklin  comity 
All  bnt  the  half  of  No.  .'>,  win-e  subsequently  reconveyed.  This  em- 
bniced  about  13,000  acres,  and  was  purchased  at  about  forty  cents  per 
acre. 

The  town  was  first  explored  with  the  view  of  settlement  by  Mr.  Rna- 
goll  Attwater,  in  the  sunnner  of  1804.  In  1805,  Timothy  Blair,  a  sur- 
veyor from  Blanford,  (the  former  residence  of  Mr.  A.  and  :!".ny  of  the 
first  settlers),  came  on,  and  surveyed  most  of  the  town  into  farms.  The 
party  who  came  this  year,  arrived  in  the  spring,  and  spent  the  whole 
siunmer  in  0|)ening  roads,  surveying,  and  in  clearing  a  field  of  about 
twelve  acres,  on  a  farm  now  owned  by  George  L.  Ilorslbrd.  The  <'om- 
pnny  who  sjient  the  season  of  of  1805  in  town,  were  mostly  young  men 
in  the  hire  of  Mr.  Attwater,  wlio  boarded  themselves  in  a  shanty,  and  pro- 
cured their  jirovisions  from  Canada.  The  first  fiunily  that  settled  in  town 
was  that  of  Nathaniel  lliggens,  who  in  the  spring  of  1805  cotnmenccd 
a  clearing  on  a  small  lot  near  the  village.  .loel  Clark  and  iiimily,  from 
Granby,  Mass.,  came  in  the  fall  of  1805,  and  the  first  saw  mill  in  the  town 
of  Russell  was  erected  by  him  the  same  year,  on  I'lum  creek,  half  a  mile 
from  its  mouth.  These  two  fimiilies  spent  the  winter  of  1805-6  in  town, 
with  no  neighbors  within  many  miles. 

The  names  of  those  who  accompanied  Mr.  Attwater  the  first  summer 
(1805),  were  Nathan  Knox,  Ileman  Morgan,  Elias  Ilayflen,  Loren  Knox, 
Reuben  Ashman,  Jesse  Bunnell,  Elihii  Morgan,  and  David  Knox.  In 
April,  1800,  Mr.  Attwater  returned  with  many  others  who  pro[)osed  to 
form  a  settlement,  and  ])roceeded  by  way  of  the  Black  river  country, 
and  the  State  road,  to  Washburn's,  in  Macomb,  and  thence  crossed  to 
Foote's  settlement,  in  Canton,  and  proceeded  thence  to  their  destination 
in  the  present  village  of  Russell.  A  Mr.  Alvin  White,  from  Granville, 
Mass.,  lived  near  the  south  line  of  Canton,  and  was  the  oidy  settler  on 
the  route.  Dea.  Joseph  Hutchinson,  of  Shoreham,  Vt.,  Michael  Coffin, 
of  Vt.,  Philip  and  Sampson  Vial,  John  Potter,  and  John  Cooper,  from 


I 


'd''.: 


Ri- 


U  : 


470 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


Willsltoroii;.'!!,  N.  Y.,  mid  a  ("cw  otliciH  joIikmI  tliciii.  A  fn^lil  of  roiii 
|ilaiit(<il  iiinoii;;  tlx;  l(i;:s  in  tlit;  iiioiitli  of  June,  yiclili-d  nt  a  8ur|ii'isiii<r 
I'liti;,  wliicli  ^'really  t'licoin'd^zcil  tlu;  (MMi<:niiitH,  and  led  tlicni  to  Imik  lor- 
wai'd  witli  |il<wiMing  inil'u'i|)iiti(inM  to  tlif  I'ntin'e.  'I'Ik;  reports  of  tluj  t'cr- 
tility  ol'  the  Hoil,  carried  Uiw.k  tn  Now  Kn^land,  liad  nn  intlueni'i;  in  in- 
diicin;;  others  to  enii<:rate  to  the  new  Hiittlenient.  Jaeoh  llntehins  coin- 
Mienoild  the  eroelion  of  a  loi^  j;rist  mill,  on  V^ni  U(^nss(;hi(!r  neek,  in  De- 
wilt,  aitont  hall'  a  mile  troni  the  hoiiiIi  hni;  of  (Canton,  in  liie  minnner  of 
1800,  und  thi^  wa8  the  second  mill  erected  in  town. 

The  fn'Mt  child  horn  in  tiu;  town,  was  a  ^<on  of  ({enltin  Ashman,  in 
Octohei',  18(J(!.  The  Hccoiid  was  a  dan;,'hter  in  the  tluniiy  of  Nalhaniul 
llif;pen!»,  in  May,  1H07.  The  first  death  was  that  of  one  Curtis,  in 
the  year  1807.  'J'ho  settlement  was  increased  in  1807,  i)y  the  ad- 
dition ol' the  following  families:  Simeon  Stiles,  Elihii  I'hel|m,  in  the 
winter  of  that  year;  Samuel  (^lark,  and  several  other  fiimilies  ot'  the 
the  Bamo  nami;;  .lohn  Watson,  Horace  Dickenson,  I'nos  Itnnnull,  Luther 
and  David  I'lielps,  and  many  otluM>.  Dr.  I'linny  (ioddard,  from  Ver- 
mont, was  the  first  physician  who  in  1807  located  in  town.  In  the  win- 
ter of  1808-0,  the  first  school  was  tanglit  in  town  by  Kollin  Siifith.  The 
first  religions  meetiii<:s  werecondni'ted  l>y  the  Hev.  Uoyid  Phelps,  a  Pres- 
byterian missionary,  in  180(),  at  the  iionsi;  of  Mr.  Attwater.  The  first 
Episcopal  services  were  condncted  hy  IJishop  llohart,  ahont  1807.  The 
earliest  mcetin<;s  of  the  l4a|)tist  chnrch  were  ludd  by  a  man  named 
Sawyer.  Calvin  Hill  and  Harriet  Knox,  were  the  first  person.s  married 
in  the  town  of  Russell.  Tin;  ceremony  was  perllnincd  by  t!io  Kcv.  Mr. 
I'iielps  in  the  Buminer  of  180li.  The  first  saw  mill  at  the  villa<;o  of  Rus- 
sell, was  erected  by  Mr.  Attwater  in  1807,  and  a  jirist  mill  not  lonjf  after. 

An  act  was  passed  I'\'b.  24,  1800,  which  directed  t!ie^'oven;or  to  cinise 
to  be  deposited,  if  he  slionid  deem  necessary,  an  amount  not  exceeding 
.'jOO  stands  of  arms,  in  snch  place  in  St.  Lawrence  county  ns  he  should 
select,  with  snch  quantities  of  ammiinitioii  and  military  stores  as  in  his 
opinion  wonlil  be  necessary  in  case  of  invasion.  TIk;  viilajjre,  from  its 
being  interior  and  on  the  St.  Lawrence  turnpike,  was  selected,  and  n 
building  erected  It  stands  on  a  conniianding  elevation,  a  little  north  of 
the  village,  on  n  lot  given  to  the  state  by  Mr.  Attwater  for  tiie  purpose  of 
an  arsenal,  and  is  a  massive  stone  building,  three  stories  higli,  thirty  by 
fifty  feet  on  the  grounii,  and  originally  surrounded  by  a  high  stone  wall, 
bristling  with  iron  spikes.  'J"he  lower  story  was  destined  for  artillery,  the 
second  for  small  arms,  and  the  third  for  ammunition.  During  the  war,  a 
guard  was  posted  around  the  premises  for  its  protection,  but  since  that 
period  no  further  supervision  has   been  maintained   than  the  care  of  a 


AND   FRANKLIN     COUNTIFS. 


^171 


keeper,  who  wmh  n  citi/on  iTHidiii^'  in  tlic  vicinity.  In  tlic  Huninior  of 
1850  the  nrsnnal  hnililiiig  was  sold  at  auction,  in  pnr.siiaMci)  of  a  gonfi-al 
law,  for  the  Hinii  of  $<.'»'i.').  Tho  nrtnH,  utnonntinp  to  four  Imndred  Htaiul, 
and  Honio  twenty  tliounand  cartridsri>s,  were  Hold  in  HinalllolHnt  the  same 
tinio.  It  is  contnni|»lat(!(l  to  convert  the  nrsciud  huiidin-,'  into  a  hi^h 
school,  for  wliich  it  is  well  adapted,  and  tho  Hurroundin;,'  country  is 
ul dantly  ahle  to  sustain  hucIi  nn  ontcqiriso  in  n  crediluido  nmntuir. 

Durinj,'  tho  fust  year  of  tho  war,  the  setUenient  at  Russell  villago  ex- 
hihitcd  an  activity  arul  enterprise  which  has  never  hcftn  surpassed  hy  any 
settlement  in  the  county.  The  erection  of  the  arsenal,  aiu!  the  opening 
of  tho  roads  towards  Lake  (Jeorge  aiul  Albany,  which  concentrating  in 
town  wore  sup^wsed  to  proiiiiso  ])rosiiects  of  future  greiitiiess,  niul  tlie 
St.  Lawrence  turnpike  then  in  course  of  completion,  hy  its  enormous 
husincss  during  the  first  one  or  two  years  of  its  existence,  gave  encourage- 
ment that  tliis  prosperity  woidd  last;  luit  the  latter  lost  its  importance  on 
the  close  of  the  war,  and  tho  two  southern  roads  soon  fell  into  ruin  from 
disuse,  and  their  route  can  now  he  traced  only  with  diHicidty. 

lly  an  act  jiusscd  April  ;2(>,  I8.'31,  the  overseers  of  thc^  poor  were  direct- 
ed to  pay  over  on  tho  first  day  of  Jamiary  of  each  year,  to  the  ommis- 
hioners  of  conunon  schools,  the  interest  of  all  moneys  arising  from  the 
poor  fimd,  to  he  hy  them  a|)plied  for  the  use  of  schools. 

A  forgo  was  erected  at  the  village  on  Grass  river  in  ]84(!.  It  has  two 
fn-GS  (uid  is  capable  of  nuiking  about  4G0  pounds  of  bar  iron  a  day.  It 
has  been  worked  with  bog  and  magnetic  ores,  and  with  scrap  iron. 
The  ores  with  which  it  is  supplied  are  drawn  from  three  to  eleven  niilea 
from  their  localities,  and  can  be  obtained  in  unlimited  (puintities. 

ifeJigioHS  Societies, — The  Baptists  organized  .July  I.'),  180!),  under  the 
Rev.  Samuel  Rowley,  n  missionary,  and  the  early  meetings  were  held  at 
the  house  of  Philip  Viall.  First  nund)er,  seven;  whole  number,  one 
hundred  and  eiglity-live;  |)resent  numluM",  forty-two.  A  church  was 
built  in  1845,  at  a  cost  of  ,*!)00,  and  dedicated  6ctob(>r  1.5,  184.5.  The 
ftresent  pastor  is  the  Ilev.  Myron  R.  Slater.  A  society  was  incrorporated 
])ecemi)er  29,  184(i,  with  llarry  Van  Aernam,  \Vm.  G.  (iibbons,  and 
(lilliert  Stewart,  trustees.  The  Presbyterian  an<l  l]|)isco|)al  denomina- 
tions have  Ibrined  societies  in  town.  The  latter  und(,'r  the  name  of 
Sion  church,  April  10,  181i),  with  Russell  Attwntor  and  Jesse  liuimcll, 
wardens;  Justis  Ives,  Levi  Frost,  John  lioyd,  Moses  Ihmnell,  Reuben 
Ashman,  Phineas  Attwatcr,  William  Attwater,  and  Aatlian  Knox,  vesM/- 
men.  The  Wesleyan  Methodists  formed  a  chinch  Se|)teinber  [),  1843. 
The  following  is  a  list  of  their  clergymen:  Iliram  \V'ing  (deceased), 
Joel  Grermell,  W.  VV.  Sterricker,  S.  Soper,  and  Harvey  Miles,  the  present 
pastor.  A  Methodist  Episcopal  society  was  incorporated  Feb.  li),  1851, 
Hiram  Derby,  M.  Van  Brocklin  and  Charles  Rundeli,  trustees. 


il 


^1  iJ «. 


29 


^1',^^ 


'if 


472 


HISTORY    OF   8T.    LAWRENCE 


Stockholm, 

Einbrncing  tlie  orij,'iii(il  townsliip,  wns  formeil  from  MasseiiO,  Fe').  21, 

l80G,  the  first  town  ineetiiifj  bciiijj  directPfl  to  be  bold  at  tbc  iioiise  of 

Liitnan  Pettiboiic.     15}  an  act  of  April  15,  1834,  mile  squares  G,  7,  8,  9, 

10,  and  tlie  nortli  bnlf  of  14  and  19,  were  annexed  to  Norfolk.     A  petition 

had  linen  sent  in  1805,  to  form  tlie  town,  wliicb  was  rei'erred  to  the 

members  fvnw.  Oneida,  who  then  rep'  ^sented  this  county,  but  nothing 

was  done.     The  day  of  tiie  first  town  meeting  liaving  ])assod  withont  nn 

eleetion,  Nntiian  W;iiUcr,  of  Canton,  Gurdon  Smith  a'ld  Uenjaniin  Rjiv- 

niorid,  of  Potsdam,  magistrates,  proceeded  to  appoint  under  their  liauds 

and  seals,  town  oflicers  in  pursiance  of  powers  granted  in  an  act  of 

Ma--cb7,  1801,  v'z: 

Ebenezer  Jlulburd,  supervisor;  Wm.  Staples,  clerk;  StepLen  A.  Tani- 
bling,  lienjaniin  Wright  and  A.ba  Woodward,  assessors;  Samuel  Web- 
ster, constable  and  roUector ;  S.  A.  Tanibling,  l,nman  l'eltibon«;,  overseers 
of  the  poor;  S.  A.  Tanibling,  I',  Iliilbiird  and  W.  Webster,  comers  of  liiirh- 
wnijs ;  S.  A.  Tanibling,  M.  Wright,  y'enrf  vicivers;  K.  Ilnlburd,  pound- 
master;  L.  Pcttibone,  overseer  of  tiiirhwni/s.  We  regret  that  our  spice 
will  not  allow  the  piililication  of  this  instrument  entire. 

Supervisors. — 1801),  Ebenezer  Ilulbiird;  1807,  Simeon  Nash;  1808-9, 
Zeplipniah  French;  IHIO-II,  Stei)heii  A.  Tanibling,  I81'i-13,  Warren 
Webster;  1814-'J'^,  Nathaniel  F.  Winslow;  18*2;},  at  a  special  meeting, 
Channcey  Pettibone;  18'iJ-9,  Chauncey  Pettibone;  1830-2,  Sliiv.-ick 
Holmes;  ISW,  Joseph  II.  Sanford;  1834,  Beiijamii!  ilnlnies:  1835,  Win. 
T.Osborne;  1837-8,  Josni.h  H.  San  ford;  1839,  iJo,,,^  Pettibone;  1840, 
Thomas  Dunton;  1841-'>,  J.  II.  Sanford;  1843  5,  Ziba  L.Smith;  IS^G, 
Sidney  Kelsev;  1847,  P>.  Holmes;  1848-9,  Allen  Lvman;  1850-1,  Daniel 
P.  Rose;  ]8.'>->,  Hiram  lluUiurd. 

jyotesfrom  the  Itecords.—WoK  bounties  of  iS!5  offered  in  1808,  '9,  Ml, 
until  the  meeting  of  the  siijiei  visors,  when  it  was  to  be  increased  or  less- 
ened to  iiiaUc  it  $'20.  )<5  in  1814,  '17;  810  in  1819,  'L^O.  On  several 
years  panther  bounties.  In  1817,  voted  against  division,  and  in  1824,  a 
strong  remonstrance  against  annexing  a  jiart  to  Norfolk.  In  1828,  six 
ballot  boxes  to  be  provided  for  town  elections,  to  be  numbered,  No.  1, 
supervisor  and  clerk;  No.  2,  assessors;  No.  3,  overseers  of  poor;  No.  4, 
commissioners  of  highways;  No.  5,  constables  and  collector;  No.  G, 
commi:;sio(iers  and  ins|)cctor3  of  schools. 

In  1830,  clerk  re(piested  to  endeavor  to  get  Stockholm  excepted  fiom 
law  requiring  one  ballot  box  for  town  elections.  In  1833,  supervisor  and 
clerk  to  petition  lor  a  repeal  of  the  law  abolishing  imprisonment  tor  debt. 

An  adjourned  town  meeting  was  held  March  19,  1822,  to  receive  the 
report  of  a  comtnittee  of  five,  consisting  of  Ebenezer  Hulburd,  Clianncey 
Pettibone,  N.  l-.  Winslow,  .lohn  Simons  and  W.  Webster,  apjiointed  to 
examine  into  the  situation  f  the  jiublic  lands  in  town.  Ilal|)li  P.  Stearns 
and  Chauncey  Pettibone  were  appointed  the  first  commissioners  of  pub- 
lic lands.  A  committee  was  ap|)ointed  to  draw  up  a  petition  to  the 
legislature  to  authorize  these  lands  to  lie  granted  on  diirabU!  leases. 

An  act  passed  Feb.  8,  1823,  created  the  ofllce  of  trustees  of  public 
lands  in  the  town  of  Stockholm,  who  were  to  be  elected  by  the  inhabit- 
antt)  and  to  constitute  n  bo<ly  politic  for  the  care  and  preservation  of 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


473 


pospol  and  school  lot  in  the  town  of  Stockholm.    They  were  to  hava 
tlic  poweis  of  similar  ufliccrs  in  Madrid. 

Arrangements  for  settling  this  tow?i  hegan  to  be  mnde  in  1800  and 
1801.  In  1802,  Kbonczor  Ililbnrd  and  Dr.  Liiman  Pettibone,  agents, 
from  Orwell,  Vt.,  with  IJeiij.  Wright,  Isaac  Kelsey,  Abram  Sheldon,  nnil 
others,  came  into  town  and  commenced  improvements.  Mrs.  Sheldon 
was  the  first  woman  in  town.  On  the  7th  of  March,  1803,  seven  families, 
of  whicii  six  were  from  Orwell,  Vt.,  moved  in.  The  heads  of  theso 
were  Isaac  K'3lsey,  VVm.  Staples,  Abraham  Sheldon,  Luman  Pettibone, 
John  and  Robert  Bisbee,  and  Benj.  Wright.  They  had  the  first  year, 
rai-*ed  some  corn,  oats  and  potatoes,  which  had  been  secm-ed  as  welt  as 
circumstances  allowed.  They  came  by  way  of  Chateaugayand  St.  Regis, 
and  up  that  river  on  the  ice.  The  houses  an<l  fmn'ture  constructed, 
were  all  of  the  rudest  kind,  and  such  as  Raw.s,  axes  anil  augers  would 
make.  With  strijis  of  elm  bark,  they  made  bedsteads  and  chairs,  and 
all  their  furniture  was  of  the  rudest  and  simplest  pattern. 

In  September,  1804,  occurred  the  greatest  Hood  ever  known  in  the 
country,  produced  by  heavy  rains  and  swelling  the  St.  Regis  river  far 
above  its  ordinary  flood  level.  Foin*  of  the  seven  families  living  near 
the  bank  of  the  river,  were  compelled  to  flee  from  their  homes.  Ono 
family  living  near  Trout  brook,  remained  within  doors  until  the  under 
floor  was  r:iised  from  the  sleepers,  and  the  wood  was  floated  from  the 
fire-place,  and  with  the  greatest  jieril  and  difficulty  they  escaped  with 
their  lives. 

The  first  saw  mill  in  town  was  built  in  1804,  by  Samuel  Reynolds,  a 
proprietor  of  several  mile  squares,  about  one  and  a  half  miles  above  the 
east  village. 

The  first  school  was  taught  in  the  winter  of  1807.  Among  the  early 
settlers  not  above  named  were  Stephen  A.  Tambling,  Warren  Webster, 
Alba  Woodward,  Samuel  Webster,  Simeon  Nash,  Luther  Ilulburd, 
Zephaniah  French,  Alpheus  Johnson,  John  Graves,  Josiah  L.  Hill,  Ralph 
P.  Stearns,  Reuben  Kelsey,  and  others. 

The  fiist  agents  for  Stockholm  (Pettibone  and  Ilulburd).  were  in  181G, 
succeeded  in  the  western  part  of  the  town,  by  Nathan  Oslvnne,  and 
shortly  after  by  J.  II.  Sanford.  The  latter  held  the  office  for  mi  .ly  years, 
and  was  the  predecessor  of  3Ir.  E.  M.  Foster,  the  present  n^ent  for  the 
proprietors. 

The  first  sheep  taken  into  Stockholm,  and  the  first  in  the  eastern  part 
of  St.  Lawrence  county,  were  driven  from  Vermont,  in  1803.  The  flock 
consisted  of  about  fifty.  They  arrived  in  October,  1803.  Much  trouble 
was  encountered  in  getting  thetn  across  some  of  the  streams,  particularly 


1:1 


t 
*  > 


> 

if- . 


474 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


m 


the  Salmon  river,  where  tlio  tinibors  of  a  briilge  were  In'ul  onlj'.  A  pnrt 
of  the  flock  crossed  on  these,  and  tlio  rest  svvnni  tlie  river.  From  this 
little  flock  the  farmers  of  the  neighboring  towns  derived  their  stock. 
Mnch  difliculty  was  experienced  in  keeping  them  from  being  destroyed 
by  wolves.  Every  night  it  was  necessary  to  yard  them  in  an  onclosnre, 
well  fenced  against  their  troublesome  enemies,  and  dining  the  day,  it 
was  found  iiMpossibIc  to  preserve  them  imless  pastined  in  the  immediate 
vicinity  of  dwellings.  Similar  difliculties  were  felt  in  Ilopkinton  and 
other  towns,  and  led  to  the  oiler  of  bounties  for  the  destruction  of  wolves, 
which  in  tiiesc  towns  were  doubtless  necessary,  and  considered  at  the 
time  as  no  more  than  adequate  to  accomplish  their  object. 

'Th'i  first  settler  who  located  in  the  west  half  of  Stockholm,  was  John 
Thntcher,  from  Williston,  Vt.,  who  in  IMarch,  1805,  started  from  the  set- 
tlement in  the  east  part  of  the  town  of  Stockholm,  taking  his  wife  and 
children,  and  the  small  sum  of  household  articles  which  he  was  able  to 
carry  in  a  vehicle  drawn  by  a  single  horse,  to  locate  in  the  western  j)nrt 
of  the  town.  On  arriving  at  the  river,  he  found  it  swollen  and  rapid, 
but  providing  himself  with  a  pole  to  sustain  himself  against  the  ciurent, 
he  forded  it  repeatedly,  carrying  on  bis  back  bis  children,  and  his  house- 
hold goods,  and  finally  with  much  difliculty,  assisted  his  wife  in  wading 
the  river.  Here  he  constructed  ariule  shelter  of  hemlock  boughs  beside 
a  fallen  tree,  and  kindling  a  cheerful  fire  on  the  site  of  the  present  little 
village  of  Sanfordville,  he  spent  the  first  night.  The  horsp  was  <'omfort- 
ably  provided  for  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  river,  and  on  the  following 
day  he  returned  to  the  settlements  to  make  further  arrangements  for  his 
residence.  He  is  spoken  of  as  a  man  capable  of  enduring  fatigue  to  an 
extraordinary  degree,  r  ..I  vv^s  known  to  have  carried  the  flour  of  three 
bushels  of  wheat  on  ins  -jlioulders  for  miles  through  the  forest  to  his 
family.  The  first  log  house  in  the  west  half  of  Stockholm  was  built  near 
the  line  of  Potsdam,  for  a  Mr.  Dart,  in  the  winter  of  1805-(>,  by  some 
ten  or  a  dozen  of  the  settlers  of  East  Stockholm,  who  went  to  the  loca- 
tion a  distance  of  eight  miles,  cut  and  rolled  up  the  frame  of  a  log  house, 
and  returned  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day.  George  Streight,  John 
Partridge,  Stiles  Nelson,  and  Eldad  Taylor,  were  early  settlers  in  the 
west  half  of  the  town. 

The  first  grist  mill  in  Stockholm,  was  erected  at  the  present  village  of 
Bicknelville,  and  during  the  first  one  or  two  years,  the  citizens  were 
compelled  to  resort  to  Sheik's  mill,  in  Canada,  or  to  Canton,  or  to  Ro- 
berts's mill,  now  Columbia  village.  In  1804,  a  mill  was  got  in  operation 
in  Ilopkinton. 

During  the  first  summer,  Mr.  Pettibone  had  occasion  to  resort  to  the 
mill  at  Columbia,  through  a  densely  wooded  country,  without  roads  wor- 


yi: 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


475 


thy  of  tlie  nnmc,  and  tlic  trip  wns  jierformcd  under  oircumstancos  of 
j)eciiliar  liardsiiip.  Dr.  P.  and  a  joinijir  '"""  ''}•  tlio  nanio  of  Aliel  Kel- 
BL-y,  started  with  an  ox  team  and  \vaf,'oii,  expectin;,'  to  spend  the  nijiht 
in  a  shanty  wliich  they  siiijposed  luui  i)een  bniit,  and  was  occn|)icd  by, 
a  t^ettler,  wiio  liad  corntnenced  a  small  clearin'^  on  the  west  side  of  lla- 
qnctte  river,  uhotit  a  mile  and  a  half  holow  the  present  vill  i^e  of  Pots- 
dam. 'J'liey  accordingly  neglected  to  take  vvitli  them  any  apparatus  for 
kitidlin<,r  u  fire. 

At  the  close  of  a  day  of  toil  and  laltor,  they  found  themselves 
on  tlie  hanks  of  the  river,  and  s.cceeded  in  fording  it,  laying  the  grain 
bags  on  polls  across  the  top  of  the  wagon,  to  keep  it  dry;  but  to  their 
great  disappointment,  the  cheerfid  log  hut  and  comfortable  fire  which 
they  had  anticipated  as  waiting  them,  was  not  there,  and  to  add  to  their 
misery  a  cold,  drenching  rain  set  in,  and  contitnied  through  the  night. 
'J'hey  had  been  already  half  drowned  in  crossing  the  river,  arKi  were 
compelled  to  crawl  imder  the  best  shelter  they  could  fmd,  and  spend 
the  night  in  as  wrctcluMl  a  condition  as  possible.  On  the  next  morning, 
Mr.  Pettibone  ibnnd  himself  shaking  with  an  ague,  contracted  in  con- 
se(|uen(;e  of  exposure,  and  with  the  greatest  difficulty  able  to  get  through 
to  his  destination. 

The  journey  to  Footc's  mill,  in  Canton,  usually  consmned  five  dayf, 
in  going  and  returning,  ten  bushels  being  the  amount  that  could  betaken 
at  a  trip,  vviiich  was  performcjd  with  an  ox  team.  Two  or  three  men 
accompanied  to  guard  against  accidents,  and  clear  away  the  underbrush 
for  the  cattle.  On  arriving  at  streams,  the  grain  was  taken  over  on  their 
Bhoiilders,  or  laid  across  the  oxen,  to  keep  it  out  of  the  water,  and  tlius 
all  the  intervening  rivers  wci's  forded,  except  Rarpictte  river,  which  was 
crossed  iiy  a  float,  just  below  tln^  liills,  at  Potsdam  village.  This  was 
the  only  way  of  crossing  at  that  place,  till  the  erection  of  a  bridge  in  the 
year  ICSO!).  The  ox  teams  were  driven  into  the  water,  sometitnes  much 
against  their  will,  and  forced  to  swim  the  river,  their  drivers  with  whips 
and  loud  shouts  |>reventing  their  njturn  to  the  banks.  At  niglii,  if  the 
pioiKiers  foimd  shelter  and  su|»per  in  the  hut  of  some  settler,  it  was  well; 
and  if  not,  it  was  as  well ;  for  they  usually  succeeded  in  'ijking  a  sjiark 
iVoin  steel,  and  setting  tire  to  some  dry  standing  or  ffi  tree,  by  the 

side  of  which  ihey  would  spend  the  night,  having  care  that  the  lire  should 
not  jnount  into  tlie  tree  top,  and  detach  the  larger  branchts,  or  burrow 
anioiig  the  roots,  and  overturn  the  llaming  cokmin  iij)on  them. 

The  journey  to  Canada  was  in  part  perlbrmed  by  canoes  on  theruers, 
more  or  less  didictilty  being  encountered  in  jiassing  the  rapids.  Amid 
these  rude  and  liitigiiing  labors,  which  would  dishearten  a  majority  of 
our  present  citizens,  a  certain  amount  of  enjoyment  existed.  The  hand 
of  sympathy  was  extended  to  neighbors,  and  any  luck  that  befel  one, 
was  regarded  as  a  common  benefit.  If  any  needed  a  helping  hand,  his 
desire  need  but  he  announced,  to  be  heeded,  and  a  common  interest  and 
a  hope  of  better  timet,  stimulated  to  exertion,  and  dispelled  gloom. 

During  the  war,  numbers  of  the  inhabitants  became  alarmed,  and  left 
the  county,  from  tear  of  the  Indians,  and  those  that  remained  proceeded 
to  eicct  defences  for  their  [irotection.  One  of  these  was  a  doulile  line 
of  pickets  around  the  house  of  Dr.  Pettibone,  which  enclosed  a  scjuare 
area  of  about  a  tpiarter  of  an  acre,  and  was  finished  with  gate  and  fix- 
tures complete.  Ilfie  the  inhabitants  assembled  on  a  few  occasions  of 
alarm,  hut  no  real  danger  ever  |)resented  itself.  Another  stockade  was 
commenced  around  the  house!  of  Warren  Webster,  about  a  mill  east  of 
the  centre  of  the  town,  which  was  fiiiishrd  on  two  or  three  Bides  only 


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476 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


nnci  a  third  was  coninienred  arniind  the  dwelling  of  Jonathan  Soger,  in 
the  west  lialf.  'I  heso  |iini<cts  woio  timbers  sot  upright  in  atrciici),uhout 
three  feet  deep,  in  a  fiouble  row,  so  that  no  o|)(!ninirs  existed  between 
tiiem,  Tiiey  were  aliont  sixteen  feet  iiigh,  siiarp(Mied  at  liie  top,  and 
supported  by  eartli  bankevl  against  them  on  caeh  side.  On  one  oeeasion 
of  a  (haft,  tlie  greatest  fear  was  enteriained  from  an  attack  of  the  St. 
Uegis  or  some  other  Indian  tribe,  tiiey  knew  not  what,  and  a  vohmteer 
rompany  was  raisiid,  and  a  guard  mounted  and  maintained  for  several 
day  ^  on  tiie  road  which  led  towards  Canada.  i\rms  were  ])rocured  at 
the  state  arsenal  at  Kussell,  and  (hstributed  among  tiic  iiiiiabitants.  From 
the  iriiry  condition  of  the  roads,  these  were  procmed  with  great  (fiflicuhy, 
being  borne  by  pack  horses,  which  often  required  to  be  relieved  in  pass- 
ing swnm|»s  and  streams. 

The  miseries  of  war  appear  to  be  not  limited  to  the  actual  amoimt  of 
suffering  which  it  directly  entails,  but  inchule  the  privations  and  hard- 
ships sustained  from  apprehensions  of  danger,  which  often  lead  the 
timid  to  voluntarily  encoimter  a  needless  amount  of  suffering. 

The  roads  were  at  times  thronged  with  groups  of  timid  iidiabitanta, 
hastening  away  with  such  articles  of  liuniture  and  provisions  as  they 
were  able  to  snatch  in  their  haste,  and  with  such  vehicles  as  they  could 
command,  and  each  augmented  the  tears  of  the  others,  by  magnitying 
the  rumors  which  they  had  received  from  those  as  timid  as  themselves. 
It  is  but  just  to  say,  that  the  class  of  fugitives  did  not  form  a  tuiijority  of 
the  existing  ])opulation,  and  that  there  were  many  who  ridiculed  the 
fears  of  the  timid,  represented  tlie  absurdity  of  the  alarms,  and  earnestly 
entreated  them  to  behave  like  men,  and  stand  ready  to  do  their  duty  if 
real  danger  should  arise,  instead  of  stenling  off  in  the  cowardly  maimer 
of  some.  A  ))ortion  of  those  who  left  the  country  never  returned,  and 
others  came  back  to  witness  the  waste  aiul  destruction  whicii  their  own 
folly  and  neglect  had  brought  upon  them. 

The  village  of  Bicknellville,  on  the  west  branch  of  St.  Regis,  in  the 
southwest  quarter  of  Stockholm,  aiul  about  half  a  mile  south  of  the 
direct  road  from  Potsdam  to  Malone,  was  first  begun  in  1811,  by  Amos 
Bicknell,  originally  from  Barnard,  Vt.,  but  since  1800,  a  resident  of 
Potsdam.  In  May,  1811,  he  removed  to  this  place,  with  his  family,  con- 
eisting  of  his  wife,  six  sons  and  three  daughters,  several  of  whom  still 
reside  in  the  vicLiity,  and  conmienced  the  erection  of  a  grist  and  saw 
mill,  which  were  built  and  got  in  operation  the  same  season. 

About  1815,  the  proprietor,  Mv.  Pierrepont,  expended  a  large  sum  in 
opening  a  road  from  Parishvillc  to  Norfoll..  which,  from  its  importance 
OS  a  communication  by  which  potash  from  the  new  settlements  could 
be  taken  to  the  navigable  wafers  of  Raquette  river,  was  called  th".  Market 
road.  This  route  originally  was  laid  about  a  mile  east  of  this  place,  but 
eventually  the  principal  travel  from  the  back  towns  jiassed  through  by 
Bickncll's  mills,  and  some  portion  of  the  original  road  lias  been  discon- 
tinued. 

In  1812  or  1813,  a  carding  machine  was  got  in  operation  at  this 
place,  auU  having  a  uatural  advantage  iti  the  possession  <''  a  good  water 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


477 


power,  it  lins  gradually  grown  into  a  smull  village,  with  a  grist  and  saw 
mill,  small  woolen  factory,  foundry  and  niacliiiie  shop,  and  a  number  of 
mechanic  shops.  A  fork  and  hoc  factory  was  maintained  there  several 
years,  hut  is  at  present  discontinued.  It  has  a  Methodist  chapel,  a  union 
store,  a  tavern,  and  about  thirty  families. 

Southville  is  a  small  village  having  a  jiost  office  of  the  same  name,  and 
situated  near  the  south  bounds  of  the  town.  The  earliest  settler  in  this 
])lace,  is  said  to  have  been  Sliubel  Gurley.  Daniel  Harrington  and  some 
others  located  soun  after  in  the  neighborhood. 

Three  miles  from  Potsdam  Station,  on  the  Northern  Rail  road,  and  on 
the  direct  line  between  Parishville  and  Norfolk,  is  the  depot  of  Knnpp's 
Station,  which  derives  its  name  from  Moses  Knapp.  The  first  settler  in 
this  vicinity  was  Eldad  Taylor,  on  the  farm  of  JNlr.  Knupp.  The  station 
at  this  place  was  first  named  Slockholm,  while  that  near  Brasher  falls, 
also  in  this  town,  was  named  Brasher,  and  at'terwards  Stockholm  and 
Brasher,  but  contusion  arising  from  the  similarity  of  names,  the  present 
one  was  adopted.  The  post  otfice  of  .Yorlh  Stockholm  is  located  at  this 
place.  This  is  a  flag  station,  and  passenger  trains  do  not  stop  without 
0  signal.  The  business  at  present  limited,  b\it  is  expected  to  increase 
with  the  opening  of  new  routes,  and  thefurthcrsettletnentof  the  country. 
This  is  one  of  the  points  proposed  lor  the  terminus  of  the  Potsdam  and 
Watertown  rail  road,  and  should  it  be  finally  selected,  it  would  become 
a  |)lace  of  much  importance.  It  is  often  known  by  the  inhabitants  aa 
Plum  Brook. 

A  forge  was  erected  on  Trout  brook,  about  a  mile  southwest  of  the 
centre  of  the  town,  by  Benjamin  Holmes  and  Harry  RIerrill,  about  1825. 
It  was  run  about  ten  years  on  bog  ore,  obtained  from  swamps  in  the 
vicinity.  The  enterprise  was  given  up  on  account  of  the  failure  of  the 
supply  of  ore. 

Religions  Societies, — In  May,  1803,  the  settlers  commenced  holding 
religious  meetings  on  Simdays.  The  first  sermon  preached  in  town  was 
by  a  Ba[)tist  minister.  Eld.  Webster,  from  Orwell,  Vt.,  (text.  Acts  xiv,  9.) 
nlid  in  1806,  the  Rev.  Amos  Pettengill,  and  in  1807,  the  same  with  Rev. 
E.  Hibbard,  from  Brandon,  Vi.,  came  and  spent  a  few  sabbaths  with  the 
people,  which  resulted  in  Jie  formation  of  a  Congregational  church  of 
2  male  and  5  female  members,  March  10,  1807.  In  summer  the  meet- 
ings were  held  in  barns,  and  in  winter,  in  private  houses.  In  1813,  they 
employed  the  Rev.  Hiram  S.  Johnson,  who  preached  half  of  the  time  till 
1819,  In  1831,  the  Rev.  Moses  Parmelee  was  hired  till  1824.  For  20 
vears  r.fter  this  they  had  no  pastor,  but  were  most  of  the  time  supplied 
with  preaching.  In  1845,  the  Rev.  Philo  C.  Pettibone,  was  installed 
over  the  congregation,  and  still  remains  their  pastor.  The  society  was 
incorporated  June  6,  1837,  with  .Sidney  Kelsey,  Ashbcl  Skinner,  and 
Calvin  T.  Hulburd,  trustees.  A  church  of  this  denomination  was  formed 
at  West  Stockholm,  about  1822-3,  and  consisted  origiually  of  5  members. 


473 


ULSTOllY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


>  M 


Tlio  Rev.  Roswell  I'cttihoiio,  was  omploj'otl  ns  tlicir  first  prenclier. 
Tliore  liiis  hecMi  no  piistnr  rc^iiilarly  iiistalliMl  over  this  cimicli.  A  cliiiicli 
edifico  was  oicctcid  in  IH.'H,  at  a  cost  ot'ubout  §1,800,  mainly  tluougli  the 
inflneiicn  of  .Air.  J.  H.  Sanloni. 

The  Haptists  oifiani/cul  at  a  very  narly  <lay,hiit  the  data  of  tiieirliit!tory 
Iiaa  not  lu-on  received.  The  society  was  incorporated  ftlay  125,  IHli'i, 
with  Ilulph  P.  interns,  Warren  WeljstCr  ami  Jinther  Fniler,  trnsteew.  It 
was  reorganized  Jan.  7,  IS)!).     They  have  a  meeting;  honwe  in  town. 

The  Froe-Will  IJapti.sts  were  orfjanized  into  a  (tinnch  in  Jnne,  IHJlit, 
by  Eld.  Sanniel  Hart,  aiul  is  at  present  ahnot-t  scattered.  A  IMethodist 
Episcopal  chnrcli  was  incorporated  in  West  Stoekhohn,  Nov.  JJ),  1840, 
witii  Loren  Ashley,  Ziha  S.  Sniitii,  Hnel  Lincoln,  Roswell  H.  Welih, 
Horace  Dond,  iMartin  Strait,  Henry  1$.  Sumner,  Norman  Ashley,  and 
Joseph  Pafie,  trustees. 

The  \Vesl(;yan  IMethodist  society  ot  I'.ast  Stockholm,  was  incor|)orate(l 
Oct.  11,  18.W,  with  Ira  l$eacli,  Stillman  Austin,  Elias  Jenkins,  llajjii 
Allen  and  Jann-s  Kelsey,  trustees. 

A  church  of  the  Christian  order,  was  •;athcrcd  by  Eld.  Palmer,  many 
years  since,  whicii  once  nund)ered  40  members,  but  they  have  lor  sonic 
time  been  scattered  und  witiiout  a  pastor. 

FRANKLIN  COUNTY, 

Embraces  15  towns  which  are  organized  ns  follow»:  ' 

Ba.ngor,  taken  from  Dicla'uson,  June,  15,  1812. 
Bellmom',  taken  tiom  Chateawraji,  March  25,  18.^3. 
lioM BAY,  taken  from  Fort  Covington,  March  130,  1833. 
Brandon,  taken  liom  limifior,  Jan.  *i8,  1828. 
liuKKE,  taken  from  Chalemnraj/,  April  2t),  1844. 
Chateaugay,  taken  from  Chinnplain,  March  15,  171)9. 
CoiNSTABi.E,  taken  Irom  Harrison,  JMarcii  13,  1807. 
Dickinson,  taken  from  Harrison,  Apiil  11,  1808. 
DuANE,  taken  liom  Malone,  Jamiary  24,  1828. 
Fort  CoviNOToN,  taken  from  Constable,  February  28,  1817. 
Franklin,  taken  iVom  liellmont,  JNIay  20,  183(1. 
Haruietstown,  taken  from  Duane,  March  1!»,  1841. 
Malone,*  taken  from  Chateaui>;a}i,  March  2,  1805. 
MoiRA,  taken  from  Dickinson,  April  15,  1828. 
Westville,  taken  liom  Constable,  April  25, 1829. 

Bangor, 

Was  organized  as  above,  the  first  town  meeting  being  IieJd  at  the 
house  of  Chester  Tidier,  and  the  poor  moneys  being  equitably  divided. 
The  first  town  officers  were 

Joseph  Plumb,  supervisor ;  FJeazer  Barnum,  clerk ;  C.  Fuller,  John  Mar- 
vin, Isaac  Bigelow,  assessors;  C.  Fuller,  collector;  Samuel  Silsbee,  Flijah 
Drury, /;oor  masters;  James  Lawrence,  Barnabas  Barnum,  Elijah  Drury, 
com.  of  liifchwai/s;  Eleazer  Barnum,  David  Sayle,  constables  ;  Jehiel 
Barnum,  Gardner  Dickinson,  Jonathan  Bower,  John  A.  Buckland, 
Ebcnezer  R.  Daggett, /e?ice  viewers;  David  Doty,  pound  master;  Joseph 


«  Ai  Harriso.n,  changed  to  Ezuaville,  April  II,  1608,  aiid  to  Malune,  June  lU,  1813. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


479 


Pliitril*,  .Tool  firidiii,  Snnnu!!  Silsho  com.  of  common  schools ;  Elislin  Driiry, 
Asii  Worth,  Joliii  .Mjiivin,  (xlicMer  TnllcM-,  insptclors  of  common  schools. 

Siiiicrr!sors.--lS\'.\-l7,  Jof^cph  Pliiriib;  IHIH-'20,  Noali  Moodv;  18^1-5, 
J.  riumh;  IH-,'(i-7,  (.'cor^'t!  A.lains;  l&'^H,  J.  IMiiiril);  IH-^D-.'W,  G  Adimis; 
IH^IM,  William  I'liitiili;  JKU,  G.  Adams;  lKJti-7,  Jairies  Adnms;  18:18, 
(J.  AdmiiH;  18:«t,  J(.sl;iiii  Di.-kiiiHon;  1840-^,  «.  Adam.s;  184H-4,  Tal- 
niad;,'e  llaiiinm;  181".,  J.  DickiiiHon;  I84()-H,  Ahel  Wilcox;  184i)-5U 
AlliMi  Iliiimaii,  .Inn.;  I8.")l,  (iooi-fro  II.  Stcvons;  18.')3,  Jns(;|»li  Eldied. 

Town  bunntics  liavu  luicn  oflbrod  (or  "noxioiia  unimuls"  as  follows: 

Tor  wolves,  *10  ill  18-^8-!);  -S15  in  18l.'M4-15-'2i ;  Jji'-'O  in  ISKi-lTlS- 
]!)-i20;  in  181(),  lialf  tliis  snm  (or  wolf  wlioi|is;  (or  HCjnirrels  I'-ii  (lonta 
J817;  Cor  panthtMs,  .s'>0  in  I8l7-l8-]i)y0:  .*','.')  in  1831 ;  lor  rrows,  .Wets. 
J8I7-1!);  (()r  linars,  .*:{  in  J817-18-l!»;  ij!.')  in  18'^0;  !*1()  in  1821 ;  (or  black 
bnds,  ]2i  cents  in  1817;  for  (bxes,  .«!'i  in  1818-l!»-20;  .*:]  in  1810;  $5  in 
1821;  for  wildcats,  (lynx?)  §a  in  1817-l!t;  -^.Tm  1820;  $ri  m  1821, 

At  a  special  town  meeting  INIay  (!,  1820,  voted  that  the  vote  (or  raising 
a  liotmty  on  wolves,  panthers  and  boars,  taken  at  iIm!  lastannnal  meeting, 
be  amended  to  this  effect:  "that  no  person  shall  bo  entitled  to  any  bonnty 
from  the  town  except  actual  ro.'iidcjnt.s  of  tlio  town  at  this  dale." 

A  special  town  inoetingNovoiiiber21,  convened  (or  the  purpose,  passed 
a  similar  resolution.     In  182(),  voted  in  fiivor  of  building  a  county  |)oor 
house,  which  was  done,  leaving  a  surplus  poor  fund  with  the  several 
towns.     To  dis|ioso  of  this  a  s|)ecial  town  meeting  was  bold  December 
21),  1830.     Voted  to  apply  the  poor  funds  of  the  town  for  tho  purpose  of 
hnilditig  a  town  bouse,  and  a  vote  was  taken  locating  said  house.     March 
DO,  18;n,  the  vote  locating  tho  town  house  was  reconsidered,  and  a  com- 
niitteo  of  three  from  three  dinercnt  towns,  was  named  for  the  ])nrpose  of 
selecting  a  site.     Abie  Mann,  .lames  Duanc  and  Barnabas  Heath,  were 
named  such  connnittee.     In  case  any  one  of  these  shoidd  bo  unable  to 
attend,  tho  one  or  two  who  did  attend  bad  power  toap])oint  one  or  two 
as  the  case  might  be,  to  fill  tho  vacancy.     Such  persons  tnight  not  be  resi- 
dents of  tb(!  town.     The  site  was  to  1)8  fixed  by  the  first  day  of  July  next. 
Joseph  Plumb,  Joshua  Dickinson  and  George  Adams,  were  ii'iminated  as 
a  town  committee  who  were  to  receive  liom  the  poor  masters,  tbejfunda 
in  their  bands,  and  erect  a  town  house  on  the  site  designated  by  the  com- 
missioners.    They  wore  also  ompaw(!red  to  collect  materials,  &.C.,  on 
subscription  (or  tho  above  purpose.    Silvester  Langdon,  was  subsequent- 
ly apjmintod  in  place  of  Mr,  Duann.     Tho  committee  thus  constituted, 
re|)orted, — -"That  in  their  opinion  the  interests  of  the  said  town  would  be 
best  serviid  by  locating  tho  town  house  on  the  high  land  between  the 
north  and  south  roads.    They  accordingly  located  it  on  lot  No,  Ki.     This 
decision  not  giving  satisfaction,  a  meeting  was  Jield  JMay  5,  1832,  the 
former  vote  was  reconsidered,  and  it  was  voted  to  divide  the  j)ublic 
money  remaining  in  the  hands  of  tho  overseers  of  the  jjoor,  equally  be- 
tween the  north  and  soinh  parts  of  tho  town.     It  was  voted  to  appropriate 
the  said  monoy  (or  tln!  purpose  of  building  two  town  bouses  to  be  located 
nt  the  centre  of  the  town  from  cast  to  west,  on  the  north  and  south  roads, 
unless  it  should  be  thought  best  to  vary  somewhat  (iom  these  points. 
Talmadge  Barmun,  Alanson  Green,  Jesse  Smith  and  William  Plumb, 
were  a|)|)ointe(l  a  committee  (or  erecting  the  north  bouse,  and  Jas.  Law- 
rence, John  L.  Uiggs,  Joseph  Congeraiid  Samuel  Brighton,  (or  the  other. 
A  committee  was  to  be  apjiointed  to  sec  tliat  the  several  religious  societies 
in  town  iiave  the  tho  use  of  these  houses  in  proportion  to  the  amount  that 
each  should  pay.    The  foregoing  votes  were  finally  reconsidered,  and  the 
meeting  adjourned. 


li'l 


:^Wr'r^ 


480 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


On  the  7tli  of  December,  a  nieptin;,'  wan  npain  lielrl,  nnci  nil  forinrr 
votes  aniMillcd,  Tlie  equal  ilivisioii  of  the  piihlio  moneys  was  njrain 
voted,  and  tiie  central  location  near  tiic  centre  from  east  to  west  on  the 
nortli  and  south  roads,  again  adopted.  James  Adams,  James  Lawrence 
and  Silvest(!r  Potter,  were  ajipointed  a  committee  to  erect  the  south  house, 
and  Jesse  Phnnb,  David  Doty  nod  Ezra  French,  the  other.  The  use  of 
these  houses  was  to  he  divided  between  the  ditferent  religious  societies  in 
proportion  to  the  amount  subscribed  by  each  towards  tho  erection.  Jlotii 
were  to  be  so  far  completed  as  to  be  valued  at  Sl,i200  each,  within  three 
jears  from  date. 

Two  public  buildings  were  accordingly  erected.  That  on  the  north 
road  in  18.'54.  and  the  other  in  IftJS.  The  former  is  of  wood,  and  the  latter 
of  stone,  and  was  only  completed  in  1H.")1.  At  their  town  meeting  in 
1850,  the  town  voted  that  their  meetings  should  in  future  be  held  altern- 
ntely  at  the  village  on  the  south  ioad,  and  at  Nortli  IJangor  corners.  The 
supervisor  was  instructed  to  opjiosc  the  plan  of  removing  the  site  or  re- 
building the  county  buildings.  The  town  has  nuilbrmly  voted  for  the 
support  of  schools  as  much  money  as  the  law  allows. 

Settlement  in  this  town  was  commenced  in  the  springof  1800,  by  Ben- 
jamin Seeley,  originally  from  Vermont,  but  who  for  several  years  lived 
in  31oira.  He  located  about  24  miles  east  of  the  centre  of  tho  town, 
A  winter  road  existed  across  the  town  previous  to  this,  which  wos 
passable  only  by  sleighs,  and  no  wheeled  vehicle  had  been  taken  into  or 
through  the  town  till  afterwards.  The  next  settler  was  Joseph  Plumb,* 
in  June,  180(5,  then  from  IMoira,  but  originally  from  Middlebm-y,  Vt.,  who 
took  np  a  farm  two  miles  east  of  the  centre  of  the  town.  In  the  full, 
Jehiel  and  James  Barnnm,  originally  from  Vermont,  commenced  im- 
provements, and  moved  on  with  their  families  the  following  winter. 
Chester  Tuller,  Robert  Wilson,  Joel  Griffin,  and  many  others,  settled  in 
1807  along  the  central  road,  and  several  families  had  settled  in  the  south- 
ern part  of  the  town  before  the  St.  Lawrence  turnpike  was  opened. 
Among  these  were  Gardner  Dickinson,  H.  Conger,  Jonathan  Bowen, 
Levi  Sylvester  and  Andrew  Potter,  and  others,  all  of  whom  were  from 
Franklin  co.,  Vt.  At  the  time  when  the  town  began  to  settle,  the  north  half 
belonged  to  McCormick.  William  Cooper  owned  the  S,  E.  quarter,  and 
Asahel  Bacon,  the  S.  W.  quarter.  Sir.  Bacon  lived  in  New  Haven,  Ct.,and 
his  first  ngent  was  Joseph  Plumb.  The  Cooper  tract  was  divided 
nmong  the  heirs  of  that  gentleman,  and  it  was  surveyed  in  1815.  N. 
Baker  surveyed  the  north  half  of  the  town  in  the  fall  of  1806,  and  the 
south  half  was  surveyed  by  Potter  Goff,  of  De  Kalb,  in  the  fall  of  1815. 
Tlie  first  school  was  taught  in  1808,  by  Samuel  Russell. 

Religious  Societies. — The  first  religious  meetings  are  said  to  have  been 
held  by  Rev.  Alexander  Proudfit,  in  1808.  A  Congregational  Church 
was  formed  in  a  barn  of  Mr.  Southworth,  near  North  Bangor,  at  on  early 
day.    It  consisted  at  first  of  9  members.    This  society  was  incor  poted 

*  Mr.  Plumb  died  in  Bangor,  in  1S33,  at  the  age  of  77. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


481 


February  9,  1833,  with  Josliim  Dickinson,  Jonntlinn  II.  Fnrr,  D.  Paine,  F. 
TiltoM  iumI  llrnry  Stevens,  trustees. 

Tlio  Clnisiian  sect  were  .tr'nnized  by  Elder  Uriah  Snjilh  nnil  J. 
Fpooiier,  in  the  full  of  1818,  uud  wan  iitteiidod  by  n  relij,'ioiis  revival. 
Elder  John  Smith,  was  pastor  oCthisehnrch  for  miiny  years.  They  laive 
a  churcii  and  hold  meetings  on  alternute  Sahbalhs. 

Bellmont, 

Was  erected  from  Cbateaiigay,  embracing  townships  8,  9,  and  10,  of 
the  Old  Military  tract,  JMarcli  25, 16:33,  the  lirst  town  nicetinj,'  being  held 
at  the  school  house  of  dis.  No.  8.  On  the  I'M  of  March,  1838,  the  south- 
ern tier  of  mile  square  lots  of  No.  7,  were  annexed. 

5i(;?e;t)iW«;— 1833-34.  Koswell  A.  Weed;  1835  lIonryK.  Hatch;  183<i, 
Jonathan  II.  Farr;  1837,  Koswell  A.  Weed;  1838-39,  John  D.  Mills, 
1840-41,  Georfie  Winkley;  1842,  Pliny  C  Daagelt;  1843,  Marcus  Head- 
ing; 1844-45.  Wiiliam  Weed;  1840-47,  Abraham  lU'vnolds;  1848-49, 
William  Weed;  1850,  John  D.  iMills;  1851,  Jonas  G.  Clark;  i852; 
William  Weed. 

The  first  survey  of  township  No.  8,  of  the  Old  Military  tract,  was 
made  in  1801,  by  Josei)b  Griffin.  The  town  of  Bellmont,  derives  its 
name  from  William  Bell,  one  of  the  early  proprietors  of  a  portion  of  the 
town.  Mr.  Boll  was  engaged  in  mercantile  business,  and  for  several  of 
the  latter  years  of  his  life,  was  employed  as  a  super  cargo  in  the  East 
India  trade.  While  engaged  in  settling  his  lands,  it  was  his  custom  to 
spend  a  portion  of  the  summer  months  in  Franklin  county.  Mr.  James 
H.  Titus,  is  the  present  owner  of  about  one  fifth  i)art  of  Bellmont  (No. 
8),  adjoining  Malonc.  The  attention  of  this  gentleman,  is  now  person- 
ally devoted  to  the  settlement  and  improvement  of  this  section  of  the 
county,  which  previous  to  the  completion  of  the  present  avenue  to 
market,  scarcely  found  encouragement  lor  the  investment  of  labor.  At 
present,  the  settlement  of  Bellmont  is  linnted  mostly  to  the  north  part  of 
the  town,  and  to  a  road  rimning  from  east  to  west,  parallel  with  the  line 
of  the  town.  Several  romantic  and  beautiful  lakes  occur  here,  and  none 
that  surpasses  that  of  Chateaugay  lake,  near  the  line  of  Clinton  county. 

There  is  a  Presbyterian  society  of  thirty  toibrty  members  in  this  towPj 
which  is  a  branch  of  the  Malone  church. 

An  alleged  murder  occurred  in  Bellinont,  Nov.  3,  1851.  Mr.  Justin 
Bell,  of  Brasher,  St.  Lawrence  comity,  had  erected  a  shanty  near  Owla- 
head  pond,  about  84  miles  from  Malone  village,  and  one  or  two  into  the 
woods,  for  a  residence  while  hunting  and  fisliir)g.  He  had  been  there 
on  this  occasion  severaj  days,  and  on  the  morning  of  the  day  on  which 
the  fatal  occm-rence  happened,  Mr.  B.  H.  Man,  of  Westville,a  surveyor, 
who  had  been  up  beyond,  to  examine  a  piece  of  land,  with  others,  left 
Bell  and  James  Sherwin,  at  the  shanty.  The  latter  had  arrived  about 
11  o'clock,  pardy  intoxicated,  and  with  ujiig  of  liquor.  He  is  said  to 
have  threatened  to  take  possession  of  the  sliunty  aud  the  furs,  and  bis 


I     ,; ; 


\        if 


I  isi'l 


•I 


482 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


I 


k.m 


mxy 


Bwnpgcrinjf  ninnn»!r  nindo  IJell  iinnnsy  nt  being  Icl>  alone  in  liia  com- 
pniiy,  and  lie  enquired  of  tlioso  wlio  wen;  leaviii}?  tJH.'in,  wlitMiier  lie 
would  bo  snfc  in  his  crtrnpany.  Kiirly  on  31onduy  nioininf,',  Slinruin 
catno  into  the  suttlunicnt  with  tho  Mtatcnient,  that  lie  bad  accidentally 
shot  Bell,  while  utteinpting  to  discharge  his  gun.  Nund)ei-H  iintnediately 
repaired  to  tiie  premises,  uiid  a  coroner's  intpiest  was  held.  Discrepancies 
in  the  account  given  of  the  niainicr  in  which  the  alleged  accident  oc- 
curred, and  the  (iict  of  some  of  the  furs,  the  lain|i,  &c.,  being  louiid  at  a 
considerable  distance  from  the  shanty,  led  to  suspicion  of  crime,  and 
Slier'vin  was  arrested  and  comtnitttid  for  murder.  The  Franklin  county 
jail  being  thought  tnisati;,  should  any  attempt  be  made  to  restriie  the 
prisoner,  he  was  confined  for  some  time  in  the  jail  of  St.  Lawrence 
county,  and  at  the  July  term  of  the  court  of  «>yer  and  teoiiiner,  held  ut 
Malone,  in  1852,  he  was  trice!. 

Augustus  C.  Hand,  one  of  the  justices  of  the  supreino  court  presided. 
Assisted  by  .lohn  Htitton,  county  judge,  and  Milton  Heath,  and  Elislin 
Ilollister,  justices  of  sessions.  After  a  full  and  impartial  trial,  the  jury, 
from  the  cii-cumstances  jiroved,  after  a  deliberation  of  several  hours, 
brought  in  a  verdict  of  g-ui'rti/.  The  prisoner  received  the  verdict  with 
apparent  inditierence.  He  was  sentenced  to  be  hung,  Sept.  10,  but  this 
was  commuted  to  imprisonment  lor  liie. 

IIOMUAT, 

Was  organized  from  Fort  Covington,  JMarch  30,  1833,  by  an  act  which 
took  effect  on  the  first  of  May  following.  The  (irst  town  meeting  was  di- 
rected to  be  held  at  the  school  house  near  Bombay  Corners.  This  town 
embraces  the  present  Indian  reservation  of  the  St.  Regis  tribe,  and 
township  No.  1,  or  Macomb,  of  Great  tract  number  1,  of  Macomb's  pur- 
chase. The  name  of  Bombay  was  derived  from  the  ccnunercial  capi- 
tal in  the  East  Indies,  and  given  by  Michael  Hogan,lthe  founder  of  Ho- 
gansburgh,  from  its  being  the  former  home  of  his  wife.  Mr.  Hogan 
died  at  Washington,  D.  C,  on  the  2Cn\i  of  March,  1833,  at  the  age  of  08. 
lie  had  for  several  years  held  the  office  of  consul  general  of  the  United 
States,  at  Valparaiso,  in  Chili,  and  was  formerly  a  merchant  in  the  city  of 
New  York.  He  was  distinguished  throughout  various  reverses  of  for- 
tune, by  his  enterprise,  intelligence  and  probity,  as  Avell  as  by  his  hospi- 
table and  liberal  disposition,  and  the  urbanity  of  his  manners. 

Stiperv{sors:—W33-M,  Wilson  Randall;  183.5-37,  Amherst  K.  Wil- 
ii«ms;  1838-39,  John  S.Eldridge;  1840-1,  Elias  Bowker;  1842-43 ;  Elvin 
K.Smith:  1844,  Amasa  Townseiid;  184.5,  Elias  Bowker;  1846-47;  A. 
Townsend;  1848,  Charles  Russell;  1849-50,  Jacob  G.  Reynolds;  1851,0. 
Russell;  1852;  J.  G.  Reynolds. 

The  first  jmprovemenis  in  the  town,  except  at  St.  Regis  village,  were,  it 
is  said,  begun  by  Gordon,  the  founder  of  St.  Regis,  who  about  17(32 
caused  mills  to  be  erected  at  what  is  now  Hogansburgh,  but  which  then 
bore  the  name  of  St,  Regis  mills.  From  this  place  be  is  said  to  have 
sent  rafls  to  Montreal.    The  tradition  of  this  affair  is  obscure  and  u  u 


t\ " 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


483 


certnin.  A  mill  was  burned  nbout  1804,  snid  to  Imvo  been  old.  In  De- 
cember, 1808,  there  were  no  inillH  there.  Wiltiain  Griiy,  the  Indian  '•■• 
terpreter,  wns  living  on  the  west  bank  during  the  early  part  of  the  war 
and  for  many  years  previous,  and  the  place  then  bore  the  name  of  Gray's 
mills.  From  information  derived  from  Joseph  Leibndiize,  a  Frenchman, 
who  has  resided  for  many  years  at  llogansburgh,  it  is  learned  that 
Frenchmen,  named  Beron  and  Bouget,  owned  the  first  mills  erected 
since  1808,  who  were  succeeded  by  one  Soufacon  and  Jean  Buptiste 
Parissien,*  who  left  in  181G. 

The  first  grist  mill  was  erected  for  Michael  Ilogan,  about  1818,  on  the 
east  side  of  St.  Regis  river.  He  had  previously  purchased  townsiiip 
number  one,  and  mills  were  erected  near  the  centre  of  the  town,  by 
Daniel  W.  Church,  for  him  in  1811.  The  first  settler  in  township  num- 
ber one  is  said  to  have  been  Joseph  Iladley,  a  hunter,  about  1803. 
Samuel  Sanborn,  with  a  large  fiimily,  settled  about  the  year  1805.  The 
settlements  in  town  were  very  few  and  feeble,  |>revioiis  to  1822,  when 
immigration  commenced,  ami  i)roceeded  so  rapidly,  that  the  greater  part 
of  the  town,  not  reserved  by  the  Indians,  was  taken  up  within  two  or 
three  years.  Much  of  the  valuable  timber  had  been  stolen  by  parties 
from  Canada,  and  by  squatters,  before  it  |»assed  into  the  hands  of  actual 
settlers.  The  title  of  township  number  one,  passed  from  Mr.  Hogan  to 
Robert  Oliver,  of  Baltimore,  and  the  estate  has  been  subsequently  di. 
vided  among  bis  heirs,  by  commissioners  chosen  for  the  ])urpose. 

The  village  of  llogansburgh  is  accessible  by  steamers,  and  an  Ameri- 
can boat  that  plies  between  Cornwall  and  Montreal,  has  touched  here 
during  the  past  season,  but  notwithstanding  this  advantage,  joined  with 
a  good  water  power,  the  place  does  not  appear  to  thrive.  Among  other 
causes,  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  titles  on  the  reservation,  and  the  impos- 
sibility, from  this  cause,  of  bringing  under  improvement  lands  which  are 
susceptible  of  a  high  cultivation,  are  the  principal.  The  first  road  across 
the  Indian  lands,  was  from  French  mills  to  St.  Regis,  and  in  the  treaty 
of  1818,  the  right  of  way  for  one  to  the  j)resent  village  was  ceded,  and 
soon  after  a  road  was  opened  nearly  east  and  west  through  the  reserva- 
tion. April  12,  1827,  $1,000  was  applied,  and  $1,000  subscribed,  for  im- 
proving this  road,  under  the  direction  of  James  B.  Spencer  and  Wm^ 
Hogan.  A  law  was  passed  Rlay  26,  1841,  ai)pointing  Gurdon  S.  Mills 
and  James  Hall  Jr.,  to  repair,  straighten  and  improve  this  road,  and  the 
sum  of  $4,000  was  applied  for  this  purpose. 

Religious  Societies. — The  Methodists  organized  a  society  in  town  March 

*  Owner  at  an  early  day  of  mills  on  Salmon  river.    Died  at  Isle  au  Perot,  about  1933 
aged  77. 


I 


I 


484 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


i 


2fi,  1832,  with  .ToHcpli  Elliot,  Jamos  !M.  Roberts,  Sitnon  Alverwon,  Jolm 
O'ltiley  mid  Wilson  Kuiidull,  trustees.  Tlii.s  society  Ikih  a  oliurcli  at 
lioinlmy  Corners. 

'I'lio  cliiircli  of  St.  Pntrick  (in  tlin  Cntliolii;  RegiHtor  imnied  St.  Mnry's 
rlmrrli),  wns  iiiror|ioriit(Ml  Oct.  20,  '834,  vvilli  the  Ht.  I{ev.  John  DidxliH, 
ItiKliop,  N.  v.;  Jolin  Ket'fnn  and  John  llannnili,  oi'Hrnsher.  JatncH  !Miir- 

1»liy,  Davis  O'Nail,  of  Bond)ay,  Patrick  Feely  and  l.anty  Adams,  of 
l(>)ianshnrgl),  trnHtccN.  Tliey  linve  n  stone  chnrch  at  IIo$;anHlinr^'li. 
Before  ils  erection,  tliere  was  no  other  Catholic  church  in  the  county, 
except  nt  St.  HejriH. 

An  Kpiscopal  ch(n'cli  was  commenced  in  1837,  a  little  east  of  the  vil- 
lage, but  was  never  fmished. 

Brandon, 
Was  erected  Jan.  28,  1828,  and  made  to  include  all  that  part  of  Bnn- 
por  south  of  No.  5,  in  Great  tract  No.  1  of  Macornh's  purchase.  The 
first  town  meeting  was  directed  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Elijah  Pren- 
tiss. The  poor  moneys  raised  in  Bangor  in  1827,  were  to  be  divided 
according  to  the  last  assessment.  At  the  first  town  meeting,  the  follow- 
ing officers  were  elected : 

Henry  Stephens,  st/pem'sor;  Jonathan  II.  Farr,  cleric;  Shiibert  Hast- 
ings, Elijah  Prentiss,  assesaors;  Jonathan  Hastings,  collector;  Josiali 
Hastings,  Isaac  Joy,  noor  »no5/er.?,*  George  Austin,  (^lark  Adams,  Kufiis 
Whitney.  coHiVsq/* /iiif/iit'rti/.»;  .lonathan  Hastings,  Royal  Whitman,  con- 
stable; Andrew  Stevens,  Joseph  Thomas,  Thornaa  \VvMf>,  coni'rs  of  com- 
mon schools ;  James  Wells,  Ezekiel  Hildrcth,  Calvin  Vtwr,  fence  viewers ; 
Peter  H.  Higgings,  Iia  l^wings,  Thomas  Wells,  Joseph  Thomas,  Peter 
Willson,  overseers  oj  higliwm/s. 

At  the  first  meeting,  $2r)6  voted  for  the  highways.  At  a  special  town 
meeting,  held  Deccndjer  10,  1830,  a  vote  was  taken  and  carried,  that  the 
poor  mou-^i  should  be  applied  to  pay  the  resident  luxes  in  the  i/ear  1830.  A 
vote  was  also  taken  that  the  overseers  of  the  poor  should  collect  the  |)oor 
money  without  delay,  and  i)ay  it  over  Jo  the  collector  of  the  said  town 
of  Brandon,  and  that  the  remainder  of  the  poor  money,  after  |»aying  the 
resident  taxes,  is  to  apj)ly  towards  paying  the  overseers  of  the  poor  for 
their  services  in  the  year  1830.  This  action  was  taken  after  the  adoption 
of  the  poor  house  system,  when  the  poor  being  otherwise  provided  for, 
the  towns  were  allowed  to  specify  the  object  for  which  the  poor  fund 
that  had  previously  accumulated  could  be  applied. 

1850,  Resolved  unanimously,  that  the  supervisor  be  instructed  to  op- 
pose the  removal  of  the  court  liouse  from  the  [)resent  site.  The  hoard 
of  supervisors  was  requested  to  cause  the  present  buildings  to  be  re- 
paired. The  town  has  usually  voted  for  the  support  of  schools  all  the 
money  which  the  law  allows,  and  $250  annually  lor  public  highways. 

Supervisors. — 1828-31,  Henry  Stevens,  Jr. ;  1832-3,  Jonathan  H.  Farr; 
1834,  H.  Stevens,  Jr.;1835-6,  J.H.  Farr;  1837,  Jason  Baker:  1838,  James 
H.Holland;  1839-40,  H.  Stevens,  Jr.;  1841,  J.  H.  Holland;  1842,  Shu- 
bert  Hustings;  1843-4,  Henry  Stevens;  1845-G,  Alexander  Sergeant; 
1847-8,  J.  H.  Holland;  1849-50,  J.  Baker;  1851-2,  J.  H.  Farr. 

This  town  derives  its  name  from  Brandon,  Vt.,  from  whence  most  of 
the  first  settlers  emigrated.    The  settlement  is  at  present  mostly  limited 


AND  FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


485 


to  the  nortli  third  of  No.  8.  A  few  scnttcrcd  nettlcrH  reaidn  on  tho  Port 
Kent  ron<l,  in  townshii*  No.  11.  Tho  town  hofrnn  to  settle  in  IH'iO,  und 
tiio  following  nnnics,  from  the  land  hook  of  Mr.  Nonli  Moody,  the  a^ent, 
were  thowe  of  first  settlern:  Josiali  IIuHtinjjH,  Aaron  Conger,  Wilson 
Spooncr,  Luther  Taylor  and  John  Thonins. 

In  1821,  Andrew  and  Henry  Stevens,  Levi  Cooper,  G.  W.  Taylor, 
Clark  Adams,  Daniel  K.  Davis,  Jonathan  H.  Farr  and  Orriu  Wellington ; 
in  183'<2,  ten,  and  in  I8'i'.i,  eight  families,  moved  into  town.  The  first 
saw  mill  was  huilt  hj^Irn  Kwens,  in  ISStl-e. 

The  following  note  is  taken  from  the  field  notes  of  B.  Wright,  made 
on  the  survey  of  17!)!t: 

"  The  Indian  line  of  navigation  from  lake  Chainplain  to  Hnilson's  river, 
Rnckett  river.  Black  river  and  lake  Ontario,  lies  through  this  town  (No. 
in,  tract  No.  1),  hy  a  piith  liom  Saraiiac  lake  to  a  small  lake  on  a  hrancli 
01  the  river  Racket,  and  is  much  used  hy  the  various  trihes  of  tlium." 

It  is  marked  on  tho  original  niai)s,  as  the  Indian  Pass. 

Burke 

Was  erected  from  Chateaugay,  April  ^G,  1844,  and  comprises  most  of 
the  western  half  of  township  No.  7  of  the  Old  Military  tract.  It  was 
proposed  to  name  the  town  Biniey,  from  tho  candidate  of  the  lil)erty 
party  for  the  presidency  in  that  election;  hut  this  was  changed  in  the 
li^islature.  The  supervisors  of  this  town  liave  heeii,  1844-7,  Loren 
T:.,,;  1848-9,  Reuhen  Pike;  1850-51,  Winthrop  Newton;  185Q,  Elishn 
Murks.  In  1850,  the  supervisor  was  instructed  to  use  his  influence 
against  the  removal  of  the  county  buildings,  or  the  huilding  of  new 
Olios. 

In  1851,  $500  was  raised  by  authority  of  the  legislature,  for  a  town 
house,  and  one  has  been  erected  of  wood,  near  the  centre  of  the  town, 
a  mile  northwest  of  the  depot. 

The  town  was  settled  at  about  the  same  time  as  Chateaugay,  of  which 
it  formed  a  part.  Jeliiel  Barnum,  Noah  Lee  and  others,  enumerated  in 
our  account  of  Chateaugay,  were  among  the  earlier  settlers.  There  is 
at  present  no  village  in  town.  A  post  office,  town  house,  Presbyterian 
and  Baptist  churches  (all  built  in  1852),  exist  near  the  centre  of  the  town, 
near  a  neighborhood  known  as  Burke  Corners,  which  may  form  the 
neucleus  of  a  village.  Near  the  point  where  Trout  river  is  crossed  by 
the  rail  road,  is  a  starch  factory  and  several  minor  establishments,  which 
the  facilities  of  transportation  which  they  enjoy,  may  be  the  means  of 
making  a  place  of  business.  A  depot  building  has  been  lately  erected 
here.    It  is  only  a  flag  station. 


fMl 


486 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


jr.. 


f 


ClIATEAUfiAY, 

Wns  formed  fiotn  ClinmplLin,  euihiacinf,'  towiisliips  5,  G,  7,  8,  of  tlie 
Old  Military  tract.  On  the  erection  of  St,  Lawrence  county,  Great  tract 
No.  1,  of  Macomb's  jxHcliasc,  and  the  St.  Roj,Msn"S(!ivati()ii ;  and  in  form- 
ing Frani<lin  comity,  INIiiitary  townsiiips  !>  and  10  wimi^  annexed,  and  5 
and  ()  taken  off.  Tract  No.  1  was  taken  off  in  ]8()5,  in  forniiiif^  Harrison, 
and  hy  the  two  acts  erecting  and  extending  IJeilniont,  and  in  tiie  erec- 
tion of  Burke,  it  has  been  reduced  to  its  present  limits. 

At  tlie  first  town  ineeting  in  17!H),  Lewis  Ransom  was  elected  super- 
visor and  clerk ;  Halpli  T'iiepai'd,  Jesse  K(>tchnm,  and  JJiMij.  Koherts,  «,?- 
.lessors;  Amasa  I''armai;,  collerlor ;  (lilhert  H.iymond,  L.  Hansom,  poor 
masters;  Azenr  Hawks,  (Jco.  Piatt,  Natiian  WcA'tnun,  mniwlssiomrs  lii<.>-h- 
vui)/s;  Thomas  Smitii,  Amasa  Varmixu,  rouslalilcs :  Amasa  Farman,  I'deg 
Douglas,  I'zekiel  Hodges,  J{<!nj.  l{oherts,  Jesse  Ketchum,  path  maslers. 
The  town  in  1800  gavt;  H(i  votes  for  senator. 

Supervisors. — 171)!)-1803,  Lewis  IJansom;  IHO:^-;").  William  Hailev; 
180()-8.  (Jates  Hoit;  180!>-10,  William  Hailev;  181 1,  James  Ormeshee; 
181',),  Lehcns  Fairman;  18l;}-'21,  (J.  Hoit;  IJS-J'i-M.  (ieoi.:.- W.  Douglas, 
18'i-l-r,.  (iitleon  ("olliiis;  hS-id.  Ira  Smith;  18'27-8,  (J.  Collins;  18'i!l-31, 
Jacob  Smith;  18;}'i,  John  I).  Miles;  18:{;{-(;,  John  iMilclici :  18;V/-b,  K/.ni 
Stiles;  18:J!I,  (i.  Collins;  1840-11,  J.  Mitehel;  181-2.  Ileiirv  15.  Smith; 
184;},  Daniel  N.  Huntington;  1844,  G.  Collins;  l84r)-!»,  11.  IJ.Smith;  1850, 
Jonatlian  Hoit;  18."il,  11.  15.  Smith;  185'i,  Thomas  IJennet. 

IJounlies  for  noxious  uniinals  hnv(;  been  voted  as  follows:  For  |)nn- 
tliers.eiOin  181");  .SW  in  1818,'l!t,"20,',*l.  lAn- wolves,  %<  10  in  1807, '08.* 
'If);  81')  in  1817,  '18;  .*'J0  in  181!*,  ':20,  '2i\.  For  bears,  )«<10  in  1818,  '1!», 
'i>0, '-21.  For  foxes,  !?•>  in  1817;  84  in  1818. '!!»;  s,-)  in  18"20, 'i>l.  For 
(squirrels,  8U'~'"'  •"  1817;  81  lor  every  1'2  in  18"20,  to  resitlents  of  the  town 
onlv.  I'or  wolvarines,  si.')  in  181!).  For  black  birds,  80'25  in  1817. 
For  crows,  80-.i0  in  1817",  '18;  H  in  1820,  '21. 

Fel).  12,  18'21,  at  a  special  meeting  "  held  upon  application  of  twclvo 
freeholders,  to  see  if  the  iidiabitanis  will  agree  to  drop  tlK-se  bounties," 
it  was  decide<l  by  ballot  that  no  jirocecding  should  b(^  had  in  the  matter. 
At  u  subsequent  s[>ecial  meeting  they  were  discontinued. 

J\''olesfrom  the  lircords.-  -I80i,  "  U'  any  man  li^ave  syruj)  so  that  it  kill  or 
injure  cattle,  he  shall  pay  damage;"  this  vote  again  |)assed  in  18(1(1, '08. 
laOii,  if  any  jierson  having  any  thistli!  or  tory  weed  growinir  in  any  of 
their  improved  lands,  or  in  the  highway  passing  these  lands,  (mdbytiieiu 
occupied,  shall  by  the  1st  of  July  cut  or  destroy  the  same  to  prevent  their 
going  to  seed,  on  a  penalty  of  8''>  for  each  neglect.  1810,  8^0  for  a 
poimd;  8150  of  the  poor  money  to  purchase  a  merino  ram  to  belong  to 
the  town.  At  an  extra  mtu'ting  1809,  resolved  to  raise;  8^^500  by  tax  in 
three  years,  for  a  court  house  and  jail,  all  a  law  is  passed  atuhori/.ing 
it.  18"i0,  825  voted  to  purchnso  a  compass  and  chnin  jor  the  use  of  the 
town. 

Townships  G  and  7  were  surveyed  in  the  summer  of  1705  by  Cochran 
&  Ransom,  assisted  by  Samuel  and  Nathan  Beeman  (Itither  and  son), 

*  Expressly  ■tipuUted  Uiat  boun'.ies  should  not  be  paid  for  tlie  unborn  young. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


487 


Bcnj.  Roberts,  niul  others,  nncl  the  latter  thus  becoming;  acquainted  with 
the  qtinlity  of  the  1ii:id,  resolved  to  purchase  and  settle  here.  The  first 
improvement  was  begun  by  Benjuiniti  Roberts,  from  Ferrisburgh,  Vt., 
and  Natiinn  Boemnn,*  from  Fhittsburgh,  early  in  171)G.  At  this  time  the 
frontier  settlement  was  in  Beeltmuntown,  six  miles  west  of  Plattsburgh. 

Having  decided  upon  emigrating  far  beyond  the  limits  of  civilized  life, 
Mr,  Roberts  letl  his  [lome  in  February,  17!X),  with  his  liimily  and  goods, 
and  arrived  safely  at  i'lattsburgh,  where  he  left  hii^  tuniily,  and  ut- 
teni|)UMl  to  proceed  with  a  portion  of  his  goods  to  his  destination.  With 
the  assistance  of  some  of  the  land  pro|)rietors,  and  others,  who  felt  an 
interest  in  the  proposed  settlement,  they  proceeded  with  a  number  of 
teams  as  far  as  was  practicable  (about  eighteen  miles),  where  they  were 
couipelled  from  the  depth  of  the  snows  to  abandon  the  undertaking,  and 
leavnig  their  loading  concealed  in  the  woods  with  liendock  houghs,  they 
returned  to  Plattsburgh.  Iii  March,  Mr.  Roberts,  with  Levi  Trumbull,  a 
young  man  whom  he  had  hired,  set  out  with  an  intention  of  making 
sugar,  atid  there  being  a  tirm  criiston  the  snow,  they  started  with  a  hand 
sled  tor  tiie  |'/lace  where  their  loading  had  been  deposited,  and  taking  a 
tive-|)ail  iron  kettle,  and  an  old  iiishioned  Dutch  iron  pot,  holding  about 
ten  gallons,  some  provisions,  an  axe,  and  tapping  gouge,  they  proceeded 
with  these,  drawing  them  on  the  sled  by  hand  to  Chatjaugay,  a  distance 
of  about  twenty-two  miles,  uloug  u  narrow  path  that  had  been  partly  cut 
tiirough  the  fall  betbre,  in  anticipation  of  a  road.  Mr.  Roberts  had  alho 
provided  a  hut  the  ttill  previous,  which  was  not  covered.  They  soon 
tilted  up  a  quantity  of  bass  wood  troughs,and  coitmienced  making  sugar. 
While  occupying  this  (;ainp,  they  were  on  one  occasion  visite«l  by  an 
Indian,  who  sold  them  a  moose,  the  flesh  of  which  they  cut  up  and 
smoked  over  their  fire,  as  tliey  were  making  sugar.  At  the  close  of  the 
sugar  season  they  \el\  their  sugar,  smoked  meat,  and  kettles,  in  their 
camp,  and  rettu'iied  to  Plattsburgh. 

In  the  early  part  of  April,  Mr.  R.  again  started  with  his  family,  con- 
sisting of  a  wUh  and  tour  children,  and  several  hired  men.  These  were 
Levi  Trumbull,  Joshua  Chamberlin,  Kinkade  Chandierlin,  Ethan  A. 
Roberts,  Jared  Munson.  Their  outfit  consisted  of  a  yoke  of  oxen,  and 
a  pair  oi'  steers,  for  leaders,  attached  to  a  sled  containing  a  iiiw  articles 
ot  indispensable  use,  but  they  iiad  not  proceeded  more  than  u  mile  be- 
yond  the  house  of  a  Mr.  Delong,  the  last  settler  in  Beekmantovvn,  when 
one  of  the  oxen  gave  out  from  fatigue.  He  was  here  unyoked  and  left  to 
provide  for  Inmself,  as  the  spring  was  just  opening  and  vegetation  had 
advanced  enough  to  afford  a  scanty  supply  of  liioit;  and  Roberts  pro- 
posed to  his  wile  to  retiu'ii  with  her  young  children  to  the  settlement, 
until  another  opportunity  offered;  but  with  heroic  resolution  she  in- 


9  'Off  1 '  m 

li  ^i  jM     tin 

n^  'f'  1 


*  III  his  youth  Mr.  It.  resided  at  Ticonduroga,  and  lifted  lis  (he  guide  to  Alien  and  Arnold,  in 
the  surpastal  ol  that  fortress,  in  March,  1773.  Ueinj;  Ijut  a  lad,  he  like  oilier  children,  was  al. 
lowei!  the  range  of  the  premises,  and  was  familiar  with  eM-ry  iioolt  and  avenue.  L'lider  hii 
KUid»".c:e  Ktliaii  Allen  was  conducted  to  the  chamher  of  the  Hritish  commander,  who  wai 
surprised  and  captured  without  resistance.  In  relating  this  occurrence,  .Mr.  Heeman  said,  that 
Capt.  Delaptace,  after  some  coinvrsution  with  Mr.  Allen,  happening  to  see  him  in  company 
With  the  proviiirials,  enquired  :  •'  What  1  are  you  here  .Natliiin  .'"  This  que<tjoii  aroused  ■ 
sense  of  conscious  guilt  and  shame,  for  having  betrayed  the  c.  nfltleiice  repo>ed  in  him,  ill  re- 
warding kiiidneu  with  treachery.    Mr.  Beeinun  died  iu  Chat«auj,'ay  in  It; JO. 

80 


498 


HISTOUY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


sister)  upon  shnring  tl)<!  hnrdships  of  tlie  nndertnkinp,  nnd  reFolved  to 
proceed.  The  liiisbp.nd,  linving  placed  in  n  iiide  hark  Baddle,  Kiich  hiir- 
den  upon  the  odd  ox  as  he  was  aide  converjientiy  to,carry,  and  suspended 
from  the  yoke  of  the  steers  a  pack  containing  a  few  articles  of  first  ne- 
cessity, he  took  upon  his  own  back  one  of  Ins  hoys,  and  led  the  way, 
driving  his  cattle  before  him,  and  followed  by  his  wife,  bearing  an  inliint 
in  herarms.  His  men  and  two  older  boys,  then  mere  lads,  bearing  encii 
such  burdens  as  their  strength  permitted,  brought  up  the  rear.  Wlint 
could  not  be  taken  was  leil,  covered  u[)  on  the  sled.  A  part  of  tlieir 
loading  was  a  barrel  of  rum,  which  was  left,  excepting  a  copper  teakettle 
fidl,  which  they  look  along;  and  this  being  exhausted  to  wnhin  a  quart, 
the  remainder  was  preserved  for  Mrs.  Roberts.  Wherever  night  over- 
took them,  they  encamped  in  such  a  place  as  they  might  happen  to  be. 
They  were  from  Monday  till  Saturday,  in  performing  the  journey  of 
about  forty  miles,  and  reached  their  sugar  camp  about  noon  on  Satiu- 
day,  finding  all  safe.  During  this  toilsome  march,  Mrs.  Roberts  was 
often  compelled  to  pause  and  rest,  and  as  they  ascended  the  last  hill, 
she  enquired  dispairingly  how  much  further  it  was  to  the  end  of  their 
journey. 

The  remainder  of  the  first  day  and  the  next  was  spent  in  covering 
their  lint  with  barks,  and  they  completed  this  labor  just  in  time  to  save 
themselves  from  a  drenching  rain.  A  set  of  table  furniture  was  made 
of  wood,  upon  which  to  eat,  consisting  of  trenches  and  forks.  To  supply 
the  family  with  jtrovisions,  the  odd  ox  was  sent  once  a  week  to  Plaits- 
burgh,  with  Chandjerlain  as  driver,  and  with  the  regularity  of  the  mails, 
this  nnimal  perforjned  his  weekly  trips,  hearing  on  his  back  a  supply  of 
flour  nnd  ])ork,  upon  wliich  they  relied  for  support  during  the  first  sea- 
son. The  party  conmienced  a  clearing  on  the  south  bank  of  IMarhle 
river,  about  half  a  mile  north  of  the  present  village  of  Chatcaugay,  and 
during  thesuimner  of  17})(),  about  forty  acres  were  cut  and  partly  cleared. 
A  small  patch  of  potatoes  and  turnips  was  got  in,  the  seed  of  the  former, 
being  brought  on  the  backs  of  Wm.  Roberts  and  Nathan  Beeman,  from 
Cumberland  Head.  To  economize  weight,  the  seed  ends  and  eyes  of 
the  potatoes,  were  only  Lrought.  IJeemaii  from  Plaitsl)urgh,  had  been 
on  several  times  during  the  summer,  and  having  made  arrangements  for 
moving,  brought  on  his  family  in  the  fall.  BIrs.  Roberts  had  l)een  in  the 
settlement  three  months,  without  seeing  the  face  of  any  one  of  her  sex, 
tmtil  the  arival  of  Mrs.  B.  Within  tlie  first  three  years,  John  Allen, 
Samuel  Haight,  Lewis  Ransom,  Jacob  Smith,  Azur  Hawks,  Noah  Lee, 
Gilbert  Reynolds,  Jesse  Ketchum,  Silas  Pomeroy,  David  McMulleii, 
Claudius  Britton,  Samuel  Turner.  Stephen  Vaiiglian,  Peleg  Doug-las, 
David  Mallory,  Thomas  Suiiiii,  Gate  Hoit,  Ezekiel  llodges,  Samuel 
Stoten,  Israel  Thayer,  Avciy  Stiles,  and  Moses  Corban,  and  perhaps  a 
few  others,  mostly  men  of  liimilies,  and  from  Vermont,  came  into  the 
town,  selected  and  i)iu'chased  lands,  commenced  small  improvements, 
and  made  arrangements  lor  making  a  i)ermanent  settlement.  David 
Mallory,  during  the  second  year  of  the  settlement,  commenced  the 
erection  of  the  first  grist  mill,  on  Marble  river,  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
north  west  of  the  present  village  of  Chateaugay.  A  mortar  was  rijrged 
up  during  the  first  season,  by  excavating  a  hole  in  the  top  of  a  stump, 
the  pestle  being  suspended  from  a  bough,  in  such  a  manner,  that  the 
force  of  the  grinder  was  required  only  in  bringing  down  the  |)estle.  The 
principal  milling,  however,  was  done  in  Plattsburgh,  ami  the  trip  re- 
quired generally  a  week.  Tiie  first  crop  raised,  was  some  seventy 
bushelH  of  potatoes,  and  a  quantity  of  turnips.     The  mill  was  built  Ibr 


iwEi 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


489 


Natlinniel  Plntt,  of  Plattshiirjrh,  wlio  wns  somnwliat  interested  in  tlio 
titles  of  the  town.  Tiie  miilwrijtiit  was  Kiislia  Howard,  of  Vermont.  It 
was  got  in  operation  in  the  year  it  was  beyjnn.  A  saw  njiil  was  l)nilt  by 
tiiB  same  parties  near  the  grist  mill,  and  the  sanie  year.  The  first  hirtU 
in  town,  is  said  to  have  heen  tliat  of  Ahmson  Koberls  in  175)0.  Tiie  first 
school  was  taught  al)ont  17i>0.  Tlii!  settlement  ^rew  rpi  te  rapidly  for 
several  years,  i)rin(;ipally  on  the  Fort  Covington  and  the;  iMalone  roads, 
the  former  of  wiiiidi  was  opened  us  a  winter  road  aliont  the  year  1798. 
These  hecanie  the  ihoronghfares  of  emigrants  tVom  Vermont,  on  their 
way  to  St.  Lawrence  and  at  the  time  of  the  war  a  thriving  settlement 
existed,  numbers  iiere  as  elsewhere,  returned  to  \ew  LJngiand.  on  the 
approach  of  war,  and  of  this  nniaber,  some  never  retmned.  The  first 
road  was  worUetl  by  subscri|)tioii  and  voluntary  labor,  so  as  to  be  pagsa- 
bie  in  1800.  A  turnpike  company  was  incorporated  Ajtril  8,  1805,  to 
build  a  road  fi'om  l'lattsi»urgh  to  the  Macomb  purchase,  and  iMarcli  14, 
]80(i,  the  limitation  was  extended  3  years;  and  should  10  miles  be  built, 
the  c  nnpany  mi;:li*^  for  7  years  colhict  doid)le  tolls.  This  company,  it  is 
believed,  did  not  organize.  A  law  of  April  9,  18ll,direete(l  the  managers 
of  the  lottery  lor  the  purchase  of  the  IJotanic  garden  to  raise  $.5,000  to 
improve  the  road  to  the  county  line.  On  the  8th  of  June,  1812,  a  law 
directed  $5,000  to  be  paid  out  ottlu-  state  treasury  for  the  purpose.  The 
jireamble  of  this  law,  states  that  ''the  said  county  of  I'rankrm  forms  a 
jiart  of  the  nortiiern  li-ontier  of  this  state,  and  the  settlements  therein  are 
situated  on  tlie  borders  of  a  ibreign  territory,  and  at  a  great  distance 
from  the  other  settlement."  Tin;  twoc,.uiiies  were  to  tax  themselves 
S150  ainmally,  to  repay  the  $5,000,  until  it  slioidd  be  repaid  by  the 
lottery.  A  sum  not  exceeding  $750,  annually,  might  be  raised  by  tax, 
during  two  years,  for  the  linishiiig  of  the  road.  During  the  military  ope- 
rations of  tlie  war,  and  es[)ecially  iu  1813,  when  General  Wade  Hampton 
was  passing  with  his  army  through,  to  tbrm  a  junction  with  Wilkinson  on 
the  St.  Lawrence,  necessity  compelling  him  to  improve  it,  in  order  to 
maintain  a  communication  with  the  lake.  In  one  of  bis  letters,  he  stales, 
that  he  had  made  it  a  perfect  tmiipike.  In  1815-1(5,  a  party  of  United 
States  troops,  under  Captain  William  F.  Elailc,  built  twenty  miles  of 
road  towards  Franklin  Co.,  but  it  was  contimied  no  further  by  the  gene- 
nd  govermneiit.  In  1830,  a  law  directed  a  tux  of  $2,000  in  Ainloneami 
Cliateatigay,  to  be  expended  by  commissioners,  on  the  road  from  I'latts- 
bin'gh  to  .Malone.  The  Chateaiigay  Turnpike  Comi)any  was  incorporu- 
ted  Ap'il  21,  1828,  to  build  a  road  from  Mulone  Court  ilon^e,  by  way  of 
Chateaiigay  lake  to  Mooers,  but  was  never  organized. 

A  foiiie  was  erected  by  Wni.  JJailey  about  1803-4,  about  three  miles 
above  Chateaiigay,  on  the  river,  but  never  made  but  a  few  tons  of  iron. 
Ore  was  derived  from  swamps  in  the  vicinity  of  Cliatcaugay  lake,  l>ut 
this  proved  to  be  in  limit<,'d  i^uimtitiis.  Home  ore  was  afterwards  drawn 
from  Constable  and  fiom  Clinton  Co.,  but  the  manufacture  under  the 
circu  iistniiCL's  was  found  to  be  a  losing  operation  and  was  after  a  trial  of 
t.v'o  or  three  years  abandoned.  A  large  pa|»er  mill  was  begun  by 
the  same  person  in  the  vicinity  of  the  fiirge,  but  never  completed. 

During  the  summer  of  1812,  the  inhabitants  for  their  own  protection, 
mid  by  voluntary  labor  and  coiitiibutions,  erected  a  block  bouse  on  a 
commanding  elevation  on  the  bank  of  the  Chateaiigay  river,  three  miles 
north  west  of  the  villuge.  Upon  the  rein'csentatioii  of  Mr.  Gate  Iloit  to 
Covernor  Tompkins,  the  sum  of  .$100  was  appliedj  as  a  partial  remu- 
neration for  the  expense  of  erection.  During  the  war  it  was  occupied 
a  part  of  the  time  by  the  troojjs  stationed  in  town,  and  towards  the  eloso 
of  the  Wiu"  or  soon  after,  it  was  privately  burned  us  was  snjiposed,  by 


n?.-^ 


too 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


Borne  one  from  Cnniula.  In  1812,  a  tletncliment  of  repular  troops  under 
Col's  VV^ool  rnd  Snelling,  were  stationed  a  sliort  time  at  Cfiateaiisray.  Tliey 
were  encamj)ed  near  the  nortl'  part  of  llie  town.  Gen.  \Va(lolIiiiii|Mleii, 
with  an  army  consisting  mostly  of  new  recruits  from  Vermont,  and  in- 
tended to  coiiperate  in  the  nnsnccossfnl  enterprise  of  (Jen.  Wilkinson, 
ajrainst  Montreal,  marched  from  Plnttshurjrli  as  far  as  this  town  in  Aug., 
and  ramped  in  the  vicinity  ol'(yhaieanpay  Corners.  In  November  lie  re- 
turned to  I'lattsburjtli.  A  quantity  of  flour  witii  a  small  guard  for  its  pro- 
tection, waslelt.  Wliile  he  lay  encamped  near  the  Corners,  small  !)odies 
of  troops  occupied  positions  nearer  the  province  line,  and  one  of  these 
came  near  liavinfi  an  engagement  with  the  enemy.  One  of  the  sentinels 
was  shot,  and  a  small  show  of  force  was  made  which  retreated,  and  it 
was  believed  that  an  ambuscade  had  been  laid  in  hopes  of  decoying  the 
|)arty  into  it.  On  this  occasion,  they  took  one  of  the  inhabitants  (Halnion 
Smith,)  a  prisoner  into  Canada,  but  he  soon  escaped  and  returned.  I  nr 
some  years  previous  to  the  war,  a  settlement  of  New  England  people 
had  existed  in  Canada  near  Chateuiigay  river,  but  on  the  occurrence  of 
hostilities,  they  abandoned  their  improvements,  and  moved  into  the  state. 
Few  if  any  of  these  ever  returned  or  received  any  compensation  for  the 
property  left,  which  was  subsequently  sold  by  government  to  EiuDpeau 
emigrants.  Soon  after  the  arrival  of  (ieneral  Wilkinson  at  French  31  ills, 
a  regiment  under  Col.  Biss.oll,  which  had  formed  a  y)art  of  his  force,  pro- 
ceeded to  Chateaugay,  and  remained  during  the  winter.  On  the  evacua- 
tion of  French  Mills,  the  greater  part  of  Wilkinson's  army  passeil 
through  on  their  way  to  Plattsburgh.  and  were  soon  after  followed  by  a 
detachment  of  the  enemy  under  Col.  Scott,  who  pressed  whatever  teams 
they  could  find,  and  succeeded  in  finding  and  in  carrying  away  a  consid- 
erable amount  of  provisions  which  liad  been  left  by  the  American  arniy. 
On  returning,  the  British  destroyed  the  bridges  to  hinder  from  pursuit. 
At  the  time  of  their  incursion  they  ])roceeded  as  far  as  where  the 
road  crosses  Marble  river,  towards  Plattsbingh,  and  succeeded  in  inter- 
cepting an  express  which  had  been  dispatched  to  convey  information  to 
the  American  forces  at  Plattsburgh.  Upon  finally  receiving  information, 
R  detachment  started  and  had  proceeeded  about  a  dozen  miles,  when  they 
•were  met  by  the  intelligence  that  the  invaders  had  retreated.  'J'he  enemy 
were  joined  at  this  place  by  a  company  of  Indians  under  a  white  captain, 
who  came  up  the  Chateaugay  river  from  Canada.  Much  cojnplaint  wns 
made  by  the  inhabitants  about  the  seizure  of  private  property  by  the  en- 
emy, who  were  said  to  have  been  not  over  particular  in  selecting  public 
from  private  stores. 

After  this  occin-rence,  no  military  operations  occurred  in  town  during 
the  war.  A  jiortionof  the  citizens,  in  common  with  other  parts  of  the 
county,  was  called  out  on  the  eve  of  the  battle  of  Plattsburgh,  to  assist  in 
the  defense  of  that  jdace,  a:id  proceeded  imder  the  command  of  General 
Alric  Man.  by  a  soudiern  route  near  Chateaugay  lake,  to  avoid  being  in- 
tercepted by  the  enemy.  This  detachment  did  not  arrive  till  after  the 
action.  On  approaching  the  village  a  firing  of  cannon  was  heard,  and 
they  hastened  on  to  afiford  any  aid  they  might  lie  able,  but  ascertained 
that  it  was  but  the  firing  of  minute  guns  at  the  burial  of  the  dead. 

By  an  act  of  March  20,  1843,  tlie  sum  of  .*500  per  aninnn  for  three 
years,  was  applied  towards  the  construction  of  a  bridge  over  Chnteaugiiy 
river,  near  Douglass's  mills,  out  of  the  tolls  collected  on  the  military  roiwl 
from  Plattsburgh.  It  was  to  be  constructed  under  the  joint  direction  of 
the  military  road  commissioners  in  Franklin  county,  and  the  road  com- 
missioners in  Chateaugay. 


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AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES, 


4D3 


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Among  the  most  successnil  ncliieveineiits  in  tlio  line  of  rnil  roarl  en- 
gineering iu  the  Htute,  inny  be  reckoned  the  hi^h  emhanknient  and  tunnel 
a  short  distance  west  of  the  station  at  Cliateangay.  The  surface  of  the 
country  in  the  northern  part  of  Franklin  county,  is  in  the  main  level,  and 
finely  ada|)ted  to  agricultin'al  puFpnsps,  hut  the  Chateaugny,  Salmon  and 
other  rivers  in  their  descent  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  have  worn  for  them- 
selves dt!C|)  and  narrow  valleys,  which  afford  in  numerous  places,  the 
most  picturesque  scenery,  but  which  opjtosed  an  obstacle  of  great  mag- 
nitude in  the  construction  of  the  Nortiiern  rail  road.  To  overcome  that 
at  Chateaugay,  it  wis  resolved  to  fill  in  the  valley  with  earth,  in  order  to 
brinjf  it  up  level  with  tiie  surface  on  each  side.  To  ensure  a  channel  for 
the  river  in  such  u  manner  that  the  embankment  should  not  suffer  from 
its  encroachment,  a  tunnel  300  f(  et  long,  was  first  made  through  ti:e  solid 
rock,  which  bordered  the  valley,  and  permanent  walls  erected  to  direct 
the  stream  through  its  new  channel,  and  to  retain  the  earth  of  the  em- 
bankment in  its  place.  This  great  undertaking  was  completed  after 
nearly  two  years  labor,  at  a  cost  of  about  $130,000.  The  tuimel  was 
begun  in  August,  1848,  and  made  in  five  months.  The  embankment  is 
over  800  feet  long,  and  its  top  IGO  feet  above  the  level  of  the  river.  It 
contains  500,000  cubic  yards  of  earth.  The  tunnel  is  25  feet  wide,  22 
high.  Retaining  walls  50  feet  high.  This  work  was  planned  and  exe- 
cuted under  the  direction  of  Col.  Charles  L.Schlatter,  civil  engineer. 

About  a  mile  south  of  the  Chateougay  tunnel,  there  occms  on  this  river 
a  beautiful  cascade,  which  from  the  singular  wildness  and  sublimity  of 
the  surrounding  scenery,  is  well  worthy  of  the  visit  of  those  who  take 
pleasure  in  studying  the  wild  and  j)iciuresque.  This  locality  affords 
much  more  of  interest  than  many  other  places  which  ammally  draw  their 
thousands,  and  if  known  and  suitably  appreciated,  would  not  failtodraV 
its  share  of  wonder-loving  visitors,  who  would  retlirn  amply  compensated 
for  their  labor.  This  fiill  occurs  in  a  ravine  which  the  stream  has  worn 
through  the  Potsdam  sandstone,  to  the  depth  of  nearly  200  feet,  and  the 
principal  tiill  is  at  the  outlet  of  a  narrow  gorge,  and  has  a  vertical  height 
of  about  50  feet. 

About  half  a  mile  east  of  Chateaugay  village,  and  but  a  few  yards 
north  of  the  rail  road,  occurs  an  intermittent  spring,  which  is  worthy  of 
notice.  This  spring  rises  from  two  sources  through  the  sand,  and  in 
such  volume  as,  in  ordinary  seasons,  to  turn  a  water  wheel  for  a  mecha- 
nic shop.  The  water  is  remarkably  clear  and  cold,  is  never  known  to 
freeze,  and  discbarges  bubbles  of  gas  (said  to  be  nitrogen),  in  consider- 
able quantities  while  running.  There  is  no  certain  period  of  its  inter- 
mitting, nor  does  this  ai)|iear  to  be  affected  by  rains.  Some  times  the 
period  of  its  flowing  will  last  for  one  or  two  years;  but  it  is  generally 
dry  towards  the  close  of  summer.  Once  it  failed  in  the  month  of  Feb- 
ruary. It  is  said  generally  to  stop  quite  abruptly,  not  occupying  more 
than  twenty-four  hours  from  the  titne  it  begins  to  fail,  till  it  is  nearly  or 
quite  dry;  but  on  again  starting,  it  will  but  slowly  increase,  and  not  attain 
its  full  flow  before  one  or  two  weeks.  It  has  been  said  that  the  return 
of  the  water  is  preceded  by  a  low  subteranean  murmur,  but  there  is  a 
difference  of  opinion  on  this  point  among  the  inhabitants  of  the  vicinity 
sufficient  to  render  the  fact  doubtful,  as  it  is  in  itself  improbable.  There 
is  a  smaller  but  constant  spring  less  than  a  mile  northeast  of  this,  which 
discharges  gas,  but  the  nature  of  these  gaseous  emanations  bus  not  been 
ascertained.  Springs  of  ample  volume  are  common  along  the  northern 
border  of  Franklin  county,  and  in  the  towns  of  Chateaugay,  Westville, 
and  perhaps  other  towns,  there  are  several  of  sufficient  volume  to  turba 


T.  ^7 


494 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


mill,  but  witli  tlio  exceptions  nbovo  stated,  there  nre  none  known  tlint 
iiiteniiit  or  iliseimrge  f;ns.  Tliis  tuiiioiis  Hprinj;  in  enily  time  nitrncied 
the  cinirisily  of  the  InilituiH,  whn  rulieil  it  llii-nah-a-tu-lio-waii,  '  a  big 
B{>rinj;  nisiiing  out  ut'  the  ground." 

ReUfrious  Sondlts, — In  1800  or  1801,  one  llinitingdon,  n  Prc&bvterinn, 
held  tliH  tir»t  incetingH  in  town,  at  the  Jioimc  of  Judge  liiiilcy,  and  ahout 
1802,  Henry  Rvan,  a  IM.  K.  eirruit  preacher,  visited  the  town.  In  IrfOo, 
nrjass  of  about  (i,  waa  formed  with  lleiij.  Eunuons  for  leader.  In  180], 
a  revival  oecmred.  The  (ir>t  IMethodi^«t  mini-try  had,  it  io  t-aid,  some 
ibrty  appointments  in  lour  weeks,  extending  300  miles.  'I  he  largest 
accession  in  any  year,  was  100,  in  1813  or  4. 

A  Congreiralional  church  was  formed  in  18 IG,  by  the  Rev.  .Tap.  John- 
Bon  and  A.  Farmelee,  in  what  is  now  liiuke.  i^ince  'the  division  of  the 
town,  there  has  been  formed  in  liurke  n  separate  church.  The  Ibrm 
was  ciiange<l,  April  4,  1842,  to  Presbyterian,  and  like  the  other  churches 
of  ibis  onler  in  the  county,  it  belongs  to  the  Champlain  Presi)ytery. 
Tlie  church  edifice  at  Chateaugay  was  begim  in  1827,  and  dediciiied 
Jidy  4,  1842,  sermon  by  Rev.  Asbbi-l  Parmelee.  The  clergymen  have 
been  .lacob  Hart,  Moses  Panriclee,  James  Millar,  Andrew  IM.  Millar, 
— —  Raxter  and  A.  M.  Millar,  the  present  one,  Ironj  whom  most  ol  the 
foregoing 'liicts  were  received. 

A  Raplist  church  was  formed  Feb.  12,  1817,  by  Elder  Isaac  Sawyer. 
Israel  Thayer  was  (rhosen  deacon,  and  George  W.  P.  Beman,  clerk.  The 
liaptist  house  of  worship  was  commenced  in  1820,  and  dedicated  in 
1838.  The  dedication  sermon  was  preached  by  I'.lder  Farr.  The  largest 
occession  of  their  nund)er3  occiuTed  in  1830.  The  original  number  at 
the  formation  of  the  church,  was  about  eleven.     The  Rev.  Mr.  Sawyer 

was  succeeded  by  Rev. Johnson,  who  remained  but  a  lew  nioiillis; 

Rev.  David  Ryiugton,  who  remained  a  year,  and  Itev.  Kphraim  SniiMi, 
who  has  been,  with  some  short  intervals,  tiie  only  minister  employed 
eince  1820.  'I'he  Rev.  Jeremiali  Dwyer,  during  the  above  period,  has 
been  employed  one  year.  On  the  ftrmalion  of  the  town  of  Burki;,  about 
two-lhiriis  of  the  members  lound  themselves  in  the  new  town,  and  soon 
organized  a  new  society,  which,  in  the  fall  of  1852,  arc  erecting  a  brick 
church  in  that  town.  The  Baptist  church  of  Chateaugay  is  at  present 
quite  small. 

In  1835,  there  were  classes  of  Protestant  Methodists  formed  in  town, 
and  the  inunbers  belonging  to  them  were  once  somewhat  numerous,  but 
the  clmrcli  is  now  extinct. 

COKSTABLE 

Wns  formed  from  Harrison,  March  13,  1807,  embracing  townships  1, 
2,  3,  and  the  Indian  reservation.  The  first  town  meeting  was  held  at 
the  liou8e»of  Jacob  Settles,  at  which  Alboii  3Ian  was  chosen  supervisor; 
Ezekiel  Payne,  clerk;  Josepii  Wright,  John  Cadwell,  Seth  Blancher,  as- 
sessors; Anthony  Spragne,co//ec/or;  Alric  Man,  Jonathan  Hapgoo(l,oi;er- 
sters  of  poor ;  Alric  Man,  Ase(>h  Perry,  Alexander  McMillen,  cortCrs  of 
highwmfs;  Anthony  Sprague,  Isaac  Fairchild,  A.  McMillen,  constables; 
John  Smith,  Seth  Blancher,  Amos  Eldrige,/e?fceriei«;ers;  Jno.  Hapgood, 
Duvid  Danforth,  Albon  31an.  pound  keepers ;  John  Livingston,  \Vm.  Perry, 
Seth  Blancher,  David  McMillen,  Christopher  Austin,  overseers  of  high' 
ways. 

Supervisors.— 1807-10,  A\hon  Man;  1811,  Alric  Man;  1812-13,  Albon 
Mau;  1814  23,  Alric  Mau;  ] 834-5,  Lewis  Dubois;   1826,  Guy  Muijis; 


Plf^' 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


495 


1827,  Ebenezer  Man;  1828-31,  Sylvester  Langdon;  18.*^2,  J.  G.  Dickey; 
1833,  Sylvester  Lniigiloii ;  1834-5,  J.  G.Dickey;  1830  7,  Harry  Hnrton; 
1838,  Sylvester  Liiiigdoii;  1831),  Augustus  Martin;  1840-1,  George  W. 
Darling;  1842  3,  Putnam  VV.  Sumner;  1844-5,  Sidney  W.  Gillett;  1846-7, 
J.  G.  Dickey;  1848,  Washington  Wooster;  1849,  Lucian  Wyman;  1850-1, 
Wm.  Daggett;  1852,  Josepli  Hastings. 

J^'otcs  from  the  Records. — Bounties  on  wolves,  §5,  in  1807;  §10  in  1808 
to  '14,  1817-28;  $15  in  1821 ;  $20  in  1830.  On  foxes,  $1  in  1819-20;  $3 
in  1821,  with  half  this  price  for  young  foxes  that  had  not  led  the  bur- 
row. On  panthers,  $20  in  1820.  In  1812,  voted  in  favor  of  making 
three  towns  of  townships  1,  2  and  3.  In  1814,  $50  ap|>ropriated  for 
burying  the  dea'!  of  the  U.  S.  troo|)s.  50  cts.  (lenalty  for  geese  running 
nt  large.  In  181G,  the  question  of  diving  tjie  town  again  came  up.  In 
1830,  for  abolishing  the  distinction  between  town  and  comity  poor.  In 
1846,  on  license  election,  00,  no  license,  82.  An  act  of  April  21,  1846, 
required  a  tax  of  $250,  for  the  erection  or  purchase  of  a  town  house, 
wiienever  the  electors  should  direct. 

William  Constable,  frottj  whom  this  town  is  named,  was  a  son  of  John 
Constable,  a  surgeon  in  the  English  army,  during  the  French  and  Eng- 
lish war,  who  in  1762,  took  a  commission  in  the  1st  regiment  of  the 
])rovince  of  New  York.  He  bad  but  two  sons,  William  and  James. 
Tiie  former  was  born  in  Dublin,  in  1761.  A  sister  named  Eweretta, 
married  James  Phyn,  of  Scotland,  and  another,  Harriet,  Thomas  Pierce, 
of  Bristol,  England.  James,  was  a  bachelor,  and  died  at  New  York,  in 
1807.  Wm.  Constable  was  married  in  Philadelphia,  to  Ann,  daugliter 
of  Townsend  White.  Their  children  were  Anna,  Eweretta,  William, 
John,  Harriet,  Emily  and  Matilda,  ait  of  which  names  occur  among  tha 
names  originally  given  the  townships  of  the  Great  purchase.  Of  the 
daughters,  the  first  married  H.  B.  Pierrepont;  the  second,  James  Mc- 
Vickar;  the  the  third,  James  Duane;  the  fourth.  Dr.  Samuel  W.  Moore, 
of  New  York;  and  the  firth,  Edward  McVickar.  Wm.  Constable  be- 
came a  leading  director  of  the  Bank  of  New  York,  and  a  merchant  on 
an  extensive  scale,  and  sent  one  of  the  first  ships  from  this  country  to 
China  for  trade,  with  Wm.  Bell,  as  supercargo.  During  the  fifteen  yeara 
previous  to  his  death,  which  occurred  in  May,  1803,  Mr.  Constable  was 
actively  and  extensively  engaged  in  land  sales,  and  had  great  influence 
with  the  other  persons  concerned  in  these  operations. 

The  first  settlement  in  town  was  made  on  the  south  line  of  the  town, 
by  Jonathan  Hapgood  and  Christopher  Austin,  from  Milton,  Vt.,  in  1800. 
These  were  related  and  formed  but  one  family.  They  come  as  far  as 
Ciiateaugay  in  March,  and  in  June  proceeded  to  the  place  they  had  se- 
lected for  a  settleitient.  William  Cooper,  of  Salem,  N.  Y.,  Solomon 
Cook,  and  Ebenezer  Titus,  from  Rutland  county,  Vt.,  Saul  Clark,  James 
Welch,  Artemas  and  Thomas  Smith,  Peleg  Austin,  James  Lyman,  Wil- 
liam Buell,  and  others  had  settled  in  town,  in  the  year  1805,  or  previous. 
The  first  saw  mill  was  erected  by  James  VVelch,  in  1803.  He  settled  a 
short  distance  south  of  the  present  village  of  Constable  Corners.  The 
first  grist  mill  in  town,  was  built  soon  after  the  war,  by  Joseph  Colburn, 
of  Vermont.  The  first  school  was  taught  in  the  summer  of  1806,  by 
Miss  A.  Mead,  in  a  barn  owned  by  J.  Hapgood.  At  Constable  Corners 
schools  were  not  established  earlier  than  1811,  when  the  first  school 
was  taught  by  one  Blodget.  The  first  physician  who  settled  in  town 
was  Dr.  Solomon  Wyman.    During  the  prevalence  of  the  cholera,  in 


496 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


1832,  n  considerable  number  of  coses  occurred  in  town,  sonje  of  wiiicli 
were  fatal. 

Ktlifcious  Socieliei, — A  Cont'rppntionid  society  was  formed  IMny,  25, 
1817,  witli  Solomon  VVymaii,  Snmiiel  R.  NiriiH,  Alric  Mnn,  Oliver  Hell, 
and  John  Child,  truHteos.  A  church  wiis  formed  by  Rev.  J.  Arninlron^' 
in  l8'2'-2,  who  remained  six  ytMU'M.     His  sucee^'.s(lrH  huve  been  Jacol)  Hart, 

Butler,  Tertiiis  Reynolds,  John  L.   i;df,'erton,  Aaron  Foster  and 

Benjamin  Marvin,  none  of  whom  have  iM^en  iiintalled  the  pastors.  In 
1847  its  form  was  chnn^ed  to  Presbyterian.  Tiie  society  about  1814 
erected  a  commodious  church  at  an  expense  of  $2500,  of  which  Edward 
Ell  ice,  the  land  owner,  gave  )it400. 

A  Baptist  church  was  formed  May  4,  18.'13,  of  thirty  one  members. 
A  FVee  Will  Ba|)ti8t  church  was  forme«l  in  Malone  and  Constable,  by 
Elder  Samuel  Ilnrt,  Moores  Cole,  a  licentiate,  in  1841.  Pastors,  Elder 
Samuel  Hurt,  W.  Woruer,  G.  VV.  Town.  Present  nutnber  20. 

DlCKINSOi^, 

Was  formed  April  11, 1808,  (to  take  effect  ApriH,  1809,)  from  Harri- 
son, embracing  Nos.  4,  5,  6,  and  all  south.  It  has  been  reduced  by  the 
tbrmation  of  Bangor  and  Moira,  to  its  present  limits.  The  first  town 
meeting  was  held  at  the  Imuso  of  Appleton  Foote.  The  name  of  the 
town  is  said  to  have  been  derived  from  a  gentleman  in  New  Jersey.  At 
the  time  of  formation,  the  entire  settlement  was  in  what  is  now  Moira 
and  Bangor.  The  first  set  of  town  officers  -  "re  Sanniel  Pease,  super- 
visor; Apollos  Lothrop,  clerk;  Rnfus  TihK  Chester  Tuller,  Elislia 
Drury,  assessors;  R.  Tilden,  collector;  Appleton  Foote,  and  JoHe|)ii 
Plundi, /?oor  7nfls/fr»;  Samuel  Foster,  John  Potter,  Robert  Wilson,  comVs 
highways;  R.  Tilden,  Edward  Chapman,  constables. 

.  Supervisors.— i80Q,  S.  Pease;  1810-12,  Joseph  Plumb;  1813-22;  Jono- 
than  Lawrence;  1823,  Jason  Pierce;  1824,  J.  Lawrence;  1825-28,  J. 
Pierce;  1829-32,  Loderick  Butterfield;  1833-34,  Erastus  Hutcbins;  1845, 
Reuben  Cady;  18;»6-41,  E.  Hutcbins;  1842-43,  Warren  Ives;  1844-45, 
Peter  Whitney;  184()-52.  W.  Ives.  Bounties  on  animals  have  been 
voted  as  follows:  For  wolves,  .f  10,  1809-10-12-17-18-19-20-28.  $15  in 
1811-12-1.3-21.  820  in  1815.  For  panthers,  $10  in  1820.  $15  in  1817. 
$20  in  1821.  $25  in  1818.  For  foxes  $2  in  1816  to  21.  For  bears, 
.$3  in  1820;  $5  in  1819-21.  For  catamoimts,  $2u  in  1819.  For  crows, 
37i  cents  in  1810.  For  squirrels,  ]2i  cents  in  1817.  For  chipmucks, 
12i  cents  in  1816.  1809,  resolved,  that  all  license  money  drawn  from  the 
town  of  Ezraville,  and  all  that  shall  be  due  June  1,  be  a|ipro|)riatrd  lor 
the  use  of  the  best  kind  of  sheep.  At  a  special  meeting  Nov.  10  1821, 
the  bounties  on  animals  withdrawn.  In  1821  the  poor  moneys  on  hand 
amounted  to  $663.95  In  1830,  opposed  the  poor  bouse  system.  Dec. 
10,  1830,  voted  to  apply  the  poor  moneys  for  schools.  The  town  has 
usually  voted  for  schools  as  much  money  as  the  law  allows. 

The  earliest  settlers  in  the  present  limits  of  Dickinson,  is  said  to  have 
been  William  Thomas,  who  located  a  eihort  distance  south  of  where  the 
St.  Lawrence  turnpike  was  afterwards  located.  He  had  first  settled  in 
Hopkinton,  and  aiier  a  short  residence  hSl'e,  returned  to  that  town. 
Jonathan  and  Jesse  D.  Rice,  from  New  Ham|)8hire,  settled  at  an  early 
day.  Reuben  Cady  and  others  had  located  in  town  previous  to  1812. 
Most  of  the  first  settlement  was  limited  to  the  St.  Lawrence  turnpike, 
which  passes  obliquely  across  tlie  northern  border  of  the  town,  and  soon 
ftfter  its  completion  became  a  tliorougtifare  of  great  importance,  espe- 


f- 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


497 


rinlly  in  tlie  militnry  movements  of  tlio  yenrH  1813,  '14.  Tlio  Port  Kent 
011(1  llopkinton  riiii*!  bepin  lo  he  Nettled  Honn  alter  its  ronftriietion,  hut 
tlie  iinprovenieiits  nioiifj  this  route  were  srutteri.'d  niiil  hinited.  Tlie  pre- 
sent seltletnent  of  the  town  is  limited  lo  the  rentridnnd  western  iiortions 
of  AnnoMtown,  or  t(twn»lii|)  numher  Heven.  With  the  t!xre|)lion  of  three 
or  four  thmilieH  on  the  Northwest  Iliiy  road,  and  a  very  small  setlletnent 
nt  the  head  of  Tiipiier's  lake,  ni;\r  the  southern  extremity  of  the  town, 
its  whole  r  \tent  is  m  unhrok(Mi  wilderness.  The  tiiriliiies  to  mark'-t 
whieh  the  mil-road  lurnislies,  has  jriveu  new  value  to  :'.hi  tiudmr  of  this 
rc<;ion,  in  eonuuon  with  other  portions  of  the  notlhern  eounties,  and  linti 
created  several  lumbering  estahlislunents  in  the  depths  of  the  forest, 
which  will  hoi'catVer  form  the  centres  of  settlements  for  furnting  pur- 
poses. 

Ahout  midway  between  the  Port  Kent  road  on  the  south  and  the  St. 
Lawrence  turnpike  on  the  north,  and  near  the  centre  of  nuud)er  seven, 
is  situated  on  Deer  river  a  small  villap;  named  ThomnsvUk.  It  owes  its 
ori<;in  and  name  lo  John  'l'liomiis,a  tormcr  resident  of  llopkintoii,  who 
in  the  latter  part  of  thesinnmer  of  183!)conunenced  tlieere(;tion  of  mills, 
and  remained  about  n  year.  Deer  river  at  this  point  affords  ii  fine  water 
jmwer,  which  has  been  irnproved  by  the  erection  of  two  saw  mills  and  a 
^'rist  mill.  The  hairdet  contains  several  mechanic  shops,  two  stores,  and 
a  small  cluster  of  dwellinfis. 

A  most  melancholy  accident  occinred  in  Dickinson,  on  the  3d  of  Sept., 
1852,  in  which  the  dwelling'  of  Mr.  Eseck  Hawkins  was  burned,  and  his 
wife,  and  n  son  six  years  of  ape,  ])erished  in  tiie  flames.  Most  of  the 
family  lodged  in  the  chutid)er,  •  \cept  the  parents,  who  on  discovering 
the  house  to  be  on  fire,  made  vigorous  efforts  to  rescue  their  children 
from  the  devouring  element,  ami  in  this  Mrs.  II.  i)erished.  The  tiither 
rushed  into  the  room  where  his  children  were  sleeping,  and  succeeded  in 
rescuing  all  but  one,  which  he  foimd  it  beyond  his  power  to  save.  The. 
cliarreti  remains  of  the  mother  aiul  son  were  collected,  and  interred  in 
the  same  coffin.  The  fijneral  was  attended  by  thousands  of  sym|)athiz- 
iiig  friendd  and  citizens,  and  tiie  melanciioly  disaster  spread  a  gloom  over 
tliu  surrounding  community. 

Religious  Societies. — The  Christian  sect  was  organized  in  1816,  '17,  by 
Eld.  Spooner,  and  was  for  many  years  the  only  churcli  in  town.  It 
prospered  for  some  years,  but  has  now  become  almost  extinct.  The 
whole  nimiber  received  was  eighty.  A  Free  Will  Baptist  church  was 
formed  in  1836.  The  clergy  have  been  Chas.  Bowles,  John  Kimble,  and 
others;  at  present  Eld.  A.  P.  Walcott. 

DUANE, 

Was  formed  from  Malone,  Jan.  24,  1828,  and  in  the  erection  of  Har- 
rietstown  reduced  to  its  prt!sent  lunits.  It  was  named  fiom  James  Dunne, 
Esq.,  from  Schenectady,  who  having  acquired,  by  marriage  with  a  daugh- 
ter of  W.  Constable,  the  title  of  a  considerable  f)ortion  of  the  town,  in 
1821  2  caused  the  tract  to  be  surveyed;  in  1823-4  conunenced  improve- 
ments and  erected  a  dwelling,  and  in  182.5  removed  with  his  family  and 
made  a  permanent  settlement.  He  was  then  nearly  ten  miles  beyond 
neighbors,  and  the  most  remote  settler  in  the  forest.  A  considerable 
number  located  soon  after,  and  the  iron  manufacture  gave  life  and  s|tirit 
to  tiie  settlements.  A  forge  was  erected  in  1826,  for  the  manufacture  of 
iron  from  ore  which  had  been  discovered  the  year  previous,  but  which 
from  the  disturbance  of  the  needle  in  surveying,  had  been  supposed  since 


ii  . 


.^tf^mm 


498 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


f'  * 

|:| 

182Q  to  exist.  Tlin  orn  wroiiglit  nt  thin  forgo  wiis  tlip  utecl  ore,  no  called, 
wliirli  occurred  in  ilH  vicinity,  (lie  vtins  ur  Itedii  ruuniiiK  Hoiitlieast  mid 
nortliwcHt  in  tlio  direcrion  of  the  .Htnitii  of  gneins  of  the  vicinity.  The 
for>;c  WIIS  curried  ofl'  in  a  grciit  fiesliet:  ullerwiirds  rol)iiilt,  l)iirnt,  nnd 
(ifjnin  rclinilt,  to  lie  a  second  time  injured  in  ii  freshet.  These  tnihfor- 
tiincH,  to;;ether  with  the  >;ieiit  expense  of  tinns|iortution,  put  un  end  to 
the  enterprise  nIVer  a  fi!W  years.  Diiriiif?  tlie  time  that  the  tcir/^e  was  in 
o|ieratioii,  it  made  t'rnni  a  hninlrod  to  a  hundred  and  twenty-five  tons  of 
iron  annually.  In  181)8,  a  ipiarter  furnace  was  iM'ected  oy  the  Dnano 
lirothers,  on  Deer  river,  in  the  west  pari  of  No.  Vi.  and  was  intended  to 
lie  nsed  for  the  rednction  of  priiiiiti\'n  »)res  exclusively.  'I'Ik;  cold  air 
blast  was  at  first  nsed,  hnt  afterwards  the  apparatus  lor  heating  the  air 
^va8  inserted.  Inuneiise  diliicnlty  was  e.xpcriencisd  in  procuring  iron,  as 
the  ores  wc'ic  Very  diliicnit  to  reduce,  and  many  trials  were  found  nc.-ces- 
enry  to  arrive  at  an  economical  metiiod  of  (hixing  and  separating  tliein. 
The  hnsiness  was  continued  seven  or  eight  years,  during  whiidi  ahoiit 
Hix  hundred  tons  of  iron  were  made,  a  great  part  of  which  was  made 
into  castings  on  the  premises.  'J'lie  ditliculty  of  smelting,  together  with 
the  great  expense  attending  the  mannfaetiire  in  n  situation  several  miles 
distant  from  the  district  that  was  to  ail'ord  support  to  the  laborers,  and 
especially  the  prohibitory  expenses  of  tran9|»ortation  to  market,  resulted 
in  the  loss  of  many  thousand  dollars  to  the  enterprising  projectors,  and 
the  works  were  discontiimed  in  184!>.  'J'he  stack  of  this  furnace,  and 
oil  the  arrangements  connected  with  it,  were  admirably  constructed,  and 
will  compare  tavorably  with  any  of  the  class  in  the  state.  Tliia  furnace 
IS  located  on  the  I'ort  Kent  and  llejikinton  rond,  iifty-scvcn  miles  frntii 
liiike  Cliam|>laiii.  Deer  river  p.jct  ,)llice  was  established  licrc  (or  tiio 
nccoinmodation  of  that  section  of  the  town,  but  discontinued  in  1841. 

For  manntiictnring  steel  directly  from  the  mixed  primitive  and  epecii- 
lar  ores  of  Dijane,  a  company  was  chartered  by  an  act  passed  May  20, 
1841,  under  the  name  of  the  Franklin  Native  Steel  Mannliictiiring  Com- 
pany, .lames  V.  Duane,  Samuel  W.  Jones,  Frederick  A.  Diiane,  Robert 
Dnane,  ntiiijamin  IM.  Duane,  and  such  as  might  join  them,  were  to  form 
the  com|)any.  Cajtifal  .*r)0,000 ;  shares  8100  each,  with  power  to  increase 
their  capital  to  $1.'50,000.     This  comj)any  was  never  formed. 

The  first  saw  mill  in  Dnane  was  erected  by  the  proprietor  in  1823,  on 
the  west  liranch  of  Salmon  river.  In  \6'28,  a  grist  mill  was  built  on  the 
same.     The  only  religions  society  in  Dnane  is  the  Methodist. 

'I'liere  was  tbrmerly  a  small  Presbyterian  society,  but  this  has  been 
broken  tip  by  death  and  removal  of  its  n»end)ers.  The  Episcopal  ser- 
vice was  performed  statedly  in  town,  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Hart,  from  Malone, 
during  several  months  in  1828.  A  building  for  religious  meetings  and 
ptdtlic  purposes,  was  erected  by  Mr.  Dnane  in  1828.  The  greater  part 
of  township  No.  12  was  surveyed  by  John  Frost,  in  1821-2. 

James  Duane  has  been  the  supervisor  of  this  town,  except  1848,  when 
Ezekiel  Ladd  was  elected.  The  latter  had  l>een  chosen  in  1840,  but  at 
the  election  which  followed  the  division  of  the  town  soon  after,  he  was 
superseded. 

Fort  Covington, 

Was  erected  from  Constable  Feb.  28,  1817,  and  in  the  formation  of 
Bombay,  reduced  to  its  present  limits.  Its  name  is  derived  from  Brig. 
G§n.  Leonard  Covington,  who  was  born  in  Maryland,  Oct.  36,  1768,  of 
respectable  ancestry,  and  at  an  early  age  evinced  a  strong  inclination  to 
the  profession  of  unns.    He  served  under  Wayne  in  the  Indian  wars  at 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


40g 


tlio  wr»t,  mill  ill  1800,  was  rominiHHionrd  lioiitonniit  colonel  in  tlio  rcpi- 
nii'iil  of  (Irii^'oniifi,  wiis  ^^tIltioll(■<l  in  Loiiifliiuia,  mid  Imm'iiiiu'  a  roMiiloiit  of 
Niilclicz.  In  IHII),  III!  Joiiioil  tjii;  northern  iiriiiy,  iiiul  in  July  wiih  nimlo 
liii^'iiilier  ^rcnrnil.  At  CIiiv.sIi'i'h  field  lie  uns  wotindril  hy  a  nincket 
liiill  llii'oii^'li  his  liowels,  whili!  at  tliehi.-Mil  of  his  tioojis,  of  which  he  died 
(III  hoard  ii  hoat,  on  the  way  to  I'leiich  .Mills,  wlieie  he  wa«  hiiiied  with 
military  hnnoi'i.  Heveral  yearN  alter,  ITm  reniaiiis,  with  tliusu  of  Col. 
Johimon  aiitl  Ijitiit.  Katon,  were  taken  to  Haekelt's  llailior. 

It  was  at  first  |iro|ioHed  to  iiaine  the  town  ('aviti(;tnn,  lint  fliis  wnH  nn- 
tieipated  h}  a  new  town  in  (ienenee  eoiiiity.  'I'liit  first  town  otru'ern 
were:  Seliiim  Fairniaii,  .»i</)fruMor;  Amos  >Velrli,  r/er^;  Isane  Fairehild, 
David  Daiiliirlh,  aHscuxors ;  Isaae  I'liirchild,  mllcclor;  Danii-I  W.  (-IiiiitIi, 
Warehani  llaslin^H,  l.iillier  J)anlorlli,fomnii*sio»«';-,«o/Vu,if/;iOTi/.»;  AmhroHO 
('iisiiniaii,  I.iitlittr  Danliirih,  oi'crncrrx  of  I  In-  pour;  Seliins  Fairinaii,  i^elli 
Hlanchard,  Isaae  I'^airehild  commlssioucrs  of  common  schools;  Jonathan 
^\'alla(•e,  John  M.  l{odii(Ms,  lOzckiel  I'uyne,  inspectors  of  schools ;  Ihiiiic 
Faiichiid,  Will.  \Vliel|tley,  conslnhlcs ;  Hetli  HIaiielmrd,  Luther  Daiilorth, 
David  McMillin, y'eiire  viewers;  Ardns  31.  liitidicock,  David  McMilliii,  U. 
D.  llitcheoek,  pound  mnsters. 

■SK/wmsorj.— 1817-18,  SehiiiNFairnian;  181!),  lanae  Fairehild;  1820-2, 
S.  Fairman;  Ib'J.'J.  (Jeorgo  M.  R.  Gove;  182-1-5,  Win.  Ilo^'an;  ]82()-7, 
C.  H.  IL  (love;  1828-;30,  W.  Ilof/an;  ]8:}0,  James  IJ.  S|ieiiner,  to  fill 
viieanrv;  1831.  iK)  reeord;  18U2,  Wilson  Uaiidall;  18;}.{,  (i.  B.  K.  Gove; 
mU,  Uriah  1).  IVleeker;  18.')ri,  lleniv  Lon^dv  ;•  IWKI- 7,  'J'ilncsH  Hri'rjrK; 
W.iS,  James  Camiihell;  ]8;«>,  (i.  It.  IL  (love;  1840,  Jonathan  Waljart!; 
18H-2,  Sidney  Uriji^is;  181;},  J.  Cani|ihell;  1844-r).  S.  Hii^'f,'8;  184(^-7, 
Warren  L.  IManniii;.';  1848,  Schuyler  IJiittoii;  1849,  W.  L  IManiiing; 
1830,  Stephen  V.  R.  Tuthill;  1851,  J.  Wallace;  1852,  Preserved  Ware. 

Bounties  have  Iieen  offered  for  the  desfrnctioti  of  noxious  nnitnals  os 
follows:  For  wolves,  g<5  in  1821);  $10  in  1817-18-11);  S'20  in  1821. 
For  panthers,  .SIO  in  1817-18-11);  .«<20  in  1821.  For  foxes,  §1  in  1820-1. 
For  crows,  25  cents  in  1817-18.  For  striped  s(|nirrels  and  black  hirds, 
3  cents  in  1817;  for  black  birds,  C  citnts  in  1818.  In  1817,  voted  $2.')0, 
on  condition  that  Constable  will  rai.-c  as*  inncli,  to  build  a  poor  house. 
This  was  not  done.  In  1819,  a  town  honso  was  bnilt  by  subscription, 
and  fmislied  in  1820.  For  one  year  it  was  used  as  uii  ucudeiny,  uiid 
since  as  a  district  ;-cliool  house. 

Much  relating  to  I'reiich  titles,  «S>:c.,  i.s  excluded  for  want  of  space. 
Ill  171)3,  the  chiefs  of  St.  Regis  leased  to  Win.  Gray,  a  tract  on  Salmon 
river  for  S200  annual  rent,  after  the  first  four  years.  An  iudnccmeiit 
with  the  chiefs  was,  the  |iioniisc  of  the  erection  of  mills,  Feb.  (3,  171)0, 
Gray  and  one  Thomas  Ara(pieiite,  another  chief)  entered  into  terms  of 
assignment,  by  wlii(;h  the  latter  gained  the  saw  mill,  then  of  no  great 
value,  but  no  regular  papers  were  signed  till  Dec.  15,  17118,  when  the 
chiefs  in  fiill  council,  confirmed  the  conveyance.  James  Robertson,  of 
31ontreaI,  Dec.  29,  1798,  bought  this  lease  lor  $2,400  to  T.  A.,  and  the 
aiiiiuiiy  of  S2C0  to  the  St.  Regis  tribe,  without  a  warranty  on  the  part  of 
Aiaquente,  of  the  lands  on  both  sides  of  Salmon  river,  fioni  its  source  to 
a  line  to  be  drawn  at  a  distance  of  half  a  mile  from  tbe  mill.  The  mill 
and  one  mile  sipiare  was,  however,  conveyed  by  warranty.  IMr.  Rohcrt- 
soii  and  bis  brother  Alexander,  who  had  a  joint  and  equal  interest  with 
liim,  continued  to  occupy  until  the  death  of  J.  R.,  when  Neil  uiid  Patrick 
Robertson  became  entitled  to  equal  moieties  of  his  s'lare.  In  1804, 
(Sept.  11,)  after  spending  $2,209  in  the  erection  of  a  grist  mill,  it  was 


m 


.'I,,- 


mm 


'j! 


Iwf 


500 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


swept  off  in  n  flootK  $4,702  was  soon  after  spent  in  rebuilding  tlie 
tniil,  lint  hefoie  it  wns  completed  Alexander  Robertson  died,  leaving 
Francis  Dettriviere,  I'^sq.,  tntor  and  guardian  of  liis  minor  cliddren,  by 
wliom  and  tlie  above  Neil  ami  Patrick  Ilobeitson,  tlie  mill  was  fnrnished 
and  leased  *o  liobert  Hnclianan,  tin;  jierson  wlio  bnilt  them.  P.  R.  dii;d 
in  1808  or  'IJ,  and  N.  R.  in  1812,  and  a  lengthy  memorial  in  tlie  archives 
of  state,  dated  Jan.  MO,  1818,  from  which  the  above  facts  are  drawn,  as- 
serts tiiat  since  the  above  deaths  .Air.  Bnclianan,  with  others  who  had 
obtained  leases  v\itliin  the  mile  si^juare,  had  disclaimed  the  title  of  the 
Robertsons  and  refused  to  pay  rent.  This  title  was  long  a  subject  of 
litigation,  and  was  n«)t  tinally  settled  until  alter  the  treaty  of  18i8  and 
the  award  of  the  commissioners. 

With  the  exception  of  a  few  French  families  who  lived  and  worked 
nrom  ,1  the  saw  mill,  there  was  no  settlement  f«»r  agricnitnra!  purposes 
until  about  1800.  AI)out  this  yaar  or  soon  after.  Samuel  Fli^tcher,  Aaron 
McLean,  and  Andirose  Cushman,  located  in  No,  2,  and  John  Hunsden, 
David  Lynch,  Robert,*  Walter  and  Duncan  IJuchanan,  (natives  of  Ster- 
lingshire,  Scotland,)  settled  near  the  nfills.  At  the  raising  o*"  the  grist 
mill  in  1804,  help  was  invited  from  great  distances  in  (^'!i;^,in,  aiul  the 
state,  and  when  the  f:  tne  was  up  it  is  said  that  the  ipiestion  arose  which 
was  the  "  striarte^t,"  to  decide  which  the  (ilengarians  and  Yankees  re- 
solved to  fight  it  out  in  n  good  natured  way,  and  the  result  was  that  the 
former  got  severely  whipped,  and  were  obliged  to  own  up  beaten.  The 
lands  in  the  present  village  of  Fort  Covington  (tiirmerly  French  mills), 
on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  within  the  mile  square,  were  leased  in  such 
parcels  and  at  such  rates  as  he  rnight  Im;  able  to  bargain  for,  by  William 
Hawkins,  who  had  acquired  an  irregular  title,  which  was  disclaimed  by 
the  state,  and  those  who  had  |)aid  for  these  lands  were  obligetl  to  re- 
j)urchase.  In  180.'J,  John  llunsden,  an  Irishman,  having  become  a  clerk 
to  the  Indians,  induced  tliem  to  cause  a  jiart  of  their  tract  near  the  mile 
square,  to  be  surveyed  out  into  farms,  which  were  conveyetl  by  durable 
leases,  cleared  up  and  inqiroved.  The  terms  were  three  years  without 
rent,  and  $10  for  every  100  acres  aimually  afterwards.  l'|)on  the  treaties 
of  18U)  and  '18,  these  settlers  petitioned  for  their  rights,  and  the  surveyor 
general  (Simeon  De  W'itt),  and  two  men  appoinn^rl  by  the  governor, 
(James  S.  K  p,  of  Utica,  and  Dr.  Isuac  Sargent,  of  Cand)ridge,)  were 
directed  to  ,ip|)raise  the  lands  with  and  without  the  improvements.  In 
their  unpublished  report  which  is  before  us,  it  is  stated  that  the  leases 
had  been  executed  by  virtue  of  powers  supposed  to  be  granted  in  the 
law  o;"  1802,  (see  p.  154,)  and  the  history  of  the  titles  is  detailed  at 
length.  They  reserved  for  n.  tort  in  case  ot  war,  .50  acres  on  the  east 
side  of  Salmon  river,  ami  144  on  the  west  side.  They  very  stronglv  re- 
commended an  appropriation  for  roads  in  this  section.  To  those  who 
tiad  tnade  improvements  on  Indian  lease's,  a  preitnption  was  allowed,  or 
if  they  declined  purchasing  the  land  they  still  might  liave  a  lien  iqmn 
the  improvements  irom  those  who  bought  the  soil.  Special  provision 
was  made  for  certain  lots,  and  llunsilen  was  allowed  $1,200  for  servic(!s 
reinler(;d.  The  legal  heirs  of  the  first  Robtntsons  were  entitled  to  the 
preemi)tion  of  a  certain  lot  on  condition  of  $120  being  withhehl  for  R. 
Buchanan.  The  appraisement  and  award  of  the  commissioners  will  be 
found  in  the  secretary's  office  at  Albany.     (Ftth/  book,  vol.  '};">,  p.  252.) 

Most  of  the  settlers  availed  themselves  of  the  i)r;!i'nq)tion  iiitl  pur- 
chased at  the  land  office  in  Albany  their  tarms.  Those  who  chose  to 
iiold  their  improvements  did  so,  notwithstanding  the  soil  was  sold  to 

Robert  Buchanan  died  in  town,  October  31 ,  1829.  aged  lio 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


601 


others,  nitil  pnid  for.  A  portion  of  the  Innds  were  renppiuisecl  nnd  hnve 
gincD  been  sold,  'J'lie  mile  square  wiis  siil)se()iieiitly  surveyed  hy  the 
surveyor  general  into  /loiwe  lots  and  out  lots,  uui\  sold  by  the  state,  except- 
jufi  the  two  military  reserves,  which  are  rented  lor  an  indefinite  period, 
and  lialile  to  revert  whenever  wanted  for  this  purpose.  Two  or  three 
proposals  to  fortify  at  this  point  liave  been  made,  and  engineers  have 
been  on  to  examine  the  sites,  but  nothing  has  been  done  in  this  line  and 
nothing  is  at  present  rontemplated. 

U|)on  surveying  the  tract  granted  in  tlie  treaty  of  1818,  there  was  found 
an  excess  of  307  acres,  and  a  provision  was  inserted  in  the  act  of  April 
13,  181!J,  hy  wh'ch  the  governor  was  instructed  to  procure  a  release  of 
the  same  and  to  stijiulate  an  atldition  to  their  amuiity  at  the  same  rates 
<}s  fitr  the  ))(n'chase  last  made,  or  to  pay  them  at  once  tlie  present  worth 
of  the  same. 

On  the  declaration  of  war  a  block  house  vTns  .'n.ilt  in  the  village  of 
French  Mills,  but  never  entirely  finished,  and  <luring  the  first  sunimer  a 
dral'ted  company  of  militia  under  Cai)t.  Rufus  Tilden,  of  iMoria,  posted  as  a 
])rotection  to  the  frontier,  an.!  a  guard  to  the  provisions  stored  here  lor 
distribution  among  the  St.  Regis  Indians.  Moses  Eggleston  of  Chateau- 
gay,  was  lieutenant,  and  Aden  Wood,  ensign,  and  it  consisted  of  about 
40  men.  During  the  summer  two  Troy  vohmteer  companies  under 
Capt.  Higi)y  and  Lyon,  and  a  tirafted  company  of  militia  frou)  Columbia 
county,  under  Capt.  Miller,  the  whole  under  Major  Young  of  Troy,  were 
stationed  liere. 

Shortly  alter  the  affair  at  St.  Regis,  the  Troy  and  Columl/ia  companies 
at  French  Mills,  were  wiihtlrawn  (Nov.  1812).  and  the  Franklin  county 
company  again  left  aione.  A  British  detachment  of  regulars,  militia  and 
Indians,  made  a 'iescent  frotn  St.  Regis  through  the  woodt,  upon  the  post 
at  French  Mills.  Ca|)t.  Tilden  surrendered  without  resistance;  the  arms 
were  broken  and  left,  the  amuumition  thrown  into  the  river,  and  men 
marcheri  prisoners  to  St.  Regis,  and  thence  to  Montreal.  In  Dec.,  they 
were  exchanged  for  the  same  company  which  they  had  captured  in  Oct. 
luunediately  after  this  two  Columbia  county  companies  under  Major 
Tainier,  Capi's  Winslow  and  Gardner,  were  detached  from  Colonel  Vos- 
burg's  regiment  stationed  at  Chateaugay,  which  staid  till  March  foliow- 
inji.  Tiiey  were  then  withdrawn,  and  their  place  sn|)plied  by  a  voluu- 
tce  •  company  from  Franklin  county,  raised  and  conimanr'ed  by  Captain 
David  Irving,  of  Constable,  who  continued  to  hold  the  ])ost  until  the  ar- 
rival of  Gen.  Wilkinson,  in  Noveird)er,  1813.  Cnj)t.  Irving's  company 
sulisequently  participated  in  the  movements  of  Gen.  Ilamptoh,  below 
Chateaugay.     A  fin-ther  account  of  these  o|)eralious  will  be  given. 

On  the  13th  of  November,  1813,  General  Wilkinson,  with  his  arm}', 
ascended  the  river  in  a  flotilla  of  bouts,  and  took  up  his  quarters  in  the 
village,  where  he  remained  till  February.  The  details  of  tliise»'ent  will 
be  given  in  connection  with  our  accoimt  of  the  war.  While  the  Aineri- 
cun  army  were  'u  winter  quarters  nt  Fre'ich  Mills,  a  citizen  of  New  V'ork 
was  apprehend  'd,  suspected  of  having  put  up  at  the  camp  the  following 
placard,  addressed 
"T'o  the  ^lineriu  in  ,'lnn;f  at  Salmon  River." 

"Notice. — All  American  soldiers  who  are  willing  to  quit  the  wnna/urnZ 
war  ill  which  they  are  at  present  engaged,  will  receive  at  the  Rritish  out- 
j)08ls,  the  arrears  due  th.;  'i  by  the  American  government,  to  the  extent  of 
live  months  pay.  No  man  slinll  be  required  to  serve  against  his  own 
coniitiy."  After  numerous  inquiries  the  author  iias  been  unable  to  as- 
certain from  those  who  were  in  the  service  at  the  time,  any  particulars  in 
relation  to  the  iibove  occurrence.    The  army  had  scarcely  loft  the  village 


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HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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thnn  tliey  Wuic  followod  by  tlie  onrmv,  who  rrinninod  n  wook,  f!Coiirinj» 
tlio  coimtiy  to  jrutlier  up  wliatcvor  ol  pii'.)'ic  property  they  ini.'lit  ln'  iihln 
to  fiiid,  and  pdleriiig  such  privutu  |>ropcrly  aa  iiit;  suldieis  coidd  conceal 
from  their  oliicert;. 

Ill  not  a  sinjik;  excnrsion  it  is  «aid,  ilid  llie  enemy  return  witli  Ms  full 
iiiimher,  as  irreat  iinmhers  deserted  tlie  ranks  and  lelt  sin<.dy  and  in  small 
parties,  whenever  o|i|iortiinitv  otFcred.  Thfyti  mostly  hastened  into  tir'; 
interior  of  the  eonntry,  fjoiiig  chiefly  to  tlattsbnigh,  Utica,  &e.  'J'lie 
i'ri<;litlul  mortalily  of  the  troojis  litM'e  uill  he  detciiied  in  onrliiinie  |)n<;es. 

Soon  after  ihe  war.  an  act  \v;is  passed  hy  eonjiress,  allf)\>iii;j;  niai;is- 
trales  to  take  alfidavits  of  certilieates  ot'  damafies  to  jn-ivate  property 
diirins;;  that  period,  vvhieii  were  to  he  andil(!d  and  |)aid  at  \\  asliinjiion. 
A  series  ot  iraiids  was  attempted,  and  to  som<' deirreesneeessliiliy  eiirried 
oil,  priiK^ipdly  at  ['reneli  iNIiils,  jdthoniih  instances  oeenrred  in  St.  Law- 
renee  county,  in  which  e.xhorhitant,  lietitioiis  and  altere<l  accounts  were 
|)reseiited.  In  other  instances,  fair  and  hoiu'st  accounts,  were  first  certi- 
fied hy  mafristrates,  and  sni)se(pientiy  t()rf;ed  copies  with  the  items 
cliamied,  and  friciitly  mairnilied.  were  sent  to  the  department  f  >r  audit 
niid  payment.  The  suspicions  of  a  citizen  of  French  Mills  heing  t'xeited, 
inforniiitioii  was  conveyed  to  f.'oveinmeiit,  and  an  a>;(,';it  was  si-nt  to  de- 
tect and  hiing  to  |>uni^lllnent  the  offfiiders.  'I'liis  person  accpiired  the 
coiilidence  of  the  delinquents,  and  linvin;:  hecoine  acquainted  with  the  ne- 
cessary details  ui'  their  ojieratioiis.  prom|>ily  repoittid  them  to  the  civil 
nnthdritics,  who  caiu'-ed  several  ol  the  party  to  he  arrested.  ]iy  a  siiijrnlii' 
omission  in  the  law  there  was  no  provision  made  i()r  punishii;;r  these 
fi'auds,  and  several  escaped  from  this  cause.  It  is  supposed  that  they 
were  aware  of  this  liict  heliin^  eng.-iirin!;  in  them.  Tin;  I'in^r  leader  was 
sent  to  state's  prison,  nnd  the  others  tied,  (treat  mimhers  having justaiid 
hoiK^st  claims,  were  cut  oil"  from  their  rights  liy  these;  frauds. 

The  first  ami  hitherto  ilu;  only  legal  exc.'cution  that  has  occurred  in 
Franklin  coiintv,  wns  tint  of  Steplnm  Videto,  in  puhheat  Alalone,  on  the 
2()ili  of  August,  I8i5,  for  the  murder  of  raiiny  .Mosely,  in  this  town,  on 
the  2i\  of  Fehrtiary  previous.  Thecircumstane  s  were  hriefly  as  follows: 
Th<!  murderer  was  a  yoiin;;  man  a  meinher  of  his  fiitli  r's  iiimily,  who 
had  formerly  reside<l  in  Canada,  and  had  there  lieen  slightly  accpiaiiiled 
with  his  victim,  lie  had  liv(;il  in  Fort  L'oviiiiiton  Sf!veral  yc'ars,  on  a  small 
farm,  and  was  previously  remarkahh;  (or  iiotJiiug  hut  an  e.vcessivi^ly  pe- 
nurious disjiosition,  which  In;  possessed  in  eom:iioii  with  his  tiiinily. 
"Ihe  victim  was  (i  persi  ii  of  superior  enterprise,  and  having  aetpiired  a 
small  Sinn  of  money  hy  her  industry,  had  heeii  married  in  Canada  to  a 
reckless  vill.iin,  wlio  had  ahaiidoneii  her  at  I''ort  (Jovin^jton.  taking  with 
liiiii  every  thing  valiiahle  which  she  possessed.  IJeing  thus  thrown  deso- 
late upon  the  charities  of  the  world,  she  hecame  a  meinher  of  the  \'i(h;to 
family,  with  whom  she  had  heen  somewhat  iici|naiiited.  Forsoine  time 
jireviieis  to  the  innnler.  some  degree  of  criminal  hitimacy  had  hetn  siis- 
pectt  (I,  hut  the  iixntal  drend  ot  eiiconnieriiig  the  expense  ofo  family, 
should  they  marry,  and  no  ult  ;rnativ(!  existing,  is  supposed  to  have  led  to 
the  resolution  of  destioying  her.  To  (iirni.-h  a  pretext  hir  jiroviding  the 
means,  and  (or  carrying  into  e.xecutifui  this  plan,  he  ti-igned  to  he  in  fear 
of  his  own  life  from  tiie  Indians,  with  some  of  whom  he  had  (|uarrelled, 
and  reported  that  he  repeatedly  saw  them  Imkiiuf  aioimd  the  jiremises, 
armed.  Htsalso  hecame  distnrhed  hy  the  rats,  and  to  de,'  roy  these  pni- 
chasetl  ar.senic  several  d.iys  heCoic  the  murder.  Ih;  also  horrowed  a  pistol 
and  two  muskets,  lor  sel('  delence,  and  one  or  two  <lays  heli)re  gave  the 
iilarm  that  Indians  were  lying  in  wait  mound  the  house,  whom  he  atfected 
tu  pursue.    On  tiic  fatal  n.<>;lit,  notwithstanding  his  lenrs,  he  ulluwed  a 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


503 


fellow  lodfrcr  nnd  n  brotlior  to  fjo  nbiofwl,  niid  no^lectod  to  Histen  tlie doora 
nnd  windows.  Iln  rRinaincMJ  in  ilin  siirno  ruoiit  with  the  dt'CutiNed,  um! 
was  kccpifif?  wntch  in  tiio  nijilit  with  his  fire;  arms  h)iid(!d,  in  rondinoss  to 
repel  any  nttncrk,  wliilc  tlie  womun  was  tiit!Opin<f  on  iter  bed.  Two  dis- 
oharjies  wvva  heard  in  (pnek  snceossion,  aoconi|taniod  by  a  crnsh  of  th« 
window,  and  he  rushed  ont  of  the  house  ^ivin<;  an  alarm,  nnd  after  riin- 
nini;  to  soinedisinncc,  retin'ned  with  the  statr-ment  tiiat  the  Indians  had 
l)rok(m  in  the  window,  shot  tli(!  woman  and  (led.  She  was  not  instantly 
killed,  and  he  piodiieed  some;  wine  or  other  eordial  tor  her  to  take.  Upon 
snhsefpient  examination  it  was  notieed  that  there  were  no  ti-acks  in  the 
snow  to  any  distances;  that  the  window  had  lieen  broken  oulwardi;  that 
the  position  uf  the  iiody  had  been  siieii  that  it  eonid  not  liavt;  i)een  shot 
in  the  plac(!  it  W'ls,  tioin  without;  that  the  seorche*!  appearaiice  of  tim 
clothini;  was  sueh  that  the;  <liseharfte  must  have  been  very  near;  and  that 
the  wine  contained  arsenic,  a  fact  sworn  to  with  the  f:reatest  directness 
by  a  medical  witness.  Untortimntely  for  his  scheme  he  admitte<l  that 
there  had  been  noai.noynnc(!  from  rats;  no  one  but  himself  had  setui  or 
been  troubled  about  the  Indians,  and  his  own  plans  had  not  indicated 
in  his  own  tiiind  a  belief  of  daiifierfrom  that  source.  Moreover,  he  ap- 
jicarcd  indifferent  about  pursuit,  and  his  manner  and  the  fiicts  were  con- 
sidenMl  as  warrantiiiff  an  arrest.  Jle  was  tried  at  iMalone,  in  .lnly,']8'25, 
luifon?  Jud;;e  Reuben  IF.  Walworth,  and  tlii^  forejioin;;  liu'ts  lieiuff  ad- 
duced, he  was  jndfied  jjnilty  by  the  jiny,  after  a  consultation  of  fiiteeen 
minutes,  ami  he  was  sentenced  to  be  hunjr.  Videto  was  hunir  in  a  field 
half  a  mile  «!ast  of  Malone,  Au<,nist  12(5,  ]S'i~i.  lie  coniinned  till  th(!  last 
Miomeiit  to  assert  his  iimocence,  jind  on  th(>  jrallows  caused  to  br;  read  a 
;  .i])er  containiuf;  the;  f()llowinf;  stateme?it :  '"With  rejrard  to  tli<!  crime  for 
which  I  this  day  sutler,  I  have  only  to  remark  that  I  am  pertt'Clly  iimo- 
cetit.  IJy  whoso  hand  the  unfortunate  Famiy  Mosely  was  deprived  of 
life,  I  do  not  kiu)w;  but  I  say  it  was  not  by  mine,  neither  was  I  accessory 
tf)  it;  neither  was  I  aware  of  the  approach  of  that  nnha|ipy  event;  liut  at 
the  time,  was  fearlid  of  d(!si^ns  upon  my  own  lili'."  lie  declnri'd  lii.s  in- 
tention of  holdin<r  the  paper  in  his  riiclit  hand  when  he  died,  if  innocent. 
When  th(^  drop  fell  the  |)aper  was  in  his  left  hand,  but  the  knot  li<.'ing  im- 
properly fixed,  he  was  not  straiifxled  iminediaU^ly,  and  after  hanj:in;f  some 
moments,  he  S(;ized  the  paper  in  Irs  ri^dit  hand,  and  waved  it  to  the 
crowd.  This  iiad  its  natural  etfect  upon  many  of  the  spectators,  but  ad- 
ditional testimony  which  did  not  a|)|iear  in  the  trial,  renders  the  liict  of 
Ills  jiuilt  certain  in  the  inimis  of  most  of  the  eilizens.  The  act  ofchangin;^ 
tlie  pa|ier  can  otdy  be  explained  by  supposing  that  consciousness  re- 
mained after  the  drop  fell,  which  he  improved  by  consu'.'s.natinjra  resolu- 
tion which  !iad  doubtless  been  l()r  a  Ion;;;  time  uppermost  in  his  mind. 
IMany  years  afterwards,  a  vajrne  report  came  ba<'k  from  tlu;  death 
bed  of  the  criminars  mother,  that  she  had  confessed  Ixnnji:  privy 
to,  or  had  assisted  in  the  nnirder,  but  this  report  was  so  ind(;liniie  that 
it  did  not  serve  to  chnnire  the  belief  of  those  who  knew  most  of  the  cii- 
ciinistances,  as  to  tin'  fruilt  of  tln^  son.  Imleed,  it  has  much  probability. 
Oiu'inf;  the  sununer  of  I8H'2,  some  8  or  10  di(Ml  of  cholera,  and  in  1817, 
the  ship  fever  took  ofl"  about  20.  The  conmiissioners  of  the  kind  oHice, 
were,  by  an  act  |)assed  April  1,  181 1,  directed  to  issue  letters  patent  to 
Mary  Gray,  alias  Lupin,  and  to  her  heirs  and  assi;/ns,  foi-  a  certain  piece 
of  land  desifinated  anil  known  as  the  north  middle  subdivision  of  fiirm 
lot  iinnil)er  six,  of  the  Pt.  Ke<;is  reservation,  in  the  town  of  Fort  Coviiiff- 
ton.  This  was  in  eoiHideration  of  rii;hts,  supposed  to  be  possessed  by 
long  residence  in  the  dace  which  she  was  said  to  have  miule  her  home 
from  1792,  or  nbout  that  period.     She  died  a  i«jw  years  since. 


'■   SI 


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504 


HISTORY   OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


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11 


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This  town,  in  Jnly,  184r»,pufrcrc(l  severely  from  running  fires,  which  on 
the  20th,  menaced  the  viilnge,  and  notliing  but  u  change  of  wind  saved  it 
ironi  u  general  conflag.-ation.  The  woric  of  destruction  in  the  adjoiniii<' 
towns  of  lionibay  and  W<^stvillo,  was  extensive  and  alarming,  and  in  the 
lornier  of  these  towns,  not  less  than  twenty  dwellings  and  as  many  Imriis 
were  said  to  have  been  burned.  Such  was  the  general  leeling  of  inse- 
curity, that  applications  for  insin'ance  multiplied  beyond  precedent,  wliirh 
led  s(!veral  insurance  companies,  including  both  of  those  located  in  ^^t. 
Lawrence  county,  to  insert  a  condition  in  their  |»olicies  that  they  would 
not  b(f  responsible  for  damages  done  by  running  tires.  This  provision 
was  subseipieiitl^v  aholisluMl. 

Tlie  village  ot  Fort  Covington  is  handsomely  laid  out  east  of  Salmon 
rivt-r,  half  a  mile  from  the  boundary,  and  steamers  from  the  St.  Luw- 
reiice  come  up  to  within  a  short  distance.  'J"he  Itoundary  of  Jay's  treaty 
of  l/U.'i,  was  designed  to  run  upon  the  parallel  of  45°  north  latitude.  A 
glade  throiigii  the  lorest  was  cut  and  cleared,  and  monuments  erected. 
]u  IrtlH,  upon  the  line  being  run  after  the  treaty  of  Ghent,  the  true  line 
was  tbimd  to  be  north  of  the  former,  at  Fort  Covington,  about  (JOO  teot. 
Uy  the  Webster  treaty  of  August  1),  1842,  the  lornier  line  was  agreed 
upon,  and  permanent  iron  monuments  erected  by  the  side  of  each  road  or 
navigable  stream  at  the  plaCc!  of  crossing,  and  in  the  t'orest  at  intervals  of 
a  mile.  These  are  of  cedar  cased  with  cast  iron^  about  four  feef  'ligh,  square 
at  the  base,  and  gradually  tapering  upwards.  On  the  tour  sides  are  cast 
the  Ictllovving  inscriptions: 

"Albert  Smith,  U.  S.  Commissioner."  "Treaty  of  Washington." 
"Lt.  Col.  .F.  JJ.  B.  Fstcourt,  H.  li.  M.  Commissioner."  "Boundart, 
August  L»th,  J842." 

The  coiiunissioners  appointed  to  survey  the  boundary  of  1818,  were 
Gov.  Van  Ness  and  Gen.  Peter  B.  I'orter,  who  commenced  at  St.  Kegis. 

A  Library  society  was  incorporated  at  French  mills  umler  a  general 
act  in  February,  JHI"),  under  the  title  of  the  .French  Mills  .Miscellaneous 
Library,  with  .lames  tJampliell,  David  Jones,  Kzekiel  I'ajne,  Wui.  W. 
Merrick,  Wureham  Hastings,  Luther  Diudbrth,  Joseph  Sptuicer,  trustees. 
The  seal  was  to  be  the  eagle,  with  the  words  E  Pluribns  unum,  \u- 
scribi'd. 

lieliffious  Societies. — The  First  Presbyterian  church  arose  from  an 
Associate  llelbrmed  Scotch  church,  which  belonged  to  the  Synod  of 
New  York,  and  was  organized  mainly  through  the  efforts  of  a  Scotch- 
man, who  was  usually  known  as  Father  Brimton.  About  1821,  Mr.  IJ. 
lett,  and  the  organi/aiiou  in  a  measure  went  down,  but  two  or  three 
years  afier,  the  society  was  visited  by  the  liev.  Alexander  Proudfit,  of 
Salem,  N.  V.,  by  whoij||  it  was  revive<l,  ami  under  his  influence,  the 
Kev.  Air.  Weller  was  engaged  one  year.  The  Rev.  John  A.  Savage  was 
employed  during  five  years,  as  a  suited  supply,  but  was  not  installed. 
While  Mr.  Savage  was  here,  the  chiu'ch  left  the  Associate  Presbytery 
of  Washington  CJo.,  (Dec,  1828,)  and  joined  the  Champlain  Presbytery, 
which  is  of  the  Constitutional  Presbyterian,  or  New  School  order. 
After  Mr.  Brunton  had  left,  a  small  Congregatioinil  society  of  aliout  1.") 
memi)ers,  mostly  females,  had  been  organized  by  Sanmel  Crosby,  which 
were  iimted  by  Mr.  Savage,  with  the  other  church. 

The  Rev's  Mr.  Nickol,  Jas  George,  L.  Tiiller,  Jas    E.  Quaw,  E.  E. 

Wells, WilliaiUK,  Joseph  A.  Rosseei,  David  C.  Lyon,  and  Chniles 

Gdlelte,  have  been  successively  employed  at  diflerent  times,  but  (lie 
latter  is  the  only  one  who  lias  been  installed.     The  church  edilico  was 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


505 


built  in  1828,  at  n  cost  of  >f  4,000,  nnd  in  1845,  a  bell,  weigbinf?  about 
750ibs,  Mas  jn'ocnrerl  by  tbe  society.  The  pows  are  private  property, 
and  regularly  deeded  like  a  farm.  Whole  number  since  i)resent  organ- 
ization 501,  Present  niunher  on  record,  about  308.  Present  number 
residing  near  and  belonging  to  cbnrcb,  208. 

A  JJaptist  society  was  organized  in  1824,  ot  first  by  9  members.  The 
Rev.  Nathaniel  Culver,  was  its  first  minister.  lie  has  been  succeeded  by 

Hiram  Sanford, Dodge,  Wm.  H.  Rice,  J.  B.  Drunnnond,   L.   II. 

Ilutnpbrey  and  J.  I\I.  Webb,  the  j)resent  clergyman.  A  church  was 
built  west  of  Big  Salmon  river,  in  1829,  as  a  cost  of  $1,000,  which  in 
1851-2  was  repaired  and  thoroughly  finished  at  an  additional  expense  of 
$1,700. 

Fort  Covington  Wesleyan  chai>el  wf.s  incorporated  April  4,  183G, 
Humphrey  Russell,  Luther  Danforth,  Warren  S.  Manning,  trustees. 

St.  Mary's  chnrcii,  (Catholic),  was  incorporated,  March  8,  1840,  Wni. 
Lahy,  Patrick  Ilolden  and  Michael  Colliru,  trustees. 

Franklin, 

Was  formed  from  Bellmont,  May  ^0,  1880,  and  made  to  embrace 
about  half  of  township  number9,  and  the  whole  of  muuberlO,  of  the  Old 
]\Iilitary  tract.  The  first  town  meeting  was  directed  to  be  held  at  the 
house  of  Henry  B  Hatch. 

Supervisors.— 18fiG-8,  Harry  B.  Hatch;  1839-40,  Norman  Sticknev; 
1841,  William  Knowlos;  1842,  John  R.  Merrill;  1843-4,  Harry  B.  Hatch ; 
1845,  John  R.  Merrill;  1840,  Norman  Sticknev:  1847-50,  John  R. 
Merrill;  1851,  Hugh  Martin;  1852,  James  B.  Dickinson. 

The  earliest  settlement  within  the  limits  of  the  town  of  Franklin,  was 
begun  by  the  erection  of  a  forge  and  saw  mill  by  McLenathan   and 
Wells,  from  Jfiy,  Essex  Co.,  about  the  year  1827,  at  the  settlement  now 
known  as  Franklin  Falls,  but  which  then  bore  the  name  of  McLenathan 
Falls.     Difiiculties  attended  these  works  which  were  finally  suspended, 
and  the  place  had  mostly  gone  down,  until  the  year  184(5,  when  Firz 
Geralds  and  McLean,  from  tiie  village  of  New  Sweden,  town  of  Ausnbie, 
Essex  Co.,  erected  a  saw  mill  for  extensive  lumbering  purposes.     One 
lialf  of  their  right  was  sold  to  Keese  &Tomlinson,  of  Keeseville,  in  1847. 
hi  February  1848,  Peter  Comstock,  of  Port  Kent,  acquired  an  interest  in 
the  i)lace.    At  about  the  time  of  the  first  settlement,  at  McLenatiiaii 
Falls,  a  forge  was  erected  by  Uriah  Sumner,  on  township  number  nine, 
of  the  old  military  tract.     This  enterprise  w  s  also  abandoned.    These 
two  forges,  were  supplied  by  magnetic  ore  found  in  the  town,  which  are 
said  to  l)e  abundant.     This  town  adjoins  an  extensive  and  valuable  iron 
region  in  Essex  county,  which  has  em|)loyed  a  large  amount  of  capital 
and  given  promise  of  future  pre-eminence  in  this  department  of  the  use- 
ful arts.     Besides  magnetic  ores,  bog  ore  is  said  to  occur  in  swamps,  and 
nmy  l)0  found  hereafter  of  much  itnportance,  when  worked  in  connection 
Willi  ot.  er  ores,  to  improve  the  quality  of  tlie  iron.     The  settled  |)arts  of 
Franklin  are  mostly  along  the  Port  Kent  and  Hopkinton  road,  and  in 
the  southern   [sart  of  townshii»  number  ten.    Tiie  town  ib  less  broken 
than  the  country  to  the  east  and  north,  and  will  doubtless  hereafter  be 
found  a  good  grazing  district.    The  linnbering  intenjsts  of  the  towi»  give 
a  market  for  domestic  products,  at  present,  but  the  natural  outlet  of  the 
counti-y  to  markets  is  down  the  valleys  of  the  Saranac  i.nd  Ausable  rivers, 
to  lake  Champlaiii.     A  plaidv  road  with  but  four  miles  of  interruption, 
connects  Keeseville  and  Franklin  Falls. 

31 


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506 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


A  most  destructive  conflngration  occurred  at  the  JHmbering  villape  of 
Frnnklin  Falls,  on  the  Saranac,  on  the  29th  of  May,  1852.  For  several 
days  previous,  afire  had  been  running  in  the  neighboring  woods,  and  un 
the  day  of  the  catastrophe,  the  wind  was  blowing  almost  a  luirricane, 
and  scattering  the  fire  in  every  direction,  so  that  all  attempts  to  control 
it  became  unavailing.  On  approaching  the  village,  which  v,as  situated 
in  a  ravine,  it  burst  from  the  woods  upon  the  settlenient  with  such  force, 
that  every  bui'.ling  in  the  place  except  two  small  ones  was  consumed. 
Thase  Vtcre  an  extensive  lumbering  mill,  together  with  twenty-three 
dwelling  houses,  a  large  store,  a  tavern,  ane  much  lumber  and  valuable 
property,  belonging  to  the  owners  of  the  mill.  Nearly  all  the  furniture 
in  the  houses  was  consumed,  and  some  of  the  inhabitants  escaped  with 
their  lives  only  with  great  difficulty.  The  principal  sufferers  were  P. 
Comstock,  J.  B.  Dickinson  and  Keese  &  Tomlinson,  who  were  owners 
of  most  of  the  property  destroyed.  The  extent  and  severity  of  this  con- 
flagration has  never  before  been  equalled  in  our  counties,  but  the  appa- 
rently hopeless  ruin  brought  upon  this  place  by  its  entire  destruction,  has 
not  served  to  arrest,  although  it  may  have  checked  the  enterprise  of  its 
spirited  proprietors.  A  gang  mill  with  u  yankee  *  was  commenced 
soon  after,  on  a  larger  scale  than  before,  and  the  village,  phoenix-like,  is 
rising  from  its  ashes. 

Harrietstown, 

Was  erected  from  Duane,  March  19,  1841,  and  consists  of  townships 
Nos.  21,  24,  27,  of  Great  tract  No.  1,  of  Macomb's  purchase.  The  first 
town  meeting  was  directed  to  be  held  at  the  house  of  Mlcah  E.  Flanders, 
The  circumstances  which  led  to  its  formation  are  said  to  have  been  these: 
For  several  years  the  inhabitants  of  No.  21  had  complained  of  the  hard- 
ship of  being  under  the  necessity  of  taking  a  journey  of  thirty  or  forty 
miles  around,  to  attend  town  meetings,  and  many  had  Sieen  accustomed 
to  neglect  them  from  the  great  labor  and  expense  of  time  requisite.  In 
1840,  however,  by  a  concerted  movement,  they  got  a  majority  in  town 
meeting,  and  had  it  adjourned  to  their  own  part  of  the  town.  The  inha- 
bitants in  the  north  inunediately  originated  a  movement,  which  was 
forthwith  consummated,  by  which  the  town  of  Duane  was  divided,  and 
Harrietstown  erected;  and  a  provision  inserted  lor  a  new  town  meeting 
in  each  town  for  the  election  of  town  officers. 

Supervisors.— 184] -4,  Pliny  Miller;  1845,  Alanson  B.  Neal;  1840-50, 
P.  Mdler;  1851,  A.  B.  Newl. 

The  town  of  Harrietstown  began  to  be  settled  before  the  year  1813, 
by  inhabitants  of  the  adjoining  counties,  who  located  upon  the  northwest 
bay  road.  The  town  is  named  after  the  original  or  proprietary  name  of 
township  No.  21.  The  latter  received  its  name  from  a  daughter  of  Win. 
Constable,  the  wife  of  James  Duane,  Esq.,  of  Duane. 

The  principal  settleinent  is  at  present  in  the  north  part  of  township 
No.  21.    Several  lumbering  establishments  are  erected  and  in  conteni- 

*  Thii  Mrm  i*  applied  to  a  mimber  of  saws  placed  in  the  snme  Trame  with  a  gang  of  sawt, 
•o  that  li.ey  will  cut  a  log  to  tlie  pronor  width  while  the  gang  ot'  saws  is  niukiiig  anollier  into 
boards  oi'  marketable  thickiies'.  The  two  logn  arc  placed  side  by  side  on  ilie  same  carriage. 
A  'lotel  on  an  extensive  scale  is  in  pniRress  by  Mr.  Diekiiison,  and  the  place  will  prolialilj' 
before  long  regain  il.s  former  size  and  prosperity.  The  Ausallc  river  plunk  roiid,  wliicli 
terminate.s  at  thiF  place,  is  destnied  to  do  much  cowards  promoting  il»  growth.  The  nunie  of 
Franklin  Falls  wa*  given  to  the  village  and  seltlenieni  on  the  establivhttH-nl  of  a  poal  olfiee,  un 
tiic3lstof  .Tanuarv.  1851. 


m 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


507 


plation  in  this  town.  Tiie  market  for  this  section  of  the  eounty  is  entirely 
down  into  Essex  county  and  laice  Champlain.  There  is  at  i)resent  no 
road  leading  directly  from  the  settlement  to  Malone,  vvithont  jroinj;; 
through  a  corner  of  the  town  of  St.  Armand,  in  Essex  county.  There 
are  at  present  three  school  districts  in  town. 

Township  No.  21  is  very  elevated,  and  its  waters  flow  into  the  St. 
Lawrence,  by  way  of  the  St.  Regis,  into  laki  Champlain,  and  into  tho 
Raquette. 

Malone, 

Was  erected,  as  Harrison,  from  Chateaugay,  March  2,  1805,  and  at 
first  included  the  whole  of  tract  No.  1,  and  the  Indian  reservation.  The 
first  town  meeting  was  <lirected  to  he  held  at  the  house  of  Jonatiian 
llapgood.  In  the  formation  of  Constable,  Dickinson  and  Duane,  it  was 
reduced  to  its  present  limits,  that  of  townships  Nos.  (5  and  'J,  of  tract  No. 
1.  The  former  of  these  was  owned  by  Richard  Harrison,  and  surveyed 
by  Joseph  Beman,  in  1801-2-3,  assisted  by  Enos  Wood.  Its  first  agent 
was  Judge  Bailey.  No.  *J  was  owned  by  Constable,  Hammond  and  Mc 
Cormick.  The  soutii  third  owned  by  the  latter,  ])assed  by  way  of  Mr. 
Pitcairn,  to  A.  O.  Brodie,  and  is  now  mostly  owned  by  James  H.  Titus, 
of  N.  Y.  The  middle  third  passed  by  (i(.'ed  to  the  estate  of  John  Titus, 
N.  Prime  and  VVm.  Wallace,  |)rior  to  ISMO.  Ai)ril  11,  1808,  the  name  of 
Harrison  was  changed  to  E/niville  (from  Ezra  L'Hommedieu),  and  on 
the  10th  of  June,  1812,  the  original  name  ol  Malone  was  restored. 

The  records  connnence  in  1808,  when  N.  Blanchard  was  supervisor; 
John  H.  Russell,  c/erA:;  Hiram  Horton,  Harry  S.  House  and  Thos.  Spen- 
cer, asse.wors ;  H.  Blanchard,  collector;  Cone  Andriis,  Oliver  Brewster, 
poor  masters;  Samuel  Pease,  Jehiel  Berry,  Wm.  Mason,  comers  highways; 
H.  Blanchard,  Joel  Grifiin  and  Apollos  Lathrop,  constables;  Solomon 
Plumb,  Stephen  llolley,  J.  Barnum,  D.  Whipi)le  and  J.  Lawrence, /ence 
viewers. 

Si/pemsors.— 1808, Nathaniel  Blanchard;  1800,  As^  Wheeler;  1810-11, 
Hiram  Horton;  1812,  George  F.  Harrison;  1813-15,  Harry  S.  House; 
1810-17,  Abel  Willson;  ISIS-S.!,  Asa  Hascall;  ISm,  Martin  L.  Parlin; 
1837,  Asa  Hascall;  1838-1),  Jonathan  Stearns;  1840-2,  Asa  Hascall; 
1843-5,  Hiram  Horton,  2d;  184(i-52,  Wni.  Andrus. 

Bounties  have  been  oflfcred  as  follows:  for  wolves,  .?10,  in  1808  to  '13; 
$15,  in  1810-17;  $20,  in  1818  to  '21.  For  panthers,  !J10,  in  1811-12-13; 
$20,  in  1818  to '21.  At  aspecial  meeting  in  1821, called  for  the  purpose 
of  reducing  the  bounties;  no  action  was  taken;  l)Ut  in  November  of  that 
year,  they  were  rescinded.  In  1845,  voted  against  annexing  a  part  of 
St.  Lawrence  to  Franklin  county,  and  iu  favor  of  petitioning  for  an  ap- 
propriation for  Clinton  prison. 

Settlements  were  begun  in  1802,  by  Enos,  Nathan  and  John  Wood, 
from  St.  Albans,  the  town  having  been  visited  one  or  two  yijars  previ- 
ous by  the  former.  Nowell  Conger,  Luther  Winslow,  Jehiel  Berry,  Noah 
Moody,  Rosvvell  Wilcox,  David  and  Lyman  Sperry,  and  many  others, 
came  in  1803,  or  before.  The  emigrants  of  1804  to  '8,  were  quite  nu- 
merous, and  almost  entirely  from  Vermont.  The  first  chilil  born  in 
town,  was  a  daughter  of  Luther  Winslow,  who  was  named  Malone,  after 
the  township.  N.  and  J.  Wood,  in  1804,  built  a  saw  mill,  and  J.  Wood 
soou  after  began  a  grist  mill,  but  the  dam  was  carried  oft"  in  a  flood,  and 
nothing  was  done  towards  rebuilding,  till  1809,  when  Hiram  Hotton 
l»urchused  the  privilege,  und  erected  a  grist  mill  soou  afler.    From  the 


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508 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


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be^iiiiiiii);,  the  citizeiiH  desi^netl  to  establinli  nn  ORntlemy  nmong  them, 
and  in  180(),  they  erected  u  bnildin<ron  a  sile  given  by  Mr.  Hnrrison,  nnd 
titiil  occupied,  tor  tiie  purpoHc.  This  building  Htill  stands,  nnd  iius  been 
used  tor  n  school  liouse,  meeting  house,  court  iiouse,  juil  and  academy. 
An  arsenal  was  built  a  little  east  of  the  village,  in  \til2.  During  the  war, 
a  volunteer  company,  consisting  mostly  of  revolutionary  soldiers,  and 
Hlyled  Silver  Greys,  was  tbrmed  under  David  Ervvin.  Their  age  exempt- 
ed them  ti-om  duty,  but  their  inclinations  led  them  to  it.  On  the  capture 
of  Tilden's  company,  at  French  Mills,  they  started  for  that  place,  but 
ilid  not  arrive  till  alter  the  surrender.  A  detachment  of  the  army  ol 
Gen.  Wilkinson  occupied  the  village  during  the  early  |)art  of  the  winter 
of  1813-14,  but  left  in  February.  Very  soon  after,  the  enemy,  hearing 
from  spies,  that  a  large  amount  of  provisions  was  stored  in  the  village, 
Rent  a  detachment  of  about  1,200  regulars  and  400  Canadian  nfilitia, 
imder  Col.  Scott,  who  arrived  towards  evening  on  Saturday,  February 
11),  1814,  jiosted  sentinels  on  all  the  roads  leading  from  the  village,  to 
intercept. teams,  and  proQeeded  to  search  for  stores.  These  were  in  a 
barn  half  a  mile  south  of  the  village,  and  a  considerable  amomit  had 
been  distributed  among  the  inhabitants  for  concealment.  On  their  firf^t 
arrival,  a  considerable  amount  of  tiring  occurred,  i)rincipally  to  arrest 
teams  which  were  atteni|)ting  to  escape.  On  Sunday  morning,  several 
of  the  Indians  and  militia  connnencetl  demolishing  the  arsenal,  which 
had  been  left  without  arms,  by  the  Americans,  on  leaving  the  place 
The  windows  and  gratings  were  torn  out,  and  it  was  fired,  l)Ut  Colonel 
Scott,  upon  the  earnest  appeals  of  some  of  the  more  inHuential  of  the 
citizens,  who  representee!  the  barbarity  of  this  wanton  destruction,  is- 
sued orders  for  its  preservation,  and  posted  a  guard  around  it  for  pro- 
tection, lie  then  convened  some  of  the  iidiabitants,  and  gave  them  the 
building  lor  educational  purposes.  For  this  act  of  lenity,  he  is  said  to 
have  been  censured  by  his  government.  A  part  of  Sunday  was  spent 
in  ransacking  the  town,  and  forwarding  the  stores  they  had  seized,  using 
the  teams  they  had  pressed  for  this  purpose,  and  at  noon  they  started  on 
tlieir  return,  by  way  of  Chateaugay,  losing  great  numbers  by  disertioii. 
Private  j)roperty,  excejjt  arms,  was  generally  respected.  Col.  Scott  is 
said  to  have  nearly  lost  his  life  from  a  drunken  Indian,  who  reeled  up 
to  him,  cursed  him  for  not  allowing  them  to  plunder,  and  aimed  his 
loaded  gun  for  firing;  but  he  was  instantly  seized,  rudely  bound  on  his 
back  to  a  train,  and  taken  off.  An  amusing  case  of  smuggling  occurred 
on  this  occasion.  Jehiel  Barnum,  a  revolutionary  gun  smith,  living  in 
Bangor,  had  been  ])ressed  with  others,  and  sent  off  with  a  load  of  stores, 
and  in  charge  of  two  soldiers,  for  French  Mills.  His  team  was  young 
and  restive,  and  gave  him  much  trouble  in  keeping  them  from  interfering 
with  the  sleighs  before  him,  to  avoid  which,  he  got  permission  to  turn 
off"  on  a  by-road,  which  he  said  would  take  them  out  right,  and  aftwr 
going  several  miles,  he  drove  uj)  to /tis  ofivi  (/oor.  His  jjussengers  here 
first  discovered  their  dilemma,  and  he  without  dilliculty  jjersuaded  tlieni 
to  remain,  while  the  cargo  was  found  very  convenient  in  supijorting  the 
family. 

in  1813,  there  were  in  town  three  saw  mills,  a  grain  mill,  fulling  and 
carding  mills,  and  two  bark  mills. 

The  (>oor  house  of  Franklin  county  was  erected  soon  after  the  general 
law  directing  their  establishment,  on  a  farm  of  110  acres,  at  u  cost  of 
$1,200.  It  has  since  been  burnt  and  rebuilt.  18'i5,  the  large  stone 
tiictory  represented  in  our  view  of  the  rail  road  bridge,  was  built  by 
John  Stearns,  and  for  a  time  gave  employment  to  nearly  a  hundred 


d  \ 


III 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIKS. 


509 


opcrntivcs.  It  has  been  for  sonio  time  (iiscontiniicd.  Tliis  extensive 
biiildinjr  Htunds  in  the  deep  ravine  of  Salnmn  river  in  the  inifldie  of  the 
viilajfe,  its  upper  story  beinp  on  a  level  vvitii  the  street.  Tlie  Frnnithn 
Manufacturing  company,  was  incorporated  May  25,  IHSd,  witii  a  ca|)ital 
of  8^00,000,  in  sliares  af  $250  eacli,  for  manufacturing  cotton  and 
woolen  goods,  but  it  was  never  organized. 

A  literary  society  was  organized  Oct.  2,  1840,  for  the  purpose  of  pro- 
curing for  the  ])erusal  of  its  members,  periodical  books,  &c.,  and  to  es- 
tablish lectures.    It  maintained  an  existence  two  or  three  years. 

By  an  act  of  April  11),  1850,  the  commissary  general  was  authorized 
to  sell  the  several  arsenals  in  certain  counties,  and  Jan.  27,  1851,  it 
was  enacted,  that  when  the  arsenal  and  lot  in  the  village  of  Malone 
should  be  sold,  the  proceeds,  atler  deducting  8200,  should  be  aiiplied  to 
the  improvement  of  a  certain  piece  of  ground,  belonging  to  the  state, 
situated  in  tlm  ,.  lage  known  as  the  Arsenal  green  and  parade  ground. 
The  treasun^r  was  directed  to  pay  on  the  warrant  of  the  comptroller,  to 
Guy  Meigs,  Samuel  C.  Wead,  and  Ilngh  Magill,  the  above  sum  to  be 
expended  for  these  im[irovements.  The  grounds  were  to  be  graded, 
fenced,  planted  with  trees,  and  laid  out  into  walks,  so  far  as  might  be 
without  injuring  the  [iremises  for  purposes  of  tnilitary  parades.  These 
grounds  were  never  to  be  sold  for  private  pur|)oses,  without  an  act  of 
the  legislature.  An  appropriation  was  also  made  for  inclosing  and  im- 
]iroving  the  grounds  around  the  Academy  in  the  western  side  of  the  vil- 
lage. Accordingly  the  Arsenal  green,  has  '^een  neatly  and  tastefully  en- 
closed, and  a  row  of  shade  trees  plai.  around  its  border.  This 
beautiful  park,  is  crossed  by  the  Northern  rad  road,  which  here  required  a 
deep  cutting,  but  the  two  sides  have  been  united  by  a  foot  bridge, 
and  the  premises  are  little  marred  by  this  work.  There  is  scarcely  a 
village  in  the  state  that  can  boast  of  two  more  elegant  public  parks  than 
Malone,  when  this,  and  the  grounds  now  in  jirocess  of  grading  and  en- 
closure arouiul  the  Academy,  shall  have  been  completed,  and  the  shade 
trees  with  which  they  are  to  planted,  shall  have  attained  a  respectable 
growth.  The  public  grounds  in  cities  have  been  aptly  compared  to  the 
lungs  of  the  populace,  and  nothing  can  be  more  i)leasant  and  healthful 
than  an  hour  spent  at  the  close  of  a  sultry  summer's  day,  in  the  refresh- 
ing coolness  of  a  grove. 

There  is  scarcely  an  inland  town  in  the  state,  that  will  compare  with 
Malone,  in  the  thrift  and  improvement  which  it  has  exhibited  since  the 
completion  of  the  rail  road.  Situated  in  the  midst  of  a  rich  and  rajjidly 
improving  agricultural  district;  eiijoying^ample  facilities  for  manufiictur- 
ing  jiurposes;  and  the  healthful  moral  influence  of  an  excellent  acade- 
my, in  comiection  with  the  cheerfid  prospect  which  the  southern  and 
unsettled  portions  of  the  county  exhibit  for  improvement,  the  business 
of  which  will  very  naturally  centre  here,  all  contribute  to  |)romote  its 
growth  and  wealth.  Prominent  among  the  sources  of  its  prosperity,  is 
ail  extensive  quarry  of  Potsdam  sandstone,  about  a  mile  soutli  of  the 
village,  which  is  being  wrought  on  an  extensive  scale,  and  has  already 
acquired  a  reputation  and  created  a  demand  in  many  of  oin*  eastern 
cities,  and  in  the  western  states.  This  stone  occm-s  in  a  strata  of  very 
uniform  thickness,  and  is  raised  with  bars  and  wedges,  marked  with  a 
cliiocl  of  any  desirable  size  or  shape,  and  broken  with  a  remarkably  even 
fracture.  The  great  synunetry  ol"  size  which  can  be  obtained,  the  free- 
dom from  pyrites  or  other  minerals  that  would  stain  or  efHoresce,  by  ex- 
posure; the  extreme  durability,  as  evinced  by  the  sharp  outlines  of  masses 
that  have  been  exposed  to  the  cicnients  for  thousands  uf  years,  and  a 


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HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


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delicate  tinge  of  color  which  it  presents,  are  comhinod  in  this  material, 
nnd  givcH  it  u  value  which  is  seldom  equalled.  The  quarries  in  Potsdiim 
and  other  towns  tiirniHh  stone  e(|ually  valuable.  The  Malone  quarry  is 
owned  by  Mr.  T.  P.  Chandler. 

IMalone  has  at  present  churches  of  the  Presbyterian,  Baptist,  Episco- 
pal, Universalist,  Alethodist,  and  Catholic  denominations.  Several  of 
these  are  fuiely  loca  ed,  especially  the  Prcfbyteri  u  tiuirch,  which  fronts 
upon  the  public  square,  and  forms  a  promment  oli,cct  in  the  village. 

Two  destructive  fires,  which  occurred  with  a  short  interval,  in  the  fall 
of  1852,  tod  the  citizens  to  see  tiie  necessity  of  an  organization  as  a  vil- 
lage, in  order  to  raise  by  tax  the  means  of  providing  against  these  ca- 
liimities,  and  for  the  construction  of  internal  improvements.  Two  fire 
engines  were  ordered,  and  the  incorporation  of  the  village  is  expected  to 
be  soon  accomplished. 

The  valley  oi'  Salmon  river  presented  an  obstacle  to  the  construction 
of  the  mil  road,  which  was  overcome  by  the  erection  of  the  elegant  and 
Bubstantiul  bridge,  represented  on  the  opposite  page.  It  is  built  on  the 
Burr  |)lan  with  improvenients;  has  a  span  of  150  feet  and  an  elevation  of 
82  feet  above  the  water.  It  has  across  it  u  double  track,  which  here 
possesi^es .  slight  curve.  The  abutments  contain  3000  cubic  yards  of 
masonry,  and  are  52  feet  .^ligh,  laid  in  good  lime,  mortar,  and  are  very 
solid  and  permanent.  To  the  passenger  that  crosses  this  viaduct  in  the 
cars,  there  is  scarcely  an  opportunity  of  judging  the  merits  of  the  work, 
or  forming  an  adequate  conception  of  its  beauty,  which  can  only  be 
fully  realized  from  the  banks  of  the  river  below,  where  like  the  bow 
of  promise,  it  is  seen  spanning  the  heavens  far  above  the  turmoil  of  the 
«iigry  river.  This  highly  creditable  and  successful  work,  was  planned 
and  executed  under  the  direction  of  Cliurlea  L.  Schlatter,  the  engineer 
of  the  road. 

The  settlement  of  township  No.  9,  was  began  in  1831,  under  the 
agency  of  the  late  Henry  B.  Titus,  who  then  erected  a  grist  and  saw  mill, 
and  a  scythe  factory,  at  the  great  liills  of  Salmon  river.  It  was  the  wish 
of  the  proprietor,  James  H.  Titus,  that  this  settlement  should  be  called 
Glenwood,  but  it  has  lately  received  the  name  of  Titusboro,  After  a  few 
years,  the  investment  proving  ruinous  from  the  want  of  an  accessible 
jnarket,|these  operations  were  discontinued,  and  have  only  been  resumed 
since  the  completion  of  the  rail  road.  The  proprietor  is  now  making  a 
systematic  effort  to  settle  this  tract,  and  an  extensive  gang  mill  has  been 
erected  by  Meigs  &  Wead,  of  Malone,  who  have  improved  the  Salmon 
river  from  near  Wolf  pond,  to  their  mills  for  floating  logs.  Of  the  origi- 
nal immigration,  a  few  remain,  but  the  most  had  abandoned  their  loca- 
tions. A  large  saw  mill  is  about  being  erected  at  the  outlet  of  Branch 
])ond,  a  beautiful  and  romantic  water.  On  lot  No.  58,  of  the  middle 
third,  near  Brandon,  white  limestone  occurs,  and  is  found  to  make  ex- 
cellent lime.  This  indispensable  article  is  rather  rare  among  the  i)riniary 
rocks  of  this  county.  The  limestone  from  this  town,  has  been  exam- 
ined chemically  by  Dr.  Chilton,  of  New  York,  and  found  to  contain  but 
two  per  cent  of  impurities. 

Relif^ious  Societies. — In  1800  or  7,  the  first  Congregational  church  was 
formed  by  Ebenezer  Hibbard  and  Amos  Pettingill,  missionaries,  who 
were  also  instrumental  in  organizing  several  other  churches,  in  this  and 
St.  Lawrence  counties.    In  October  1809,  the  Rev.  Ashbel  Parmalee,* 

*  Few  clergymen  in  Ihis  section  o,  the  state,  have  seen  more  of  the  rise  and  progress  of 
our  religious  societies  than  Mr  Parmelee.  lie  was  a  native  of  Slockbridge,  Muss.,  but  «t 
au  early  age  removed  with  liis  parents  to  Rutland  jounty,  VI.,  where  he  preparsd  lor  the 


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AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


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was  employed;  and  on  the  18th  of  February,  1810,  he  was  installed  the 
first  pastor.  This  was  the  first  ordination  that  occurred  in  the  county, 
and  took  place  in  the  upper  room  of  the  old  Academy.  The  Rev. 
Messrs.  Lemuel  Hayiies,  of  Rutland,  Vt,  Chauncey  Cook  a  missionary, 
Martin  Powell,  of  Mooers,  and  Simeon  Parmelee,  of  Westford,  were 
present.  About  thirty  members  at  first  formed  the  church,  but  its  pre- 
sent number  is  between  four  and  five  hundred,  which  is  said  to  be 
greater  than  that  of  any  otb<^r  church  of  this  sect  in  northern  New 
York. 

In  1826-8  a  church  was  erected*  and  on  the  7th  of  February  1828,  it 
was  dedicated.  It  cost  about  $1000.  A  new  and  elegant  edifice  was 
erected  in  1851,  and  dedicated  in  February  1852.  It  is  of  brick  andcost 
about  $10,000.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Parmelee  was  succeeded,  after  a  course 
of  pastoral  labors  of  thirty-six  years,  by  the  Rev.  Elias  Woodruff,  the 
present  clergyman.  In  the  early  part  of  the  year  1816,  a  religious  re- 
vival of  unparalleled  extent,  occurred  in  Malone,  in  common  with  other 
places,  which  resulted  in  thc>  add i  ion  of  eighty  or  a  hundred  members 
to  this  church,  among  whom  were  thirty  or  forty  parents  of  families. 
The  years  1827  and  1831,  were  also  noted  as  periods  of  unusual  re- 
ligious excitement  First  Congregational  church  and  society  of  Malone, 
was  incorporated  Jan.  8, 1828,  with  Jonathan  Stearns,  Asa  Hascall  and 
Harry  S.  House,  trustees.  St.  Mork's  church  (Episcopal),  was  formed 
by  Rev.  Anson  Hard,  July  12,  1831.  No  clergyman  employed  till  July 
1833,  when  the  Rev.  A.  Bloomer  was  engaged.  His  successors  have 
been  Rev.  Amos  Pardee,  Alex'  H.  Call,  Caleb  Bingham,  Henry  Attwater, 
Wm.  Long,  Jubal  Hodges,  and  A.  C.  Treadway.  The  present  church 
edifice  was  erected  in  1843.  A  Universalist  society  was  formed  not  long 
afler  the  war,  but  had  for  many  years  been  lost,  when  Dec.  27,  1845,  it 
was  formed,  which  now  numbers  78  members.  It  was  formed  through 
the  efforts  of  Rev.  E.  A.  Holbrook,  who  remained  six  years.  A  church 
was  built  at  a  cost  of  $2,300  in  1846.  The  present  pastor  is  the  Rev.  G. 
Swan. 

MoiRA, 

Was  formed  with  its  present  bounds  from  Dickinson,  April  15, 1828. 
The  who'e  of  the  poor  moneys  of  Dickinson  were  given  to  Moira,  as 
most  of  the  settlement  was  in  the  new  town. 

Supervisors. — 1828-30,  Jason  Pierce,  1831-2,  Sidney  Lawrence,  1833-6, 
J.Pierce;  1837,  Orrin  Lawrence ;  1838,  J.  Pierce ;  1839-40,  S.  Lawrence ; 
1841-3,  O.  Lawrence;  1844-8,  Samuel  Manning;  1849,  Horace  Dickin- 
son; 1850-1,  Darius  W.  Lawrence;  18.52,  Simon  D.  Stevens. 

1830,  at  a  special  town  meeting,  voted  to  transfer  to  the  school  funds 
all  the  poor  moneys  in  the  hands  of  town  officers.  This  was  to  be,  and 
remain,  a  perpetual  fund  for  the  support  of  schools  in  town,  agreeably  to 
the  provisions  of  an  act  passed  April  27, 1829.  $800  was  directed  to  be 
loaned  on  security  for  the  above  purpose.    AH  over  the  above  sum  was 

duties  or  hi<i  station,  and  preached  one  year.  He  still  continues  his  ministerial  labors  occasion- 
ally, and  is  said  to  have  lu  preparation  for  the  press,  an  account  of  his  personal  observations 
upon  the  progress  of  religious  and  other  institutions,  which  have  grown  up  under  his  notice. 

*  In  April,  IB5I,  there  was  found  in  taking  down  the  walls  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  first 
erected,  a  leaden  plate  bearing  the  following  inscription.  It  was  taken  from  the  corner  stone. 
"  Laid  by  Northern  Conslellalion  Lodge.  No.  14S,  Mulone,  May  SOtli,  A  L  ,  5«2(}.  A.  D  1826. 
Ind.  U.S.A.  50th.  Clark  Williamson,  M.;  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  G.  M.S.  N.  Y. :  De 
Witt  Clinton,  Gov.  8.  N .  Y. ;  John  Q.  Adams,  Pres.  U.  8.  A.  j  Rev.  Ashbal  Parmelee,  Pastor 
Con.  So,;  Orren  Mows,  Sculptor." 


514 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


to  be  distributed  among  the  several  school  districts,  in  the  ratio  of  the 
other  school  moneys  of  the  town  were  by  law  directed  to  he  paid. 

The  town  of  Moira  was  apportioned  to  Gilchrist  and  Fowler,  and  the 
first  settlement  was  made  by  Appleton  Foote,  from  Middlebury,  Vt.,  who 
in  March,  1803,  came  into  town  as  agent  for  the  proprietors,  to  erect 
a  mill  and  commence  a  settlement.  He  brought  in  Benjamin  Secley 
and  family,  to  assist  him,  and  the  latter  was  the  first  family  that  settled 
here.  They  spent  the  first  winter  alone  in  the  new  settlement,  and  kept 
a  rude  accommodation  for  travelers,  great  numbers  of  whom  were  then 
|)assing  through  on  their  way  to  the  new  settlements  in  St.  Lawrence 
county.  .Jonathan  Lawrence  and  Joseph  Plumb  came  into  town  on  the 
1st  of  March,  1804,  having  the  previous  year  selected  land  and  made  ar- 
rangements for  moving.  Lawrence,  Plumb,  and  one  David  Bates,  were 
the  Oiily  families  that  came  in  to  reside  in  1804.  The  first  road  to  mar- 
ket was  to  French  mills,  from  which  a  navigable  communication  exists 
to  Montreal,  and  the  first  team  that  went  through  and  back,  a  distance  of 
about  thirteen  miles,  is  said  to  have  occupied  lour  days  in  the  journey. 
In  1805,  settlers  came  into  town  and  settled  in  considerable  numbers. 
The  first  Mills  were  built  by  Mr.  Foote,  who  in  1803  erected  n  saw  mill 
on  the  site  of  what  is  now  Brush's  Mills,  and  in  the  year  following  he 
added  a  single  run  of  stones.  The  title  subsequently  passed  to  Luther 
Bradish,  Robert  Watts,  and  Peter  Kean,  who  held  the  north  middle  and 
south  thirds  respectively.  The  present  stone  mill,  near  the  rail  n  ad  sta- 
tion of  Brush's  Mills,  was  erected  by  the  proprietors  about  the  year  1823. 
The  north  and  middle  thirds  are  at  present  owned,  with  the  exception  of 
parts  sold  to  actual  settlers,  by  Henry  N.  Brush.  The  first  schools  in 
town  were  opened  in  1807. 

The  Northern  rail  road  has  two  stations  in  town;  one  at  Brush's  Mills 
and  the  other  near  Moira  Corners.  At  the  former  >s  an  extensive  wood 
station. 

Wm.  Pierce,  a  youth  of  17,  was  tried  at  Malone,  in  July,  1839,  for  the 
murder  of  his  father,  and  convicted.  On  the  10th  of  January  previous, 
Willard  Johnson  and  his  son  were  woikingfor  the  father  of  the  prisoner. 
A  disj>ute  arose  between  the  deceased  and  the  prisoner,  in  relation  to  tlie 
use  of  a  horse  by  the  latter,  to  go  to  a  spelling  school.  When  they  got 
to  the  field,  where  they  were  at  work  clearing  land,  Johnson  directed 
the  prisoner  to  cut  a  certain  tree,  to  which  he  replied  he  would  not,  giv- 
ing as  his  reason,  that  the  old  man  would  not  let  him  have  the  horse, 
&c.  About  this  time  the  fiither  came  up,  and  the  dispute  was  renewed. 
The  prisoner  said  his  father  promised  him  the  horse,  the  father  denied 
it,  upon  which  the  prisoner  gave  him  the  lie.  On  this  the  father  threat- 
ened to  fiog  him,  and  picked  up  a  stick  and  struck  idm.  The  son  step- 
ped back,  stood  four  or  five  seconds,  raised  his  axe,  and  advancing  ru|)i(l!y 
lour  or  five  steps,  struck  his  father  with  the  axe  in  the  right  breast,  driv- 
ing the  whole  bit  of  the  axe  into  the  chest,  of  which  wound  the  father 
died  in  about  forty  hours.  The  prisoner  was  sentenced  to  be  hanged 
on  the  2d  day  of  September  following.  This  sentence  was  commuted 
by  Governor  Seward  to  imprisonment  for  life. 

Relif^ions  Societies. — The  Christian  sect  originated  in  this  town  in 
181(!,  under  the  labors  of  James  Spooner,  who  came  from  New  Hanift- 
shire,  a  young  man  of  20,  and  hired  out  as  a  laborer.  In  August,  1827, 
a  church  of  17  members  was  formed,  and  since  continued,  numbering 
73  in  ail.  Present  number  (October,  1852),  29.  In  connection  with  the 
Methodists,  they  have  a  church  at  Moira  village. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


515 


A  Congregntionnl  church  and  society  exist  in  town,  the  latter  having 
been  incorporated  April  26,  1823,  with  Horace  Dickinson,  Enoa  Day 
and  John  Coojier,  trustees. 

The  Catholics  are  about  forming  a  society  at  Brush's  Mills. 

Westvijlle, 

Was  formed  from  Constable,  with  its  present  limits,  April  25,  1829. 
Its  name  was  suggested  from  its  being  the  west  part  of  Constable,  and 
a  j)ost  office  named  West  Constable,  had  been  established  the  year  be- 
fore. This  has  not  since  been  changed.  The  first  town  meeting  day 
having  passed  without  election,  Alric  Man,  Sylvester  Langdon  and 
Ksec  ague,  justices,  filled  the  several  ofiices  by  appointment,  viz: 

Guy  hi  r.'*,  supervisor;  Ebenezer  Leonard,  clerk;  Ebenezer  Man,  Good- 
rich Haicn,  Stephen  B.  Clough,  assessors;  Samuel  Fletcher,  colledor; 
Ira  Briggs,  Philemon  Berry,  overseers  of  the  poor;  Buel  H.  Man,  Henry 
G.  Button.  P.  Berry,  comVa  of  hif^hwm/s ;  S.  Fletcher,  Leonard  Willson, 
constables;  E.  Man,  John  M.  Rogers,  S.  B.  Clough,  comers  of  schools ; 
Stephen  Feiton,  E.Leonard,  Samuel  Coggin,  Ins^r  of  com.  schools;  P. 
Berry,  pound  keeper. 

Supennsors.—i82i),  Guy  Meigs;  1830,  Philemon  Berry;  1831-2,  Good- 
rich Hazen;  1833,5,  Alric  Man;  1836-7,  Henry  G.  Button;  1838-9,  P. 
Berry;  1840-1,  Buel  H.  Man ;  1842-3,  Alric  Man;  1844-5,  Samuel  Cog- 
gin;  1846-7,  Jamea  Walker;.  1848-9,  Samuel  Man;  1850-1,  Richard  E. 
Morey;  1851,  Ebenezer  Man,  to  fill  vacancy,  occasioned  by  death  of  R. 
E.  Morey;  1852,  P.  Berry. 

The  first  settler  in  Westville,  is  said  to  have  been  Amos  Welch,  from 

(Jrand   Isle,  Vt.,  about  1800.    Haskins,   Elisha  Sabins,  Samuel 

Fletcher,  John  Reed,  Alexander  McMillen,  Silas  Cushman,  John  Livings- 
ton, Joseph  and  Thomas  Wright  and  Alric  and  Dr.  Albon  Man,  mostly 
iiom  Vermont,  settled  in  1803,  or  before,  principally  on  a  road,  that  in 
1800  had  been  made  passal)le  in  winter  from  the  settlements  in  Chatea'i- 
gay  to  St.  Itegis.  The  two  brothers  Man  were  from  Addison,  Vt.,  an*? 
moved  into  town  in  March,  1803.  The  Wright  families  were  from 
Salem,  N.  Y. 

Amos  Welch  built  the  first  saw  mill  in  town,  and  before  the  landa 
hitd  been  opened  for  sale.  Dr.  Man  built  the  second  saw  mill,  in  1803. 
Wm.  Bailey,  for  many  years  an  iniiabitant  of  Plattsburgh,  and  one  of 
the  first  land  agents  in  the  county,  and  an  early  settler  of  Chateaugay, 
held  with  Albon  Man,  for  many  years,  the  agency  of  the  town.  The 
first  sale  of  land  was  to  Joseph  Wright,  Nov.  19,  1802.  Alexander  Mc 
Millen,  Henry  Briggs,  Oliver  Bell,  Thotnas  Chamberlain,  Barnabas 
Berry,  Ezekiel  Paine,  Simeon  Smith,  settled  at  an  early  day;  and  for 
several  years  the  settlements  increased  quite  rapidly.  The  first  school 
was  taught  in  1806,  at  the  house  of  Dr.  Man,  by  Samuel  Russell.  Town- 
ships 2  and  3  were  surveyed  into  tiiousand  acre  lots  in  1802,  by  Wright 
and  Raymond,  and  subsequeiuly  subdivided  into  quarters. 

Near  the  point  where  the  principal  road  from  Fort  Covington  toMalone, 
crosses  Sahnon  river,  in  this  town,  is  a  forge  for  the  manufacture  of  bar 
iron  from  bog  or'>, which  occurs  in  tlie  swamps  of  tiiis  town  and  Constable. 
Tliis  forge  was  erected  by  David  Erwiu,  about  1810,  and  has  been  more  or 
less  used  nearly  every  year  since  its  first  erection.  It  produced  for  many 
years  the  nails  used  in  the  country,  which  were  made  by  the  tedious  and 
expensive  methods  in  use  before  the  invention  of  the  machinery  now 


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516 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


(imMl.  I'IntoN  nt'  iron  iif  tlio  width  of  n  nuil'N  Inti^tli  w(<rn  firnt  iilhUid 
itiit  iiii<l(ir  lliu  for^n  Iiiiiiiiiiim',  ami  tli»Ho  woru  Mtil)H«M|ii«iitly  «Mit  niut 
li<>iuli><l  tiy  IiiiimI.  'I'Iio  iiniiiiI  prifo  lor  tliomt  kii'iIn,  wiih  thirty  ciiiiIm  u 
|i(>iiiicl,  iimi  tho  coNt  (or  thin  iiocoNHMry  tirticht  I'liriiMnl  no  hiiihI)  propor- 
lioii  ot'  thii  lupoimoH  of  hiiihiitig.  Tlitiru  ih  nnothttr  forgo  iihoiit  thruo 
inih'H  itliovo. 

Ill  IH'J'J,  a  part  of  No.  'i,  aiul  tlio  wliohi  of  No.  •'),  not  provioiiNly  Hold, 
waH  ronvuyod  t(»  Kdwnrd  KlhiMt,  of  hondoii,  nn  payiiioiit  liir  inoiiry 
loaiii'd  hy  Aii'xaiidor  I'lliiou,  to  (/OiiNtal>!i),  in  thi)  piircliam)  of  tho  tract, 
'riio  iiiOMt  of  tliiH  town,  ill  coiiinion  with  that  part  of  tiiu  comity  uiuler- 
hiid  by  HtandMtonu,  iH  NUHCoptihIu  of  liigh  cultivation. 

In  the  north  part  of  VVuNtvillu,  ahoiit  midway  hotwcon  tho  cuRt  and 
the  wcHt  liiu'ti,  and  half  n  inilu  from  tho  provincial  hoiindary,  ia  u  medi- 
cinal Hpring,  whicii  cnJoyM  a  local  celebrity  for  tho  euro  of  ciitaiiooiis 
diHca8UH.  Tho  watciH  aro  strongly  Hulphiirotm,  and  Hiightly  chalyboato. 
8ovoral  yuara  Hincc,  limited  accommodatioiiH  were  erected  in  the  vicinity, 
for  the  cunvDiiionco  of  thoBU  invalidu  who  might  roMort  thither,  for  niu- 
dicinal  aiil. 

Ktilfrious  Sodetxa. — Meetingn  were  held  at  first  by  tho  Rev.  Alcx'r 
Proiidfit,  to  whoso  congregation  several  of  the  first  emigrants  liati  Iki- 
longed. 

A  Presbyterian  church  foriiMirly  existed  in  town,  who  employed  llio 
Rev.  Mr.  Reed  as  minister,  but  the  society  is  now  said  to  be  scutterod. 

A  Univer-talist  society  was  formed  in  1847. 

The  VVestville  Fme  church  was  erected  in  1837,  at  a  cost  of  fM.HOO, 
as  a  miioii  church  for  the  sevorul  orders  iu  towu.  Mr.  Ellico  contributed 
$1,000  towards  the  expense. 


,L,     'i 


U 


AND    FKANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


517 


CllAPTICH  VI. 


HOC'ir/riKS  AND  ASHOCIATIONS  — TIIR  PRESS 

OF  ACJADKMIKS. 


IIFSTORY 


M  KDICAIi  wtcioty  whn  rormcd  in  Ht,  liuwrnnco  county  Oct.  M, 
m-jV/iv-Xiif  H07.  'I'Ik!  (ollowiii)?  Mliili.«ticH  worn  iHiliitily  fin-niHlictl  l»y  Dr. 
^iiKa/vs?  J*'"'"m  ("I'lik.  "f  C'linton,  llio  pniHunt  N(!rtn;t(iry.  At  tlio  (iiHt 
iVJiX  ^^0*  iuiH\\\ufi,  JuN<i|iii  W.  Hniilli  was  clioscn  pntHidiint;  I.  W.  I'ittr, 
jW\J5i  vi«:()-|>n!Hi(l«int;  VV.  Nol)lt),  WMrnjiiiry ;  It.  ilolincH,  tnsaHiirur;  JoUii 
(^^  Sonloy,  Pdvvi'll  Duv'mand  11.  Ilolinrs,  (MinMoiM,  ItM  [iioHilontH  liavo 
f"X  b«M!n  j(m.)|ili  W.  Hniitli,  1807  K.  '14,  MH-I!),  "^-O,  ';$.'{;  KohcMt  Mc- 
^  (;iu!Bn.!V,  IHI.'i  to  '17,  'yi,  '41;  Gidoon  .S|>ra>(no,  JH'JO,  '.T.,  '4.*J; 
».  Ilolnit!H,  '^if);  K.  Uakor,  '^>(i-7,  W,  '4r>,  '4H;  F.  Paikor,  1840;  .S.  H. 
MrClioMiDy,  18:U)-I,  '.'{4,  '44,  '.Vi;  S.  N.  Sherman,  \mi,  '4a,  '47;  J.  A. 
Mott,  18U7;  S.  Ford,  18;W;  Wni.  S.  I'liddocik,  IWJ!). 

A  Hual  having  tor  itH  ditviiro  a  lancet  witliin  tin;  wordn  "St.  I.awnmco 
Medical  Sorioty,"  waH  adopted  Jidy,  IHIl.     Tlio  foliowinj?  have  l«ieii 

el(U!tod  lionorary  rnoniliorM:     lloin'y  S.  Waterman,  Levi  S.  Iv(!H,  

Andtlur,  R.  ItateH.  'I'Ik;  I'ollovving  is  an  al|diah(ttical  IiHt  of  m«;itd)erN, 
with  tho  (lateH  of  thuir  adiniHuion,  tiiii  lirut  two  iigureH  of  thu  year  (18) 
buiti^  otnitttMl: 

Alvnu  Atnes,  'HI;  A.  Amos,  '44;  B.  F.  AmcH,  '4.');  John  Archibald, 
15;  Ronhon  AHhley,  '^7;  Win.  Attwai.T,  '21;  F.lijab  Baker, '0!);  G.  W. 
Rarktir, ';>8 ;  Win.  JJaaH, ';«>;  Daniel  Itraincrd, '11 ;  JoHoph  Rrayton,  "^8; 
Oliver  IJrowster,  '2!);  M.  L.  Hurnliam,  'l.'l;  R.  Hiirns,  '42;  Wm.  A.  Can- 
lield,  '17;  John  S.  Carpenter,  '17;  WooHtcr  Carpenter,  '21);  Gilcij  F.  Cat- 
lin,  ';{0;  J.  A.  Chambers,  ';}2;  J.  II.  Chandler,  '2!);  II.  O.  Chipmun,  ':j:i; 
Darius  Clark,  '24 ;  Jacob  Clark,  'Ml ;  R.  L.  Clark,  '40;  J.  8.  Cochran,  'IW; 
(i.  F.  Cole,  'JW;  I).  L.  Collamer,  '30;  J.  S.  Conkey.  '44;  Levi  Crane,  '22; 

I.  B.  Crawo,  '.'KJ;  R.  DavidHon,  '.72;  Powell  DaviH,  '07;  J.  II.  Dunton,  '42; 
Thomas  Dunton,  '4.'};  J.  W.  Floyd,  '2:1;  SylveHter  Ford,  '28;  Flkanali 
French,  '24;  W.  F.  Galloway,  '47;  Ira  Gibson,  '2.'1;  Geo.  (Jrcen,  '42; 
Woolcot  Griffin,  '28;  Hiram  Goodrich,  '.'W;  J.  II.  Grennell,  '47;  Thomas 
llurrington,  '20;  W.  Hatch, '21;  Henrv  Hewett,  '42;  B.  HolincH,  '07;  J. 

II.  Hyer,  '.W;  C.  F.  Ide,  '44;  F.  W.  J.illson,  'ItJ;  H.  D.  Laughlin,  '28;  G. 
R.  Lowe,  Tyi;  John  McChesney,  '21;  Robert  McChesney,  '11;  W.  J. 
Mnnley, '44;  John  Marsh, '2!);  Samuel  Marsh, '47;  O.  H.  Mayhew,'43; 
II.  Mazuzan,  '.'W;  Calvin  S.  Millington,  '35;  John  S.  Morgan,  '28;  James 
A.  Mott, '12;  James  S.  Munson,'21>;  Hiram  Murdock, '28;  Roswell  Nash, 
'2G;  RutVis  Newton,  '22;  D.  S.  Oliii,  '38;  Nathaniel  K.  Olmsted,  '21; 
Myron  Orton,  '11 ;  Charles  Orvis,  '3(i ;  Win.  S.  Paddock,  'IG ;  T.  R.  Pang- 
burn,  '43;  Francis  Parker, '21;  O.  V.  Parker, '.52;  Ezra  Parinelee,  '41; 
Reuben  Philips, '12;  Ira  W.  Pier,  '07;  Caleb  Pierce, '23;  C.  H.  Pierce, 
'28;  J.  C.  Preston,  '52;  Alanson  Ray,  '27;  D.  A.  Raymond,  '48;  Jesse 
Reynolds,  '52;  Orra  Rice,  jr.,  '29;  R.  M.  Rigdon, ':«;  J.  II.  Ripley,  '34; 
J.  W.  Ripley,  '28;  L.  Samb'urn,  '28;  Piiilip  Scott,  '14;  John  Seeley,  '07; 
D.  L.  Siittw,  '30;  Lorenzo  Sheldon,  '28;  Pierce  Slicpard,  '08;  A.  B. 


m 


518 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


m 


Shermnn,  '43;  B.  F.  Slierman,  '42;  Mason  G.  Shermnn,  '40;  Socrates  N. 
Shorman,  '27;  Solomon  Sherwood,  '20;  T.  Van  Sickler,  '2G;  Royal 
Sikes,  'l(i;  C.  Skidrnore,  '22;  Beiij.  P.  Smith,  '32;  Ira  Smith,  '14;  J.  W. 
Smith,  '07;  John  Spencer,  '09;  Silns  Spencer,  '16;  C.  A.J.  Sprapue,  '42; 
F.  P.  Sprague,  '52;  Gideon  Spragiie,  '14;  W.  H.  Spragiio,  '42;  Alvu 
Squire, '22;  Lewis  Stower8,'2fi;  G.  S.Sutherland, '52;  Sey mom- Thatch- 
er, '26;  Alhert  Tyler,  '28;  S.  C.  Wait,  '36;  R.  B.  Webb,  '27;  E.  Whitinff, 


'34;  Jason  VVinslow,  '21 ;  Wm.  Witherell,  '42; 
121. 


Wood,  "33.    Total, 


The  Medical  society  of  Franklin  county  was  instituted  in  October, 
1809,  but  the  records  are  mostly  lost,  and  a  list  of  members  from  recol- 
lection is  omitted  on  account  of  imperfections.  Its  seal  has  for  its  device 
n  lancet  witliin  the  name  and  date,  and  the  words  "  AESKTAAlllOT," 
and  "  Triumphalis,"  the  latter  spelled  backwards. 

A  series  of  benevolent  societies  were  formed  in  St.  Lawrence  county 
more  than  twentyyears  since,  which  are  at  present  the  Bible  Society, 
Home  Missionnri/  Sodety,  Tract  Society,  Foreign  Missionary/  Society,  &c. 
Others  have  existed,  but  we  have  been  unable  to  obtain  their  statistics, 
except  that  of  the  ^rst  named,  to  which  we  are  indebted  to  the  Hon. 
John  Fine,  who  has  been  identified  with  it  since  the  beginning.  It  was 
fi:>rmed  in  January,  1820,  and  became  auxiliary  to  the  American  Bible 
Society  in  April,  1820.  It  has  paid  $1,560  in  donations  to  the  parent 
society,  and  bought  near  $1 1,000  worth  of  Bibles  and  Testaments,  if 
which  it  hau  distributed  more  than  any  other  local  society,  except  Mon- 
roe, Rensselaer  and  Brooklyn.  It  has  twice  supplied  every  family  with 
n  Bible,  and  once  every  Sabbath  school  scholar  with  a  Testament.  It  has 
once  supplied  every  reader  with  a  Bible  or  Testament.  It  still  continues 
in  active  operation  and  purchases  yearly  about  $500  worth  for  sale  and 
distribution.  Thcfe  societies  are  mostly  auxiliary  and  Hold  anniversaries 
on  the  third  Wednesdays  of  January  in  difi'erent  parts  of  the  county. 

A  similar  series  of  societies  exists  in  Franklin  county,  viz:  Bible  So- 
ciety, organized  Oct.  27, 1818,  which  has  had  300  members.  In  1850  it 
received  $28835,  and  in  1851,  $239*36.  Measures  were  taken  in  1845, 
for  supplying  every  family.  The  first  officers  were  Hiram  Horton,  presi- 
dent; Asa  Hascall,  corresponding  secretary;  Francis  L.  Harrison,  re- 
cording secretary ;  Cone  Andrus,  treasurer.  A  Peace  Society  formed  at 
Constable,  Feb.  23,  1848,  with  Henry  Longley,  president;  G.  C.  Cotton, 
secretary.  A  Tract  Society  formed  Jan.  26,  1842,  which  has  distributed 
from  9,000  to  14,000  pages  annually.  The  first  officers  were  Gen.  Pren- 
tice Sabin,  president;  G.  C,  Cotton,  secretary.  An  Jlnti-Slavery  Society 
formed  in  1829.  This  met  the  other  societies  in  their  anniversaries,  but 
did  not  transact  business.  A  Missionary  Society,  Jan.  27,  1842,  with 
Silvester  Langdon,  president;  G.  C.  Cotton,  secretary;  Hiram  Horton, 
treasurer.  This  in  three  years  was  dropped,  as  each  denomination  has 
one  of  its  own. 

The  above  hold  anniversaries  in  January  or  February.  We  regret  our 
inability  to  extend  these  notices  from  the  full  materials  collected  by  Mr. 
Gideon  C.  Cotton,  of  Malone. 

The  first  Temperance  society  of  Northern  New  York,  wos  formed  in 
Constable.  Feb.  1,  1829.  The  original  pledge  and  subscription  is  before 
us,  but  our  space  forbids  its  insertion.  The  Franklin  county  Temperance 
society,  was  formed  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Axtel,  agent  of  the  State  society, 
Oct.  15,  1829,  it  continued  its  meetings  about  six  years,  and  its  first 
officers  were  Col.  Silvester  Langdon,  president,  Dr.  T.  R.  Powell,  secre- 
tary.   Ill  1837,  it  wus  reorganized.    The  St.  Lawrence  Temperance  society, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


519 


was  formed  in  1829,  and  like  the  former,  was  auxiliary  to  the  State 
Bociety.  Local  societies  were  formed  ns  follows ;  witli  the  numhors  re- 
ported at  the  first  annual  meeting:  Oswefratchie,  March,  1628,  110; 
Gouvftmeur,  March,  1829,  100.  In  1828,  10,000  iL^allons  of  spirits  sold. 
In  182J),  5,000;  Edwards,  Dec.  1829,  17.  Two  distilleries  in  town ;  Rris- 
sdl,  Jan.,  1829,  57.  No  distilleries,  and  no  spirits  sold  in  1829:  Canton, 
July,  1829,  112;  Potsdam,  Oct.,  1828,  102.  In  1828,  10,000  gtillons 
of  liquor  sold;  in  1829,  none;  Pariahville,  Jan.,  1829,  40;  Hopkinion, 
Nov.,  1829,  35;  West  Stockholm,  Jan.,  1829,20;  East  Stockholm,  Jan.  4, 
1830,  81 :  Norfolk,  Jan.  4,  1830,  25;  Dekalb,  Feh.  1829,  GG;  Waddington, 
March,  1829,38;  RichvUle,  Oct.  17,  1829,  47.  Two  or  three  huildiufjs 
raised  the  year  previous  without  the  aid  of  ardent  spirits.  A  County 
Young  Men's  Temperance  society,  was  formed  in  Canton,  March  21,  18ii4. 

A  Teacher's  association  was  Ibrmed  in  Maloue,  Nov.,  9,  1842,  and  con- 
tinued but  a  short  time. 

A  County  Lyceum,  auxiliary  to  a  state  Lyceum,  and  forming  a  part 
of  a  series  embracing  nation,  state  county,  town,  and  school  district 
lyceums,  >f'as  formed  at  Canton,  Feb.  27,  1833,  and  continued  a  few 
years.  It  had  for  its  objects  mental  improvement,  and  the  promotion  of 
educational  interests. 

In  the  class  of  benevolent  associations,  we  are  proud  to  place  those 
formed  in  1847,  for  raising  means  to  relieve  the  famine  and  distress 
which  prevailed  in  Ireland  and  Scotland,  from  short  crops,  and  the 
ravages  of  the  potato  rot,  which  brought  the  peasantry  of  these  countries 
to  the  greatest  want  for  food. 

A  public  meeting  was  held  at  the  Presbyterian  house  in  the  village  of 
Ogdensburgh,  on  the  evening  of  the  1st  of  March,  1847,  of  which  the 
Hon.  Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  was  chosen  president.  Joseph  Rosseel, 
Elijah  B.  Allen,  George  M.  Foster,  and  Sylvester  Gilbert,  vice  presidents. 
H.  G.  Foote,  and  F.  B.  Hichcock,  Dr.  S.  N.  Sherman,  and  David  C.  Jud- 
son,  were  appointed  a  committee  on  resolutions.  A  series  of  resolutions 
expressing  in  the  warmest  language,  commiseration  for  the  sufferings  of 
the  starving,  were  passed,  and  an  executive  committee,  consisting  of  D. 
C.  Judson,  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  S.  N.  Sherman,  G.  N.  Seymour,  A.  B. 
James,  J.  G.  Hopkins,  H.  S.  Humphrey,  C.  G.  Myers,  and  John  Fine, 
were  appointed  to  collect  and  forward  in  the  shortest  time  possible,  such 
supplies  as  might  be  had  ibr  immediate  shipment  to  Europe.  In  their 
appeal  to  the  public,  they  said;  "The  wail  of  distress  has  come  upon  us, 
not  in  the  single  and  casual  cases  of  contagion  and  disease,  or  mingled  with 
the  shouts  of  victory  from  the  battle  field,  but  in  the  deep  and  dying 
groans  of  thousands  perishing  for  want  of  food.  Every  new  arrival  from 
Europe,  brings  new  and  more  extended  accounts  of  the  destitution  of 
its  inhabitants  and  of  the  miseries  they  are  suffering.  In  the  land  of  our 
forefiithers,  or  from  which  those  who  are  a  part  and  parcel  of  us  came, 
in  England,  in  Scotland,  and  in  Ireland,  but  mostly  in  the  latter,  does  this 
destitution  exist;  and  the  miseries  of  starvation,  of  perishing  of  the  want 
of  sustenance  occur  to  such  an  overwhelming  extent,  that  the  details  are 
lost  sight  of  in  the  magnitude  of  the  general  suffering  and  in  the  mul- 
titude of  deaths— ;/br  <Ae  toant  q/'ybot/.  Shall  we,  who  are  blessed  with 
abundance — who  enjoy  the  bounties  of  Providence  to  almost  an  unlimit- 
ed extent — shall  we  not  be  ready  to  part  with  some  of  that  abundance  to 
save  the  famishing  in  those  countries  with  which  our  sympathies  and 
feelings  are  most  strongly  united.'  *  *  The  organization  and  arrange- 
ments in  our  principal  cities  and  towns,  (enlisting  as  they  have  the  ser- 
vices of  citizens  of  the  highest  character,  for  probity  and  intelligence) 
have  already  arranged  channels  of  communication  and  distribution, 


530 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


through  which  our  donntinns  will  ho  mnde  sure  of  reaching  their  objects. 
We  have  here  nt  the  outset,  the  otfur,  (as  will  be  seen  by  the  proceedintrs 
of  the  meeting  accom|mnying  this)  of  the  gratuitous  conveyance  of  do- 
nations by  the  principal  steam  boat  line  from  this  plnce  as  fur  as  their 
boats  run,  on  the  route  towards  the  sea  board,  and  we  anticipate  further 
evidence  of  liberality  along  the  line,  while  at  this  plnce  such  arrange- 
ments have  l)een  made,  that  no  charges  will  be  made  for  storage,  &c. 
Under  such  circumstonces  the  com*  )ittee  offer  their  services  and  the 
facilities  which  they  can  command  to  their  fellow  citizens,  not  only  of 
Ogdensburgh  and  its  vicinity,  but  to  the  ctunty  of  St.  Lawrence 
generally,  and  they  respectfully  invite  them  to  bomo  early  organized  ac- 
tion  in  the  diifer«nt  towns,  by  which  the  general  sympathy  existing  in 
the  community  can  l)e  brought  into  action  while  the  sleighing  lasts, 
that  their  contributions  may  go  forward  with  the  opening  of  the  naviga- 
tion. The  absolute  destitution  of  millions  of  people,  of  means  and  of 
food,  affords  ample  field  ibr  the  exercise  of  charity,  in  any  shape — in 
money,  in  wheat,  in  corn,  in  rye,  in  beans,  in  peas,  in  pork,  in  l)eef,  in 
clothing,  in  short,  every  thing  of  food,  or  raiment,  which  will  bear  trnns- 

Eortation.  Let  him  who  hath  but  little  give  but  sparingly,  and  he  who 
ath  much  give  more,  but  let  all  give  somefAing,  so  that  when  we  here- 
after hear,  as  we  fear  we  shall,  of'  further  suffering  and  perishing,  we 
ciin  each  and  every  of  us  hove  the  consolation  of  knowing  and  feeling 
that  we  have  done  our  part  to  mitigate  their  calamities  and  relieve  thv^ir 
distress." 

This  appeal  had  an  effect  throughout  the  county,  generally,  and  on 
the  2d  of  June,  the  committee  had  forwarded  3G7  barrels,  viz:  243 
barrels  of  wheat  flour,  43  of  rye  flour,  G  of  oatmeal,  12  of  beans,  4  of 
peas,  7  of  pork,  and  one  cask  of  sundries,  for  the  Irish.  Bet^ides  the 
foregoing,  52  barrels  of  provisions  were  forwarded  to  Scotland,  by  the 
same  remittance,  on  further  directions  were  given,  than  to  bestow  them 
upon  the  neeify  and  deserving.  The  following  is  the  communication  of 
the  committee  to  the  central  committee  of  New  York,  which  accompanied 
the  invoice. 

"  The  Executive  committee  appointed  by  a  meeting  of  the  citizens  of 
Ogdensburgh,  to  take  into  consideration,  means  for  aiding  the  suffering 
in  Ireland  and  Scotland,  having  sent  forward  the  last  of  the  supplies, 
which  the  benevolence  and  liberality  of  the  inhabitants  of  St.  Lawrence 
county  have  committed  to  their  charge  in  pursuance  of  a  resolution  of 
the  meeting  appointing  them,  submit  the  following  report. — That  the 
appeal  made  by  them  to  their  fellow  citizens  of  the  county  was  more 
promptly  and  generally  responded  to  than  from  the  lateness  of  the  sea- 
son they  had  reason  to  expect,  and  has  enabled  them  to  send  forward  to 
the  care  and  charge  of  the  New  York  committee,  367  barrels  of  pro- 
visions, flour,  &c.  The  corn  meal  came  wholly  from  Waddington, 
where  they  have  the  means  of  kiln  drying,  which  we  not  having  here, 
induced  the  committee  to  exchange  the  contributions  of  corn,  for  an 
equal  quantity  of  rye,  which  together  with  the  wheat  has  been  floured 
and  packed  in  the  best  manner  for  exportation.  Small  quantities  of  oats, 
buck  wheat,  &c.,  have  been  exchanged  for  wheat  The  whole  business 
has  been  done  without  charge  upon  the  cash  fund,  except  some  minor 
charges  for  repacking,  cartage,  &c.  That  the  county  of  St.  Lawrence, 
after  the  first  of  March,  (in  which  to  the  opening  of  navigation  our  roads 
have  been  almost  impassable),  should  by  their  spirited  efforts  have 
gathered  together  of  their  benevolent  contributions,  more  than  $3,000 
worth  of  food,  for  a  foreign  suffering  people,  independent  of  cash  con- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


6S1 


trihutionii,  is  most  creditable  to  their  humanity  nnd  f^etierosity."  The 
efficiency  of  the  aid  received  from  Mossena  and  PotHdam,  is  e8[iecia]iy 
noticed  by  the  committee. 

Rtligioua  ^asodations. — Tiie  St.  Lawrtnee  Baptist  Jiaaodation,  wns  or- 
ganized in  the  fall  of  1813,  in  Stockholm,  in  a  log  house  on  the  St.  Regis 
river,  owned  by  Zephnnioh  French,  by  Elder  Hoscal!,  founder  of  Hamilton 
Seminary,  Elder  Starkwether,  from  Vermont,  and  a  very  few  others. 
It  embraces  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  counties,  and  the  following 
churches,  with  numbers  in  each  in  1852;  Brandon,  57;  Burke,  tiG; 
Canton,  131;  Chatenugay,  34 ;  Constable,  13;  Edwards,  32;  Fowler,  24; 
Fort  Covington,  97;  Gouverneur,  17G;  Hermon,80;  Madrid,  128;Malone, 
203;  Morristown,  50 :. Massena  49;  Lawrence,  60;  Nichoiville,  82;  Og. 
densburgh,  184;  Parishviile,  172;  Pitcairn,  24;  Potsdam,  29;  Russell,  2; 
Richville,  87;  Stockholm,  53;  total  1,961.  Diiiing  the  previous  year  33 
had  died,  55  addeil  by  baptism,  and  66  by  letter. 

The  Baptial  Missionary  Convention,  was  formed  in  1827,  auxiliiary  to  a 
state  society.  It  holds  meetings  annually  on  the  first  Wednesday  of 
January,  by  rotation  in  the  two  countieb.  In  connection  with  this,  the 
St,  Lawrence  Bible  Society  of  the  Baptist  denomination,  meets  and  trans- 
acts its  business.  The  latter  was  formed  in  September,  1836,  and  is 
auxiliary  to  a  national  society.    During  its  first  year  it  raised  $198-63. 

TT^e  St.  Lawrence  Quarterly  Meeting  (Free  Will  Baptist),  was  organized 
in  1837,  and  at  the  time  embraced  tltrce  churches  in  the  two  counties. 
The  present  number  is  nine.  It  extends  into  Jefferson  county.  The 
churches  in  De  Kalb  and  Fowler,  belong  to  the  Jefferson  quarterly  nuet- 
ing;  and  the  other  seven  to  the  St.  Lawrence  quarterly  meeting.  The  St, 
Lawrence  yearly  meeting,  was  formed  at  F'owler,  in  Julv,  1842,  of  the  two 
quarterly  meetings  above  named,  to  which  a  third  (Clinton)  has  been 
added.  It  embraces  23  churches,  13  ordained  ministers,  6  licentiates 
and  656  communicants. 

Catholic  Churches  exist  at  St  Regis,  Chateaugay,  Malone,  Fort  Coving- 
ton, Hogansburgh,  Canton,  Massena,  Waddin^ton,  Potsdam,  Ogdensburgh 
and  Brasher.  They  belong  to  the  Albany  Diocese,  and  were  built  as  foU 
lows:  Brasher,  in  1851,  by  Rev.  James  Keveny ;  Canton,  built  by  Rev. 
James  Mackey;  Chateaugoy  (St.  Patrick's),  in  1845,  by  Rev.  B.  McCabe; 
Fort  Covington  (St.  Mary's],  in  1837-8,  by  Rev.  John  McNulty ;  Hogans- 
burgh (St.  Mary's),  in  183;J-4,  by  Rev.  J.  McNulty,  who  has  been  succeeded 
by  Rev.  James  Keveny  and  Rev.  Thomas  Keveny ;  Malone  (St.  Joseph's), 
in  1836,  by  Rev.  J.  McNulty,  who  has  been  succeeded  by  Rev.  J.  Keveny, 
and  it  is  now  under  the  charge  of  Rev.  Bernard  McCabe.  A  larger  place 
of  worship  is  expected  to  be  soon  built  here.  Massena  (St.  Peter's),  built 
by  Rev.  J.  McNulty;  Ogdensburgh  (St.  Mary's),  now  under  the  charge 
of  Rev.  James  Mackey.  A  large  stone  church  is  being  built  here.  Pots- 
dam, built  by  Rev.  P.  Phellan;  St.  Regis,  (see  chapter  2,of  this  work); 
Waddington  (St  Mary's),  built  by  Rev.  James  Mackey,  now  under  the 
charge  of  Rev.  P.  Phellan. 

The  J^orthtm  Christian  Conference,  embracing  Franklin,  Jefferson  and 
St.  Lawrence  counties,  at  present  numbers  about  250  communicants,  and 
meets  by  adjournment  on  the  Friday  preceding  the  last  Sabbath  in  June, 
In  the  foregoing  pages,  we  have  noticed  the  several  churches  of  this 
sect. 

Tlie  St.  Lawrence  Conaocia<Jon (Congregational),  was  formed  at  Madrid, 
Feb.  9,  1825,  and  embraces  the  lay  element  of  this  church.  The  dele- 
gates that  formed  it  were  Rev.  Oliver  Eastman,  Joseph  Hulburt  and  Dea 
Caleb  M.  Foot,  of  Madrid ;  Rev.  Moses  Ordway  and  Dea.  G.  Stowe,  of 


522 


HISTORY    OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


iVlf 


Norfolk;  R«v.  R.  Pettilmne  nn<l  Den  Anron  Wnrner,  of  Ilopkinton;  Don 
E.  llnlLnrd,  of  Htockliolin;  Dea  N.  'I'nylor  nrul  Joiius  Mattliows,  of  We«t 
Stocklioirn ;  mid  Niithnniel  Crninnton,  of  PnriHlivilln.  Tliiw  body  at  present 
meo»«  liy  delngntioii  on  the  Inst  Tiu-Hdi.y  of  January,  unnually  and  •eini- 
unniinlly  on  the  Tuesday  prcecdinf;r  the  thini  Wodnesdny  in  June,  each 
church  sending  two  delegates,  one  of  whom  must  be  its  minister.  It  is 
strictly  advisntory,  and  enibrnces  the  following  churches,  ministers  and 
numbers  (July,  1858);  Brasher,  10;  South  Canton,  31;  Brier  Hill  (ilnin- 
niond),  iS.  YoimfC!  De  I'eyster,  E.  D.  Taylor,  55;  Edwards,  18;  Ilopkin- 
ton, E.  Wood,  94;  Lnwrencevillo,  E.  B.'Catttr,  60;  Lisbon,  M.  L.  East- 
man,  Ul ;  Madrid,  U.  B.  Parsons,  128;  Massena,  Ist  Ch.,  40;  2d  Ch.,  46, 
T.  JV,  Bentdid i  Norfolk,  G.  B.  Rowley,  I5.'1;N.  Lawrence;  Parishville, 
B.  Burnap,  99;  Pierre|)ont,  P.  Montague,  ^5;  West  Potsdam,  30;  Hay- 
mondville,  G.B.  Rowley,  31 ;  Richville,  G.  Crow,  50;  Russell,  27;  Stock- 

holm,  P.  C.  Pettibone,  i30;  West  Stockholm, Dixon,  58;  Wndding- 

ton,  C.  F.  Halsey,  78. 

The  St.  Lawrence  ^Association,  formed  of  the  clergy  of  the  above  Con- 
gregational churches,  was  organized  Sent.  14,  1844,  at  Madrid,  and 
numbers  17  members.  No  churches  of  this  order  exist  in  Franklin 
county. 

The  Methodist  Episcopal  denomination,  was  among  the  first  to  organize. 
The  Black  river  circuit  was  formed  as  a  part  of  the  Gcnessee  district  in 
1803,  and  Barzillai  Wiley,  with  John  Husselkus,  were  appointed.  In 
1804  it  had  90  meml)ers. 

7^  St.  Lawrence  Circuit,  with  84  inen.'bers,  was  formed  in  1811,  and 
Isaac  Puffer  was  ap|)ointed  minister.  In  tlie  same  year,  Mai''  le  Circuit, 
with  61  members,  and  John  T.  Adams,  minister,  was  formei  us  a  part  of 
Champlain  district. 

In  1820,  the  Black  river  district  was  formed  as  n  port  of  Oneida  Con- 
ference, including  both  of  our  counties  up  to  the  period  of  the  division. 
St.  Lawrence  circuit  was  supplied  by  the  following  preachers:  1812, 
Isaac  Puffer,  144  members;  1813,  BenJ.  G.  Paddock,  160;  1814,  Joseph 
Hickcox  and  Robert  Menshall,  230;  1815,  262;  1816,  Wyat  Chamherlin 
and  John  Dempster,  251 ;  1817,  Andrew  Prindle  and  Thomas  McGeo, 
231;  1818,  Thomas  Goodwin  and  Calvin  N.  Flint,  290;  1819,  Timotliy 
Goodwin  and  Thomas  Demorest,  332;  1829,  W.  W.  Rundnll  and  Josiuh 
Kies,  349;  1821,  Ezra  Healy  and  Orrin  Foot,  398;  1822,  Truman  Uixoii, 
Squire  Chase  and  Roswell  Parker,  343;  1823,  Isaac  Smith  and  R.  Park- 
er, 383;  1824,  Gardner  Baker.  315;  1825,  do.,  243;  1826.  James  Brown, 
255;  1827,  Andrew  Prindle,  230;  1828,  152.  In  thiu  year,  this  circuit 
was  divided  into  several.  Indian  river  circuit,  embracing  a  part  of  St. 
Lawrence  county,  was  formed  in  1821.  Potsdam  circuit  was  formed  in 
1823,  with  Warren  Bannister  first  preacher.  The  several  circuits  now 
existing  were  formed  as  tbilows:  Ogdenshurgh,  1826;  Parishville,  Wad- 
dington,  Canton  and  Gouverneur,  1828;  (leuvelton,  1829;  Fort  Coving- 
ton, 1830;  Hammond  and  Chateaugay,  1832;  Ilopkinton  and  De  Kalh, 
18(^;  Lisbon,  Louisville,  Massena  and  Bangor,  1835;  Bombay  and 
Stockholm,  1836;  Westville,  1837;  Russell  mission,  1838;  Rossie  mis- 
sion, Matildaville  and  Pierrepont  mission,  1840;  South  Canton,  Sprague's 
Corners,  Norfolk,  Buck's  Bridge  and  Brasher  mission.  1841 ;  Macomb 
mission,  1842;  Rackett  river  and  West  Stockholm,  1843:  Edwards  mis- 
sion and  Morristown,  1846;  St.  Regis  mission,  1849;  St.  Lawrence, 
French  mission,  Duane  mission  and  Moira  circuit,  1850. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


523 


Black  River  Conference  wn«  formed  in  18.?fi,  nnrl  two  counties  are  now 
emhrncei]  in  the  QouvnrnRnr,  Potadnrn  nnd  Oji^denHburKli  diHtrictR.  The 
pruHidin);;  eldnrH  of  the  MothoiiJHt  E|)iHcoi)nl  churoli,  ho  fnr  iih  the  noiin- 
tioH  of  St.  Luwrence  und  Franklin  hnvo  been  concerned,  Min<;e  tlieir  or- 
((nnizntion,  have  hoon, 

Albany  Dist.— 1804,  Kiijnh  Wooisey  ;  1807,  Henry  Stead. 

Cayuffa  Dist.— 1808,  Peter  VonneHt;  1810,  VVni.  Cn«e. 

Oneida  Dist.— 1812,  Win.  Case;  1814,  Chas.  Giles;  1818,  Oeo.Garey. 

Illack  River  Dist.— 1820,  Renaldo  IM.  EvortH;  1823,  Dan  Barnes; 
1820,  Goodwin  Stoddard;  1827,  Natlmniel  Salisbury. 

Potsdam  Dist. — Formed  in  1828,  nnd  endtrnced  the  two  coimties, 
and  0  nprtion  of  Jefferson.  1828,  B.  G.  Poddock;  IR'U,  Sqnire  Chase; 
laH  Silas  Comfort;  1 836,  G.  Loveys ;  1837,  W.S.  Bowdish;  183J),Lowi8 
Whitcomb.  The  district  discontinued  in  1840,  nnd  merged  in  Of^dens- 
buruh district;  renewed  in  1842.  1842,  A.  Adams;  184.'i,lHHnc  L.Hunt; 
J849,  Geo.  C.  Woodruff. 

Ogdensburg  Dist. — Formed  in  1851.     1851,  Hiram  Shepard. 

Gouverneur  Dist. — Formed  in  183!);  discontinued  in  1844.  1839,  VV. 
S.  Bowdish;  1841,  Lewis  Whitcomb;  1842.  Nathaniel  Salsbiirv. 

Watertown  Dist. — Lewis  Whitcomb:  1849,  Gardner  Baker. 

The  St.  Lawrence  Conference  oj  the  tVealexjan  MethodUt  Church  was 
formed  June  4,  184.5,  at  Lisbon,  nnd  comprises  Frnnklin,  St.  Lawrence, 
Jefferson,  Lewis,  Oneida  and  Herkimer  counties,  with  a  part  of  Oswe-  o. 
Churches  exist  in  Westville,  Burke,  Stockholm  ond  Luwrence,  Pierre- 
pont  and  Parishville,  Lir'jon,  Oswegatchie,  Ouk  Point,  Wnddington, 
Louisville  nnd  Russell. 

SI.  Lawrence  Presbytery,  is  said  to  have  been  organized  in  De  Knih. 
According  to  the  last  oflicial  report,  there  were  eight  ministers,  having 
under  their  care  nine  churches,  and  one  candidate  belonging  to  the 
Presbytery,  which  is  of  the  new  school  order  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 
and  constitutes  a  part  of  the  Utica  Synod.  It  embraces  St.  Lawrence 
county  only,  nnd  there  is  nnicb  probability  that  it  will  be  shortly  united 
with  the  Ogdensburgh  Presbytery  (O,  S.j,  from  which  it  was  separated 
by  friendly  agreement  on  the  formation  of  the  latter.  The  St.  Lawrerce 
Presbytery  holds  an  annual  meeting  on  the  Tuesday  preceding  the  third 
Wednesday  in  January,  and  a  semi  annual  meeting  on  the  second  Tues- 
day of  July.  The  present  clergymen  are  Hiram  S.  Johnson,  Roswell 
Pettibone,  Elijah  W.  Plumb,  Asa  Brninerd,  Bliss  Burnap,  Hiram  Dyer, 
Branch  B.  Beckwith  nnd  Charles  F.  Ilalsey,  Total  number  of  mem- 
bers, 778. 

The  Ogdensburgh  Presbytery  (O.  S.),  was  formed  Jan.  21,  1839,  soon 
after  the  division  of  the  Presbyterian  chin-ch,  according  to  the  provisions 
of  the  General  Assembly  of  1838,  by  the  Rev.  Messrs.  James  Rogers, 
John  M.  McGregor,  John  H.  Savage,  D.  D.,  and  elders  from  the  Ogdens- 
burgh, Oswegatchie  and  Hammond  clnirches.  This  Presbytery  at  pre- 
sent embraces  the  following  churches,  clergymen  and  number  of  com- 
municants: Hammond,  145;  Ist,  Oswegatchie,  L.  M.  Miller,  247;  2d, 
do.,  Ill;  Morristown,  R.  T.  Conant,  50;  three  churches  in  Jefferson 
county,  viz:  Le  Roy,  Wilna  and  Ox  Bow,  140;  total,  (596.  The.?e 
churches  in  1852  raised  $4,100  for  religious  purposes.  The  churches 
of  Franklin  county  belong  to  the  Champlain  Presbytery,  which  forms  a 
part  of  the  Albany  Synod. 

The  St.  Lawrence  Jlssociation  of  Umversalists  was  formed  several  years 
previous  to  1840,  but  the  records  of  the  early  proceedings  could  not  be 
obtained.    The  present  constitution  was  adopted  in  June,  1839.    It  is 
32  • 


11 


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524 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


\m 


Ul-:  > 


m4 


embrnced  in  the  Nev\  Vork  State  Convention,  nnd  comprises  the  coun- 
ties of  St.  Lawrence,  Franitlin  and  Clinton.  Two  delegates  from  each 
society,  together  with  the  clergyman  of  each,  assemble  annually  by  ap- 
pointment, at  different  places,  on  the  fourth  Wednesday  and  Thursday 
of  June,  nnd  constitute  a  coimcil,  for  the  discussion  nnd  regulation  of 
the  ecclesiastical  busine>is  of  the  denomination.  In  June,  1851,  a  mis- 
sionary society,  for  supplyina  destitute  places  in  the  three  coun- 
ties, was  tbrmed.  There  was  formerly  a  Sabbath  school  society  con- 
nected with  the  association,  but  this  has  tieen  merged  in  the  latter.  The 
following  is  believed  to  be  a  complete  list  of  the  societies  of  this  deno- 
mination, with  the  date  of  their  admission,  so  far  as  could  be  ascer- 
tained : 

Little  York,*  June,  1838.  There  is  a  chinch  organization  connected 
with  this;  Somerville,*  June,  184.3;  Gouverneur  and  Haile^boro;  Heii- 
velton;*  Oswegatchie,  Jiuie,  1842;  llnrimiond,  June,  1838;  Canton,* 
formed  before  the  ansociation;  lias  a  church  organization.  Present 
number,  300;  Madrid,*  this,  with  the  one  that  precedes  and  follows  has 
a  sabbath  school  connected;  Potsdam,*  organized  before  the  association 
was  formed;  Massena;  Ilopkinton  and  Lawrence,  June,  1843;  Colton,* 
June,  18.52;  Nicolville;  Morristown,  June,  1843;  Malone,*  this  has  a 
church  organization.  The  same  with  Madrid  and  Potsdam;  Westville, 
June,  1844.  Has  an  interest  in  the  Union  church  in  town ;  Plattsburgh,* 
June,  1845. 

The  standing  clerks  of  the  association  since  1839,  have  been  as  fol- 
lows: Z.  N.  Ellis,  Wm.  H.  Waggoner,  Jos.  Baker,  G.  Swan  and  Martin 
Thatcher,  who  is  the  present  incumbent. 

AsSOCIATIOPfS    FOR    MuTUAL   BeNEFIT. 

Masons. — Being  disappointed  in  procuring  an  official  list,  the  follow- 
ing is  offered  as  the  best  that  could  be  obtained  It  is  defective  in  manv 
points,  and  perhaps  erroneous  in  some.  Aurora  Lodge,  Fort  Covington, 
very  early.  Lorfg-e  ©/"JSejiero/encc,  formed  at  Hopkinton  in  1811.  Colum- 
bia Lodge,  Madrid,  August,  1825.  Hiram  Safford,  M.;  Oliver  Spencer, 
S.  W.;  John  Crawford,  J.  W.  Hamilton  Lodge,  at  that  village,  about 
1810.  Harmony  Lodge,  No.  187,  Potsdam,  1808.  The  device  ot  its  seal 
was  a  square  and  compass.  JVorthern  Constellation,  Malone,  before  the 
war;  revived  in  the  fall  of  18.52,  with  Clark  Williamson,  M.;  P.P.  Allen, 
1st  S.  W. :  Aaron  Beeman,  1st  J.  W.  JVorlhem  Light,  Stockholm ;  re- 
moved to  Lawrenceville,  and  is  said  to  be  the  only  one  in  the  county  that 
existed  through  the  anti-masonic  excitement.  Olive  Branch,  Massenn, 
1806  or  7.  Racket  River  Lodge,  No.  213,  Potsdam,  fall  of  1849.  First 
officers,  Joshua  Blaisdell,  M. ;  A.  T.  Hopkins,  S.  W. ;  J.  II.  Hyer,  J.  W. 
Rainhoiv  Lodge,  No.  12,  Chateauga\ ,  1809.  The  regalia  are  said  to  have 
been  stolen  by  tlie  enemy  in  their  incursion  in  1814,  vvJiich  were  bought 
up  at  Montreal  by  masons  and  returned.  During  the  anti-masonic  ex- 
citement, their  charter,  regalia  and  furniture  disa[)peared.  St.  Lawrence 
Lodge  No.  Ill,  Canton,  Dec.  1845.  Lodges  of  masons  existed  before 
1828  at  Dc  Kalb,  Gouverneur,  Rossie,  Norfolk,  Parishvilie,  Ogdensburgh, 
and  perhaps  other  places.  They  now  exist  at  Ogdensburgh,  Gouverneur, 
Canton,  Potsdam,  Lawrenceville  and  Malone. 

Royal  Arch  Chapters  existed  at  Malone,  Potsdam  and  Ogdensburgh.  At 
present  tliey  exist  at  Potsdam,  Canton  and  Ogdensburgh.     St.  Laurence 


•These  eliiirp|ie'<  hove  places  of  worship  lielotiginj  to  the  leveral  (Ittiioiiilimlions  of  the 

4li(Mr«Mt    tOWMK.  _ 


i 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


525 


Chapter,  No.  24,  was  formed  at  Massena,  Fd.  0,  1809,  witli  Elislia  Den- 
iiiaon,  H.  P.;  Daniel  Rol>i.son,  K.;  John  Polley,  S.  It  was  removed 
about  181G  to  Potsdam.  In  W2H  it  was  suspended,  and  having  fiinds  at 
the  time  these  were  expended  in  the  purchase  of  a  library,  wliich  now 
numbers  about  400  volumes.  In  1851  it  was  revived.  Device  ofits  seal, 
a  pot  o}'  incense. 

Odd  Feli-ows. — Jluri^a  Ziorf^e,  No.  319,  formed  Auj^.fi,  1847,  at  Mad- 
rid, with  Joseph  Baker,  John  A.  Fuller,  (^abot  Pierce,  Win.  J.  Manley, 
Geo.  Erwin,  John  Thomas,  and  Frederick  Pow<!ii,  cliartor  members. 
Connected  with  tliis  lodge  are  the  Daughters  of  Rebecca,  who  are  ad- 
mitted to  a  part  of  each  meeting.  Mastaqun  Lodge,  No.  '274,  formed 
Feb.  .5, 1847,  at  Potsdam,  with  Nol)le  S.  Elderkin,  Clias.  IJoyington,  Royal 
H.  Mimson,  Josiah  C.  Gates,  Shuball  R.  Gurley,  and  Norris  Pierce,  char- 
ter memliers.  JVeshoha  Lodge,  No.  78,  formed  Marcli  l.'j,  1848,  at  Ma- 
loue,  with  S.  P.  Bates,  H.  S.  Brewster,  B.  W.  Clark,  S.  C.  F.  Thorndike, 
C.  C.  Whittlesey,  and  H.  F.  Heath,  charter  mendiers.  The  device  of 
their  seal  is  an  Indian  in  a  canoe.  JVorfolIc  Lodge,  No.  3 13.  formed  Aug. 
22,  1849,  with  E.  W.  Sackrider,  G.  W.  Floyd,  II.  G.  Bradley,  II.  L.  Sack- 
rider,  Q.  D.  Wicks,  charter  members.  Seal,  an  eye  with  rays,  a  dove 
with  an  olive  branch,  and  a  scroll  with  the  motto  "In  God  we  trust," en- 
circled by  the  name,  number,  and  date  of  the  lodge.  Ogdemhnrgh  Lodge, 
No.  273,  formed  Feb.  24,  1847,  with  J.  II.  Ilaggett,  J.  i\I.  Doty,  D.  Bing- 
ham, II.  M.  Smith,  Geo.  Boyd,  F.  B.  Hitchcock,  and  A.  M.  Ilepburne, 
charter  members.  Kiver  De  Grasse  Lodge,  No.  42.5,  Ibrrned  at  Canton, 
Jan.  29,  1852.  Seal,  an  eye,  three  links,  and  the  letters  I.  O.  of  O.  F., 
within  the  name,  number,  and  date.  It  is  believed  there  is  also  a  lodge 
at  Waddington. 

Rechabites. — But  one  tent  (Herculean  Tent,  No.  388),iu  the  two  coun- 
ties. It  was  formed  at  Chateaugav  in  Sept,  1852,  with  the  tbllowing  as 
it.s  first  officers:  A.  M.  Millar,  Sh'd ;  E.  A.  Keeler,  P.  C.  R.;  A.  S. 
Bryant,  C.  R.;  D.  C.  Meigs,  D.  C.  R.;  G.  Howe,  L.;  P.  B.  Fi.-ike,  R.  S.; 
G.  W.  Goodspeed,  F.  S.;  M.  M.  Roberts,  T.;  C.  D.  Silver,  I.  G.:  I. 
Sj)oon,  O.  G. 

Sons  of  Temperance. — Oswegatchie  Division,  No.  2,  iMarch  27,  1847. 
Charter  members,  Geo.  Boyd,  II.  G.  Foote,  II.  Rockwell,  Geo.  Guest,  2d, 
T.  II.  Ilawley,  G.  W.  Durgan,  John  Burke,  Philip  Hazen,  Simeon  Dilling- 
ham, A.  M.  Hepburn,  Philo  Abbott,  R.  G.  JnmeSj  A.  M.  Wooley,  L.  B. 
Stoor,  R.  S.  Armstrong,  and  Joseph  Bates.  It  meets  on  Fridays.  Stock' 
holm,  No.  99,  1847;  meets  Wednesdays  at  East  Stockholm,  liussell,  No. 
100, 1850;  meets  Saturdays.  Chippewa  St.,  No.  101, 1851,  N.  Hammond ; 
meets  Wednesdays.  Union,  No.  14G,  Somerville,  Sept.  8,  1852.  Cli»r 
ter  members,  Wm.  R.  Myers,  Adam  Myers,  Iliram  Hall,  Wm.  Ha  s, 
Cliauncey  Emmons,  James  McCarthy,  E.  Y.  Kelsey,  Harrison  Emmons, 
F.  White,  C.  G.  Sharpstone,  A.  S.  Sizcland.  .St  tiffitrenec.  No.  2.58,  Can- 
ton, June  2(J,  1847;  meets  M  unlays.  Haddington,  No.  299,  March  29, 
1849.  Charter  members,  James  Redington,  Riclifud  Maguire,  David 
Backus,  James  L.  Buckley,  Thos.  Myers  Henry  Stowers,  Thos.  Shea, 
Wfu.  Scott,  S.  E.  Sanborn,  G.  R.  Lowe,  R.  R.  Hatch,  A.  L.  Rol)inson,  L. 
S.  Wright,  T.  Short,  2d,  Jolm  Proctor,  L.  J.  Proctor,  B.  W.  Daniels,  J. 
B.  Burdick,  J.  H.  Bartholomew,  and  John  Rand.  It  meets  on  Satur- 
<lays.  Cen/re,  No.  348,  1851,  Parishville;  meets  Wednesdays.  Racket 
Iliver,  No.  3t)7,  Potsdam,  IMarch  1848.  Charter  members,  Ira  Chandler, 
J.  Bluisdell,  B.  Bachelor,  H.  Shead,  T.  Douglass,  CO.  Uubbell,  H.  K. 


>h 


I  :;!"■■ 

- ,  I 


526 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


Ames,  B.  C.  Rich.  It  meets  Monday.  Grass  River,  No.  368,  Mndrid, 
May  6, 1848.  Charter  members.  Noble  Hoslbrd,  Hiram  T.  Fuller,  Fran- 
cis F.  Pierce,  Kdpar  P.  Hill,  Thos.  Ren,  Geo.  A.  Simons,  Nathaniel  L. 
Powell,  Abraham  Ross,  and  James  A.  Wright*  Meets  Thursdays,  Mor- 
ley,  No.  369,  1850.  Minnesota,  No.  390,  Rayinondville,  Jan.  1849.  Char- 
ter members,  Oliver  Arnold,  Jr.,  John  Armstrong,  H.  B.  Hall,  Thomas 
Benedict,  Joseph  Clark,  F.  A.  Clark,  H.  A.  Bowland.and  J.  W.  Denison. 
Meets  Saturdays.  United  Brothers,  No.  444,  Ogdensburgh,  Dec.  12, 1848. 
Charter  members,  S.  F.  Judd,  David  Bnrdett,  James  H.  Russell,  D.  B. 
Bulsom,  A".  S.  Sawtell,Wm.  Lightfoot,  Amos  Wright,  James  Pendegrast, 
Thos.  Child,  H.  Young,  G.  Boyd.  Seva  P.  Talt,  O.' Fairbanks,  J.  B.  Hag- 
gett,  S.  Low,  P.  W.  Dunton,  and  S.  L.  Boyington.  It  meets  Tuesdays. 
Forest,  No.  463,  Colton,  1851 ;  meets  Saturdays.  Massena,  No.  490, 1849, 
(gone  dow)i).  Gouverneur,  No.  .544,  Aug.  1849;  meets  Fridays.  Rich- 
ville.  No.  571,  1850.  De  Peyster,  No.  586, 1849 ;  meets  Saturdays.  Ocean 
Hock,  No.  652,  Millerville,  April  9,  1850.  Charter  members,  S.Sowls.  C. 
Powers,  M.  Powers,  B.  P.  Dowd,  H.  J.  Clark,  R.  H.  Miller,  J.  Miller,  J, 
Gainer,  J.  Cole,  H.  Holland,  G.  W.  Wright,  W.  Knight,  and  J.  Barrell. 
Meets  Saturdays.  Bounding  Billows,  No.  653,  Lawrenceville,  1850; 
meets  Wednesdays.  St.  Regis,  No.  659,  Brasher  Falls;  meets  Tuesdays. 
It  is  believed  there  are  two  or  three  othei  divisions  in  the  county.  In 
every  instance  application  was  made  to  some  of  the  officers  for  facts,  but 
many  were  disregarded,  which  renders  it  impossible  to  make  our  list 
perfect.  This  is  stated  that  none  may  charge  partiality  or  neglect  upon 
us  where  it  is  not  due. 

In  Franklin  Co.  Franklin  Division  No.  430,  (Malone),  Sept.  9,  1848, 
meets  Tuesdays.  JVorthern  Union,  No.  436,  (Fort  Covington),  Sept.  1848. 
Charter  members,  J.  C.  Spencer,  II.  A.  Paddock,  C.  M.  Whitney,  E.  E. 
Whitney,  S.  3Iears,  R.  H.  Spencer,  S,  F.  Lincoln,  W.  H.  Payne,  P.  B. 
Wolff. 

Cadets  of  Temperance,  and  DaugJiters  of  Temperance,  have  been  in  sev- 
eral instances,  established,  but  it  is  believed  none  now  exist. 

Among  associations  for  mutual  benefit  may  be  classed  Union  Stores,  of 
which  several  exist  in  both  counties.  These  form  a  part  of  a  general 
system  known  as  the  JVew  England  Protective  Union,  which  originated  in 
Boston,  in  1845.  Each  company  is  independent  in  pecuniary  liabilities, 
and  in  organization.  There  exists  a  central  agency  at  Boston,  for  the 
purchase  of  goods  at  a  small  commission,  and  delegates  from  divisions  of 
.50  members  or  more,  meet  annually  on  the  first  Wednesday  of  October, 
at  Boston,  and  though  committees  transact  all  business  relating  to  the 
common  interest.  Business  is  done  on  the  cash  principle  strictly,  and 
traffic  in  ardent  spirits  is  forbidden.  Subdivisions  are  formed  on  appli- 
cation of  15  or  more  persons  of  good  moral  character,  who  do  not  use  or 
vend  intoxicating  drinks.  The  first  of  these  unions  was  formed  at  West 
Potsdam,  in  the  fall  of  1851.  The  following  are  their  jn-esent  number, 
location  and  capital  of  those  existing  at  the  close  of  1 852,  as  far  as  received. 
The  facts  were  procured  mostly  through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Timothy 
Gibson,  of  Nicholville. 

West  Potsdam,  No.  586,  Oct.  14,  1851,  capital  $900,  on  an  average. 
Trade  since  organization,  $6000.  Stephen  Barnum,  president ;  T.  Bailey, 
secretary;  Morley,  W.  Byington,  president ;  Nicholville,  301,  Nov.  18.51, 
Rufus  Alden,  president ;  T.  (Jibson,  secretary ;  cajjital  )?2000;  Bicknell- 
ville,  307,  Amos  Bicknell,  president;  Silas  Smith,  secretary;  capital, 
$2,500;  Madrid,  Norfolk  287,  January  9,  18.52,  capital,  $1,.500;  H.  Att- 
water,  ])reNident ;  Lloyd  (■.  Yale,  financial  .secretary ;  John  Yale,  recording 


leen  m  sev- 


ANU    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


527 


Hecretary;  Russell,  313,  March  3,  1852;  capital  $500;  W.  P.  Moore  pre- 
sident; VVrri.  E.  Boyd,  secretary ;  8tocklioliii  depot,  312;  B.  Holmes,  pre- 
sident; Parisliville,  315,  March,  1852,  capitiil  $2000;  L.  Hatch,  president; 
Potsdam,  357,  April  20,  1852,  capital  $200 ;  sales  $1000  monthly,  Hexman 
Witten,  president;  T.  Blaisdell,  secretary;  Lawrenceville,  399.  J.  Ferris, 
president;  P.  Whitney,  secretary;  N.  Lawrence,  400,  Sept.  23,  1852;  A. 
Townsend,  president ;  L.  R.  Townsend,  secretary ;  Dickinson,  392,  C. 
Taylor,  president ;  Bombay,  405,  Oct.  20,  1852,  capital  $2000  ;  Jas.  Mc 
Roberts,  president;  S.  B.  Sowles,  secretary;  located  at  Bombay  Corneis 

AaaicuLTURAL  Societies. — In  tlie  act  of  April  7, 1819,  for  encouraging 
tiiese,  St.  Lawrence  received  $100  for  two  years.  A  society  entitled 
"  The  St.  Lawrence  County  Society  for  promoting  agriculture  and  domestic 
manufactures"  having  for  its  seal  tlKJse  words,  encirclingasheaf  of  wheat, 
was  tbrmed  in  1822.  Membership  50  cents  annually.  A  meeting  was 
tobe  held  on  the  last  Wednesday  of  February,  for  the  election  of  officers, 
and  on  the  3d  Tuesday  and  Wednesday  of  October,  for  a  fair,  which  was 
to  be  held  at  Canton,  Potsdam  and  Madrid,  alternately.  This  society  was 
abandoned  in  one  or  two  years. 

On  the  4th  of  February,  1834,  a  second  society  was  formed  at  Ogdens- 
burgh,  named  the  "Sf.  Lawrence  County  Jigricvltural  Society."  Member- 
ship $1  annually.  Not  less  than  two  fairs  were  to  be  held  annually  at 
Ogdensburgh.  Upon  the  last  day  of  the  first  fair  in  each  year,  the  offi- 
cers were  to  be  elected.  Its  first  officers  were  George  Parish,  president ; 
H.  Van  Rensselaer,  Silas  Wright,  Jr.,  and  J.  C.  Clarkson,  vice  presidents ; 
Smith  Stilwell,  secretary  ;  Wm.  Bacon,  Smith  Stilwell,  Sylvester  Gilbert, 
David  C.  Judson,  U.  H.  Orvis,  G.  Ogden  and  Henry  M.  Fine,  manfigers. 
This  also  subsisted  about  two  years,  and  at  its  first  fair  distributed  $227 
among  37  competitors,  principally  on  stock. 

The  general  law  of  May  5,  1841,  allowed  this  county  $170  annually, 
for  five  years,  and  led  to  the  Ibrmation  of  a  third  society,  of  which  R. 
N.  Harrison,  was  president,  and  a  vice  president  was  appointed  to  each 
town,  an  executive  committee  of  7,  and  a  treasurer  and  two  secretaries. 
Their  first  fair  (Oct.  7,  1841),  distributed  $361  in  66  premiums.  Their 
second  (Sept.  14,  1842),  $171  in  58  premiums.  Nine  years  next  ensued 
without  an  agricultural  society,  when  the  board  of  supervisors,  in  1851, 
passed  a  resolution  strongly  in  favor  of  another  attempt,  and  designated 
the  Thursday  evening  following  for  a  preliminary  meeting,  to  take  mea- 
sures for  an  organization.  Subsequent  meetings  were  held,  and  on  the 
3d  of  April,  1852,  a  convention  was  held  at  the  court  house,  and  a  con- 
stitution adopted.  Henry  Van  Ronsselaer,  was  chosen  president.  Uriel 
'.  Orvis,  Jonah  Sanford  and  Hiram  Johnson,  vice  presidents.  Henry 
. ..  Foote,  secretary,  and  Ebenezer  Miner,  treasurer.  A  corresponding 
secretary  was  appointed  in  each  town.  Elections  are  held  on  the  2d 
Tuesday  in  June,  at  the  court  house,  at  1  o'clock  P.  M.,  when  the  presi- 
dent, vice  presidents,  secretary  and  treasurer,  are  chosen,  and  the  execu- 
tive committee  (who  are  the  above  officers),  determine  the  time  in  Sept., 
and  place  for  holding  the  annual  fair  ;  decide  upon  the  prizes,  appoint 
judges  or  committees,  and  take  such  action  as  may  promote  the  objects 
of  the  society.  Membership  $1  annually,  and  none  but  members  allowed 
to  compete  for  premiums.  Citizens  of  adjoining  counties  entitled  to  a 
chance  for  premiums  by  paying  $1.  The  fiscal  year  commences  with 
October.  The  constitution  was  signed  by  50  delegates  who  attended  the 
convention. 

The  first  fair  of  this  society  was  held  at  Canton,  Sept.  16-17,  1852,  on 
premises  finely  adapted  for  the  purpose,  in  the  lower  part  of  the  village. 


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528 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


ami  near  Grass  river.  The  groiinilH  bad  been  leased  for  a  term  of  five 
years,  and  enclosed  in  a  close  board  fence.  The  side  towards  tho  road 
is  descending  and  has  nnniei'bus  shade  trees,  while  the  rear  part  is  level 
and  affords  u  fine  toiir  for  the  trial  and  exercise  of  horses  offered  for 
pretninms.  Both  days  were  delightfully  pleasant,  and  the  crowds  of  in- 
telligent fanners  with  their  families  who  attended,  bespoke  the  general 
interest  tliat  was  felt,  and  augurtjd  well  of  the  future.  There  were  ;31)G 
articles  offered  for  premiums,  very  many  of  which  were  highly  creditable 
to  the  county. 

iVanklin  count))  received  $100  annually,  by  the  law  of  1819,  and  the 
lioard  of  supervisors  raised  a  similar  amount  by  tax  for  two  years ;  a  so- 
ciety was  orjianized  but  was  soon  abandoned.  By  the  act  of  1841,  this 
county  vns  entitled  to  $50,  but  the  effort  that  was  then  made  for  this 
purpose  failed.  On  the  26th  of  August,  1851,  a  society  was  formed  by  a 
convention  convened  by  the  notice  of  the  county  clerk.  Their  constitu- 
tion is  as  follows : 

"We  the  undersigned,  inhabitants  of  said  county,  have  agreed,  and  do 
hereby  agree,  to  be  and  are  hereby  associated  together  as  a  county  so- 
ciety, for  the  i)romotion  of  agriculture  in  and  for  the  said  coimty  of 
Franklin.  And  we  severally  agree  to  observe,  perform,  and  abide  by, 
the  rules,  resolutions  and  by-laws  to  be  herealler  from  time  to  time, 
adopted  at  any  general  meeting  of  this  association,  in  conformity  with 
the  provisions  of  tlie  legislature  of  this  state,  in  relation  to  the  formation, 
government  and  action  of  such  societies.  And  we  do  further  agree,  that 
this  society  shall  commence  its  operations  from  this  26th  day  of  August, 
A.  D,,  1851." 

The  following  officers  were  elected  at  the  first  meeting:  President, 
Hon.  Sidney  Lawrence;  secretary,  Harry  S.  House ;  treasurer,  Hiram  11. 
Thompson ;  and  a  vice-president  in  each  town. 

The  vice-presidents  were  api)ointed  a  conunittee  to  solicit  subscrip- 
tions and  obtain  funds  for  the  counnon  benefit  of  the  society.  The  first 
fair  of  the  society  was  held  October  6  and  7,  1852,  on  a  plain  half  a  mile 
east  of  the  village,  u|)on  premises  that  had  been  leased  for  five  years,  and 
enclosed  with  a  permanent  fence,  for  the  purpose  of  affording  accommo- 
dations for  succeeding  liiirs.  The  interest  felt  throughout  the  county  in 
this  fair,  gives  assura.  -e  that  the  association  will  be  permanent  and  useful. 
There  were  eighty-one  j)remiums  awarded  on  domestic  quadrupeds; 
eight  upon  fowls;  sixteen  lipon  dairy  produce;  thirty-two  upon  bread, 
fruit,  and  household  goods;  thirty-three  upon  miscellaneous  manufac- 
tures; and  eight  upon  farming  implements.  Three  premiums  were 
awarded  upon  the  {)lowing  match. 

Tht  St.  Lmvrence  Countif  Mutual  Insurance  Company  was  incorporated 
May  12,  1836.  Silvester  Gilbert,  Zenas  Clark,  Tildeil  Hurlburd,  Jolm  L. 
Russell,  Edwin  Dodge,  Sylvester  Butrick,  Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  George 
Redington,  William  Bacon,  Smith  Stillwell,  Harvey  Flagg,  David  C. 
Jutlson,  and  Baron  S.  Doty,  were  named  in  the  act  as  first  directors, 
their  [)laces  to  be  supplied  by  an  anmial  election  by  members  of  the 
company. 

Persons  insuring  were  to  be  meribcrs  of  the  company  while  insured, 
and  to  have  one  vote  for  every  hundred  dollars  of  instirance.  The  ex- 
istence of  the  company  was  limited  to  tv/enty  years.  The  act  has  been 
amended  IMay  12,  1836,  IMarcli  26,  1849,  and  by  several  acts  applicable 
to  all  insurance  companies  in  the  state.  The  company  organized  Oct. 
13, 1836,  fiii'l  lliC  first  officers  elected  by  the  directors  above  named  were, 


AND   P'RANKLir    COUNTIES. 


529 


Henry  Van  Rensselaer,  |)resideiit;  Baron  S.  Doty,  vice-president;  Charles 
G.  Myers,  secretary. 

The  followiug  statistics  show  the  business  wliich  has  been  done  by 
this  company:  Policies  issued,  23,000;  total  insurance,  $18,000,000; 
insurance  in  force,  $15,000,000;  preminni  notes,  $420,000;  paid  losses 
from  April  1, 1849,  to  April  1,  1852,  $105,780-41. 

The  United  States  Mutual  Insurance  Company  was  incorporated  under 
the  general  act  of  April  10,  1849,  and  its  office  is  located  at  West  Pots-  . 
dam.  The  ibllowing  is  a  list  of  the  persons  designated  in  the  charter  as 
first  directors:  Amos  Blood,  Martin  Lester,  Albert  M.  Skeels,  William 
J.  Barnum,  Charles  Dart,  Orsemns  L.  Foote,  Royal  Barnum,  Dennison 
G.  Wilmarth,  William  A.  Dart,  Horace  Allen,  Truman  Liilie,  Jonah 
Sanford,  Joseph  Barnes,  Martin  Thatcher,  Henry  Barber,  Amaziah  B. 
Jnmes,  Benjamin  Lane,  William  E.  Ellis,  Alfred  Goss,  Lloyd  C.  Yale,  C. 
B.  Hawes,  A.  L.  Lockwood,  and  James  Lane.  The  directors  are  elected 
annually  by  the  members,  and  choose  from  their  number  a  president, 
vice-president,  secretary  and  treasurer.  The  capital  consisting  of  cash 
actually  paid  in,  and  of  premium  notes  payable  at  such  times  as  the  di- 
rectors shall  determine,  is  fixed  at  not  less  than  $'100,000.  Persons  in- 
sured to  have  the  option  of  giving  premium  notes  liable  to  assessment  in 
case  of  need,  or  of  paying  a  sum  of  money  for  insurance  in  lieu  of  giving 
notes.  The  directors  hold  themselves  indemnified  and  harmless  from 
loss  arising  from  dcfiiult,  neglect  or  misdeeds  of  the  other  directors. 
The  duration  of  the  company  is  fixed  at  twenty  years.  The  funds  of  the 
company  can  not  be  used  for  traffic  or  banking,  but  may  be  loaned  on 
good  security  payable  on  demand. 

Cash  premiums  for  one  year,  are  taken  in  lieu  of  a  note  at  25  per  cent 
on  the  amount  which  would  have  been  demanded  on  the  note,  and  the 
insurance  may  be  renewed  annually  without  a  new  survey.  Steam  mills, 
cotton  factories,  powder  mills,  distilleries,  manufactories  of  printers'  ink, 
and  extra  hazardous  property  not  insured  by  the  company.  By  the  first 
annual  report  up  to  the  1st  of  January,  1852,  the  number  of  policies  is- 
sued p  eviously  was  6,707,  npon  property  valued  at  $4,918,679.  Cash 
premiums  less  agent's  commissions,  $35,550*65.  Losses  and  expenses 
paid,  $13,085-23.  Refunded  on  cancelled  policies,  $237-57.  Balance  of 
cash  premiums,  $22,237-84.  A  dividend  of  30  per  cent  was  declared  on 
all  risks  of  the  first  class,  and  20  per  cent  on  those  of  the  second  class 
which  expired  previous  to  Jan.  1,  1852.  The  company  is  responsible 
for  the  correctness  of  the  surveys  made  by  its  agents,  in  this  particular 
differing  from  some  other  mutual  companies.  Losses  are  allowed  to  the 
full  amount  insured. 


-Was  organized  at 
it  had  issued  1386 


The  JVorth  American  Mutual  Insurance  Company.- 
Brasher  Falls,  July   1,  1851,  up  to  Oct.   1,  1852, 
policies,  and  had  at  that  time  at  risk  $897,562-50. 

The  Franklin  County  Mutual  Insurance  Company. — Was  incorporated, 
May  12,  1836,  \i..,i  Benjamin  Clark,  Hiram  HortoUi  Jonathan  Stearns, 
Jacob  Wead,  Aaron  Beaman,  Jonathan  Thompson,  William  King, 
Sylvester  Langdon,  Jonathan  Wallace,  Henry  N.  Brush,  Sidney  Law- 
rence, Joseph  Plumb,  Timothy  Beamar,  directors.  The  business  was 
to  be  carried  on  at  Malone.  The  details  of  the  provisions  of  this  act 
were  made  to  be  like  those  of  the  Jefferson  County  Mutual  Insurance 
Company,  passed  in  March,  jjrevious.  Policies  were  not  to  be  issued 
until  applications  amounting  to  $50,000  had  been  received,  and  the  du- 
ration of  the  act  was  limited  to  twenty  years.    An  organization  was 


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630 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


1%  ''^w 


1  f 


cfTl'ctod  iimlcr  this  m-t,  in  Jimo,  lH;l(i,  by  a  inuctiiig  convened  nt  tlio 
acdiictny,  and  liaw  continiit'd  in  opiiiation  Nincu;.  Honjarnin  Clark,  AHa 
llaHcall,  Ju.so|ili  II.  Jackson,  Saninol  C  WeatI,  William  Kin^',  and  Ahijali 
VVhil".  Iiuv*!  l)(U!n  snoci^Nwivoly  tdoctud  jiieHiduntN.  IJiiali  J).  MookLT,  A. 
B.  r  ..iieloti,  and  l>.  i\.  llnntinKton,  Iiavo  hold  tlio  onicu  of  mtciolury, 
nnd  Jonathan  Wailatu;,  Hunjaniin  ("lark,  1>.  N.  llinitin^ton  and  Albert 
AndniH,  that  of  in-asintMU  'I'hu  last  nicntionod  of  each  of  th«  ahovo  art) 
tht;  pri'HiMit  otlirtM's,  up  to  Oct.,  IH.V2,  it  had  i»Bned  about  t^'-lW)  polieicM, 
and  luiH  now  about  .*  1,000,000  worth  of  projtrriy  covBrcil  by  inmuaiice, 
mostly  in  I'^ranklin  county.  Within  thu  hmt  yvar,  it  has  iNHued  about 
1K)0  policies  and  paid  .'j'ti,400  on  Iosmch. 

Jianks, — 'J'iio  vvantH  of  the  county  I«mI  tho  suiicrvisors  in  18'^5,  to  pass 
u  n^solntioii  in  vviiich  they  assorted  tho  unsound  stato  of  their  currency 
which  mostly  consisted  of  Canada  bills,  from  which  loss  constantly  en- 
sued and  set  forth  the  claium  of  Northern  New  York,  to  tho  benelitH  of 
the  corporate  privilejjos  of  banks.  Passed  by  a  vote  of  1 1  to  7.  On  the 
80th  of  April,  i8'it>,  the  OgtknsUurf^h  Hank,  was  incorporated  for  30  years, 
capital  ,'?100,000,  in  '^,000  shares,  Horace  Allen,  Amos  Jiaeon,  David  C. 
Judson,  Jiaron  8.  Doty,  and  Wm.  Itacoii,  were  appointed  to  open  books 
for  Hubscription  of  otock.  This  bank  went  into  operation  soon  after,  and 
has  continued  business  without  interruption.  It  is  tho  only  safety  fund 
bunk  in  the  two  counties. 

On  the  !»th  of  Oct.,  1838,  articles  of  association  were  filed  for  a  new 
bunk,  to  conunonce  operution  Oct.  J5,  18;)8,  and  continue  100  years, 
capital  !jt  100,000,  in  1,000  shares,  and  to  bo  managed  by  21  «Urectors, 
one  third  of  whom  to  be  chosen  annually.  It  began  to  issue  bills  in 
Jan.,  ]8;tt).  The  luune  assumed  was  The  St.  Lawrence  Bank.  After 
vontiiniing  business  two  or  three  years,  it  became  insolvent,  nnd  its 
affairs  were  closed  up. 

On  tho  ytith  of  Feb.,  1841,  The  Franklin  Bank,  of  Fort  Covington,  wns 
to  have  begun  operations,  niul  contiinied  till  Nov.  2,  2301,  on  a  capital  of 
$100,0(K),  in  2,000  shares,  held  by  four  citizens  of  Lewis  county,  but  this 
never  went  into  operation.  The  Bank  of  Jtosaie,  projected  by  Samuel 
Linscott  of  Albany,  wau  designed  to  commence  business,  April  15,  1841, 
with  a  capital  of  $100,000,  but  never  organized.  7Vie  Citizen's  Bank, 
lately  doing  business  in  Ogdensburgh,  was  organized  in  Jeftersonoouiity, 
and  in  August,  1852,  removed  to  Fulton,  Oswego  county.  The  Drover^s 
Bank,  luow  at  Ogdensburgh,  was  originally  established  in  Cliautau- 
que  county.     Circulation,  Dec.  1, 1851,  !gU8,887. 

The  fVonticr  Bank,  of  Potsdam,  begim  by  TIenry  Keep,  at  Water- 
town,  and  removed  to  this  place  about  May  1,  1851,  owned  by  J.  C. 
Dann,  of  Sackett's  Harbor,  H.  P.  Alexander,  of  Uockton,and  Bioomfield 
Usher,  of  Potmlam,  circulating,  Dec.  1,  1851,  $()l,t)33.  The  Bank  of 
.Malone,  was  established  in  Sept.  1851,  at  Malone,  and  was  owned  by 
al)Out  40  iiulividunls,  securities  $35,110.80  in  mortgages,  and  $05,000  in 
United  States  aiul  New  York  stocks.  The  first  directors  were  S.  C. 
Wead,  Hiram  Hortoii,  Wm.  King  nnd  Wm.  Andriis,  of  Malone,  L. 
Fish,  of  Bangor,  Heury  B.  Smith,  of  Chateaugay,  (x.  A.  Austin,  of  Or- 
well, Vt.,  O.  A.  Burton,  of  St.  Albans,  Vt.,  and  D.  P.Noyes,  of  Burling- 
ton, Vt. ;  S.  C.  Wead,  jiresident,  Wm.  A.  Wheeler,  cashier.  A  majority 
of  the  directors  must  reside  in  the  county.  This  is  the  first  batik  for  doing 
business  in  the  county  that  has  been  established,  nnd  it  is  found  eminent- 
ly useful.  The  Franklin  County  Bank,  priuci|)ally  owned  abroad,  and 
like  the  following,  liaviiig  no  oflice  of  discount  nnd  deposit  in   the 


,  AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


531 


county,  wjih  foiin(lu<t  Hovornl  yonrs  ninrn,  but  is  inoHtly  closod.  In  Doc, 
I«r)l,  it  reported  n  ?-irciilntiori  of  $*j,8ll.  Thf.  JVorlhern  Hank  of  JSTew 
York,  witli  u  iioiniiial  oxiMlntico  ut  IVliulrid,  but  owiiod  abroad,  niiil  with 
no  oHico  or  irircuiation  in  tho  county,  in  Dwc,  IH5I,  reported  )ji;)!),Q0O  in 
circulation.  The  Nbilhfrn  Exrhmigf  Bank  of  Brasher  Failg,  of  tho  saniu 
diaracter  as  tlio  preceding,  reported  $i3ii,t)25  in  circulation. 

Tiic  Press. 

The  first  paper  published  in  St.  liawrencc  county,  was  the  Palladium, 
by  John  C.  Kipp,  and  Timothy  C  Strong:,  of  Middlehury,  Vt.,  who  were 
furnished  by  i)avid  I'arisii  and  Daniel  VV.  Church,  with  nioney  to  pur- 
chase u  press  and  ereiit  a  building  ior  tlie  purpose  of  printing  a  paper  in 
1810.  'i'lic  enttjrprise  was  started  in  J)ec(Mnber  of  that  year.  Tho 
printers  had  a  small  quantity  of  type;  Mr.  Church  built  the  office  and 
sent  lor  the  |iress,  while  Mr.  Parish  iiu'nished  the  money  with  which  tu 
begin  business.  Strong  continued  in  the  concern  less  than  a  year,  when 
liis  partner  took  the  olhce  alone,  and  sold  in  the  fiill  of  1812  to  John  P. 
Sheldon.  TIio  first  paper  was  printed  on  a  sheet  11  by  17i  inches,  and 
had  but  two  pages.  Sheldon  eidarged  it  to  a  folio,  but  difliculties  being 
experienced  in  getting  regular  supplies  of  paper,  many  of  the  numbers 
were  issued  on  a  conunon  foolsca))  sheet.  It  was  printed  on  an  old 
fashioned  wooden  press,  published  weekly,  and  distributed  through  tho 
comity  by  a  foot  jiost,  an  old  Swiss  about  (JO  years  of  age,  acting  as 
carrier.  Sheldon  discontinued  his  paper  about  1814.  From  several 
numbers  of  this  ))aper  belbre  us,  it  is  learned  that  it  was  Federal  in 
politics  nnd  denounced  the  war.  For  a  time  it  had  but  three  columns 
and  two  pages  of  7  by  11  inches,  exclusive  of  margin. 

David  R.  Strachan  and  Piatt  li.  Fairchild,  ])urcJuised  a  Ramage  iiress 
of  James  IJogart,  of  the  Geneva  Gazette,  ami  commenced  in  Dec,  1815  a 
weekly  paper  under  the  title  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Gazelle,  a  small  folio 
sheet,  20  by  25  inches,  5  colums  to  the  page,  at  $2  j)er  annum.  Fair- 
child  subsequently  withdrew,  and  the  paper  was  continued  by  tho 
remaining  publisher,  until  April  12,  182G,  when  Dun.  Spufl^ord  and 
James  C.  Barter  piu'chusud  the  office  and  continued  tho  paper  without 
change  of  name  or  size,  till  Dec,  1829,  when  SpafTord  became  publisher 
and  continued  it  till  about  the  1st  of  Jaiuiary,  1830.  He  then  sold  it  to 
Preston  King,  who  had  also  purchased  the  Hi,  Launence  Republican  pre- 
viously issued  at  Potsdam.  The  Gazette  thus  ceased  to  exist,  and  the 
press  on  which  it  had  been  |)rintcd  was  laid  away,  and  finally  destroyed 
in  the  great  fire  of  183i).  It  espoused  the  cause  of  Mr.  Adams,  after  hia 
election  in  1824,  and  advocated  his  reelection  in  '828.  Its  politics  were 
changed  to  republican  on  its  union  with  the  other  ,  'iper.* 

The  JVorlhern  Lif^hl,  an  anti-masonic  paper,  was  begun  at  OgdennbiirgIi, 
July  7.  1831,  (20  by  2G  inches],  by  W.  B.  Rogers,  and  in  October,  1831, 
was  assumed  by  A.  Tyler  and  A.  B.  James,  who  [)iiblished  it  about  ti 
year,  when  the  latter  became  its  editor.  On  the  10th  of  April,  1834,  its 
name  was  changed  to  The  Times,  and  at  the  end  of  the  4tl:  volume  it 
was  enlarged  to  six  columns,  and  its  title  changed  to  the  OgdensburgK 
Times,    In  July,  1837,  Dr.  Tyler  again  became  associated  with  Mr.  James, 


!    1 
if ' II 


ii!i 


'!  « 


•  The  author  i»  indebted  to  a  work  entilleil,' The  Typogrnpliical  Miscellany,  byj.  Mun- 
aell,  Albany,  l»jO,  Cor  numerous  facts  concerning  the  press  of  St.  Ijawrence  county.  They 
werii  prepared  for  that  work  by  Matliew  W.  TiUolson,  of  Ogdeiisburgh,  one  of  tlie  present 
publishers  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Republican.  A  very  minute  and  extensive  account  Was  also 
furnished  by  AVm.  H.  Wallace,  Esq.  of  I'otsilam. 


f% 


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532 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


and  the  nnine  wns  ngain  chnnged  to  the  7\'mea  and  Mvertiser.  In  July, 
1838.  Dr.  Alhert  Tyler  bocunie  its  sole  pnhlisher,  mid  continued  until 
Murcli,  1844,  when  it  wns  transferred  to  Foote  and  Seely.  nnd  it  became 
the  Fronlier  Sentinel.  Upon  the  change  of  parties  about  1834,  the  politics 
of  the  paper  became  Whig,  and  it  has  continued  till  the  present  time,  to 
be  the  organ  of  that  party  in  the  county,  under  the  tbilowing  names: 

The  Fronlier  Senlinel  begim  April  2,  1844,  by  Foote  and  Secley,  (six 
columns  folio),  at  $1  per  annum.  Mr.  Stephen  B.  iSeeley,  of  the  above 
Hrm,  died  August  17,  1844,  and  the  paper  was  thenceforth  continued  by 
Henry  G.  Foote.  On  the  8th  of  June,  1847,  the  name  was  changed  to 
the  Of^densburgkJSentinel,  under  whicli  it  has  continued  till  the  present 
time.  It  was  at  the  same  time  enlarged  to  eight  cohmms,  and  the  price 
increased  to  $17.'5,  On  the  27tli  of  November,  1841),  this  paper  was 
transferred  to  Htillman  Foote,  by  whom  it  has  been  continued  till  tiie 
present  time.  In  June,  1850,  the  price  was  reduced  to  $1.  It  has  been 
|trinted  since  1847,  on  an  Adams  power  press. 

The  Daily  Sentinel  was  the  lirst  attempt  to  estaldish  a  daily  paper  in 
St.  Lawrence  county.  It  was  started  April  14,  1848,  by  S.  Foote,  at  one 
cent  per  number,  and  continued  until  Sept.  14,  of  the  same  year.  Its 
pages  were  nearly  square,  and  three  columns  in  width.  It  was  made  up 
from  the  matter  pre|)ared  for  the  weekly  sheet,  with  a  few  advertisements. 
The  St.  Lawrence  Budget,  a  very  small  advertising  sheet,  was  issued  from 
the  press  of  the  Sentinel,  semi-monthly,  for  about  two  years,  in  1850-1. 

The  Meteorological  Register,  was  the  title  of  a  monthly  quarto,  com- 
menced January  1,  1839,  by  J.  H.  Coffin,  then  principal  of  the  Academy, 
and  now  of  Fayette  College,  Easton,  Pa.  It  was  devoted  to  scientific  in- 
quiries, and  continued  but  four  numbers.  It  was  issued  by  one  of  the 
printing  offices  in  the  village.  This  highly  meritorious  publication  is  be- 
lieved not  to  hn\  •  received  the  patronage  which  rendered  its  continuance 
practicable,  although  conducted  with  an  ability  very  creditable  to  its 
editor.  T^e  Ogdensburgh  Forum,  was  commenced  April  24,  1848,  by  A. 
Tyler,  to  sujtport  the  Whig  party,  and  the  interests  of  Gen.  Taylor.  It 
was  of  small  sized  folio,  in  small  type,  and  at  first  issued  tri-weekly  and 
weekly,  at  $1*50,  and  50  cts  per  annum.  When  first  started  it  was  issued 
in  the  quarto  form,  with  four  pages  to  the  sheet,  but  at  the  end  of  six 
months  the  tri-weekly  was  discontinued,  and  after  the  first  year  the  folio 
form  was  ado|)ted.  It  was  discontinued  in  February,  1851.  The  office 
from  which  this  paper  was  issued  had  been  supplied  with  new  furniture 
com|»lete,  and  was  at  first  designed  for  a  job  office  only,  and  it  was  the 
first  attempt  to  establish  an  office  of  this  kind  in  St.  Lawrence  county. 
After  the  paper  was  stopped  it  continued  to  do  job  work  until  1852,  when 
it  was  sold  and  removed  to  Gouverneur. 

The  first  atteuqjt  to  establish  a  daily  paper  in  St.  Lawrence  county  of 
a  chaiacter  comparable  with  the  daily  press  of  the  cities,  was  made  in 
March,  1852,  by  Wm.  N.  Oswell,  a  former  editor  of  the  St.  Lawrence 
Uepublican,  assisted  by  Mr.  Fayette  Robinson,  in  the  editorial  department. 
It  was  entitled  the  Daily  Morning  JVeios ;  professed  neutrality  in  politics, 
and  was  conducted  with  an  ability  and  enterprise  which  entided  it  to  a 
liberal  support.  The  presses,  type  and  furniture  of  this  office  were  new. 
In  September,  1852,  was  commenced  the  issue  from  the  press  of  the 
Daily  News,  a  large  sheet,  neutral  \u  politics,  and  devoted  to  literary  and 
general  intelligence,  by  the  name  of  The  Jf'eekly  JVews,  by  William  N. 
Oswell.  The  latter  paper  soon  after  was  temporarily  suspended,  but 
again  issued  iu  a  smaller  sheet,  and  continued  as  a  daily  paper.    Both  of 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


533 


theso  aro  believed  to  be  now  discontinued.  The  Ofcilensbur^h  Daily 
Times,  a  nocond  daily  ])nper,  was  bepiin  October  18.  1852,  l)y  Williaiii 
Yenton  and  Warren  Dow,  and  was  printed  at  tlie  Republican  office.  It 
proposed  to  act  independent  in  politico,  and  the  first  number  was  a  Hinall 
ibiio,  five  columns  to  the  pa^o,  and  appeared  to  be  edited  with  ability,  but 
the  publication  was  arrested  by  n  disastrous  fire  after  one  or  two  issues. 

The  Potsdam  Gazette  was  be^Min  .Tamiary  13,  J816,  (neutral  in  politics), 
liy  Frederick  C.  Powell,  18  by  22  inches,  from  a  screw  press  made  by  J. 
Ouram,  in  Philadelphia,  and  bought  in  New  York  for  $150.  It  was  dis- 
continued in  April,  1823.  It  was  issued  weekly,  and  contained  four 
columns  to  the  page.  Zenas  Clark  was  comiectcd  with  it  a  few  months. 
In  January,  1824,  Mr.  Powell  commenced  issuing  from  the  same  press,  a 
neutral  paper,  20  by  24  inches,  four  columns  folio,  entitled  The  Potsdam 
Jlmerican,  which  al^erwards  was  (xdilished  by  Powell  and  Reddington, 
discontinued  in  April,  1829.  In  May,  182'J,  Klias  Williams  issued  from 
this  press  and  of  the  same  size  as  the  last,  an  anti-masonic  weekly  entitled 
The  Herald,  which  continued  but  from  May  2!)  till  August.  In  April, 
1830,  Wm.  Hughes  j)rinted  on  the  same  press  an  anti-masonic  weekly 
called  The  Patriot.  It  was  20  by  2(i  inches,  five  columns  to  the  i)age,  and 
was  stopped  early  in  1831,  when  the  press  was  removed  to  Ogdensburgh, 
by  W.  B.  Rogers,  and  used  in  publisliing  the  JVorthern  Light.  This  was 
afterwanis  sold  to  Judge  Biiell,  of  Brock vi lie,  for  $25,  and  used  for  job 
work,  and  its  place  supplied  in  1834,  by  an  iron  No.  3,  Smith  |)ress. 

The  St,  Lawrence  Republican  was  commenced  in  Potsdam,  in  the  fall  of 
1826,  or  early  in  the  following  year,  by  Wm.  H.  Wyman,  on  a  Royal 
press.  It  was  afterwards  published  in  company  with  Jonathan  Wallace, 
as  a  republican  paper  in  opposition  to  the  St.  Lawrence  Gazette,  and  was 
the  first  democratic  paper  in  the  county.  It  was  20  by  29  inches, 
weekly,  and  distributed  by  a  post.  In  tlie  sutmner  of  1827,  it  went 
into  the  hands  of  Mr.  Wallace,  and  in  the  winter  of  1828,  Wyman  became 
the  proprietor.  In  1827  it  was  removed  to  Canton,  and  printed  awhile 
as  the  Canton  Advertiser  and  St.  Lawrence  Republican,  and  in  1830,  to  Og- 
densburgh, where  it  was  published  by  Preston  King,  until  Jaimary,  1833. 
f*umuel  Hoard  then  piu'chased  it.  Up  to  this  time,  and  imtil  May  follow- 
ing, this  paper  had  been  printed  on  a  Ramage  press,  bought  for  $40  in 
New  York,  in  182fi,  It  had  a  stone  bed  for  its  form,  which  being  broken, 
it  was  re])laced  by  a  wooden  ]ilank.  In  May,  1833,  Mr.  Hoard  brought 
from  Fort  Covington,  an  iron  Smith  press,  and  enlarged  it  to  2Ii  by  32 
inches.  In  18.34,  he  took  into  partnership  F.  D.  Flanders,  the  present 
editor  of  the  Franklin  Gazette.  In  December,  18.34,  it  was  taken  by  M. 
W.  and  J.  M.  Tillofson,  and  published  two  years,  when  the  former  with- 
drew, and  it  was  continued  by  J.  M.  Tillotson  until  the  ftill  of|1841.  In 
April,  1839,  the  establishment  was  consumed  by  fire,  hut  early  in  the 
summer  resumed,  and  enlarged  to  23j  by  36  inches,  and  with  seven 
columns  to  the  page.  The  new  press  was  a  Washington  press,  by  Hoe  & 
Co.  In  the  fall  of  1841,  Franklin  B.  Hitchcock  and  Henry  M.  Smith, 
purchased  the  office,  and  issued  it  until  July  16,  1848,  when  the  former 
withdrew,  and  his  i)lace  was  taken  by  Wm.  N.  Oswell,  who  ])ublished 
the  paper  until  December  3,  1851,  when  Hitciicock  repurchased  of  Os- 
well, and  it  was  continued  by  him  and  Smith  till  March  17,  1852.  Mr. 
Smith's  health  then  failing,  he  sold  his  share  to  M.  W.  Tillotson,  a  former 
proprietor,  and  it  has  since  been  continued  by  Hitchcock  and  Tillotson. 
VVhilc  owned  by  Smith  &  Oswell,  a  steam  power  press  by  Hoe  &  Co., 
was  procured.  In  the  last  an«l  tnost  destructive  of  the  fires  in  Ogdens- 
burgii  in  October,  1852,  this  office  was  again  consumed,  but  the  paper 
was  continued  on  a  small  half  sheet  a  short  time,  and  is  at  the  date  of 


1 

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11'  1 

634 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


writing  (January,  1853),  published  in  folio,  22  by  25  inches,  five  columnn 
to  the  page.  lieibre  its  Inte  dienster,  thin  paper  had  attained  a  size,  and 
was  conducted  with  nn  ability  that  would  compare  (hvorubly  with  any 
weekly  paper  in  the  country.  It  is  proposed  to  enlarge  it  and  provide  new 
materials  for  an  oilice  during  the  coming  season.  This  pafter  has  long 
been  the  official  organ  of  the  democratic  party  of  the  county. 

In  1827,  while  Mr.  Wallace  was  publishing  the  St.  Lawrence  Republi- 
cnn,  he  issued  a  semi-monthly  folio,  13  by  20  inches,  called  The  Day 
Star.  It  was  a  Universalist  paper,  and  continued  six  months,  when  it 
was  united  with  the  Gospel  Advocate  of  Uticu.  While  this  paper  was 
being  published  the  press  was  removed  to  Canton. 

In  July  1832,  C.  C.  Bill,  started  a  whig  paper  in  Canton,  called  the 
Northern  Telegraph,  and  afier  printing  it  a  time,  sold  his  interest  to  Or- 
lando Squires,  who  commenced  publishing  a  democratic  paper  on  the 
same  press,  which  was  called  The  Canton  Democrat,  who  continued  it  a 
short  time.  A  paper  called  The  Luminary  of  the  JVorth,  was  published 
here  in  July  1834.  The  St.  Laiorence  Democrat,  a  wh\g  paper  owned  by 
several  indivii'iuals,  and  published  by  Edgar  A.  Barber,  wos  commenced 
in  September  1840,  ond  its  publication  finally  ceased  in  April  1842.  It 
was  printed  on  a  No.  3  Washington  press.  The  JVbiihern  Cabinet,  and 
Literary  Repository,  a  neutral  and  literary  paper,  was  begun  at  Canton, 
Jan.  2,  1843,  by  Charles  Boynton,  in  the  quaito  form,  semi-monthly,  at 
$1  per  annum.  The  press  and  materials  were  the  same  as  those  which 
had  been  used  in  Mr.  Barber's  paper.  On  the  11th  of  A|)ril,  1844,  Mr. 
Boynton  commenced  issuing  The  Enquirer,  and  Tariff  Mvocale,  a  cam- 
paign paper  devoted  to  the  whig  party,  and  continued  only  till  the  No- 
vember, following.  It  was  a  small  folio,  terms  50  cts.,  and  issued  from 
the  same  press  as  the  preceding.  In  consequence  of  this  the  Cabinet  be- 
came unpopular  with  the  democratic  party,  and  it  was  removed  at  the  end 
of  the  second  year  to  Potsdam,  and  continued  weekly  on  the  same  plan  as 
before,  one  year,  when  it  was  changed  to  folio.  The  literary  matter  of  this 
folio  was  issued  on  a  semi-monthly  octavo  in  covers, — double  columns — 
with  title  and  index  one  year,  under  the  name  of  The  Repository,  which 
was  commenced  July  20, 1846.  At  the  end  of  the  fourtli  volume,  the 
Cabinet  was  sold  to  Wm.  L.  Knowles,  and  thenceforth  issued  under 
the  name  of  The  St.  Lawrence  Mercury.  Mr.  Knowles  continued  its  pub- 
lication two  years,  when  he  sold  to  William  H.  Wallace,  who  continued 
to  publish  it  about^tvvo  years  longer  under  the  same|name,  when  he  sold, 
in  June,  1851,  the  establishment  to  H.  C.  Fay,  who  changed  the  name 
to  The  St  Lawrence  Journal,  and  continued  its  issue  till  Julj'  1852,  when 
it  was  united  with  the  Potsdam  Courier.  It  professed  to  be  neutral  in 
politics. 

The  Potsdam  Couner  was  commenced  by  Vernon  Harrington,  in  fall  of 
1851,  and  continued  till  July  1852,  when  it  was  combined  with  the 
Journal.  It  was  issued  from  the  same  press  which  had  been  previously 
used  at  Gouverneur.  It  was  neutral  in  politics.  The  Potsdam  Courier 
and  Journal  formed  in  July  1852,  by  the  union  of  the  Courier  and  Jour- 
nal, and  published  by  Harrrington  &  Fay,  is  at  present  the  only  paper 
published  in  Potsdam.  It  professes  to  be  neutral  in  politics,  and  is  con- 
ducted with  much  ability.    Terms  $1  per  year. 

The  PhUotnathean,  a  literary  magazine,  conducted  by  thePhilomathean 
society  of  the  St.  Lawrence  Academy,  was  started  in  the  spring  of  1849, 
and  continued  several  numbers.  It  was  made  of  selected  productions 
of  tho  metntrars  of  the  society. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


53/5 


It  was  proposed  to  be  issued  at  the  end  of  cncli  academic  term,  or 
three  numbers  in  a  year,  at  a  Hubscription  price  of  '37i  cts. 

Th^  J^orthern  JVew  Yorker,  a  smnll  folio  weekly  pnpcr,  nontral  in  poli- 
tics, was  commenced  at  Gouverneur,  April  2(5,  184!),  with  the  snmo 
press  and  materials  which  had  been  used  in  the  Cnrthaf;e  papers  scverni 
years  i)reviou8.  Published  by  W.  M.  Goodrich,  and  M.  F.  Wilson,  and 
edited  by  Charles  Anthony.  Terms  $1.  At  the  end  of  the  first  vol- 
ume it  wns  undertaken  by  N.  J.  Bruett,  who  enlarged  it  one  column, 
and  continued  it  but  twelve  numbers.  A  very  small  sheet  wos  continued 
five  weeks  longer,  called  the  St  Laurence  Jldverliser,  The  oflice  was  then 
removed  to  Potsdam.  Mr.  Wilson  commenced  May  28, 1850,  publishing 
at  Columbia  village  (Madrid),  with  the  press  and  type  formerly  used  by 
the  Theresa  Chronicle, 

The  TVue  Democrai.  It  was  a  small  sized  folio  and  professed  to  sup- 
port the  democratic  party.  At  the  end  of  ten  months,  it  was  purchased 
by  O.  L.  Ray,  and  its  politics  changed  from  democratic  to  neutral.  At 
the  end  of  a  year  its  name  was  changed  to  the  Columbian  Independent,  and 
continued  a  year  longer  under  the  some  title,  when  it  was  removed  to 
Canton,  and  the  name  ognin  changed  to  the  Canton  Independent,  under 
which  it  is  now  published.  Like  the  other  county  papers  now 
published,  is  issued  at  $1  per  annum.  The  Canton  Weekly  Citizen  was 
the  title  of  a  very  small  folio,  attempted  to  be  published  at  Canton, 
commenced  with  the  Ist  of  Jan.  1852,  by  J.  S.  Sargent.  It  continued 
four  weeks. 

The  Labourer,  is  the  title  of  a  small  but  spirited  weekly  sheet,  estab- 
lished at  Gouverneur  in  July  1852,  by  Martin  Mitchell,  a  gentleman  well 
qualified  to  conduct  a  journal.  It  is  issued  from  the  same  press  as  that 
which  had  been  used  in  the  Ogdensburgh  Forum,  and  as  a  job  press  at 
Ogdensburgh.  In  1852,  it  became  the  organ  of  the  Free  Soil  movement, 
ill  Northern  New  York. 

77ie  Franklin  Telegraph,  the  first  paper  ever  published  in  Franklin 
county,  was  commenced  at  Maloiie,  in  1824,  on  a  Ramage  press — had 
four  columns  to  the  page,  and  claimed  to  be  national  republican  or  whig, 
in  politics.  Its  publisher  was  Francis  Burnap.  Upon  the  rise  of  the 
anti-masonic  party,  it  supported  that  cause,  and  was  published  a  short 
time  by  Elias  Williams,  as  the  organ  of  that  party  when  Williams  re- 
moved to  Potsdam,  and  published  on  anti-masonic  paper  there  a  short 
time.  The  JVorthem  Spectator  was  started  at  Malone,  by  John  G.  Clay- 
ton, who  was  sent  from  New  York,  with  a  new  press  and  office  com- 
plete, by  William  L.  Stone,  of  the  Commercial  Advertiser,  in  the  Spring 
of  the  year  1830.  At  the  end  of  about  two  years,  it  passed  into  the 
hands  of  George  P.  Allen,  and  subsequently  wns  issued  by  Frederick  P. 
Allen.  It  was  if'rom  the  time  of  its  first  issue,  devoted  to  the  interest  of 
the  whig  party  and  continued  to  be  so  after  the  change  of  name.  It 
was  discontinued  in  February  1835,  and  in  the  following  month  The 
Palladium  was  commenced  with  the  same  office  by  F.  P.  Allen,  who' 
continued  to  publish  it  ten  years.  March  1845,  Mr.  F.  T.  Heath,  became 
the  proprietor,  and  June,  1850,  J.  J.  Seavei'fbecame  a  partner.  It  is  now 
published  by  Heath  and  Seaver,  and  is  the  organ  of  the  whig  party  in  the 
county.  This  and  the  Pranklin  Gazette,  were  very  lately  tlieonly  papers 
published  in  the  county,  and  for  size,  mechanical  execution,  and  editorial 
management,  they  will  compare  favorably  with  any  of  the  weekly  issues 
from  the  country  press. 

The  first  newspaper  published  in  Fort  Covington  was  the  Franklin 


536 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Iff     *'  I  ! 

A  "  ,       'I 


mv 


Bfptiblican,  whirh  was  fltnrted  in  tlie  apring  of  1827,  by  J.  K.  Avcrill, 
upon  n  |ireH8  from  I'lHttHbiirgh.  It  Imd  tour  columns  to  tho  page,  nnd 
was  piililiBlied  nt  Jji'i-50  per  annnni.  It  waH  continnt'd  till  Jnno  18I)-'). 
Six  months  after  its  coinmenconiuni  it  was  lioiiglit  by  Hatrniol  Hoard,  and 
Jamua  Long,  but  tho  latter  continnod  liut  about  a  half  year,  and  during 
tho  last  yi.'ar  Mr.  Hoard  was  roaHNO(;iatod  with  P.  D.  Flanders.  ItH  poli- 
tics were  democratic. 

The  Franklin  Gazette  was  begun  in  the  fall  of  1837,  at  Fort  Covington, 
by  F\  D.  Flan<lers,  at  $1.75  |)er  niuinm;  tivo  colunuis  to  tb«  pag«'.  It 
was  democratic  in  politics.  In  the  tidi  of  1847,  it  was  removed  to  IMa- 
lone,  previous  to  which  it  had  been  |irinted  on  a  Ramago  prens,  but  on 
its  removal  it  was  enlarged;  a  Smith  press,  previously  used  in  the  Senti- 
nel office  in  Ogdensbnrgh,  was  procured,  and  it  was  published  one  year 
by  Mr.  Flanders,  in  com|)Mny  with  Mr.  HIaisdell.  Since  1848,  it  has 
been  published  by  Mr.  Flanders  alone.  It  has  at  present  six  cohmins 
to  the  page,  and  is  published  at  .$1  per  aniunn.  In  state  politics  it  has 
claimed  to  belong  to  tiie  barnburner  section  of  the  democratic  party,  but 
in  1848,  it  advocated  the  election  of  General  Cass  to  the  jtresidency. 
A  small  paper  called  The  jWeaseniffr,  was  |)ublislied  in  IS-IO,  at  Fort 
Covington,  at  first  b*  J.  D.  Fisk,  aiul  afterwards  by  J.  S.  Sergeant.  It 
was  continued  a  yei  r,  when  it  was  discontinued  and  the  press  removed 
to  Canton.  It  claimed  to  be  indc|)endcnt  in  politics.  At  first  it  bore 
the  title  of  Salmon  River  Messenf^er. 

The  Jefferaonian,  is  the  title  of  a  new  democratic  paper,  recently  es- 
taltlishedat  Malonc,  in  Jan.  1853.  No  particulars  could  be  ])rocnred  in 
time  for  our  use  in  the  work. 

History  of  Acadrmieb. 

Tlu  St,  Lawrence  Jicademy  owes  its  origin  to  the  spirited  efforts  of  Ben- 
jamin Raymond,  who  in  1810  erected,  at  bis  own  expense,  a  binldingfor 
public  purposes,  and  in  the  spring  of  1812,  employed  Kev.  James  John- 
son, of  Lynn,  Mass.,  a  graduate  of  Harvard  college,  as  a  teacher  and 
clergyman,  entirely  at  his  own  cost.  In  December,  1812,  a  subscription 
was  started  to  raise  $5,000,  in  shares  of  $10  each,  and  Mr.  Raymond 
beaded  the  list  by  signing  100  shares,  including  the  lot  and  building  he 
bad  erected.  Liberty  Knowles,  Azel  Lyman,  Samuel  Pease,  Robert 
McChesney,  Benj.  Burton,  Anthony  Y.  Elderkin,  Joseph  I*.  ReynoULs, 
Wm.  Smith,  James  Johnson,  Reuel  Taylor,  Pierce  Shepard,  Lemuel 
Pinney,  John  Burroughs,  Sevvall  Raymond,  David  Parish,  and  Jacob 
Redington,  each  took  ten  shares.  Eighteen  others  took  shares  of  less 
number,  making  an  aggregate  of  312  shares. 

In  January,  1813,  a  petition  for  incorporation  was  presented,  but  this 
being  lost  or  mislaid,  on  the  4tli  of  April,  1816,  a  petition  was  again  pre- 
sented, and  was  successful.  In  this  it  is  stated,  that  a  lot  near  the  centre 
of  the  village  had  been  conditionally  pledged  to  the  'rustees,  on  which 
was  a  building  3(5  feet  by  24,  having  ut  one  end  a  porch,  with  a  belfry 
and  cu|tola,  and  that  there  had  been  expended  upon  said  building  more 
than  $700.  A  resolution  of  the  town  meeting  was  forwarded,  praying 
that  the  lands  in  town  reserved  fm*  literary  purposes  might  be  conveyed 
to  tiie  academy  as  a  permanenr  fund.  Bcnjan/m  Raymond,  Liberty 
Knowles,  Pierce  Shepard,  Azel  Lyman,  Joseph  P.  Reynolds,  Se wall  Ray- 
mond, Robert  McChesney,  David  Parisli,  Nathan  Font,  Louis  Ilasbrouck, 
Roswtill  Hopkins,  Russell  Attwuter,  and  Ebenezer  Hulburd,  were  re- 
commended as  trustees,  and  the  name  suggested  for  the  institution  was 


^'jM*i 


1|        I' 


4     Y' 


/. 


■>;;  '<: 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


539 


I 


the  St.  Lawrence  Academy.  This  led  to  an  net  of  incorporation  with 
the  above  names  as  trustees,  and  a  grant  of  tiie  literature  lot,  which  was 
never  to  be  sold,  but  leased.  It  was  found  impossible  to  effect  this, 
because  land  could  be  bought  on  reasonable  terms,  and  none  but 
loose  and  irresponsible  characters  could  be  found  willing  to  become 
tenants,  subject  to  an  annual  tribute.  The  trustees  were  accord- 
ingly, by  tin  act  of  April  5,  1828,  authorized  to  sell  the  lot,  in  whole  or 
in  part,  and  convey  in  fee  simple,  or  otherwise,  the  lot  of  land  previously 
granted,  and  invest  the  avails  in  a  permanent  fund,  the  annual  income  of 
which  should  be  np[)lied  to  tiie  payment  of  the  wages  of  tutors  in  the 
academy,  and  for  no  other  purpose. 

At  the  first  meeting  of  the  trustees,  Sept.  17,  1816,  it  was  resolved, 
*'  that  the  senior  trustee  and  clerk,  be  iJirected  to  lease  the  land  granted 
by  the  legislature,  in  lots  not  exceeding  sixty  acres  each,  for  any  term  of 
time  not  exceeding  fourteen  years,  for  an  annual  rent  of  one  peck  of 
wheat  per  acre,  after  the  first  two  years,  payable  at  the  village  in  this 
town  on  the  first  dixy  of  February,  in  each  year.  A  preceptor  was  to  bo 
employed  for  one  year,  commencing  on  the  first  Monday  in  October 
next,  on  a  salary  of  $420,  and  the  prices  of  tuition  were  fixed  at  the  fol- 
lowing rates,  viz:  "Reading  and  writing,  $2*50;  English  grammar, 
cyphering,  mathematics,  and  book-keeping,  $3;  dead  languages,  $3'50; 
logic,  rhetoric,  composition,  moral  philosophy,  natural  philosophy,  and 
French  language,  $4."  On  the  30th  of  Sept.,  1816,  a  code  of  by-laws 
was  adopted,  which  among  other  things  provided,  that  none  should  be 
admitted  as  students  who  could  not  stand  in  a  class  and  read  in  plain 
English  readings;  and  that  application  for  admission  should  be  made  in 
writing.  Stated  attendance  af  the  church  where  the  preceptor  worshiped 
was  required,  unless  a  desire  was  expressed  in  writing  by  the  parents  or 
guardians  of  students,  if  minors,  or  by  the  students  themselves,  if  21 
years  of  age,  for  the  privilege  of  attending  elsewhere.  Strict  observ- 
ance of  the  Sabbath  day  and  evening,  and  of  Saturday  evening,  was  en- 
joined, and  strict  morality  was  required. 

On  the  24th  of  April,  1818,  a  seal  was  adopted  having  for  its  device  a 
pair  of  globes,  and  the  inscription  "  St.  Lawrence  Academy,  1816," 
around  them.  Nahan  Nixon,  from  Middlebury  college,  was  employed  by 
the  trustees  as  the  first  preceptor  in  the  fall  term  of  1816,  and  remained 
one  year.  At  this  period  the  trustees  were  unable  to  secure  the  services 
of  any  teacher  whom  they  considered  fitted  for  the  station, and  two  years 
elapsed  without  a  school  being  mfiintained.  In  the  fall  of  1819,  the  ser- 
vices of  Levi  S.  Ives,  now  the  Episcopal  bishop  of  North  Carolina,  wero 
secured,  and  he  remained  two  yeara.  On  the  28th  of  January,  1822,  the 
trustees  petitioned  the  legislature,  praying  for  the  additional  grant  of  the 
literature  lots  of  Louisville  and  Stocldiolm,  but  failed. 

In  the  fall  of  1821,  Charles  Orvis,  a  graduate  of  Hamilton  college,  and 
at  present  a  physician  in  Marti nsbingli,  Lewis  county,  was  employed  for 
one  year,  when  the  Rev.  Daniel  Banks  succeeded  and  remained  till  his 
death  in  August,  1827.  On  the  25th  of  April,  1825,  the  first  action  was 
taken  towards  erecting  . '  new  building,  and  through  the  efforts  of  the 
Hon.  Silas  Wright  in  the  senate,  and  the  members  from  our  two  counties, 
procured  a  law  April  9,  1825,  re(iuiring  $2,500  to  be  raised  by  the  sale 
of  reserved  literature  lots,  for  the  academy,  on  condition  that  a  brick  or 
stone  edifice,  worth  at  least  83,000  be  first  erected  on  ground  owned  by 
the  trustees.  The  thanks  of  the  board  were  tendered  to  Messrs.  Wright, 
Vanden  Heuvel,  and  Hascall,  for  their  efforts  in  procuring  this  aid;  and 
proposals  were  advertised  for  erecting  a  stone  edifice  to  be  68  by  36  feet, 


•J 


'»   ii 


'! 


I 


540 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


four  stories  high  including  the  basement.  The  contract  was  taken  by 
Samuel  Partridge,  to  be  built  under  the  direction  and  subject  to  the  ac- 
centanco  of  L.  Knowles,  J.  C.  Smith  and  J.  P.  Reynolds.  It  is  the  one 
on  the  north  side  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  fronting  on  the  public 
square.  The  site  of  the  St.  Lawrence  academy  forms  a  part  of  a  pint 
given  the  town  by  the  proprietors  for  that  purpose,  and  held  in  trust  by 
the  commissioners  of  highways.  The  latter  were  empowered  by  an  act 
of  April  20,  182.5,  to  convey  such  portion  as  they  might  deem  necessary, 
ns  a  site  for  the  erection  of  academic  buildings.  The  corner  stone  of 
the  new  edifice  was  laid  with  masonic  ceremonies,  by  Harmony  lodge, 
on  the  1st  of  June,  1825.  Present,  the  trustees  of  the  academy  and  seve- 
ral clergymen  from  the  neighboring  towns,  and  a  large  concourse  of 
spectators.  Prayer  by  the  Rev.  Mr.  Pettibone,  of  Ilopkinton,  now  of 
Canton.  There  was  deposited  luider  the  stone  a  leaden  box  inclosing 
a  glass  jar,  corked  and  sealed,  containing  several  manuscripts,  pamphlets 
and  papers,  among  which  was  a  copy  of  the  Hartford  Courant,  containing 
the  "stamp  act,"  and  Washington's  farewell  address,  and  also  a  silver 
pkite,  on  which  was  neatly  engraved  the  following  inscription : 

"  Town  of  Potsdam,  county  of  St.  Lawrence,  state  of  New  York. 
Settlement  of  this  town  commenced  by  Benjamin  Raymond,  Esq.,  from 
Mass.,  A.  D.  1803.  St.  Lawrence  Academy  chartered  by  the  sta*e 
through  his  influ-jnce,  A.  D.  1816.  Present  trustees.  Liberty  Knowles, 
Pierce  Shepard,  Azel  Lyman,  Joseph  P.  Reynolds,  Sewull  Raymoiid, 
David  Parish,  Roswell  Hopkins,  Ebenezer  Hulburd,  Samuel  Partriiige, 
Horace  Allen,  John  C.  Smith,  John  Fine^  J.  A.  Vanden  Heuvel.  Rev. 
Daniel  Banks,  principal;  Mr.  Noah  Cushman,  assistant.  This  edifice 
erectod  A.  D,  1825;  expense,  $4,000.  Alanson  Fisher,  mason;  Grey  C. 
Noble,  joiner.  This  village  contains  400  inhabitants;  the  whole  town 
2,700.  De  Witt  Clinton,  governor  of  the  state.  '  In  prosperitate  litern- 
turarum,  salutem  reipublicoe  consistere.'  June  1,  1825.  J.  Davidson, 
engraver." 

An  appropriate  address  was  delivered  by  the  Rev.  James  M"  \uley,  of 
Ogdensburgh.  Last  prayer  by  Rev.  Roswell  Pettibone,  of  opkinton. 
Ceremony  completed  by  sacred  music,  by  a  large  choir  of  singers,  ac- 
companied by  tl.e  Potsdam  band. 

Mr.  Banks's  place  was  filled  till  the  close  of  1827,  by  Joseph  Hopkins, 
who  had  been  previously  employed  as  an  assistant.  In  the  early  jmrt 
of  1828,  Mr.  Asa  Brainerd,  from  Danville,  Vt.,  a  graduate  of  the  university 
of  Vermont,  was  employed,  and  continued  to  fill  the  post  of  preceptor 
until  1847.  He  is  now  at  the  head  of  a  female  seminary  in  Norwalk, 
Ohio.  Wm.  H,  Parker,  who  for  eight  or  ten  years  had  been  professor 
of  languages  in  the  academy,  was  appointed  principal,  and  held  that 
office  two  veors,  when  he  was  succeeded  by  Wm.  F.  Bascom,  the  pre- 
sent principal.  At  on  early  period  a  teacher's  class  was  formed  for  pre- 
paring instructors  for  common  schools. 

In  1835,  this  academy  was  selected  by  the  Regents  of  the  University 
for  the  establishment  of  a  teacher's  department  in  the  4th  senate  district, 
and  the  trustees  tool^  measures  to  provide  facilities  for  it,  by  increasing 
the  number  of  teachers,  and  the  erection  of  the  stone  building  south  of 
the  church.  In  their  official  report  of  1837,  the  regents  specially  com- 
mended this  academy  for  its  success  in  forming  a  teacher's  departnient, 
and  referred  to  it  as  an  evidence  of  the  utility  of  the  plan.  The  town  at 
their  annual  meeting  in  1835,  adopted  a  petition  for  a  law  authorizing  a 
tax  u|)on  the  town  of  $500,  in  each  of  the  years  1836  and  '7,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  erecting  an  additional  academic  building,  to  accommodate  the 


§1 


^^^'i  }^i  ; 


■Llfl 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


541 


prospective  wants  of  this  department.  An  act  was  accofdiniirly  passed, 
authorizing  this  tax,  and  in  18''3(i,  the  academic  linikiing  sonth  of  tiie 
ciiurch  was  erected.  It  is  four  stories  iiijiii,  7«i  hy  3<i  (eet,  iiavin};  in  the 
lower  story,  a  lectm-e  room  32  hy  31)  feet;  a  recitition  room  23i  feet; 
an  apparatns  room  23  hy  184  feet;  a  fire-prool'  iahoratory  Ki  hy  9i  i'eet; 
and  anotiier  room  of  the  same  size.  Tlie  otiier  stories  were  mostly  tie- 
voted  to  rooms  for  stndents.  The  cost  of  this  was  reported  $5,200,  to 
pay  which  the  tax  of  $1,000  and  a  snhscription  of  $1,005,  mostly  among 
the  trustees,  was  applied.  The  expenses  tiius  incnrred  hnng  as  a  heavy 
hinden  upon  the  trnstees  nntil  184'J,  when  an  ap|)ro|)riation  of  $2,000 
was  receivetl  from  the  state  treasury,  hy  which  it  has  heen  mostly  re- 
lieved from  deht.  The  teachers'  <leparttnent  has  heen  eminently  useful, 
having  fiu'nished  during  the  Inst  iwentij-Jive  years,  on  an  average,  of  100 
teachers  annually  tor  common  schools.  A  |)rofess(irship  of  mathematics, 
(lud  another  of  languages  were  instituted  in  1835,  with  the  view  o."  in- 
creasing the  tticilities  of  this  department. 

The  Gouverneur  JVesleyan  Seminari/,  residted  from  a  movement  began 
^March  31,  1826,  on  which  date  a  subscription  was  drawn  up  for  procuring 
iunds  to  iiuiid  a  second  story  to  the  brick  school  house  (then  erecting)  for 
academical  purfmses,  and  to  be  imder  the  control  of  the  subscribers. 
Every  $10  entitled  to  one  vote.  By  tin.-  means  $540  or  54  shares  were 
raised,  and  in  Novend)er  of  that  year,  it  was  resolved  that  the  new  insti- 
tution should  bear  the  natne  of  the  Gotiverneur  Union  Jiciidemy,  to  be 
controlled  by  three  trustees  elected  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  October,  an- 
nually. This  measure  was  not  effected  without  coni;i<lerable  opposition 
from  several  inhabitants,  who  jirofessed  a  strong  attachtncnt  to  the  com- 
mon schools,  and  attributed  to  academies  an  aristocratic  tendency  sid)ver- 
sive  of  the  general  good.  Some  of  these  opposers  have  lived  long 
enough  to  be  ashamed  of  their  conduct.  The  room  was  completed  in 
1827,  and  a  school  opened  by  a  iMr.  Roger,  a  brother  of  the  mathematician. 
He  was  succeeded  by  a  Mr.  Morgan.  On  the  25th  of  April,  1828,  this 
academy  was  incorporated  by  tlu  legislature  under  the  name  of  the 
Gouverneur  High  School.  John  Spencer,  Aaron  Rowley,  David  Barrell, 
Harvey  D.  Smith,  Josiah  Waitl,  Alba  Smith,  Almond  Z.Madison,  Robert 
Conant  and  Joel  Keyes,  and  their  a8sociates,were  by  this  act  incorporated 
as  a  body  politic  for  the  pnr|)oses  of  academical  education,  with  a  capital 
limited  at  $20,000  in  shares  of  $10  each,  which  were  to  be  deemed  per- 
sonal |)roperty.  The  institution  whs  to  be  governed  by  nine  trustees, 
ciiosen  annually  on  the  first  Monday  of  Se()temb!!r,  and  the  persons 
named  in  the  act  were  to  be  considered  trustees  until  others  were  elected, 
la  the  autimm  of  the  same  year  Isaac  Green  was  employed  as  a  teacher, 
with  whatever  salary  tinght  accrue  troin  tidtions,  and  a  free  use  of  the 
school  room  in  the  brick  school  house  was  granted  for  the  first  term.  On 
the  I'Jth  of  February,  182!),  the  trustees  made  a  formal  application  to  the 
Regents  of  the  University  for  a  participation  in  the  benefits  of  the  litera- 
ture fund,  snhje(!t  to  their  visitation.  This  request  was  accepted,  and 
hoars  date  fiom  the  time  of  ajiplication.  The  j)remises  in  the  brick 
building  being  found  inadequate  to  the  wants  of  the  school,  eflbrts  were 
made  in  tiie  summer  of  1830,  to  erect  a  new  building  on  a  scale  commen- 
siM'ate  with  the  prospective  requirements  of  the  institution.  On  the  (Ith 
of  September  in  that  year,  2754  sliares,  $2,755,  had  heen  subscribed  fur 
this  purpose,  and  it  was  resolved  to  undertake  a  new  building.  The 
trustees  at  this  j)eriod  received  pro|)Osals  from  Mr.  Joseph  Ilojikins,  a 
graduate  of  Hamilton  College,  who  had  previously  been  engaged  as  a 
teacher  at  Potsdam,  in  which  tliis  gentleman  offered  to  subscribe  $800  to 

33 


1  f«ip 


li 


fit' 

ii    '^'J' 

i      V  ' 


542 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


l^-  .  \-. 


!..      i  I 


the  stock  of  tho  institution,  on  condition  thnt  apnrtmcnts  for  n  family 
shonid  be  coiniti  ined  in  tiie  pinn,  nn<i  tiint  he  should  have  the  control  of 
the  school.  His  plan  was  to  constnict  three  long  one  story  Iniildings, 
with  u  colonnade  on  each  side,  and  so  placed  as  to  form  three  sides  ofan 
open  court  or  square.  A  plan  proposed  Ity  Mr.  Philip  Kearney,  with 
modifications,  was  adopted.  This  consisted  of  a  main  building  30  by  40 
feet,  two  stories  high,  the  lower  of  12  the  upper  of  10  leet.  On  each  side 
was  n  wing  28  feet  square,  two  stories  high,  with  eight  study  rooms  each. 
In  consequence  of  the  change  of  plan,  §400  of  Mr.  Hopkin's  subscrip- 
tion was  relinquished.  At  this  time  the  trustees  possessed  but  barely 
enoufrh  funds  to  erect  the  waits  and  roof,  but  trusting  in  the  sentiment  in  the 
motto  of  their  seal,*  that  "brighter  hours  will  come"  they  expended  tiieir 
money  for  these  purposes,  relying  upon  the  generosity  of  the  community 
for  the  means  to  tinish  their  academy.  In  March,  1832,  the  trustees  pe- 
titioned for  $1000  from  the  literattne  fund  of  the  state,  but  fiiiled  to  re- 
ceive it.  In  A])ril,  1834,  die  building  was  completed,  and  the  academy 
went  into  operation  under  the  charge  of  Mr.  Hopkins,  who  undertook  it 
for  the  tuition  money  that  might  accrue,  and  the  literature  money  tliul^ 
was  received  from  the  regents.  In  March,  1837,  this  gentleman  resigned, 
and  the  trustees  on  the  2yth  of  that  mouth,  entered  into  a  compact  with 
individuals  representing  the  Methodist  Episcopal  denomination  to  the 
following  effect: 

John  Loveys,  Wm.  C.  Mason,  .T  T.  Peck,  C.  W.  Leet  and  R.  Reynolds, 
noting  as  a  committee  appointed  by  a  convention  of  ministers  of  tiie 
Potsdam  district,  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  CImutIi,  undertook  the  pa- 
tronage and  general  care  of  the  school,  and  engaged  to  provide  the 
means  to  pay  off  a  mortgage  then  existing  ujion  the  property,  and  em- 
ploy one  or  more  agents  to  solicit  donations  for  its  better  endowment, 
and  to  engage  .is  speedily  as  possible,  three  competent  and  faithful 
teachers;  and  that  the  institution  should  be  open  to  students  of  any  and 
all  religious  tenets,  without  preference.  The  school  was  to  remain  strictly 
a  literary  institution. 

Lewis  B.  Parsons,  Sylvaniis  Cone,  Charles  Goodrich,  Harvey  D.  Smith 
and  Ira  A.  Van  Duzee,  trustees,  agreed  that  at  least  100  shares  of  stock 
should  be  transferred  conditionally  to  persons  authorized  to  receive  it  in 
trust  tor  the  Methodist  denomination,  that  Methodists  might  subscribe  to 
any  amount  within  the  limits  of  their  charter,  and  ttiat  the  chapel  might 
be  used  as  a  place  of  stated  worship  on  the  sabbath  and  tor  quarterly 
meetings,  when  not  interfering  with  the  regular  exercises  of  the  school. 
The  trustees  agreed  that  until  a  new  election  the  present  board  would 
appoint  such  principal  and  assistant  teachers  as  the  committee  should 
designate.  It  was  stipulated  that  the  bell  should  not  be  included  in 
the  i)roperly  ponveyed,  as  it  had  been  procured  by  general  subscription, 
and  did  not  belong  to  the  trustees.  This  compact  was  unanimously  con- 
firmed by  the  stockholders  on  the  same  day.  The  Black  river  conliM- 
ence,  under  whose  care  the  academy  thus  came,  has  never  formally  sanc- 
tioned it,  so  as  to  become  liable  for  its  debts,  although  it  has  been  cus- 
tomary to  appoint  preceptors  and  a  board  of  visitors  annually.  They 
have  claimed  it  in  their  list  of  seminaries. 

The  Rev.  Jesse  T.  Peck  (now  president  of  Dickinson  College,  Carlisle, 
Pa.,)  was  appointed  the  first  principal  under  the  new  regulations,  anil  the 
institution  had  become  quite  prosperous  when  the  building  was  accident   , 


•Their  seal  adnpted  about  lliit  time,  had  for  its  device  a  lantern,  with  the  above  worJi 
a':>uiut  ii. 


for  n  family 
e  control  of 
y  IniildingH, 
e  sides  ofan 
nniey,  with 
rig  30  by  40 
3n  eacli  bide 
rooms  eacli. 
I's  snl)srrip- 
il  but  bnreh/ 
imentin  the 
)ended  their 
community 
trustees  pe- 
fhiled  to  re- 
be  academy 
mdertook  it 
money  that* 
sn  resigned, 
mpact  with 
ation  to  the 

{.  Reynohls, 
iters  of  the 
ook  tlie  jia- 
provide  the 
ty,  and  eiu- 
■ndowment, 
ind  faithfid 
of any  and 
nain  strictly 

;y  D.  Smith 
es  of  stock 
eceive  it  in 
iubscribe  to 
lapel  migiit 
r  quarterly 
the  school. 
>ard  would 
ttee  should 
ncludcd  in 
ibscription, 
loiisly  con- 
vcr  conliir- 
mally  sanc- 
s  been  cus- 
illy.    Tiiey 

;e,  Carlisle, 
ms,  and  the 
ts  accident    , 


r  I 


'mm! 


h       , 


I'M 


I  above  wordi 


Iv'fil 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


545 


nlly  Iturncd  on  the  iiifjht  of  tlie  1st  finy  of  Juntiiiry,  18f]0.  By  this  ncri- 
(leiit  most  of  tlieh'  npimrutus  iiiul  a  vnhiuble  cal)iiu;t  of  minerals  was  de- 
stroyed, hut  that  whirh  was  rej^retlod  more  tlian  any  otiior  artick^  was 
their  silvrr-toncHl  boil,  wiiich  is  slili  spoken  of  as  iiavin<rl)(!enone  of  the 
ricarest  soimdinp  and  most  excellent  of  its  kind.  At  that  titne  it  was  tiie 
nidy  one  in  the  place.  The  institution  was  at  this  time  heavily  in  deitt, 
and  this  catastrophe  left  their  tinaneei^in  n  tnost  deploiahle  condition.  'J'o 
enhance  this,  an  insuranci;  of  ,*1,800  in  the  .Iclferson  County  Mutual 
C(Mn[tany,  was  repudiated  hy  some  tecimicnl  cpiilihle,  which  led  to  fiiiit- 
less  litigation  on  the  part  of  the  trustees,  and  loss  of  reputation  on  that 
of  the  company.  Their  reniainin<i  resoin-ces  were  !*.50()  insurance  in 
New  York;  proceeds  of  snhscription  due  in  18:W-9,  $1000;  ditto,  1H40, 
.*S00;  ditto,  1841,  $800.  Their  debts  amomited  to  $4000.  In  coiise- 
(pience  of  the  tire,  the  iuhabitantsat  the  ensuinj^town  meeting,  instructe'd 
the  trustees  to  petition  the  legislature  for  a  loan  of  $'2000,  to  be  refunded 
by  a  tax  within  fom-  years.  A  very  fidl  attendance  and  only  five  or  six 
votes  in  the  negative,  bespeak  the  interest  whicii  the  citizens  felt  in  this 
measure.  This  loan  was  accordingly  procmed  at  the  following  sessioni 
new  subscriptions  of  $1000  in  each  of  the  years  1840  and  1841,  were 
collected,  and  the  trustees  proceeded  the  same  year  to  erect  and  fiinsh 
the  present  edifice,  wiiich  is  herewith  represented.  Edwin  Dodge,  VVm. 
E.  Sterling,  Jesse  T.  Peck  and  Harvey  1).  Sniitii,  were  the  building  com- 
mittee. 

Meanwhile, the  school  was  not  allowed  to  be  interrupted,  but  temporary 
rooms  were  fitted  up  and  occupied  till  the  building  was  comph^tely  fin- 
isiicd.  The  contemplated  cost  was  $4000,  but  before  finished  it 
amounted  to  $5,.')00.  On  the  <J5th  of  Ajiril,  1840,  the  name  was  changed 
hy  the  legislature  to  its  present  one.  Mr.  Peck  resigned  in  December, 
1840,  and  was  succeeded  hy  Loren  B.  Knox,  who  was  j)rinci|)al  till  July, 
]H4'i,  when  the  Rev.  A.  W.  Cunmiings,  was  elected,  lie  remained  tdl 
July,  1844,  when  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Armstrong,  succeeded.  This  gendenian 
conliiuied  to  discharge  the  duties  of  principal  with  much  success  until 
tiu^  sunnner  of  1850,  when  he  resigned,  and  Mr.  W.  W.  Clark,  was  ap- 
pointed to  that  office.  The  academy  was  long  oppressed  by  debts,  which 
im[)aired  its  usefidnessand  embarrassed  the  trustees  until  1851,  when  an 
ai)pro|triation  of  $'i000  was  obtained  from  the  state,  with  which  they  re- 
moved nil  incumbrances,  and  it  now  enjoys  exeiniition  from  this  evil. 
This  debt  arose  in  i)art  tiom  the  fire  and  in  part  fioin  the  supposed  nns- 
condiict  of  u  fiscal  agent.  Its  present  facilities  for  imparting  a  thorough 
classical  and  practical  education,  are  su|)erior,  and  the  quiet,  moral  and 
intelligent  connnunity  in  which  it  is  located,  ren<ler  it  jieculiarly  worthy 
of  patronage.     It  is  enjoying  a  good  degree  of  prosperity. 

The  Canton  Jicailemj,  originated  from  u  subscription  circulated  in  the 
spring  of  1831,  in  which  ^.T  citizens  of  that  town,  pledged  themselves  to 
pay  $1250,  towards  erecting  a  suitable  building  for  an  academic  school. 

These  subscribers  met  on  the  KJth  of  May,  18:31,  and  ad()()ted  articles 
of  association  in  the  |»reamble  of  which  are  set  tbrth  the  advantages  of 
education,  and  the  necessity  of  a  literary  institution  among  them.  They 
provided  that  a  building  siiould  be  erected  two  stories  high,  with  a 
cupola  and  belfry,  and  not  less  th'ui  30  by  .50  feet.  The  subscribers 
were  to  appoint  a  chairman  and  clerk,  to  hold  their  office  during  the 
pleasure  of  the  appointing  power.  Meetings  to  be  legal  must  be  held 
by  adjournment,  or  by  written  notice  left  at  the  residiwice  (if  in  Canton), 
of  subscribers,  indicating  the  time,  place  and  objects  of  meeting.  The 
jtroposed  building  was  to  be  owned  in  shares  of  $50  each,  and  every 


i 

i 


0^ 
■I' 


IH-: 


546 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


ulinre  wns  to  nifltle  to  one  vote.  A  bnildinff  committee  wns  to  he 
iippointeil  ns  soiin  ns  |)rnctic(il)lo,  who  were  to  Holicit  doniitioris,  nnd  cnl- 
ItM-t  siihscriptioDM,  ami  to  expemi  tlieni  on  tlie  proposed  liiiildin^',  hein^ 
riHpiii'cd  to  rriiderai)  exact  neconiit  oC  their  receipts  and  dishin'scnitnt-i. 
'I'd  heeonie  a  partner  to  the  compact,  a  person  was  to  siihscrihe  liis  name 
imd  (five  his  note  to  one  of  the  l)nildin;r  committee,  in  snhstance  im 
follows,  viz:  "I'ive  dollars  payable  in  the  month  of  AiijL'nst  next,  and  the 
j-emaiiider  in  two  animal  itistaliments  payable  in  cattle,  on  or  before  the 
fir'Jt  day  of  October,  or  <iraiii.  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  Febrnnry 
followinff."  These  Articles  were  to  continue  in  force  until  the  school 
Rhonid  be  incor|)orated,  and  for  this,  application  was  immediately  to  lie 
made,  by  a  committee  of  three,  to  be  named  at  the  next  meetinjr  of  the 
subscribers.  No  sul)scription  was  bindin;;  until  the  sum  of  )i«l,yOO  was 
digned,  ami  the  site  selected  for  the  bnildin<r. 

Joseph  Ames  2d,  Isaac  C.  Paijre  and  Wm.  Noble,  were  appointed  n 
builtlin^  committee,  and  the  present  site  opposite  the  county  buildings 
was  |)resented  to  the  subscribers  by  David  C.  Judson,  for  that  pur])ose. 
At  the  snme  meetings,  Hiram  S.  Johnson,  Silas  Baldwin,  Jun.,  and 
Minet  .Tenison,  were  appointed  to  solicit  ati  incorporation  from  the  board 
of  regents,  but  the  amoimt  of  property  necessary  for  this  was  increased 
about  this  time,  so  as  to  put  it  beyond  their  ])resent  means  to  gain  this 
object.  On  the  8tli  of  May,  1835,  an  act  was  passed  by  the  legislafne, 
autliori/iug  a  tax  of  jlltoOO  upon  the  town  of  Canton,  for  a  class.cal 
school,  upon  condition  that  an  equal  sum  sliould  be  raised  by  subscrip- 
tion, which  tax  when  collected  should  be  paid  over  to  the  trut^tees  of  the 
gospel  and  school  lot,  to  be  safely  invested,  and  the  income  to  be  paid 
uimually  for  tlio  support  of  the  academy.  A  competent  school  must  he 
maintained  at  least  eight  months  in  the  year,  to  entitle  it  to  the  avails  of 
this  fund.  The  requisite  sum  was  acctirdingly  raised,  and  invested  on 
bond  and  mortgage.  On  the  9th  of  April,  1837,  another  act  was  passed, 
authorizing  a  tax  upon  the  town,  of  .^f.'iOO  nimually,  for  three  years,  on 
similar  conditions  as  the  previous  tax,  and  the  requisite  additional  sum 
was  subscribed. 

An  act  of  incorporation  was  j)assed,  A[)ril  24,  1837,  appointing  Silas 
Wright,  Jun.,  Minet  Jenison.  Thomas  N.  Conkey,  Clianncey  Foote, 
Thomas  D.  Olin,  Richard  N.  Harrison,  Daniel  Mack,  Joseph  Ames  iJil, 
Simeoti  I),  Moody,  Darius  Clark,  Hemy  liarlier,  and  Amos  G.  Smith, 
trustees  with  the  usual  powers.  Although  a  charter  was  not  obtained 
until  1837,  a  good  classical  school  had  l)een  sustained  since  1831,  under 
the  charge  of  Messrs.  Lockwood,  Seymour  and  Barrett,  successively,  the 
latter  having  charge  at  the  date  of  incorporation. 

In  183!*,  the  trustees  purchased  a  lot  of  Mr.  Judson,  adjoining  the  one 
already  in  their  possession,  and  erected  a  building  ui)on  it,  to  be  occu- 
pied, a  part  of  it  by  the  feinale  department  of  the  academy,  and  a  part, 
us  a  boarding  house.  After  its  completion,  it  was  so  occupied,  until  it 
was  burned  in  Nov.  1844.  During  the  sununer  of  184.5,  the  building 
first  erected  was  thoroughly  repaired,  and  an  addition  made  to  it,  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  female  department,  which  is  found  to  be  a  much 
more  convenient  arrangement  than  the  previotis  one.  This  the  trustees 
were  enabled  to  do  without  incurring  any  liabilities,  and  they  fr.el  n 
satisfaction  in  still  being  able  to  say,  that  the  academy  is  entirely  free 
from  debt.  The  cost  of  the  buildings  in  their  present  condition  is  not 
(iu-  from  $.3,000.  The  j)residents  of  the  board  of  trustees,  have  been 
Silas  Wright,  IMinet  Jenison,  and  Thomas  H.  Conkey.  The  jnincipals 
employed  since  the  incorjioration  of  the  academy,  Iiave  been  George  II. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


547 


Wood  1808  41;  David  Black,  1841-'^;  SanCord  llalluTt,  1S4->^'J;  CliarleB 
Williariis,  184.'J-4;  Franklin  \Vo(»d,  1H44-8;  Kriward  W.  .Jdliiiwoii,  1848- 
!»;  Ahel  Wood,  iSliNHO;  Fiaiikliii  Wood,  Iroiii  l8r)0  till  the  |>ie8eiit 
time. 

Ogdemhursh  Aaukmy. — An  act  of  April  (5,  18-'{:{,  dirt-cted  tliat  the 
nioiiey  then  in  the  han(b  of  the  Koporvisor  and  poor  nai.sters  of  the  town 
of  0.s\vej,'atc-hie,  shoidd  he delivfMod  np  to  D.  (/.  Jnd«on,  8.  (Jilhert,  (j'. 
N.  Seynionr,  M.  S.  Dani'd  and  II.  Thomas,  who  were  appointed  com- 
missioners to  receive  these  moneys,  and  enough  moie  r.iis<;d  by  t  ix  upon 
the  town,  to  make  $«"-iOOO,  (on  condition  that  a  like  sum  were  first  sub- 
scribed in  the  village),  and  to  purchase  therewith  a  lot  and  buildings,  for 
an  academy,  one  room  in  the  building  being  reserved  (or  a  town  hall. 
The  inhabitants  of  each  scdiool  district  in  town,  not  in  the  village,  were 
entitled  to  credit  on  the  tuition  of  any  scholar  from  their  district,  to  the 
ninouiit  of  the  interest  on  the  tax  of  the  district.  The  supervisor  and 
town  clerk,  and  the  president  and  clerk  of  the  "illage,  were  made  ex- 
officio  trustees  of  the  Academy,  who  were  to  undit  the  accounts  of  the 
commissioner-s  and  to  fill  vacancies.  On  the  24th  of  Aprd  1834,  the 
trustees  were  empowered  to  grant  licenses  lor  u  lerry  across  the  St. 
Lawrence,  at  the  village,  the  rates  and  rules  of  which  were  to  be  estab- 
lished by  the  comity  court  of  Common  Pleas.  The  income  was  to  be 
}mid  over  to  the  above  coimnissioners,  anti  when  tlieir  term  of  office 
should  expire,  on  the  fulfilment  of  the  duties  for  which  they  were  ap- 
pointed, to  be  paid  to  the  treasurer  of  the  academy.  The  rights  thus 
granted  were  to  continue  ten  years.  On  the  yOth  of  April,  1835,  the 
academy  was  incorporated  with  the  Ibllowing  trustees. 

"  George  Parish,  John  Fine,  David  Ford,  David  C.  Judson,  Henry 
Van  Renssalaer,  Royal  Vilas,  Bishop  Perkins,  Geo.  N.  Seymour,  Baron 
S.  Doty,  Elijah  B.  Allen,  William  Bacr)n,  Smith  Stilwell,  Sylvester 
Gillet,  Amos  Bacon,  Thomas  ,T.  Davies,  Joseph  W.  Smith,  Kansom  H. 
Gilbert,  James  Averill,  3d.,  Duncan  Turner,  George  Ranney,  Joseph 
Rosseel,  Rodolphus  D.  Searle,  Edmund  A.  Graham,  James  G.  Hopkins, 
Silas  Wright,  Jr.,  William  Hogaii,  Gouverneur  Ogden,  George  Iteding- 
toii,  and  Augustus  Chapman,  together  with  the  supervisor  and  town 
clerk,  of  the  town  of  Oswagatchie,  and  the  president  and  clerk  of  the 
trustees  of  the  village  of  Ogdenshnrgii,  tor  the  time  being.  They  were 
clothed  with  the  usual  powers  of  such  officers.  Those  who  held  by 
virtue  of  town  or  village  oflice,  were  to  have  the  care  of  the  town  hall. 
Previous  to  the  passage  of  these  a<;ts,  an  academic  school  had  been  es- 
tablished. On  the  a'id  of  May,  1834,  the  trustees  at  a  meeting  held  at 
Canton,  fixed  the  rent  of  the  terry  at  $300  per  annum,  lor  three  years, 
coinmencing  with  the  first  of  June.  This  rate  has  since  been  rej)eatedly 
changed,  and  at  present  amounts  to  $250  per  annum. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  1834,  Tayor  Lewis,  of  WaterfortI,  subse- 
quently a  jirotessor  of  languages  in  New  York  University,  and  at  present 
a  professor  of  Greek  and  Latin  in  Union  College,  was  appointed  the  first 
princi|)al,  with  ii  salary  of  ijftiOO.  On  the  Ibllowing  May,  the  trustees 
resolved  to  have  ti:>ur  dejiartments  in  their  .schools — two  male  and  two 
female.  This  arrangement  was  never  fully  carried  out.  The  first  presi- 
dent of  the  board  of  trustees,  was  David  C.  Judson.  He  was  succeeded 
by  John  Fine.  In  the  fiill  of  1837,  Mr.  Lewis  was  succeeded  by  James 
H.  Coffin,  at  present  vice  president  and  professor  in  Lafayette  College, 
at  Easton,  Pa.  In  February  18;i8,  Mr.  Coffin  was  engage<l  for  one  year 
at  $800,  and  on  the  1st  of  April  1839,  a  new  agreement  was  made  by 
which  he  was  to  receive  whatever  income  might  be  derived  from  tuition, 


ll 

'i  ■ 


I' 


Ui 


'\:m 


v:i4 


Sk^l'!, 


54S 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  lAWRENCE 


ferry,  niid  litcnitiirc  fiintl,  rcsorvinf;  a  siiftinient  eiuii  for  rcimir!«.  In  tlir 
opriii^'  of  1810,  lilt)  U<;v.  J.  A.  Hraytoii,  \\i\s  cn^Mi^e<l,  wlio  eoiititiiir<l  in 
cliar^t!  of  tlu;  sirliool  until  Sopliiiiilter  184^3,  wlicn  li<;  ru»i^'iMMl,  iiiid  IMr. 
John  Jinuli^liaw  whh  emiilovcil  in  Noveniltur,  of  tln^  Hanit;  year,  lie 
eonlinneil  tlie  ])rinri|)al  of  ilie  itmtitntion  until  the  HUtnnier  of  IH4!), 
vhen  Mttsisrs,  Hart  l'\  Ijnvience,  and  l{os>vell  (i.  IN-tlihtine,  entered 
jointly  into  an  af,'reein(!nt  with  the  tniwttH'n,  in  wliieli  they  attisiinieil  llio 
eareanil  jiovernnient  of  the  institution,  receiving  whatever  inifiiit  aceriio 
li'oni  tuition,  literature  fuiul  and  the  it>rry,  e.\ei;|iting  only  Hiiificient  to 
pay  insuranee  and  re|)air».  Under  the  direction  of  tlicso  jientlenien,  the 
afa«leniy  .still  reniainw,  enjoyiu};  eveiy  liieility  which  tii'e  ahility  and  tal- 
ents, of  eotn|)etent  tcaclierK  can  impart.  StudtMitM  from  ahroad  arc  re- 
ceived an  boarders  at  the  academy,  and  are  at  all  timcH  under  the  care 
and  (rovernm(;nt  of  the  |)rincipal.  This  academy  is  free  from  duhl. 
The  Hon.  John  Fine  president  of  the  hoard  of  trustees,  has  filled  this 
oflice  for  many  years. 

The  Academic  hiiildinp,  was  erected  by  n  company  for  a  hotel  in 
181J),  and  opened  in  January  18^0,  as  the  Saint  Laurence  House. 
I'pon  the  organization  of  tlu;  academy  it  was  ])incliased  hy  the  com- 
missioners; the  village  of  Ogdensbiu-gh  contributing  if!  1000  to  its  pur- 
chase, with  the  privilege  of  the  chapel  for  the  use  of  elections  and  town 
ni(;etings.  This  is  the  town  hall  of  Oswegatchie.  Tht  acadeniy  is 
pleasantly  located  on  the  corner  of  State  anil  Knox  streets,  directly  op- 
]iosite  the  old  court  house,  and  comiuands  a  beautiful  pros|)(!Ct  of  the 
rivers  and  smrounding  country.  It  end)rnces  aj)artnient8  ibr  n  family 
chapel,  study  and  recitation  rooms,  n  well  selected  library,  and  philo- 
sophical apparatus  and  every  facility  needed  to  impart  a  good  thorou;:h 
and  practical  education.  The  only  assistance  w  liicli  this  Academy  1ms 
received  from  tlie  regents  tor  the  purchase  of  a])paratus,  was  $250,  on 
the  28th  of  February,  1845.  In  the  snujiner  of  1851,  a  teachers'  depart- 
ment was  organized  by  the  regents  of  the  university. 

Franklin  Jlcadtmy. — A  building  was  erected  for  academic  purposes  in 
180(),  and  at  a  special  town  meeting  in  1810,  the  clerk  was  directed  to 
solicit  ti'om  Richard  Harrison,  n  deed  of  the  lot  on  which  it  stood,  to  hu 
conveyed  to  the  comity  judges  until  trustees  were  elected.  A  deed  of  four 
acres,  exclusive  of  highways,  was  executed  Oct.  12,  1810.  A  high 
school  was  maintained  by  i)rivate  enterprise  many  years,  under  tlie  name 
of  the  Harrison  Academy.  In  May  182;J,  an  unsuccessful  subscription 
was  attempted,  and  in  September  1827,  renewed  and  prosecuted  until 
an  incorporation  was  obtained  from  the  regents  April,  28,  1831.  The 
liist  charter  limited  its  duration  to  20  years, and  named  Benj.  Clark,  Asa 
llascall,  Jacob  Wead,  Hiram  Horton,  Horatio  Powell,  John  Stearns, 
Richard  G.  Foote,  Samuel  Peck,  Samuel  Hyde,  Samuel  Green,  Oliver 
Westcott,  IVlartin  L.  Parlin  and  Francis  IJiirnaj),  of  Malone,  James 
Duane,  of  Diiane,  Jose|)h  Plumb,  of  Bangor,  first  trustees.  On  the2i)lii 
of  February  18;}3,  un  act  was  passed,  granting  $2000  from  the  statu 
treasury  for  rebuilding  the  academy,  which  was  to  lie  charged  as  a  debt 
against  the  town  of  Malone,  and  to  be  considered  a  part  of  the  common 
school  fund.  To  repay  this,  with  C  per  cent  interest,  the  su[»ervisor» 
were  to  levy  a  tax  in  lS}7-8-!).  Tin;  trustees  had  during  the  year  ls:)(I, 
erectetl  the  present  stone  edifice,  which  is  three  stories  hi,'li,  and  3(iiiy 
04  fiiet.  It  was  finished  in  the  following  year.  On  the  15th  of  Dec. 
1K35,  the  ojd  building  bad  been  injured  by  n  fire. 

The  principals  em|)loye<l  have  been  Simeon  Bicknell,  Nathan  S. 
Boynton,  Lorenzo  Cuburii,  Wordeu  Reynolds,  Elos  L.  VVinslow,  George 


7    * 


».  In  tlifl 
itiniuMl  ill 
,  and  IMr. 
yiiir.     lie 

of  lH4!t, 
),  «n!»!li:(l 
inMKui  llic 
rlit  Hccnu! 
lii(;'(«;Mt  to 
cMiun,  tliu 
ty  .'inil  tal- 
11(1  mc  ii:- 
r  tlio  run; 
VoiM    (lol)l. 

nilvtl  this 

a  liotcl  in 
ce  llousL'. 
y  the  coni- 
to  its  \n\\- 
B  iind  town 
iciuleniy  is 
liiectly  op- 
|M;ct  ot'  tiie 
lor  n  liimily 
luul  jiliilo- 
il  tiiui'oii;.'h 
•mleiiiy  lins 
118  $250,  on 
era'  ilepurt- 

mrposes  in 
diiectetl  to 
*ioo(i,  to  1)0 
leed  of  four 
,  A  iiigh 
:r  tlie  name 
|iibscrii)tion 
Icutod  until 
m.     The 

I  Chiriv,  Asa 
in  Stenruis, 
;en,  Oliver 
^ne,  James 

»n  the  25lh 

II  tlie  stato 
Id  as  a  debt 
10  common 
in[)crvisois 

year  lf<:!li, 

und;{(!i'y 

Ith  of  Dec, 

lathnn   S. 
Uv,  Cicorgo 


!     , 


»  ; 


M 


I 


' 


1 1' 


m 


.1' 


p;^' 


»  A' 


W\\ 


W,' 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


651 


II.  Wood,  Diiniol  it.  (iorliaiii.  Tli<!  first  rimitnr  Imviiig  cxiiind  l»y  lim- 
itiKioii,  a|)|ili('atioii  wiih  iiuulc  April  'i7,  ISSl,  tor  its  it>iit)wal,  wliirli  wax 
granted,  on  tlit;  oonditioii  that  itN  LMidowiiiuiit  nIiohM  iiuxcr  U'  diiniii- 
M\i'a\  Indow  !!i'^.50<),  that  it  Hlioidd  never  i>v  UNcd  for  oilier  than  acado- 
niical  |inr|)OHCH,  and  that  Ixtforu  tlio  27tli  of  April,  iH.TI  it  ^«llould  ho  ro- 
ported  free  Croin  <lel»t.  The  first  tnisteeH  nnder  tin;  new  eharter  wiirn 
Aca  Ilawcall,  llirain  llorton,  R.  (».  Foote,  M.  L.  PaiTin,  VVni.  Kinj,',  Win, 
I'ininl).  Satnnel  Vlnk,  Samuel  Field,  ThonuiH  It.  Powell,  H.  C.  Wead, 
and  S.  S.  Clark.  In  \8')l,  i^WO  [whxfr  the  lialaneo  of  the  |iroeeed«  of 
tilt  sale  of  a  certain  pi(!C(!  of  land,  (brnierly  (^iven  l»y  Cono  Aiidrns  lor 
the  use  of  the  town  of  Maloncs  bnt  reeently  wold  l>y  the  eotnmisMary 
f^eiicral,  under  the  act  of  IH.IO,  dir«'ctiiiji  the  wale  of  AiMenal  lots 
was  fjivcn,  and  in  1H52,  the  pretniHes  were  f,'radcd,  and  when  en- 
cjuscd  and  |)luntcd  with  trees  will  bo  highly  ornanieiitai. 

Fort  Covirif^lon  Jlmdemy  was  incorporated  April  21,  Ift'll.  William 
Ilo^aii,  John  A.  Savage,  Samuel  Hoard,  and  their  associatefl,  were  to 
conslitufo  a  body  politic  for  the  promotion  of  literature,  science,  and  the 
arts,  and  for  improvement  in  education.  Capital  limited  to  ,f 'i.UUO,  in 
shares  of  $25  each.  Tiio  corporation  was  to  be  inanagc!  by  nineteen 
trustees,  and  Willinni  Ilogan,  John  A.  Sava);e,  Samuel  Hoard,  Hiram 
Saflbrd,  Jonathan  Wallace,  Allen  Lincoln,  George  A.  Cheeney,  Roswcll 
liates,  Jabez  Parkhmst,  George  IL  U.  Gove,  Luther  Danfbrth,  David  L. 
Seymour,  Aretns  IM.  Hitchcock,  Jtenjamin  Itaymond,  James  P.  Wills, 
Ora  F.  I'uddock,  Daniel  Noble,  Daniel  Phelps,  and  John  More,  were 
named  the  first.  It  was  made  subject  to  the  visitation  nf  the  regents,  and 
entitled  to  a  share  of  the  literature  fund.  The  trustees  met  and  organ- 
ized in  May,  and  to  raise  the  required  capital,  proposed  to  take  notes  of 
those  who  wished  to  hold  stock,  leaving  the  principal  in  the  hands  of 
those  who  give  them,  and  receiving  the  interest  only.  In  default  of  pay- 
ment the  whole  became  due.  By  this  means  $2,*J85  was  raised  by  45 
notes,  and  by  a  resolution  of  Sept.  2d  of  that  year,  the  upjier  room  in 
tlie  town  house  was  fitted  up  for  academic  purposes.  In  October,  the 
Rev.  John  A.  Savage  was  appointed  principal.  His  successors  have  been 
Alex.  W.  Buel,  Daniel  Branch,  Milton  .'iradley,  H.  Do<lge,  E.  H.  Squier, 

Millar,  John  JJradshaw,  James  C.  Spencer,  C.  S.  Sanfbrd,  Luther 

Humphrey,  and  (Jeo.  A.  Attwood.  In  1831,  a  quantity  of  apparatus  was 
purchased  by  the  academy  and  village  lyceuin  for  their  common  use,  and 
in  the  summer  of  1832,  the  present  stone  ediSce  was  built  by  permission 
granted  by  the  legislature  (April  13,  1832),  on  u  public  lot  between  the 
two  rivers  in  the  village.  It  is  of  stone,  IW  by  44,  two  stories  high,  and 
if  the  common  in  front  of  the  firemises  were  enclosed  and  adorned  with 
shade  trees,  would  be  an  ornament  to  the  place.  This  school  has  not 
been  sustained  in  a  liberal  manner,  and  does  not  flourish. 

Full  returns  are  retiiiired  to  be  made  by  the  several  academies  to  the 
regents,  which  are  published  annually,  and  show  in  a  very  satisfactory 
manner  the  comparative  condition  of  the  various  institutions  from  year 
to  year.  From  this  source  the  following  tables  are  derived,  only  a  small 
portion  of  the  returns  being  embraced. 


ii 


.^\s 


'■  :.'ili 


0(l  -i 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Statistics   of  thk   sf.vehal  Acadkmiks,  kkom   thkir  oKricfAf/ 

KKPOIITS    TO    TI!E    UfcCKMTS    OF    THK    UlSI VERHITY. 

Column  J\'o.  I  denotes  the  year ;  2  the  number  of  sliulents ;  H  the  amount  re- 
ceived from  liltrature  fund ;  \  debts;  5  tuition;  C>  total  income. 

St.  Lawrence. 


I 

\2 

3 

4 

5 

C 

'  1 
1835 

2 

MO* 

3 

1 

4 

1503 

5  i   6 

1817 

42 

.... 

331 

433 

07 

1279  1810  07 

1818 

3r) 

!)0  80 


1830 
1837 

82* 
!)3* 

374 
347 

29  1400 
75  3880 

177(>  22!)4  20 

181!) 



250 

174712232  75 

Ibl-'O  ll4 

410 
357 

1838  144* 
183!)  I5(i* 

052 
515 

67  4300 

1209.168.'.  on 

18--'l  !)7 

•  •  •  • 

S0I4696  2120  29()4  00 

1822  SO 

1840,150* 
'  184llu5* 

611 
433 

00  454".2227i^'<l7.'i  nil 

1823  173 



,...|  000 

720  00 

!)3 

1670 

1461  2;!04  00 

1824,172 

170  37 

210  500 

6l)L  00 

1  1842  115* 

506 

17 

3564 

1452' 1956  00 

J  820 

13!) 

171  (0 

3300 

(iOO 

700  00 

!  1843 

103* 

410 

31 

4506 

I7;i3i2424  00 

182r. 

227 

255  32 

.... 

800 

1245  32 

1  1844 

282 

464 

32  4732 

1044  2567  00 

1827 

80* 

314  51 

1006 

7H3 

1300  00 

:  1845 

255 

422 

9S5141 

1705  2483  00 

.1828 

110* 

34!)  03 

1275 

!)00 

1424  03 

!  1840 

228 

431 

49  5125 

1647 

2246  00 

182!) 

117* 

350  21 

1100 

1207 

1715  05 

1  1847 

190 

300 

13  4453 

1305 

1920  00 

1830 

12.)* 

33()  53 

1413 

1735'2231  55 

1848 

193 

284  52  3840 

1250 

1725  00 

1831 

110* 

434  00 

1400 

15:',.^ 

2120  49 

1840 

175 

290 

66:2107 

1183 

1564  00 

1832 

05* 

231  45 

1800 

1170 

1842  79 

18501220 

279 

14!l967 

1455 

1822  00 

1833 

90*|286  50 

220 

1 302 

1783  51 

1^51 

,237 

253 

68il540 

1513 

1884  00 

1834 

98* 

2i)l  05 

224S 

1044 

1452  05 

1852|258 

1  670 

1552 

2150  00 

GOUVERNEUR. 


1830 
1831 
1832 
1833 
1S34 
1845 
1836 
1837 
1838 
1839 
1840 
lS4ll 


39* 

89 

•  *  •  t 

35* 

105 

37* 

350  00 

89 

350 

6  >■ 

500  00 

35 

500 

.57* 

500  00 

206 

500 

46* 

.-JOO  00 

148 

500 

30* 

335  00 

30 

335 

15* 

20  21 

1405 

576 

07*' 104  732540 

1536 

91*  188  7l!4801 

880 

77*281  81 

3350 

1400 

91* 

294  68 

2781 

1714 

400  00 
375  00 
336  63 
450  00 
COl  00 
548  00 
314  50 


1665  00 
1863  00 
1736  00 
2139  00 


1842j 
1843, 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
18C0 
1851 
1852 


65* 
120* 
200 
101 
185 
185 
285 
200 
277 
226 
217 


269  30'2497  16175 

1066  CIO 

448  4l|3402  1500 

1874  00 

322  66:3702,  969 

1488  00 

310  5li396i:i02l 

1379  (10 

331  47,4238 

930 

1254  00 

371  33 '4535 

1240 

1001  00 

364  29  4758 

1480 

1858  00 

452  "5 

5001 

1666 

2031)  00 

276  98 

600!) 

1487 

10 40  00 

1488  OO 

180  03;5000 

1211 



500 

1145 

1332  10 

OODENSBUROII. 


1639 

34* 

100  58 

590 

751 

1202  00 

1846 

234 

251  46 

■  ■  •  ■ 

1312 

2005  no 

1810 

02* 

114  57 

511 

669 

1119  00 

1847 

187 

327  10 

50 

1200  1SS9  00 

1841 

83* 

220  21 

547 

1451 

21123  00 

1848 

149 

268  56 

•  •  • 

800' 1540  00 

1842 

54* 

171  97 

376 

1008 

1739  00 

1840 

173 

109  00 

•  •  •  • 

9.37 

1618  01) 

1843 

115* 

12!  09 

20 

I05II 

150'J  00 

1850 

211 

243  42 

•  *  •  > 

1200 

1559  Oi) 

1844 

.  *  .  . 

236  10 

84 

1300 

1848  01) 

1851 

235 

270  05 

•  «  •  • 

1504 

1997  00 

1845 

203 

220  05 

.... 

1300 

2049  00 

li  4     *_•  {& 


^'1.   mm  I 


2a4(>  00 

li)i.'0  00 

1725  00 

15()4  00 

1822  00 

18b4  01) 

2150  00 


00 
00 
00 


)0llS74 

1488 

1H7!) 

1204  00 

ICOl  00 
>0|185S  00 

2030  00 
1 1040  00 
11488  00 

1332  10 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIES. 


Canton. 


56'd 


1 

2 

3 

4  j  5 

G 

is:!!) 

01)* 

'.)■>   20 

1038  753 

021  00 

1840 

04* 

142  35 

1254!  101  Mi 

1301  00 

ls4l 

5!)* 

142  41)  1354 

820 

1103  00 

1842'  51* 

01)  85  10!)  1 

758;  1103  00 

184( 

3(i* 

108  44  8(i4 

oio:  015  00 

1844 

98 

110  18;  8(if; 

701  1124  00 

1845 

120 

88  02 

(JOO 

G25 

1  013  00 

1  ;  2 

3 

4 

T)  1   *i 

1 

I840jl82 

185  74 

375 

825,1001  00 

1847  104 

220  51 

328 

725  1080  00 

1  1848  110 

135  01 

.  *  .  > 

(il7ll02l  00 

1  184!) 

100 

133  23 

358  801)  00 

1 850 

1 35 

150  3!.' 

.... 

000  1001  00 

1851 

123 

124  80 

.... 

500!  924  Of) 

FuAJfKLIN. 


1832 
1833 
1834 
1835 
1836 
1837 
1838 
1830 
1840 
1841 
1842 


80* 
82* 
45* 
58* 
37* 
45* 


100 
145 
147 
160 
81 
124 


58*,  24 1 
37*  184 


40* 
50* 
81* 


145 
113 
162 


65 

249 

818 

16 

260 

840 

77 

126 

739 

48 

259 

407 

00 

900 

400 

70 

310 

571 

75 

874 

6''- 

40 

780 

677 

82 

.816 
931 

762 

35 

680 

24 

981 

813 

1097 

48 

767 

00 

071 

79 

:028 

00 

1160 

00 

1722 

00 

833 

00 

1245 

00 

1843 

75* 

187  57 

1118 

650 

1844 

175 

254  4fi 

1078 

837 

1845 

235 

383  86 

1146 

1070 

1846 

220 

362  91 

1276 

933 

1847 

160 

327  19 

8'l7 

768 

1848 

153 

230  31 

1120 

655 

1840 

160 

207  03 

008 

73:.' 

1800 

155 

272  44 

794 

805 

1851 

221 

192  30 

765 

1004 

1852 

209 



9101078. 

1148 

00 

1401 

00 

1641 

00 

1612 

(10 

1405 

00 

1242 

00 

1349 

00 

1414 

00 

1265 

00 

2368 

00 

FOHT  CoviNOTor*. 


183G 

40* 

60  83 

50 

■  •  •  ■ 

1843 

45* 

103  58 

225 

800 

1000  00 

1837 

50* 

31  86 

130 

450 

570  86 

1844 

243 

398  74 

•  ■  •  > 

■  ■  •  . 



1838 

25* 

116  04 

90 

340 

476  04 

1846 

60* 

71  45 

57 

611 

674  00 

1839 

68* 

100  58 

75 

353 

591  00 

1847 

102 

47  54 

100 

241 

375  00 

1840 

25* 

45  33 

150 

500 

720  00 

1849 

113 

48  45 

58 

364 

430  00 

1841 

73* 

r\   82  700 

400 

560  00 

1850 

104 

35  73 

25 

289 

388  00 

1842 

75* 

100  58  607 

800 

956  00 

1 

*  Number  at  (he  dale  of  the  report, 
during  llie  year. 


AVlieii  this  asterisk  i»  omitted,  it  denotes  the  iiumlier 


The  comparative  condition  of  the  several  Jicademies,  as  shown  by  late  reports, 

is  as  follows. 


Number  of  departments 

"        teachers  

"         academic  terms  . . 

"        week's  vacation.. . 
Value  of  lot  and  buildings... . 

"      'ibrary ■ 

"      ap,"iaratus 

O'.'.ier  academic  property 

lotal  value  of  pronerty 

Iii'erest  on  academic  property 

Total  revenue 

Salaries  for  year  previous,. . , 


St.  L. 

1852 


2 

8 

$8,700 

530 

631 

950 

10,8111 

92, 

1,8841 

1,603 


Gofv, 
1852 


2 
5 
3 

8 

$6,600 

400 

350 

420 

7,770 


Can. 
1852 


1.488 
1,183 


Oo. 

1852 


Fn. 

1852 


2 

3 

2 

3 

3 

.< 

8 

8 

$3,160 

$8,000 

260 

393 

300 

392 

2,550 

6,260 

8,785 

178 

250 

924 

1,907 

800 

1,6G8 

2 
2 
3 

10 

$,6000 

241 

203 

1,01)6 

8,350 

120 

1,265 

896 


2 
1 
3 

7 

$2,700 

200 

160 

800 

3,800 

56 

38ti 

307 


;!'-,ti,t 


^'(l 


4  f 


^'1 


\$^ 


N^' 


J. -I    i 


I  £ 


654 


HISTORY    OF    ST.    LAWRENCE 


CllAPTER  VII. 


First  steam  boat  on  the  great  lakes,  1816, 


INTl-UNAL  liMl'liOVEMENTS,  STATISTICS,  &,c. 

ROM  an   early 

|)Olio(lMttOIII|llS 

were  iimde  to 
improve  the  11(1- 
vi^ation  of  tlie  St. 
Lawrence,  and  in  an 
act  of  April  1,  1808, 
J.  Wadinjiton,  D.  A. 
and  T.  L.  O^jdcn, 
were  aiitliori;<ed  to 
build  a  canal  and 
locks  at  Hamilton, 
and  to  collect  toll  at 
the  rate  of  25  cents 
per  ton,  on  all  boats 
passing.  Locks  to  be 
50  feet  ionfr,  10  feet 
wide,  and  deep  enonpli  to  receive  boats  Jiaving  two  feet  drauglit.  On 
paj.'e  .'Mrj,  is  related  what  was  done  under  this  act.  The  north  shore  has 
always  been  chosen  by  vojinsi^eHrs.  and  the  diHiculty  of  crossing  over  to 
these  locks  would  have  rendered  their  use  limited.  On  thcStli  of  April, 
180!*,  means  were  provided  for  carrying  into  effect  a  concurrent  resolu- 
tion of  March  27tli,  directing  the  surveyor  general  to  authorize  gome 
competent  person  to  survey  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  report.  By  an  act  of 
Ai)ril  [),  181 1,  Russell  Attwator  and  lloswell  Hopkins,  were  appointed  to 
e.\|)end  $(!00,  on  the  American  shore  from  St.  llegis  to  the  Indian  vil- 
lage in  Lisbon.  It  is  believed  that  a  towing  path  was  made  along  the 
shore  in  places,  at  an  early  day,  and  probably  with  this  appropriation. 
In  1833,  tlie  sidyect  of  cutting  a  canal  from  the  head  of  Long  Sant  to 
rJrass  river,  was  pressed  upon  the  legislatine,  and  a  subscription  raised 
to  procure  a  sm'vey.  Grass  river  was  considered  navigable  to  within 
three  miles  of  Massena  village,  ami  there  intervened  a  ravine  and  low 
land,  which  it  was  found  required  a  canal  of  six  miles,  one  of  which 
was  through  gravel  and  clay  a  dejith  of  thirty-five  feet.  The  fall  from 
the  head  of  the  saut  to  Lake  St.  Francis,  was  fomid  to  be  fiily  feet.  Es- 
timated cost,  )ji'200,000.  It  was  stated  that  in  18;yi,  $48,000  was  i)aid  for 
cartage  and  towage  jjast  the  Long  saut,  and  the  cost  for  towing  one  boat 
amounted  to  $500  per  annum.  Th's  subject  was  also  urged  upon  con- 
gress by  a  convention  at  Canton,  Dec.  18,  1833.  and  D.  C.  JiiJson,  Win. 
Ogden,  N.  F.  Ilyer,  H.  Allen,  aiul  M.  NVhitcombj  were  ai>pointed  to  cir- 
culf  e  jietitions.  Nothing  was  effected  or  afterwards  attempted,  as  tlio 
Canadian  govcrnmjiit  soon  after  undertook  this  labor. 


ft**^  i." 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


555 


■ts| 


The  Oawen'tUcliie  JVavi^alioi.  Compinvf,  wt\B  incorporntcd  April  2;'  I8;{|, 
lor  the  piirpo.so  of  improving;,  by  iiieaiis  ot'  locks,  ciuiuIh  unci  darns,  ita 
Mavi;;atioii  to  Jilack  lake,  and  to  tlu;  town  of  (lOuveriHMir;  and  lioni  tliu 
()s'*«!<;at»;liie  livur,  aloiijj  tlio  natural  canal  to  (jrass  river,  and  up  to  (^an- 
.MM  villafio.  (Japital  to  In;  .*5,0()0,  and  Silvester  (iilliert,  Jacoli  A.  VandtMi 
llenvel,  Hniitli  Stillwell,  ami  L<iniH  llaKhroiick,  were  appointitd  n  hoard 
of  commissioners  to  njceive  suhscriptionn.  A  certain  |iortion  of  tin; 
work  was  to  he  accomplished  with"'  live  years,  and  the  duration  of  thu 
corporation  was  limited  to  thirty  yeais. 

Tiie  jirevious  act  was  renewed  April  25,  18.'{G,  and  continued  in  force; 
thirty  years,  llaron  S.  Doty,  Silvester  Gilbert,  Jacob  A.  Van  Ileuvel, 
Smith  Stillwell,  Henry  Vanllensselaer,  and  K.  N.  Fairchild,  werenamecl 
conniiissioners  to  receive  stock.  Unless  they  met  within  thnse  months, 
the  act  was  to  be  void.  In  ISn."),  the  capital  stock  was  increased  to 
$100,000.  K.  Harrison,  D.  C.  Jndson,  S.  Gilbert,  H.  Van  Rensselaer,  E, 
Dodge,  A.  Spragne,  and  S.  D.  Moody,  were  named  commissioners  to  re- 
ceive subscriptions.  No  actual  im[)rovements  were  ever  undertaken 
under  these  acts.  In  the  petition  which  procured  the  jiansagc  nf  thu 
ahnve  act,  it  was  stated,  that  at  Ileuvel  locks  had  been  commenced,  and 
titiirlit  be  com|)leted  at  small  expense,  that  the  expense  ut'  dams  and 

\  >>•  to  improve  the  natural  channel  of  the  Osvve^atchie  would  not  cost 
1  .  exceed  l^VZfiOO,  ami  that  :•.  «team  boat  migh'.  be  built  for  .*5,000,  siil- 
licient  to  meet  the  business  of  the  proposed  company.  The  lidl  at  Can- 
ton iiills,  is  stated  to  be  ii>:<c  feet,  and  at  Oooper's  fall  in  De  Kalb,  as 
LJ-iiit  feet,  which  being  overcome  by  locks  woultl  remhsr  the  river  navi- 
;:,ible  m  far  as  the  Ox  Bow,  in  JeHerson  county.  A  dam  across  Grass 
livci,  and  a  short  canal  near  the  eastern  end  of  the  niitiu'ul  caiuil,  would 
bring  Canton  in  navigable  communication  with  the  St.  Lawrence  at  Og- 
densburgh. 

The  plan  of  extending  the  Black  river  «ranal  to  Ogdcnsburgh,  was 
brought  forward  in  1S'S',\  and  a  survey  executed  by  Edward  II.  iirodhead, 
which  is  published  in  the  legislative  documents  of  1840,  cmbruced  the 
several  inij)rovements  above  proposed. 

Several  acts  have  been  passed  ior  preventing  the  obstruction  of  the 
chaimels  of  our  rivers  by  decl4hing  them  public  Mf^hways,  Rarpiclte  river 
from  its  mouth  to  Norfolk,  and  St.  Regis  from  the  province  line  to  the 
east  line  of  Stockholm,  were  so  declared  April  15, 1810.  April  1(J,  181(J, 
the  Oswegr.n-'iir  was  made  a  highway  to  Stnjeter'a  Mills,  in  Rossie,  and 


its  obstru 

limit  li ' 

At:  a 


By  a  recent  act  this 


nurpop  ', 
and  Moose 


(M'bidden  under  a  penalty  ot  $100. 
1  M:;,eMed  to  Cranberry  lake. 

(  SU^  for  improving  the  sources  of  the  Iltulson  for  Itimbering 
i  'I  ^  'tO,  to  petitions  for  grants  to  be  expended  on  Raquette 
I  f  s.  These  were  referred  to  a  select  conrnittee,  who 
through  their  c  ■;  .;inn,  Mr.  Henry  .f.  Raymond,  made  a  vevy  elaborate 
report,  setting  forth  tlie  advantages  of  the  improvements,  and  depc.-iMng 
the  wonderfid  natmal  water  communication  of  the  primiti.e  wildernesH 
of  Northern  New  York.  This  elevated  plateau,  averaging  1,500  to  1,870 
feet  above  tide,  givoo  ii;in  to  livers,  flowing  in  different  directions. 
The  Racjaettc,  after  a  crooked  and  sluggish  course  through  several  largo 
ponds,  and  receiving  tributaries  navigable  for  logs  f»jm  many  lakes  in 
the  interior,  on  arriving  within  50  miles  of  the  Si.  Lawrence,  becomes 
ru|»id,  and  descends  to  near  the  level  of  that  river  befo.o  reaching  Mas- 
sena  ^n  a  nudtitude  of  places  it  affords  fine  cascades  for  hydraulic  pur- 
])os:vv  iiir.  cially  in  the  villages  of  Colton,  East  Pierrepont,  Potsdam, 
Ra(j.;  •  '    'lie,  Norfolk  and  Ruyniondvillo,  with  many  intervening  places. 


■■,  -l-l 


.11: 


3-i 


Ill 


F.^i 


656 


HISTORY   OP   ST.    LAWRENCE 


There  is  n  pecnliiirity  of  this  river  that  deserves  special  notice,  whicli  is 
its  little  liahility  to  l>e  affected  hy  drouth  and  flood,  in  consequence  of  its 
being  ied  frofii  lakes.  The  hijjiiest  water  cotninoidy  occurs  several  days 
later  in  this  than  tlie  neighhorinjr  rivers,  anil  a  prudent  policy  should 
3ead  to  the  erection  of  sluices  and  flood  gates  at  the  outlet  of  the  lakes  to 
retain  the  excess  of  the  spring  flood  against  any  want  that  »night  occur 
in  the  drouth  of  siumner.  Such  a  want  has  not  hitherto  been  felt,  hut 
might  if  the  interior  country  were  cleared  and  cultivated.  An  act  was 
jmssed  April  10,  1850,  tieclaring  the  llaciuftte  u  liighway  from  its  mouth 
to  the  foot  of  Racket  lake,  in  Hamilton  county,  and  on  tlie  9tli  of  April, 
un  a|)propriation  of  $10,000  was  made,  to  he  expeeided  by  M.  Hewitt,  A. 
T.  Hopkins  and  C.  Russell,  in  removing  obstructions,  and  itn|)roving  the 
chamiel.  These  consisted  in  shtuting  up  lost  channels  and  straits  arouiul 
islands,  in  the  erection  of  piers,  dams,  booms,  &(;. 

The  accession  of  capital  and  employment  of  labor  from  this  improve- 
ment is  remarkable.  I3nt  one  gang  mill  existed  on  the  river  at  the  lime 
of  the  passage  of  the  law,  while  at  present  there  are  either  in  operation 
or  in  course  of  erection.  '>  'i.  and  still  more  that  are  contemplated.  The 
logs  sawed  at  these  are  '     tVotn  the  coimtry  adjoining  'i'upper's 

lake.  Long  lake  in  Haniiltv  ity,  many  of  the  lakes  and  streams  of 

Fratikiin  comity,  and  frcnn  tin        stern  borders  of  Essex  county. 

Much  credit  is  «liie  to  Dr.  H.  Hewitt,  of  Potsdam,  for  exertions  in  pro- 
curing this  itnprovement,  and  to  Messrs.  Wm.  A.  Dart,  of  the  senate, 
and  Noble  S.  Elderkin,  of  the  assembly,  lor  the  zeal  and  ability  with 
which  they  sustained  the  measure. 

The  first  attempt  to  open  a  cheap  and  direct  communication  between 
the  navigable  waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  sea  board,  began  in 
18A3,  and  arose  from  the  wants  which  had  been  so  severely  felt  during 
tiie  war.  A  year  or  two  after  the  peace,  plans  for  uniting  lake  Champlain 
with  the  Cotmecticut,  were  discussed  and  attemjtted.  Judge  Raymond 
and  Renjamin  Wright,  while  surveying  the  country  before  its  settletnent, 
bad  formed  projects  Ibr  improving  the  natural  channels  of  the  rivers,  and 
to  them  belongs  the  merit  ot  the  idea.  The  former  was  afterwards  the 
ardent  advocate  of  a  cnnal.  A  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Clinton, 
Franklin  and  St.  Lawrence  counties,  convened  at  Ogdensburgh,  August 
28,  1823,  to  concert  measures  for  a  canal,  who  appointed  B.  Raymond,  of 
Norfolk,  S.  Partridge,  of  Potsc'.ain,  J.  A.  Vandcn  Heuvel,  of  Ogdensbingh, 
Wm.  Hogan,  of  Fort  Covington,  Thomas  Smith,  of  Chateaugay  and  Asa 
Ilascall,  of  Malone,  who  prepared  and  published  a  lengthy  report  for  dis- 
tribution in  the  sections  most  to  he  benefited  by  the  work.  It  was  ac- 
companied by  a  report  from  Judge  Raymond,  who  had  been  employed 
to  make  a  preliminary  survey.  This  improvement  proposed  to  use  the 
Oswegatchie,  Natural  c;nial  and  Grass  river,  to  Canton.  The  petitions 
and  the  friendly  influences  towards  these  works,  led  to  an  act  for  a  sur- 
vey inider  the  direction  of  the  canal  commissioners, and  Holmes  Hutch- 
inson, of  Utica,  was  employed.  The  expense  was  limited  to  $1,500. 
The  sunmiit  was  found  to  be  811  feet  above  the  St.  Lawrence,  at  Og- 
densburgh, and  960  above  the  lake  This  work  was  connnended  to  the 
legislature  by  Hewitt  Clinton,  in  his  annual  message  of  1825,  but  the 
work  was  found  impracticable,  and  the  idea  abandoned. 

A  Rail  Road  began  to  be  discussed  in  1829,  and  a  fiill  meeting  was 
held  February  17,  18;30,  at  Montpelier,  for  promoting  a  rail  road  from 
Ogdensburgh,  and  by  way  of  lake  Champlain  and  the  valleys  of  Onion 
and  Cotmecticut  rivers,  and  through  Concord  and  Lowell  to  boston.  A 
committee  previously  appointed,  reported  favorably  on  the  plan  and  its 


»  V 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES 


5/57 


ndviinlnpes,  nnd  estimated  thnt  pnssengers  nnri  heavy  freijjht  could  lie 
liiken  over  the  vvliole  route  in  35  hours.     They  further  |)redicted  that  15 
inilcH  an  hoin*  wonid   hereafter  he  perforined   hy  locomotives.     On  the 
]7tii  of  .March,  1830,  n  similar  meeting'  was  held  at  Ojidenshnrfrh,  and  a 
cdinmittee  of  12  a|)j)ointed  to  collect  information  and  report  to  a  future 
iiieetii;^'      Application   vaa  also  made  to  confrress  for  aid  in  constriicting 
the  work,  hut  this  fuilinjr,  petitions  were  next  forwarded   to  the   state 
!ej;islatnre,  and  a  convention  met  at  Malone,  Decemher  17,  1831,  to  pro- 
mote this  ohject.     This  failed,  but  was  jirosecuted   until  May  21,  i8.'J6. 
Tlio  lake  Chnmplain  and  Ojjfdensbin'^h  rail  load  was  incorporated  witii  a 
capital  of  8800,000.     S.    Gilbert  nnd  S.  Siilweil,  cf  St.  Lawrence;  R 
Clark  and  J.  Stearns,  of  Franklin,  with  two  from  each  of  the  counties  of 
(Clinton  and  Kssex,  and  James  H.  Titus,  of  New  York,  were  empowered 
to  open  books  lor  receivinjr  stock.     Some  declining  to  act,  a  law  of  May 
IG,  1837,  appointed  Wm.  FL  Harrison,  of  New  York,  Win.  F.  Haile,  of 
Clinton,  D.  L.  Seymour,  of  Frnjiklin,  and  J.  L.  Russell,  of  St.  Lawrence, 
in  their  place.     About  this  time  the  plan  of  a  rail  road  from  Oifdensburgh 
directly  through  to  Albany,  was  discussed      A  convention  met  February 
27,  1837,  at  Matildaville,  lor  this  object,     The  moneys  subscribed  for  the 
rr)ad  to  lake  Champlain,  were  first  reloaned  and  afterwards  refunded  to 
subscribers.     This  company  failing  to  orgaiuze,  a  convention   met  at 
Malone,    August  8,   1838,  and  persons  appointed  to  collect   statistics. 
These  show  that  there  then  existed   in  St.  Lawrence  county  8  iron  fur- 
naces, yielding  3,700  tons;  7  founderies.  yielding  785  tons  of  castings; 
8  trip  luunmers;  G3  asheries,  yielding  1,815  tons  of  pot  and  pearl  ashes; 
(j  merchant  mills;  42  grist  mills;  3  lend   mines,  yielding  ],»)73toiis;  1 
lead  pipe  fiictory;  1  copperas  and  alum  works;  2  plaster  mills  nnd  quar- 
ries, (the  latter  proving  to  be  nothing  but  sleaiHe,  or  soap  stone);  4  mar- 
ble mills;  137  saw  mills,  11  of  which  make  717,700  pieces  of  hunher 
annually;  2  distilleries;  1  brewery  and  2  sattinet  and  woolen  mills.     571 
tons  of  butter  and  cheese  were  made  antinally.  and  the  vvliole  amount  of 
(ieight  from  the  county  was  estimated  at  $117,294.     In  Franklin  county 
were  6  iron  works;  1  cotton  fiictory;  17   grist   mills;  49  saw  mills;  2 
woolen  mills;  18  asheries;  12  tanneries;  3  trip  liamtners;  2  distilleries, 
and  other  works,  yielding  $23,181  worth  of  freight.     These  measures  led 
to  an  act  of  April  18,  1838,  authorizing  a  survey,  which  was  executed  by 
Edward   F.  Johnson,  and  the  expense  was  limited  to  .$4000.     On  the 
14th  of  May,  1840,  commissioners  were  appointed  to  survey  and  estimate 
the  cost  of  a  rail  road  by  the  several   routes,  and  the  public  docinMents 
of  1841   contam   the  residts.     Both  of  the  lines  surveyed  passed  south 
east  through  the  county  and  penetrated  the  wilderness.     The  Port  Kent 
route  passed  up  the  valley  of  the  Ausable,  and  down  the  St.  Regi.s,  and 
thence  by   way  of  Parishville  and  Potsdam,  to  Ogdensbnrgh.     Length, 
131  miles;  summit,  1,733  feet  above  tide;  cost,  2,714,00389;  maximnm 
grade,  95  feet  coing  east,  nnd  90  feet  going  west;  least  radius  of  curve, 
800  feet.     The  I'lattsburgh  route  led  to  Malone  and  Moira,  whence  n 
route  by  Norfolk  and  Columbia,  and  one  by  Potsdam,  was  surveyed. 
Summit,  1,089  feet;  distance  bv  Norfolk,  120  and  by  Potsdam,  122  miles; 
cost  of  the  Norfolk  line,  $1,778,459-24;  of  the   Potsdam  route,  $l,i)23,- 
10809;  of  both  maximimi  grade,  40  feet;  least  radius,  1,300  feet.     In 
connection  with  this  report  was  given  the  probable  cost  of  itnproving  the 
jivers  and  Natural  canul,  the  aggregate  of  which  was  $305,982.    A  con- 
vention metnt  Malone,  December  22,  1840,  who,  through  a  committee, 
memorialized  the  legislature,  and  procured  the  o()inions  of  several  mili- 
tary men  un  the  itiiportaiice  of  the  route  as  of  national  use  in  case  of 
war. 


!   -fi 


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ii 


660 


HISTORY   OF  ST.    LAWRENCE 


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Tliis  measure  failed  to  bcponie  n  law.  Nnthin":  discoiirnped,  the  friends 
(if  this  iinprovernetit  continued  active,  and  finding  it  impossible  to  obtain 
assistance  from  tlic  state  began  to  importune  for  tlie  priviiefje  of  belping 
thfinselves ;  .".nd  here  they  were  met  liy  tiie  powerful  opposition  of  the 
friends  of  the  central  routes,  wbieh  was  conciliate'!  by  tjjeir  being  them- 
selves brought  to  the  necessity  of  feeling  tlie  want  of  votes  to  carry  one 
of  their  measures.  In  the  session  of  1845,  Messrs.  Ilirain  llorton,  .folni 
L.  Russell  and  Asa  L.  liazelton,  representing  these  two  counties,  a  bill 
was  introduced  and  early  jiassed  the  assembly,  but  was  delayed  in  the 
senate  till  near  the  close  of  the  session.  At  this  time  not  less  than  fom- 
tv.vAi  rail  road  bills  were  before  the  legislature,  among  which  was  one 
for  increasing  the  capital  of  the  Syracuse  and  Utica  road.  It  was  partly 
through  the  influence  of  the  friends  of  this  road  who  found  themselves 
forced  to  help  in  order  to  he  hrlpeil,  that  the  bill  finally  passed,  receiving 
the  governor's  signature  but  twenty  minutes  before  adjournment.  Tiiis 
net  passed  May  14,  1845,  incorporating  the  Nouthern  Rail  Road, 
for  fifty  years,  with  a  capital  of  $2,000,000,  in  shares  of  $50,  and  naming 
David  C.  Judson  and  Joseph  Barnes,  of  St.  Lawrence ;  S.  V,  Wead,  of 
Franklin,  and  others  fiom  Clinton  and  Essex  counties,  and  New  York, 
commissioners  to  receive  and  distribute  stock. 

Measures  were  taken  to  raise  the  means  for  n  survey,  and  in  the  fall 
of  1845,  a  delegation  visited  Boston,  to  induce  cajiitalists  to  undertake 
the  work.  They  were  advised  to  rettn-n  and  raise  along  the  road  as 
nnich  as  noss^ble  first,  which  was  done;  but  in  their  absence  about  $10,- 
000,000  of  rail  road  stock  had  been  taken,  and  their  chnnces  for  success 
were  much  lessened.  To  set  forth  the  advantages  of  the  route,  Mr. 
James  G.  Hopkins,  of  Ogdensburgh,  in  1845,  published  a  pam[)hlet,  con- 
taining many  documents  and  statistics  relating  to  the  matter.  It  is  but 
justice  to  state  that  not  only  these  estimates  but  those  that  preceded  tiiem, 
were  so  far  as  relates  to  the  resources  of  the  country,  fiir  below  wliat 
time  has  developed.  The  Burlington  peo|)le  and  those  interested  in  the 
lines  of  New  F.ngland  ro'uls  coiuieciing  with  Lake  Chaniplain,  early 
|)ercei\ed  the  ...Ivantages  that  would  ensue  from  a  line  which  would 
turn  a  portion  of  the  resources  of  the  great  west  through  their  ciiannels. 
In  July,  184(5,  Mr.  James  Hay  waul,  an  experienced  engineer,  who,  since 
18'^8,  had  had  his  attention  directed  to  this  route,  was  emjiloyed  to  siu'- 
vey  the  route,  who  did  so  and  reported. 

In  Jun«!,  184(5,  a  company  was  organized  at  Ogdensburgh,  liaving 
George  Parish,  president;  J.  Leslie  Russell,  of  Canton,  Hiram  llorton, 
of  Malone^  Anthony  C.  Brown,  of  Ogdensburgh,  Lawrence  Myers,  of 
Plattsburgh,  Charles  Paine,  of  Northfield,  Vt.,  S.  F.  Belknap,  of  \Vindsor, 
Vt.,  ^saac  Spalding,  of  Nashua,  N.  H.,  and  Abbot  Lawrence,  J.  Wiley 
Edmonds,  Benjamin  Reed,  T.  P.  Chandler,  and  S.  S.  Lewis,  of  Boston, 
directors;  S.  S.  Walley,  treasurer;  and  James  G.  Hopkins,  secretary. 
In  the  tiill  of  1847,  n  contract  was  taken  by  Sewall  F.  Belknap  for  the 
portion  east  of  Malone,  and  by  Chandierlain,  VVorral  &  (!Jo.,  to  be  cotn- 
.j)leted  within  two  years.  Work  was  begun  in  March,  1848,  at  the  <leep 
cutting  in  Ogdensburgh,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year  was  opened  to  Cen- 
treville  from  Champlain  river.  Late  in  1840,  it  had  reached  Ellenbiu'gh; 
in  June,  1850,  Chateaugay;  October  1st,  Malone;  and  in  the  same 
month  through ;  the  last  work  being  done  near  Deer  river  bridge,  in 
Lawrence. 

The  following  are  the  distances  between  intermediate  stations,  in  miles 
and  hundredths:  Ogdensburgh,  8(52  to  Lisbon;  8'52  to  Madrid;  7*48 
to  Potsdam;  3-00  to  Knapp's  Station;  7*60  to  Brasher  Fulls  and  Stock- 


1,  tbcfricntlg 
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e  of  helping 
lition  of  the 
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to  carry  one 
lorton,  John 
iiities,  a  hill 
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is  than  fonr- 
ch  was  one 
t  was  partly 
thetnselveH 
(I,  receiving 
nent.  This 
Jail  Koad, 
and  naming 
".  Wea<l,  of 
New  York, 

d  in  the  fall 
(1  nndertake 
lie  road  as 
about  $10,- 
fbr  success 
route,  Mr. 
iphlet,  con- 
r.  It  is  hut 
!eded  them, 
lielow  wliat 
isted  in  the 
•lain,  early 
liicli  woidd 
r  channels, 
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gh,  iiaving 
im  Ilorton, 
I  Myers,  of 
f  Windsor, 
'.,  J.  Wiley 
of  Boston, 

secretai-y. 
ap  for  the 
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ed  to  Cen- 
llenburgh ; 

the  same 
bridge,  in 

s,  in  miles 
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iiid  Stock- 


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AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


561 


lie/) 


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riolni;  574  to  Lnwrciicc;  rr79  toMoirn;  2-35  to  Brush's  Mills;  .'570  to 
Haiipor;  tJOO  to  Mnlone;  7-'J7  to  Biiike;  4*50  to  Clinteaiigny ;  7'50totlie 
Simitiiit;  8-50  to  Elleiibiirffh;  8-00  to  Clinzy,  VV.  S.;  S-SO  to  Cimtreville; 
',V,]l  lo  Monro's  (junction  of  Montreni  and  I'lnttslmr^'li  ruii  road);  7'2t)  to 
Cluiinpiain;  4-'.V,}  to  Uonse's  Point.    Total  117'1(J  miles. 

Lenfilh  in  the  several  toivna,  in  miles  and  linndrcdths:  Oswognteliie, 
1-1)7;  Lisbon,  llMil;  Madrid,  5-48;  Potsdam,  51)8 ;  Norlblk,  01t7;  Stork- 
holm,  !>77;  Lawrence,  770;  Moira,  ()-G4;  Bunffor,  i'flU;  Malone,  8.n(i; 
Burke,  4-L>l);  Chateaiifjay,  571 ;  Clinton,  9-87;  Ellenbnrgh,  3-92;  Chazy, 
!)-4U;  Moore's,  971 ;  Chumplain,  823. 

Hdfrhl  of  stations  above  tide,  in  feet:  Ogdcrisbiirgh,  239;  Lisbon,  320; 
Madrid,  309;  Potsdam,  320;  Knapp's,  [W9;  Stockholm  and  B.  F.,  311; 
Lawrence,  329;  Moira,  303;  Brnsli's  Mills,  425;  Bangor,  5(55 ;  Malone, 
703;  Burke,  8(52;  Chuteauffay,  950;  Smnmit,  1,140;  Brnndy  Brook  935; 
Kilenbin-gh,  892;  Chazy,  573;  Centreville,378;  Moore's,  243;  Chnmplain, 
130;  Ronse's  Point,  84.  Least  radius  3,000  feet,  except  in  the  village  of 
Malone,  at  which  all  trains  stop,  where  it  is  2,000  feet;  highest  grade 
per  mile  going  east,  27  feet;  going  west,  40;  west  of  Summit  no  grade 
either  way  more  than  27  feet. 

From  their  report  of  1852,  it  is  learned  that  this  road  has  cost,  includ- 
ing fixtures  and  equipment,  $5,022,121"31,  and  possesses  very  ample 
facilities  for  the  transaction  of  the  immense  amount  of  business  in  the 
freight  department.  Amount  of  land  owned  in  July,  1851,  3077i  acres, 
exclusive  of  road  way.  Its  buildings  at  that  date  were  as  follows; 
Wharves,  docks  and  piers,  at  Ogdensliurgh  4,534  feet;  at  Rouse's  Point, 
105  feet  wharfj  and  a  pier  of  1,(550,  which  has  since  become  a  part  of 
the  bridge  across  Lake  Chumplain.  Freight  and  passenger  station  at 
Ogdensburgh,305  by  84  feet.  One  freight  house  at  ditto,  402 by  82  feet; 
fire  proof  engine  house  for  six  locomotives,  and  numerous  other  build- 
ings, the  present  dimensions  an<l  location  of  which  may  be  seen  by  re- 
ferring to  the  plan  of  the  depot  grounds  on  our  map  of  St.  Lawrence 
county.  Among  these,  the  grain  warehouse  and  elevator,  shown  on  the 
opposite  page,  deserves  notice.  It  is  built  on  i)iles  in  14  feet  water,  and 
contains  42  bins,  each  30  feet  deep  and  capable  of  holding  4,000  bushels 
each,  or  12  tons  of  wheat.  All  these  delivered  their  grain  on  one  trad 
by  spouts,  and  each  can  load  a  car  with  10  tons  in  eight  or  ten  minutes, 
tlie  load  being  weighed  on  a  platform  scale  in  the  track.  The  elevators 
are  driven  by  a  steam  engine  of  15  horse  jwwer,  and  raise  daily,  16,000 
to  18,000  bushels,  which  is  weighed  as  received  in  draughts  of  30 
bushels,  and  spouted  into  cars  or  raised  into  the  bins  if  stored.  The 
cars  are  sent  in  on  one  track  and  out  on  another,  being  changed  by  a 
traverse  table.  Vessels  laden  with  grain  on  the  upper  lakes,  are  here  un- 
loaded with  great  facility,  and  the  establishment  is  found  to  be  eminently 
useful  in  promoting  the  business  of  the  road.  It  was  erected  by  N. 
Taggert,  after  plans  by  F.  Pelletier  the  draftsman  of  the  comi)any, 
who  has  kindly  furnished  the  above  data.  At  Lisbon,  Madrid,  Potsdam, 
Stockholm,  Lawrence,  Moira,  Bangor,  Champlain  and  Floyle's  Landing, 
are  depots,  50  by  100  feet:  at  Brush's  Mills,  80  by  35  feet;  at  Chateau- 
gay,  200  by  55,  a  passenger  station  37  by  2(5,  and  a  wood  and  water 
station,  330  by  35  feet;  at  Rouses  Point  a  passenger  and  freight  house, 
500  by  104  feet,  a  station  house  and  hotel,  78  by  50,  repair  shop,  175  by 
80  feet;  and  numerous  other  buildings.  Since  the  date  of  the  last 
report  l)etbre  us,  depots  have  been  built  at  Knapp's,  Burke,  Malone,  and 
other  places. 


h' ' 


ft 


562 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


Much  opposition  wiis  met  from  the  efforts  mndc  by  the  compnny  to 
procure  the  right  of  bridffiiifj;  Luke  Ciinmpahiin,  to  etinNe  it  to  eoiiiicct 
witli  the  eastern  roiids,  mid  in  the  -^eHsioiis  of  18.>0,  a  special  conuniltce 
consisting  of  VVm.  A.  Dart,  George  (leddes  and  Robert  Owens,  .Inn., 
was  appointed,  wiio  in  the  recess  of  the  legislatin'o  visited, the  k)cnlity 
and  reported.  An  attempt  was  made  to  excite  the  jeahMisics  of  New 
Yori<,  against  Boston,  but  an  expression  was  ol)tainc(i  from  tiie  blading 
interests  of  that  city  iMsclaimingtliis,  and  concurring  in  tiie  proposed  im- 
provement, and  among  tlie  objections  inged,  were  tiie  obstruction  to 
navigation,  tiie  division  fi-om  tiie  trade  of  tiie  canals,  and  coiisecpient  loss 
of  reveinie  to  the  state,  and  the  obstruction  it  would  be  to  the  t()rtress  uf 
the  United  States  government,  north  of  the  road  and  near  tlie  boundary. 
This  matter  has  been  since  decided,  and  a  floating  draw  bridge  con- 
structed so  that  trains  pass  freely  over  without  hinderance. 

ft  is  less  the  amount  of  travel  over  this  road  than  that  of  freight,  that 
gives  it  importance.  Being  remote  from  the  great  lines  of  travel,  it  as 
yet,  has  not  generally  attracted  that  notice  which  it  deserves,  but  when 
its  advantages  come  to  be  known  and  appreciated,  it  can  nntfiii!  of  draw- 
ing a  considerable  amount  of  New  England  travel  going  westward.  The 
I  fHcers  of  the  Northern  Rail  road,  can  boast  of  one  fact  which  few  other 
roads  would  be  aliie  to  do,  viz :  Ihnt  titeif  have  never  caused  the  death  or  in- 
jury of  a  passenger  tcho  has  entrusted  himself  to  their  charfre.  This  ex- 
emption from  accident  is  not  due  to  chance,  but  mainly  to  the  admira- 
ble precision  with  which  the  trains  are  run,  and  it  is  doing  injustice  to 
no  one  to  assert,  that  this  is  principuily  due  to  the  talents  and  ability  uf 
the  chief  engineer  Col.  Charles  L.  Schlatter,  who  has  from  the  he- 
ginning  had  the  tnanagemeiit  of  the  road.  Every  employee  is  instructed 
in  his  duties,  a»irf  no  excuses  are  received  for  any  violation  or  neglect  of 
them.  This  inexorable  rule  has  its  advantages,  which  are  felt  and  ap- 
proved by  ail  concerned,  and  it  is  said  that  men  can  be  em|)loyed  in 
running  irains  at  less  wages  on  this  than  on  many  other  roads,  from  the 
feeling  of  security,  resulting  from  these  arrangements. 

The  officers  of  the  company  as  given  by  the  last,  are  T.  P.  CImndlfir, 
R.  G.  Shaw,  Bcnj.  Seaver,  H.  M.  liolbrook,  H.  G.  Kiihn,  of  Boston; 
Isaac  Spaulding,  of  Nashua,  N.  H.;  G.  V.  Hogle,  of  Champlain;  Hiram 
liorton,  of  Malone;  John  Leslie  llussell,  of  Canton;  Geo.  N.  Seymour, 
ai:d  \l.  Van  Rensselaer,  of  Ogdensbiirgh,  James  H.  Titus,  and  Samuel 
J.  Beals,  of  New  York,  directors.  T.  P.  Chandler,  president,  .fames  G. 
lfo|ikins,  of  Ogdensbiirgh,  secretarif.  Wm.  T.  Kustis  (office  No.  14 
Merchant's  Exchange,  Boston),  treitsure'.  Clias.  L.  Schlatter,  of  Malone, 
superintendent. 

The  Potsdam  and  fVatertown  Bail  Road  origitiated  from  the  dissatis- 
faction felt  by  Potsdam  and  Canton,  in  not  having  the  Northern  R.  R. 
pass  through  their  villages.  Soon  after  the  Rome  and  Cape  Vincent 
rail  road  was  opened,  the  want  of  a  connecting  link  with  the  Northern 
road  began  to  be  felt,  and  it  became  an  object  of  importance  to  decide 
whether  this  should  connect  at  Ogdensburgh  and  run  along  the  St. 
Lawrence  or  at  a  point  east  of  this  and  through  the  interior  of  the 
county.  In  July  1851,  a  convention  met  at  Watertown,  and  persons  ap- 
pointed to  collect  the  moans  for  a  survey ;  Mr.  E.  H.  Brodhead  employed, 
and  at  a  meeting  held  at  Gouverneiir,  on  the  8th  of  Jan.  1852,  this  re- 
port and  survey  were  rendered,  and  a  company  formed  the  next  day, 
under  the  general  law  of  the  state.  In  no  place  will  the  route  vary 
three  miles  from  a  direct  line;  the  grades  will  not  exceed  SU.iXJ  feet  to 
the  mile,  and  with  one  excejition,  the  shortest  radius  of  curve  does  not 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


563 


niii;  Hiruni 


exceed  2000  feet.  LenRiii  09  miles,  estimntod  cost  $29n,721'50,  for 
pnidii]f»,  bridging,  and  heRides  iSdOOO  per  mile  for  siiporHtructiire.  A 
fotite  was  Hiirvcycd  to  Suckett's  Harbor  in  roiinectioii  with  this. 

From  this  time  vigorous  efforts  were  made  to  seeiiren  Hiiftioicntntnoiint 
of  stock  to  commeiict!  the  coitstriiction  of  tlie  road,  and  hy  nn  act  passed 
April  7,  1852,  the  company  was  authorized,  whenever  the  suhscriptioii 
•o  the  capital  stock  should  amount  to  $5000  per  mile,  to  exercise  the 
powers,  rights  and  privile);es  usually  possessed  hy  a  company  incorpo- 
rated inider  the  f;eneral  act.  This  a(;t  was  considered  necessary  in  this 
case,  in  order  to  seciu'c  tlie  ri<;hts  of  way,  and  nnide  contracts  for  the 
Mime.  In  October  1852,  the  sum  of  $750,000  iiuvin^'  been  subscribed,  the 
directors  felt  themselves  warranted  in  entering  into  a  contract  for  the 
making  of  the  roa<l,  and  accordin^dy  contracted  with  Flielps,  Matoon, 
and  Karnes,  of  Sprinjffiehl,  Muss.,  by  which  the  road  was  to  be  com- 
pleted July  1,  1854.  It  will  be  one  of  the  cheapest  roads  in  the  state, 
and  must  add  immensely  to  the  prosperity  of  the  already  rich  and  popu- 
lous coimtry  through  which  it  passes.  Its  present  officers  are  O.  V 
Rrainard,  Kli  Farwell,  Hiram  Holcomb,  VVin.  McAllaster,  VVm.  E. 
Sterling,  Edwin  Dodge,  Barzillai  ilodskin,  Urville  Page,  Zenas  Clark, 
Samuel  Partridge,  Joseph  II.  Sandford,  VVm.  VV.  Goulding,  A,  M.  Adsit, 
directors.  Edwin  Dodge,  'president.  Zenas  Clark,  vice  president.  Daniel 
Lee,  treasurer.    H.  L.  Knowles,  secretary. 

Telegraphs. — Northern  New  York  was  first  brought  into  direct  com- 
munication with  the  great  cities  in  1849,  by  means  of  the  Canadian  line 
of  telegraphs,  operating  on  the  Morse  principle.  A  station  was  estab- 
lished at  Brockville,  and  another  at  Prescott,  The  JVew  York  Stale  Line 
extended  a  branch  from  Watertown  to  Ogdensburgh,  by  way  of  the  Old 
Military  road,  in  the  summer  of  1850.  The  oidy  station  in  the  county  ia 
at  Ogdensburgh.  In  the  summer  of  1851,  the  Vermont  and  Boston  Line 
originally  intended  to  extend  oidy  as  far  as  Burlington,  was  continued  on 
to  House's  Point  and  Ogdensburgh,  partly  along  the  line  of  the  rail  road, 
and  partly  along  the  highway.  It  has  stations  for  receiving  and  transmit- 
ting intelligence  at  Ogdensbm'gh,  Canton,  Potsdam,  North  Potsdam,  Ma- 
lone,  and  Chateaugay.  Both  of  these  lines  are  operated  on  the  principle 
of  Bain's  electro-chemical  telegra|)h,  and  sutiicient  stock  was  taken  up 
along  the  routes  to  defray  the  expense  of  erection. 

Sleam  boat  navif^ation  was  first  attempted  on  the  great  lakes,  by  the 
building  of  the  Ontano,  in  181G,  by  Charles  Smyth,  David  Boyd,  Eri 
Lusher,  Abram  Van  Santvoord,  John  I.  De  GraiF,  and  their  associates, 
who  in  February  1816,  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to  secure  an  in- 
corporation as  the  Lake  Ontario  Steam  Boat  Company,  with  a  capital  of 
$200,000.  In  their  memorial  before  us,  they  state  that  they  had  pur- 
chased of  the  heirs  of  Robert  R.  Livingston  and  Robert  Fulton,  the 
right  to  the  exclusive  navigation  of  the  St.  Lawrence.  Their  steamer, 
which  is  shown  at  the  head  of  this  chapter,  is  engraved  from  a  drawing, 
by  Capt.  J.  Van  Cleve.  The  boat  was  110  feet  long,  24  wide,  8  deep, 
and  measured  237  tons.  She  had  one  low  pressure  cross-head  engine, 
of  :.'4  inch  cylinder  and  4  teet  stroke.  Tlie  latter  was  made  at  the 
Allaire  works,  New  York.  She  was  designed  to  be  after  the  model  of 
the  Sea  Horse,  then  running  on  the  Sound  near  New  York,  and  was  built 
mainly  under  the  direction  of  Hunter  Crane,  one  of  the  owners.  The 
first  trip  was  made  in  1817,  and  her  arrival  was  celebrated  at  all  tiie  ports 
on  the  lake  and  river  with  the  most  extravagant  demonstrations  of  joy, 
and  hailed  as  a  new  era  to  the  commerce  of  our  inland  seas.    In  every  vil- 

34 


i 


![ 


i 


r>Q\ 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRKNt'R 


logo  that  roiild  rTiiiHtern  oimiinii, niid  from  tn rry  simple  llint  lind  n  Ix-ll,  went 
ftirth  a  joyous  Wflconic,  mid  crowds  ol  vi\fivi-  citiz'-iis  liotii  tin'  iidjoiniin^ 
ooiiiitiy,  tlii'oii!.M>d  tlir  mIioics  to  sidiitt;  its  nrrivid.  ItoiitlniH  und  illnini- 
imtioiiH,  tlic  ron^'nitiiliitiuii  ol' Irieiids  mid  tlio  iiitncliiiii^'c-  of  lioH|nt(ili- 
tioH,  sijfiHdized  tliu  cvt'iit.  'I'lii!  lii|>  110111  l.cwistowii  to  Ojidctisliiii^li 
ri'qiiin'd  ti'ii  dnys,  I'mc^  .*1(I.  Deck  line  ijiH.  Muster,  Ciipt.  Midlidiy, 
IJ.  S.  IV.  Tlio  biittirio  roiitimifd  till  IKI'i,  seldom  exreediiif;  livo  iiiiles 
nil  hour,  nnd  wns  finally  hrokeii  up  at  Oswe^'o.  The  fVnnleirir,  a  Mritisli 
Hteniiior,  at  Kingston,  and  llu;  It'alli-in-lhe-ff'itlcr.  ou  l,ako  Erie,  followed 
soon  alter. 

The  Martha  Ofrdtti,  was  laiilt  at  Hacketts  Harhor,  alioiit  1819,  with 
Alhert  Crane,  maiiajfinfr,  owner  the  first  season.  She  was  lost  in  a  vain 
otrStoney  jioiiit,  and  the  passeiifjera  and  crew  saved  hy  heiiif;  landed  in 
a  basket,  drawn  back  and  forth  on  a  ro|ie  from  the  wreck  to  the  shore. 
No  one  was  lost,  and  the  enjiine  was  recovered  and  placed  in  the  Onta- 
rio. The  Sophia,  ori;.rinally  a  sidiooner,  was  fitted  np  as  a  steamer  at  S. 
Harhor,  at  an  early  day.  'I'ln?  Robins,  was  miother  small  schooner  hnilt 
over,  hilt  never  did  much  hiisiness.  'I'lie  lilaik  Hawk,  hnilt  at  French 
Creek,  hy  G.  S.  VVcieks,  and  owned  i)y  Smith,  Merrick  &  Co.,  was  used 
several  seasons  as  a  packet,  and  ath>r\vnrds  sold  to  Canadians,  and  the 
name  chaiifjed  to  The  Dolphin.  TIk!  Paul  I'n/  was  hnilt  at  lleiiveltoii, 
in  1830.  hy  I'anI  IJoynloii,  l()r  parties  in  Of.'deiishiirj.'h,  and  rini  some 
time  on  IJlack  lake  to  Kossie.  Ahoiit  Iblfl,  she  was  passed  into  the  St. 
Lawrence,  at  preat  delay  and  expense,  and  used  as  n  I'erry  until  from  the 
affair  at  the  Windmill,  in  18^8,  she  became  obnoxious  to  tiio  CaimdiaiiH, 
nnd  wns  run  on  IJlack  riv<!r  hay  afterwards.  The  liossie,  a  small  steamer, 
wns  built  nenr  Pope's  mills,  ahnnt  \8'.\7,  by  White  &  Hooker,  of  Morris- 
town,  and  ran  two  seasons  on  lilack  lake.  This  was  a  siiiall  afl'air  nnd 
jiroved  uii|)rofitablc. 

All  act  of  January  28,  18.T1,  incorporated  the  Lake  Ontario  Steam  Boat 
Compami;  capital,  *$IOO,(100;  duration  till  IMay,  IBoO.  The  nilairs  were 
to  he  nianaged  by  fifloen  directors,  and  the  odico  to  he  kept  at  Oswego. 
This  company  built  the  steamer  United  States,  which  was  launched  in 
November,  1881,  and  cnnio  out  July  1st,  18.Ti,  under  the  command  of 
Elias  Trowbridjio.  Loiif,'th,  IVifeet;  width,  *i(>  feet  beam,  55  feet  over 
all;  depth,  10  feet;  enjiines,  two  low  pressure  ones  of  40  inch  cylinder 
nnd  8  feet  stroke.  Cost,  )?5(),000.  This  steamer,  so  much  in  advance  of 
nnything  that  had  preceded  it  on  tlio  Aniuricaii  side,  run  on  the  thioiij.'li 
line  till  18.38,  when,  from  having  become  obnoxious  to  the  Canadians  on 
nccoiint  of  the  use  tnade  of  her  at  the  affair  of  the  Windmill,  she  was 
run  upon  the  lake  only  afterwards,  and  was  finally  broken  up  nt  Oswego, 
in  1843,  nnd  her  eniiines  transferred  to  the  liochesttr.  This  was  the  first 
and  only  boat  owned  by  this  company. 

The  Osweffo  was  hnilt  nt  that  place  in  1833;  of  28G  tons;  wns  used  for 
several  seasons  on  the  throuiih  lino,  but  after  runiiiiiff  six  years,  the  en- 
gines were  taken  out  and  i)laced  in  the  steamer  St.  Lawrence.  She 
was  changed  to  a  sail  vessel  and  lost.  The  Brownville  was  built  on 
Black  river,  below  the  village  of  that  nume,  in  Jefferson  county.  In 
going  down  the  St.  Lawrence,  she  took  lire  and  was  burned  to  the 
water's  edge,  but  was  run  on  an  island,  and  lier  crew  saved.  She  was 
nflerwards  rebuilt,  and  run  awhile  with  the  former  name,  nnd  subse- 
quently lengthened  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  and  her  name  changed  to  the 
William  Jlverr/.  Tiie  engines,  built  by  Wm.  Avery,  of  Syracuse,  which 
had  previously  been  high  |)ress!irp,  were  changed  to  condensing.  With 
n  few  minor  exceptions,  there  are  at  present  no  high  pressure  engines 


AND    FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


5G5 


pni|)I<)yp<l  on  tlic  lnkc  or  rivor,  ("xcupi  in  pioix'llcrs.  In  IH.II,  tli<^  ^Vm. 
Avrry  wiiM  run  iM'twucn  OudiMiMhin'srli  nml  iN'iiiL'ani,  with  \\ .  \V,  Slifr- 
innn  iim  tniistcr.  Slii'  wiih  (ii.snmnlli-(i  in  IHM.'j.  'I'lit*  Chnrh  i  f'unoll  wnH 
hiiili  lit  S.  IImi'Iiiii-,  Mild  rini  I'l'iirn  Kinur'ton  to  ItorlirHtrr,  in  \f*:U,  Al\fi'- 
wiiids  hIic  nviih  I'ciinill  and  Ifii^'llifiMMl  at  Siickfli'M  I  laii>nr,  in  tlio  sninnnT 
ot' IH.'U,  and  In-r  name  ciian^iMl  to  ilic  .  Inirrlni.  Her  ciiL'int'  was  iii^'li 
pn'ssurc.  Till!  Annirica,  with  I).  Howe  master,  wiim  running  li'oin  Of,'- 
ili-nsiMn'<:li  to  Lrwiston  iatr  in  tlir  si'mhihi  of  |h:M. 

'I'lio  Jack  Dinrnliijj;  wan  a  very  small  sieamt-r  linilt  hy  I'.  Hoynton,  nt 
f'arliiaf.'«\  .Ictli'ison  connty,  in  IHMI;  drawn  on  wliccis  to  S.  Ilnrlior, 
iMinicliod,  titled  U|i,  and  intt'iidiMJ  as  a  ti;rry  at  ();;dfnHliiir;!li ;  lint  used 
liir  this  pnrposi!  a  shiirt  tiinr  at  Waddinuton,  and  alierwards  run  li'oiii 
l''ort  ('oviiiL'ton  Id  ('itrnwail.  Ilrr  on^ini-  was  in  IH.'i7,  transti-rri'd  to 
till!  lleiirii  liiinlfn,  a  lioat  on  a  iiovol  priiiciph',  li<'in<{  supported  on  two 
hollow  cylindrical  floats  and  the  wheel  hei  wi-en  them.  If  was  alterwards 
taken  hy  tiio  Jtideaii  canal  to  U;.Ml*Misi)iir^h,  and  nscd  a  tihort  time  aH  u 
ti.-rry. 

The  Oneltla,  of  y'27  toMB,  was  hnilt  at  Oswofro,  in  Ift'iti.  A.  Smith  wns 
)irr  (list  master.  Her  owners  wtire  priiieipally  Henry  Fit/iiii<;h.  of  ()s- 
wi';;o,  K.  H.  Allen  and  (I.  N.  Seymonr,  of  Oi'deiishn'r^rli.  In  IHUH,  and 
(hirin^r  some  part  of  IH40,  she  was  in  tiie  employ  of  ;rovernnieiit.  Willi 
these  exceptions,  this  vi-ssol  made  re^'nlar  trips  from  ()i;(lensl>nr(.di  to 
Lewiston,  until  18-15,  when  her  eiijiinc  was  taken  out,  and  she  was  fitted 
lip  as  a  sail  vessel.  Tlu!  enjriiK!  of  this  lioat  is  now  in  iIk;  ^eiiinor 
Hritish  Queen,  one  of  the  American  line  <if  hoats  t'roiii  ()ifdeiisl)in"li  to 
Jloiitreal.  liOst  as  a  sail  vessel  on  Lake  Mrie.  The  Telefxmph,  n  sti  ainer 
having'  ]<|(;  toiiiia<.'(S  was  linilt  near  Dexter,  J(;tl(>rson  conniy,  and  fii-Rt 
CMiiie  out  in  the  tiill  of  IH.'Jti.  She  was  owned  hy  parties  in  1,'iica,  NVater- 
town  and  Sacdcett's  Harhor,  Sprajfiio  was  her  lirst  captain.  She  wns 
ill  the  (Miiploy  of  j:overnment  in  the  tall  of  18:58,  llie  whole  of  IHMK,  and 
pome  piu't  of  the  sprinj;  ol"  IHK).  ('Iianired  to  a  sail  vessel  and  liiirnt  on 
Lake  St.  Clair.  'I'he  E.rpres.i  wa?  built  at  Pnltneyville,  Wayne  comity, 
II.  i\.  Tliroop,  master  and  one  of  tli(!  owners,  alioiit  the  year  18']\K  It 
was  used  on  tlit!  tiiroiijrh  line  liir  several  yi^ars,  and  afterwards  ran  from 
Lewiston  to  Hamilton.  It  was  finally  laid  up  in  IS.'iO.  The  Saiiit  Lnw- 
reure,  40^  tons,  was  enrolled  at  Oswejio  in  18Mil,  the  engines  heinj?  the 
same  ns  tliost^  which  had  lietMi  used  in  the  Oswejro.  Jn  1844,  it  wns 
rchiiilt,  and  the  toimaf^e  incre.iscd  to  4154  tons.  Her  lirst  trip  wns  i)pr- 
formed  in  June,  IS'-VX  Cost  ahont  .«.')0,(JOU.  It  wns  run  till  18.")l,  most 
of  the  time  as  one  of  the  tlironjrh  line,  wlieii  it  was  dismantled  nt  French 
Creek.  'J'liis  is  said  to  have  heen  the  lirst  steanier  on  this  lake,  that  hn<i 
state  rooms  on  the  mnin  fleck.  Leiiirth,  180  feet;  beam,  2.'i  leet;  hold, 
11  feet.  Ill  18:}!),  slie  was  commanded  by  John  Evans;  in  184(m;,  hy  J. 
Van  Cleve.     Her  place  on  tin;  line  wns  siippliiMl  hy  the  ("ntaract. 

The  Georixc  Clinton  and  the  President,  were  small  boats  built  nt  Os- 
wojio,  in  184y,  and  the  former  was  wrecked  on  the  south  shore  of  tlin 
hike  in  ]8.")0.  About  184^,  a  stock  company  called  the  Ontario  Steam 
anil  Canal  Boat  Companif,  was  formed  at  Oswcijro,  who  in  184'^,  built  the 
Lndjf  of  the  Lake,  of  4*28  tons,  G.  S.  Weeks,  builder;  used  on  the  tliroii<;h 
line  until  lUii'i,  when  she  was  chartered  ns  n  ferry  in  connection  with 
tile  rail  road  from  Cape  Vincent  to  lvin<rston.  This  was  the  first  Ameri- 
can boat  on  this  water  tlint  lind  state  rooms  on  the  upper  deck.  J.  J. 
Taylor  was  her  master  for  several  years.  The  Rochester,  hnilt  lor  tiiis 
company  by  G.  S.  Weeks,  nt  Oswego,  in  1843,  of  '.i'A  tons,  nnd  run  on 
the  lake  and  river  until  1848,  since  wliich  she  has  ruu  from  Lewiston  to 


w 


i .  '■;. 


IT   : 

{      i 
( 


5G6 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Kiunilton.  In  July,  ]84'>,  the  JViafrnra,  of  473  tens,  cnrne  out,  having 
tweri  the  first  of  a  series  of  steamers  iinilt  at  Freiicli  creek,  by  J.  Oatles. 
Her  leiictli  \yns  IH2  feet;  l)eani.  '^7h  feet;  total  i)rea(hii,  47  feet;  hold,  74 
feet.  Enjjine  from  liie  Arciiimedes  works,  witli  cylinder  of  40  inches 
an<i  II  feet  stroke.  Wheels  IM)  feet  in  dinmeter.  The  Brituih  Queen 
was  hnilt  on  Lonp  Island  lielween  Clayton  and  Kinfrston.  in  184(5,  by 
f)ndes,  the  etifrines  beinj,'  those  of  the  Oneida.  Length,  180  feet;  beam, 
4'.2  feet ;  engine  double,  each  cylinder  9(!  inc-hes  in  diameter.  The  British 
Empire  was  built  at  tho  same  time  and  place  with  the  last. 

The,  Cataract,  car.je  out  in  .Iidv,  18.M7.  She  measures  .'577  tons,  and 
was  commanded  the  first  season  by  James  Van  Cleve.  Length  of  keel, 
Wi  feet,  breadth  of  bearsi  974  fi'Pt,  breadth  across  the  gun.'ds,  48  feet, 
depth  of  hold  10  feet,  diameter  of  wheels,  .'?0  feet,  engines  built  by  H. 
R.  Duidiam  -It  Co.,  at  the  Aichimedes  works  in  New  York,  and  the 
cvlinder  has  a  diameier  of  44  inclies.  and  a  stroke  of  11  feet,  cost  about 
.«G0,00O.  jaiie  was  coL.manded  in  1847-8,  by  J.  Van  Cleve ;  in  1849-.'j1, 
by  R.  B.  e;hapman ;  in  .  8;Vi,  by  A.  D.  Kilby. 

Ontario,  built  in  the  f.ummer  of  1847,  length  of  keel,  222  feet;  a  deck, 
2.'i.'Ucct,  and  over  all,  240  feet  <!  inches;  breadth  of  beam,  32  feet  2 
inches,  an<l  over  all  .'54  feet  8  inches;  depth  of  hold,  12  feet;  rr.nchinery 
made  by  T.  F.  Secor  &  Co.,  New  York,  cylinder  ."50  inches  in  diameter 
and  11  feet  stroke:  tonnage  flOO,  cost  about" $80,000. 

Bay^tate,  This  mairnificent  steamer  canio  out  for  the  first  time  in 
June,  18'J0,  with  J.  Van  Cleve,  master,  the  first  season.  She  has  a 
tonnage  of  9'>,'»,  ami  the  following  dimensions,  viz:  length  222  feet, 
breadth  of  oeam  314  fcot,  total  breadth  .'58  ieet;  depth  of  hold  12  feet; 
engines  from  the  Arciiimedcs  works.  New  York,  with  a  cylinder  5G 
inches  in  diameter  and  11  feet  stroke;  wheels  .32  feet  in  iriaiiieter. 

Th'  JVorfhenier,  was  built  at  Oswego,  by  G.  S.  Weeks,  and  onme  out 
in  May,  18,'>0,  she  has  a  tonnage  of  1)05,  length  232  fi  t,  beam  .304  feet, 
total  breadth  .58  feet,  depth  of  held  124  feet,  wheels  .32  feet  in  diameter, 
cost  $i).5,000,  engines  by  T.  F.  Secor  &  Co.  of  New  York,  with  cylinder 
of  CO  inches  in  diameter,  and  a  stroke  of  11  feet. 

TJie  JVcic  York,  the  largest  American  steamer  on  the  lake,  was  built 
in  1851-2,  and  made  l.er  first  trip  in  August  last,  witii  R.  B.  Cha|»n)aii, 
master,  cost  about  $100,000,  tonnage  9J)4,  length  224  feet,  beam  324  feet, 
entire  breadth  (54  Ieet,  engines  built  by  II.  R.  Dimham  &  Co,  New  York, 
Cylinder  GO  inches  in  diameter,  with  12  feet  stroke,  wheels  34  feet 
ill  «liameter. 

Besides  the  above,  there  have  been  built  or  run  upon  the  river  and 
lake,  the  John  Afo  shall,  Utica,  Caroline,  Prescott,  Sivaji,  Express,  Gleaner, 
and  a  few  others,  mostly  small. 

Shortly  alter  tlie  foriuation  of  tlic  Steam  and  Canal  Boat  Company,  a 
new  one  was  organized,  called  the  St.  Lawrence  Steam  Boat  Compani). 
The  two  were,  in  1848,  united  in  one,  which  assumed  the  name  of  the 
Ontario  and  St,  Lawren"''  Steam  Boat  Compani/,  having  a  ca|)ital  of  i!?750, 
000,  and  at  present  '.I.o  following  oflicers:  E.  B.  Allen,  president;  E.  B. 
Allen,  CN.  Seymour,  II.  Van  Rei.sselaer,  A.  Chapman,  E.  G.  Merrick, 
S.  Buckley,  H.  FUzhugh,  A.  xAIuusou,  T.  S.  Faxtoti,  H.  White,  L. 
Wright,  directors;  and  James  Van  Cleve,  secretary  and  treasurer. 

Tiiis  comi)aiiy  is  the  owner  of  eleven  steamers  in  daily  service  during 
the  season  of  navigation.  Their  names,  routes,  and  names  of  masters, 
as  they  existed  in  the  summer  and  (idl  of  18.'52,  are  as  follows: 


AND    FR>I^KL1N    (JOUNTIKS. 


Cfi? 


Express  Line. — From  Ojideiisliurjrh,  by  way  of  Toronto  to  Lt-\vistoii, 
Biitl  back,  a  daily  line  of  two  steatiiers,  viz:  Bay  Stale,  Cijjt.  John  Led- 
yard.    JVeio  York,  Ca[)t.  U.  li.  Chajjtnan. 

Mail  Line. — From  OKdenslmrgli  to  Lewiston,  toiichinfr  nt  Kinf,'ston, 
and  all  the  principal  American  ports,  except  Cafte  Vincent.  A  daily 
line  of  four  steamers,  viz:  .Yortherner,  Capt.  R.  F.  Child.  Cataract,  Ca|)L 

A.  D.  Kilhy.    Niagara,  Cajjt.  J.  B.  Estes.    Ontario,  Cu\)t.  H.  N.  Throop. 

The  Jlmerican  Line,  from  0;i;densl)nr<rli  to  Montreal,  a  daily  line  of 
three  steamers,  viz:  British  ({ucen,  Capt.  T.  LaHainme.  British  Empire, 
Capt.  D.  S.  Allen.    Jenny  Lind,  Capt.  L.  Moody. 

Rail  Road  Ferry. — From  Cape  Vincent  to  Kin-jston:  Lady  of  the  Lake. 
Cupt.  S.  L.  Seyn.ionr. 

Line  from  Lewiston  to  Hamilton,  at  th^  head  of  Lake  Ontario; 
Rochester,  Ctipt.  John  Mason. 

It  is  a  sinjfnlar  fact,  that  not  a  single  accident  has  ever  occurred  upon 
any  American  steamer,  on  Lake  Ontario,  or  the  St.  Lawrence,  which 
lias  caused  the  death  or  injury  of  a  passenger.  This  is  not  due  to  chance, 
60  much  as  to  skilful  management. 

It  is  believed  that  tiie  steam  packets  on  Lake  Ontario,  ulthougli  they 
may  be  wanting  in  the  gaudy  ornaments,  and  dazzling  array  of  iiilding 
and  carving,  which  is  so  ostentatiously  displayed  on  the  steamers  of  the 
Nortii  river,  yet  they  will  com|)are  in  real  convenience,  neatness  and 
comfort,  in  the  caretui  and  attentive  deportment  of  the  oHicers  and  sub- 
ordinates enijiloyed,  in  skilful  management,  punctuality  and  safety,  with 
any  class  of  boats  in  the  world.  This  opinion  will  be  reatlily  endorsed 
by  any  one  who  has  enjoyed  the  acconunodation  which  they  attbrd. 

Of  the  above  steamers,  the  Niagara,  Cataract,  Ontario,  Bay  State,  and 
New  York,  were  built  at  French  Creek  by  John  Oades,  and  the  British 
Queen  and  Briti^li  Empire,  by  the  same  builder  at  the  foot  of  Long 
island,  in  the  St.  Lawrence.  Of  propellers,  the  pioneer  on  the  lake  was, 
the  Oswego,  built  at  that  place  in  1841,  since  wiiicli,  about  a  dozen  have 
been  built  on  the  lake.  In  1851,  a  line  now  numbering  ten  propellers, 
was  established  by  Crawford  &  Co.,  to  run  in  connection  with  the 
Northern  rail  road  for  forwarding  freight  In  1852,  this  line  transported 
about  30,000  tons  of  flour  and  produce,  eastward,  and  20,000  of  mer- 
chandise, westward.  IMost  of  these  vessels  have  cabins  for  passengers. 
Most  of  them  were  built  at  Cleveland,  Ohio. 

Prominent  among  the  enterprises  which  are  destined  to  exert  their 
influence  for  the  promotion  of  the  commercial  interes*  of  Ogdensburgh, 
may  be  placed  the  jtroject  which  has  been  jilamied  and  is  expected  to 
be  carried  into  ellect  during  the  coming  season,  which  is  the  con- 
struction of  a  sithmarine  railway,  for  taking  vessels  and  steamers  out  of 
the  river  for  repairs.  The  want  of  such  a  convenience  has  long  been  n 
desirleratum,  by  the  commercial  interests  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  '•  vx 
nothing  was  d^ne  towards  effecting  this  object,  till  the  21tth  of  Septe,*!- 
ber,  1852,  when  a  meeting  of  parties  intinestctl  was  held,  and  a  '  om 
pany  formed,  called  the  O^densburgh  Marine  Railway  Company,  v.ith  a 
capital  of  $15,000,  and  liberty  to  increase  this  amount  at  pleasure.  This 
association  was  formed  under  the  provision  of  a  general  act  lor  the 
government  of  Marine  Railway  Companies,  passed  February  17,  1848. 
The  following  otlicers  were  chosen  nt  the  lirst  meeting. 

Ilemy  Van  llenssela(;r,  E.  N.  Fairchild,  E.  B.  Allen,  Edwin  Clark, 
and  Allen  Chaney,  trmtees.     Henry  Vai!  Rensselaer,  president.    Walter 

B.  Allen,  secretary.    The  duration  of  the  company  wag  limited  to  fifty 


'i^J 


V'JP 


m 


""''■■"ii 


568 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


years.  Shares  $50  cncli.  It  is  ])ro|)osed  to  construct  tliis  W(  rk  on  the 
west  siile  of  the  Oswcfratchie,  almve  the  village  a  sliort  tlistancc  and 
near  I'ijrcon  point.  'J'lio  shore  at  the  place  can  be  made  a  good  siiip 
yard)  and  tiie  iMisineiss  whi<'ii  this  enterprifsc  will  create,  must  lead  to 
the  rapid  settlement  of  the  western  part  of  the  villaj,'e.  The  cheapness 
of  a  marine  railway,  when  compared  with  the  cost  of  dry  dock,  (or  the 
repair  of  vessels,  icives  to  the  latter  an  incom[)aral)le  advantage  over  the 
former,  while  the  benefits  arising  iiom  eat^h  are  alike.  This  contem- 
plated iniproveni'jnt,  with  a  ship  yard,  will  give  to  Ogdensbiirgh,  when 
combined  with  otiitr  advantages  which  the  place  possesses,  an  import- 
ance in  a  commei'cial  point  of  view,  that  will  greatly  promote  its  growth 
and  prosperity. 

Stale  Roads-  —Attention  was  early  directed  towards  opening  a  southern 
route  iiom  t^i.  Lawrence  comity,  and  a  law  of  Al)ril  1,  1808,  made  pro- 
vision for  t'.iis  by  taxing  the  lands  through  which  it  passed  l()r  a  road  Iiom 
Canton  to  Chester,  in  Essex  county,  and  by  sciveral  acts  of  1810,  to  1814, 
a  furtiiei  sum  was  ajipropriated  (or  this  purpose,  and  the  road  was  opened 
under  the  direction  of  Russell  Attwater,  but  was  little  traveled,  andso«)n 
fell  into  disuse.  On  the  IDtli  of  June,  1812,  a  road  was  directed  to  bo 
opened  iiom  near  the  loot  of  sloop  navigation  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  to 
Albany,  and  again  in  1815,  a  further  tax  was  laid  with  which  a  road  was 
opened  by  Mr.  Attwater,  fiom  Russell  southwards,  and  made  |>assabief()r 
teams,  but  like  the  other,  soon  fell  into  decay.  Previous  to  1810,  the  land 
])roprietors  bad  by  subscription,  built  a  bridge  over  the  Saranac,  wliich 
was  swe|)t  away  by  n  flood,  and  in  o|)ening  a  road  towards  lIo|»kinton,  to 
aid  which  a  law  of  Ajiril  5,  1810,  imposed  a  tax  on  the  adjacent  laiuls, 
uiul  appointed  two  comtuissiouers  to  repair  and  construct  a  road  tiom  the 
North  west  l)ay  to  llopkinton.  In  1812,  181(5  ami  1824,  a  further  tax 
was  laid.  The  several  towns  were  to  be;  taxed  four  years  for  its  support, 
and  it  was  then  to  be  assumed  as  a  highway.  A  road  was  constructed 
and  for  some  time  travelled,  but  had  so  fallen  f  nto  decay  as  to  be  scarcely 
passable.  The  several  towns  within  two  or  three  jears  have  under 
taken  to  reopen  it  as  a  higlnvay.  In  Apiil,  1810,  commissioners  were 
appointed  to  lay  out  u  road  from  Ogdensburgh,  by  way  of  Hamilton  to 
Masseiia;  from  Massena  thi'  gii  Potsdam  to  Russell,  and  fiom  Russell 
through  Colmidjia  village  •>  Hjn.iilton,  at  the  exi)eiise  of  the  adjacent 
lands.  On  the  IGtli  of  April,  1827,  John  Richarils,  Ezra  Thid)er  and 
Jonah  Santbrd,  were  directed  to  survey  and  level  a  route  for  a  road  lioni 
Lake  Chaniplai'i  to  llopkinton,  aiul  in  182S),  .*2.5,8.'}{)  was  applied  for  its 
construction.  When  done,  the  governor  was  to  appoint  three  coinniis- 
eioners  to  erect  loll  gates  and  tak(!  charge  of  the  road,  which  was  soon 
after  comi)leted,  aiul  in  18.'3;J  a  line  of  stages  started  between  Port  Kent 
nnd  llopkinton.  This  road  is  still  used,  the  gates  having  for  many  yens 
been  taken  down,  ami  it  has  been  and  is  of  essential  benefit  to  the  c(jnn- 
try.  An  act  of  April  18,  1828,  directed  a  road  to  bo  opened  from  Canton 
to  Antwerj),  at  the  ex|tense  of  the  adjacent  lands. 

Several  other  special  provisions  have  been  made  for  roads  in  the  two 
counties.  The  first  turnpikes  was  made  by  the  St.  Laurence  Turnpike 
Companij,  incorjiorated  April  5,  1810,  and  consisting  of  the  principal 
land  owners.  It  was  designed  to  run  from  Carthag*  to  Malone,  and  was 
opened  by  Russell  Attwater,  as  agent  lor  the  company.  In  18i;i,  it  was 
relieved  from  the  obligation  of  finishing  it  beyond  the  line  of  IJangor 
east,  or  the  Oswegatchie  State  road,  west.  After  the  war  the  road  lost 
its  importance,  and  in  182!)  was  divided  into  road  districts,  it  still  hears 
the  name  of  the  Russell  turnpike.    The  Ogdensburgh  Turnpike  Companij, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


569 


was  formed  June  8,  l8r<J,  wlioii  D.  I'aiisli,  L.  Hasliroiick,  N.  Ford,  J. 
Kosseel,  CImrles  Mill,  Ebenezer  Lejjro,  and  their  associates,  were  iiicor- 
j)onited  with  $50,000  capital,  and  soon  alter  l)uiit  what  is  since  mostly  a 
j)li>iik  road  iioni  Wilna  to  Oj^densburgh,  by  way  of  Rossie.  In  April, 
1820,  the  road  was  abandoned  to  the  puiilic.  Trie  Parishv'dk  Turnpike 
Company,  was  incorporated  Febrniiry  5,  1813,  when  1).  I'arislr,  N.  Foid, 
L.  liasbrouck,  J.  Tibbets,  Jr.,  13.  Raymond  iiiid  Daniel  Hoard,  were  em- 
jmvvered  to  build  with  a  capital  of  .$50,000,  the  j)re.scnt  direct  road  from 
Ojidensburgh  through  Canton,  and  Potsdam  to  Parisiivilie.  In  Marcli, 
18:27,  this  road  was  given  np  to  the  tow  ,s  through  wjiicii  it  jjassed,  and 
in  April,  1831,  die  part  between  Ogdetisburgh  and  Canton,  was  directed 
to  be  ini])roved  by  a  tiix  niioii  the  three  towns  of  8500  for  two  yjars,  to 
be  expended  by  a  commissioner  named  in  each  town.  With  this  sum 
and  tolls  collected  for  its  su|)port,  an  excellent  road  was  kept  up.  In 
1850,  the  route  was  direirted  to  be  jilankcd,  and  a  sum  not  exceeding 
$10,000  was  allowed  to  be  borrowed  on  six  years  time,  upon  the  credit 
of  the  tolls,  and  incidentally  upon  the  credit  of  Ogdensburgh  village, 
Lisbon  and  Canton.     Tliis  has  mostly  been  done. 

Plank  Roads. — A  road  from  Ogdenshurirh  to  Heuvdlon,  having  been  in- 
corporated by  a  special  act,  was  opened  in  September,  1819.  Cajiital, 
§5000,  with  privilege  of  increasing  to  ^'^OjOOO.  Its  earnings  have  l)een 
about  §2000  annually.  Tlie  Gouvernetir,  Somcrville  and  ^intwerp  Com- 
panies, like  the  following,  was  jbrmed  under  the  general  law.  It  was  or- 
ganized December  30,  1848,  and  finished  Seiitember,  1850.  Length, 
VZ  miles,  124  rods;  capital,  .sl3,000.  Six  miles  of  this  road  are  in  Jef- 
ferson county.  First  directors ;  C.  P.  Egbert,  S.  15.  Van  Diizee,  Gilbert 
Wait,  Nathaniel  L.  Gill;  treasurer, 'M.ixiim  Thatcher;  secretary,  Charles 
Anthony.  The  Gouverneur,  liicliville  and  Canton  Plank  Road  Company's 
road  extends  from  the  village  of  Gouverneur  to  the  line  of  Canton.  Formed 
July  0,1849;  length  IG  miles;  capital,  !$10,000.  Its  first  officers  were 
Wni.  E.  Sterling,  S.  li.  Van  Duzee,  Jol.-n  Smith,  J.  Burnett  E.  Miner,  T. 
Cadwell,  directors;  E.  Miner, ;»esit/eH< ;  Win.  E.  Sterling,  treasurer;  C, 
A.  Parkej",  secretary. 

The  Canton  Plank  Road,  a  continuation  of  the  latter  road,  «  iiding 
from  the  village  of  Canton  to  the  town  line  of  De  Kalb,  was  built  under 
a  special  act  ])assed  IMarch  24,  1849,  which  authorized  a  tax  in  the  town 
of  Canton,  of  $G0CO  for  die  first  year,  and  $1,500  annually,  lor  three  suc- 
cessive years  afterwards,  for  constructing  the  road,  wliicli  was  to  be  owned 
by  the  town.  Iliram  S.  Johnson,  James  P.  Cummings  and  benjamin 
Squire,  were  named  as  cotnmissioners  to  locate  the  road.  The  nett  earn- 
ings at'tcr  keeping  the  road  in  repair  and  repaying  money  borrowed  for 
its  construction,  were  to  be  applied  to  the  support  of  roads  and  bridges 
in  town.  Luman  Moody,  Theodore  Caldwell  and  Joseph  J.  Herriman, 
were  appointed  commissioners  to  build  the  road,  and  superintend  itafler 
its  completion.  The  latter  were  to  be  divided  by  lot  into  classes,  and  to 
Jiold  their  otiice  for  three  years,  vacancies  to  be  supplied  by  eluctiou  at 
town  meetings. 

The  Canton,  Merely  and  Madrid  Plank  Road  Company,  formed  Jnnuai7, 
1851;  road  finishe^  Augu.st,  11-151;  length,  Hi  miles.  Silas  H.  Clark, 
Allied  Goss,  H.  Uodskin,  J.  C.  Harrison,  E.  ftliner,  R.  Harrison,  A.  S. 
Robinson,  first  directors.  The  Potsdam  Pfank  Road  Company,  was  formed 
October  17,  1850;  length  5  miles,  l.')!  rods,  fiom  Potsdam  village  to  the 
Nordjern  Rail  Road;  cost  $6  439-43;  finished  October  8,  1851;  divided, 
6  per  cent;  dividend,  July  1,  1852;  first  directors,  John  McCuU  Roburt 


i:r 


PiSi 


II)    ■ I 


570 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


McGill,  John  Burroughs,  Jun.,  Stephen  Given,  Jun.,  Beiijatnin  G.  Bald 
win. 

The  Hammond,  Rome  and  Jlniwerp  Plank  Road  Company,  formed  Jan- 
uary 23,  1850,  completed  in  December  following.  Length  20  miles; 
capital,  Snji.OOO;  7  miles  are  in  Jefferson  county.  There  is  an  embank- 
ment 41  ieet  high  at  the  Kossie  hills,  and  the  deepest  rock  cutting  is  22 
feet;  directors,  Ira  Hinsdale,  E.  Brainerd,  Z.Gates,  A.  P.  Morse  and 
D.  W.  Baldwin. 

The  Mormtown  and  Hammond  Plank  Road  Company,  a  continua- 
tion of  the  former,  was  laid  along  the  route  of  the  former  road,  and 
through  a  country  which  offered  but  tew  obstacles  to  its  construction. 
President  and  treasurer,  Moses  Birdsall ;  secretary,  Henry  Hooker. 
Length,  10  j  miles;  capital,  $10,000,  in  200  shares  of  $50  each;  organized 
in  July,  1851;  completed  in  May,  1852.  This,  with  the  preceding,  Ibrnis 
a  continuous  plunk  road  conununicution  with  routes  leading  to  Utica, 
Rome,  Wtttertown,  &c.,  and  terminating  on  the  St.  Lawrence  river,  in  the 
village  of  Morristown. 

The  Heuvelton  and  Canton  Falls  (now  Rensselaer  Falls)  P.R.  Co.,  as 
originally  organized,  had  a  length  of  about  ten  miles.  It  has  been  con- 
tinued to  the  road  from  Canton  to  Hermon,  by  the  same  company,  and 
twelve  chains  on  that  road  to  meet  a  plank  road  in,  Hermon,  since  con- 
structed, from  the  town  line  of  Canton,  througji  the  village  of  Hermon. 
It  is  designed  to  continue  this  road  through  to  Edwards.  The  first 
directors  were  Henry  Van  Rensselaer  (president),  Elijah  B.  Allen,  E.  N. 
Fairchild,  D.  Simpson  and  John  Shull,  jr. 

The  office  of  the  company  is  in  Ogdensb.'fgh,  at  the  land  offic  of  Mr. 
Van  Rensselaer,  who  is  the  principal  rvvner  of  the  road.  Through  a 
part  of  the  distance  it  was  laid  through  unsettled  lands,  wliich  have  thus 
been  brought  directly  into  uiarket  and  opened  for  settlement. 

The  Hermon  P.  R.  Co.  was  formed  on  the  first  day  of  March,  1851. 
David  W.  Weeks,  Seymour  Tfmtcher,  Edward  Maddock,  L.  H.  Sheldon, 
Noah  C.  Williams,  were  the  first  uiiectors.  Capital,  $4,000,  in  shares  of 
$50  each,  and  the  length  of  the  road  is  four  and  a  half  miles.  It  extends 
from  the  village  of  Marsh  ville,  to  the  town  line  of  Canton,  where  it  con- 
nects with  the  Canton  Falls  plank  road  to  Ogdensburgh.  The  road  was 
finished  about  the  first  of  July,  1852.  It  has  been  proposed  to  extend 
this  road  on  to  Edwards,  and  thence  through  to  Carthage,  in  Jefferson 
county. 

Tlie  Heuvelton  and  De  Kalh  P.  R.  Co.  was  organized  Feb.  6,  1849,  and 
extended  to  intersect  the  Gouverneur  and  Canton  plank  road  ot  a  point 
three  miles  east  of  Richville.  Its  length  is  about  13  miles.  The  whole 
roud  is  not  yet  finished,  but  it  is  expected  that  ii  will  be  opened  through 
early  in  18.53.  The  first  directors  were  Wni.  H.  <  leghorn,  Wm.  Thurs- 
ton, John  Pickens,  R.  W.  Judson,  Pelatiah  Staccy,  Andrew  Rowlston, 
Lewis  Sanford. 

The  JVorfolk,  Raymondville  and  Masaena  P.  R.  Co.  was  organized  Feb. 
14,  1851,  to  be  com|)leted  in  1852.  Length,  10  miles  44  chains;  capital, 
$8,500,  in  170  shares,  of  $50  each.  A  portion  only  of  this  road 
was  completed  at  the  close  of  the  season  of  1852.  It  is  a  continu- 
ation of  the  Potsdam  road.  It  forms  a  direct  communication  be- 
tween the  rail  roud  and  several  thriving  villages.  Uriah  H.  Orvis.  G.  J. 
Hall,  N.  F.  Beals,  C.  Suckrider,  B.  G.  Baldwin,  E.  D.  Ransom,  Hiram 
Attwater,  Justus  Webber  and  Marous  Robins  were  first  dirt  tors.  U. 
H.  Orvis,  president;  G.  J.  Hall,  secretary. 


1 

IS 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


671 


But  about  two  miles  of  plank  road  exist  in  Frauidin  county,  near  tlie 
extreme  southeast  corner. 

Statistics. 

7^e  JbUowinff  table  exhibits  the  population  of  the  several  toumfi  in  ihe  two 

counties,  as  shown  by  the  censuses. 

T0WN8.  I  1810  I  1820  I  1825  |  1830  |  1835  |  1840   |  1845  |  1850 


Brasher,   . . . .  < 

Canton, 

Colton, 

De  Kalb, 

De  Peyster,,. , 
Kdwards,  . . .  > 

Fine, 

Fowler, 

Gouverneur, . 
Hammond,  . . 
Hermon,  . . . . , 
Hopkinton, . . 
Lawrence, . . . 

Lisbon, 

Louisville,. . . 
Macomb, .... 

Madrid, 

Massena, .... 

Morristown,  . 
Norfolk...... 

Oswegatchie, 
Parishville,, . 
Pierrepont,  . . 
Pitcairn,  . . . . 

Potsdam, . . .  . 

Rossie, 

Russell, 

Stockholm,  . . 


Total, 


699 


541 


227 


1,337 


709 


605 
765 


372 


820 


1,420 
955 


1,245 


401 
1,898 


700 

787 


828 
2.440 


1,071 
1,267 


5811       884 


930 
831 


1,930 
944 
837 


1,661 
694 
235 


928 


394 
307 


1,911 
869 
480 
822 


1,474 
864 


2,03!) 

1,701 

1,723 

665 

3,133 

959 

558 


3,112 

1,074 

480 

1,449 


1,060 
814 
633 


939 
2,412 


1,200 

788 
739 


1,447 

1,552 

767 

688 

827 

1,097 

1,891 

1,076 


2,118 
3,465 


1,531 

1,074 

956 


1,571 
1,796 
1,327 
870 
910 
1,241 
2,411 
1,315 


3,459 
2,070! 
1,6181 
1,039 
3,924 
1,479 
749 


3,650 
650 
659 

1,944 


4,069 
2,288 
2,339 
1,373 
4,656 
1,657 
922 


1,752 
2,538 
1,845 
1,271 
1,147 
1,845 
3,508 
1,693 


3,810 
655 
722 

2,047 


4,511 
2,726 
2,809 
1,728 
5,719 
2,2.50 
1,430 
396 
4,473 
1,553 
1,373 
2,995 


7,885  16,037  27,500|36,35r,42,047|56,706 


2,218 
4,035 

466 
1,723 
1,138 
1,064 

243 
1,840 
2,600 
1,911 
1,580 
1,435 
2,055 
4,376 
1,970 
1,113 
4,376 
2,798 
2,328 
1,544 
6,414 
2,090 
1,450 

553 
4,856 
1,386 
1,499 
3,293 

62,354 


2,548 
4,685 

506 
2,389 

906 
1,023 

293 
1,813 
2,783 
1,819 
1,690 
1,470 
2,209 
5,209 
2,054 
1,197 
4,856 
2,915 
2,274 
1,753 
7,756 
2,131 
1,459 

503 
5,349 
1,471 
1,608 
3,661 

68,617 


TOWNS.  I  1810  I  1820  I  1825  |  1830  |  1835  |  1840  |  1845  |  1850 


Bangor, 

Bellmont, 

Bombay, 

Brandon, 

Burke, 

Chateaugay, . . . . 

Constable, 

Dickinson, 

Duane, 

Fort  Covington, . 

Franklin, 

Harrietstown, . . . 

Malone, 

Moira, 

Westville, 


370 


Total,. 


828 
637 
495 


910!    1,076 


979 


1,130 


1,384 

1,016 

899 


316 


2,130 


1,633 


2,016 
693 
446 
247 

2,901 


1,035 
382 

1,357 
417 


1,289 
472 

1,446 
531 


2,039  2,824 
724  1,122 
597l  1,005 
237 1      324 

1,065;  2,094 
192 


2,207 
791 
619 


2,589 

798 
661 


4,439    7,978  11,312112,501  16,518  18,692,25,102 


3,229 

962 

1,028 


1,606 

510 

1,667 

578 

1,286 

1,952 

1,177 

1,074 

178 

2,369 

361 

129 

3,637 

1,013 

1,159 


2,160 

600 

1,963 

590 

2,477 

3,728 

1,447 

1,119 

222 

2,641 

724 

181 

4,549 

1,340 

1,301 


572 


HISTORV    OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


li'lK^f 


A'ameSf  ages  and  residences  of  Pensioners,  from  the  census  of  1840. 

St,  Lawrence  County — Parishville. — Joseph  ArMisl)y,  70;  Ilepsebah 
Mitclioll,  78;  Simeon  tlownni,  70;  Elijah  Allen,  82. 

Hopkinton, — Solomon  Chittenden,  78. 

Stockholm.— E])\ui\\iu  Kniipi),  83;  Mercy  Diinhnm, 78;  Luke  Fletcher, 
81;  Martin  Brock  way,  71);  Ulioda  Skinner,  83;  VVni.  Burrows,  81 ;  Tlio- 
mafi  Scott,  80;  Elizaheth  Whiston,  83. 

Lawrence. — Elizabetii  Sanders,  78;  Sarnli  Barnes,  74. 

JVor/o//f.— Daniel  Bradish,  79;  Try|)iiena  Collamer,  79;  Tlieodorns 
Woodard,  7!);  Klizai)eth  Lawrence,  81;  Elijaii  Brown,  84;  Jemima 
Sawyer,  75;  Griffin  Place,  78;  Guy  Carpenter,  5()i   Hnssel  Attwater,  7!). 

Massena. — Daniel  Keimey,  80;  Elijah  Flajrj,',  80;  Daniel  Kinney,  80; 
John  PoUey,  79;  Eben  Policy,  -'jS;  John  Polley,  55. 

Louisville. — Asa  Day,  80;  Oliver  Barret,  79;  Asher  Blunt,  81;  Elios 
Kinsjsley,  79. 

Pierrepont. — Frederick  Squire,  45;  Keidjen  Butler,  45;  Joseph  Dir- 
nick,  73;  Nathan  Crary,  78;  David  Bradley,  81. 

Russell. — Miles  Cook,  75;  John  Knox.  81 ;  Samuel  Barrows,  73;  Abra- 
ham Wells,  83;  Gilbert  Kay,  70;  John  Gillmore,  87. 

Fowlr.r. — Ebenezer  Parker,  84 ;  Jacob  Deland,  78. 

Edwcrd^. — Abel  Pratt,  83;  Comfort  Johnson,  87. 

De  Peijster. — Joseph  Shaw,  79;  Jonathan  Fellows,  78. 

Oswegatchie. — Sarah  June,  81 ;  Benjamin  Salts,  78;  Esther  Dollestun, 
78:  Richard  Van  Ornum,  82;  Noah  Spencer,  87;  Daniel  Chapman,  81. 

Morristown. — Phinehas  Maxon,  85;  M.  Demming,  80;  Stephen  Smith, 
84;  Sarah  K.  Thurber,  91 ;  Wm.  Lee,  74. 

Hammond. — Emanuel  Dake,  86. 

Rossie. — Henry  A|)ple,  Sli. 

Goiiverneur. — John  Garrett,  85;  Polly  Hulbert, 72;  Solomon  Cross,  82; 
Eli  Skinner,  81;  Stephen  Porter,  79. 

Hermon. — David  Page,  57 ;  Aslier  Williams,  79. 

De  Kalb.— John  C.  Cook,  27. 

Lisbon. — Isaac  Mitchell,  80;  Samuel  Wallace,  80;  Ilughey  Willson, 
84;  Amon  Lawrence,  49;  Jane  Turner,  89. 

Canton. — Asa  Briggs,  88;  Eber  Goodnow,  75;  Joshua  Conkey,  80; 
Lucy  Tutile.  95;  Isaac  Robinson,  79;  Lydia  Low,  72;  Olive  Tuttle,  67; 
John  Daniels,  80. 

Potsdam. — Wm.  Carpenter,  87;  Eunice  Perigo,  93;  Elijah  Ames,  79; 
Ebenezer  Atwood,  74 ;  Mary  Aikins,  74;  John  Bowker,  85;  Jane  Dailey, 
88;  Stei)hen  Chancller,  86;  Lucy  Chandler,  76;  Daniel  Shaw,  8();  Na- 
than Estabrook,  80;  Nathaniel  Parmeter,  54;  Nathan  Parmeter,  81; 
Ruth  Brush,  77;  Dyer  William.s,  81 ;  Giles  Parmelee,  76;  John  Fobes, 
78;  John  Moore,  82;  Ammi  Courier,  75;  Sylvanus  Willes,  84;  Thomas 
l»almer,  80. 

.Madrid. — John  Erwin,  59;  Samuel  Daniels,  78;  Abiram  Ilinlbut,  70; 
Peter  Eaton,  .58;  Rebecca  Packard,  66;  Lucy  Byington,  80;  James 
Corey,  78;  Isaac  Buck,  77;  Manasseli  Sawyer,  81 ;  Isaac  Bartholomew, 
78;  Margaret  Allen,  86;  Jacob  Redington,  81. — Total  number,  118. 

Franklin  Countt/ — Malone. — Simeon  Graves,  87;  Enos  Wood,  79; 
Aaron  Parks,  75;  Samuel  Smith,  81;  Jesse  Chipmnn,  85;  Samuel  Forbs, 
78;  Nathan  Beeman,  86;  Chester  Morris,  71. 

Fort  Covington. — Francis  Clark,  86. 

Dickinson. — Betsey  Lathroj),  78. 

liombaj. — Asa  Jackson,  79. 


ih 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


573 


Jf'esiville. — Burniihus  Berry,  82. 

Bangor. — Gabriol  Cornish,  82. 

Fran  Win.— Sally  IVlerrill,  83. 

Brandon. — Meiiry  Stevens,  83. 

Moirn, — Jno.  Luwrence,  78;  Tlio's  Spencer,  84;  John  Kimbull,  7G; 
Klkanali  I'hilips,  84;  Uriah  Kinjfsley,  80. 

Bellmonl. — Ebenczer  Webh,  82. — 'I'otal  number,  21. 

In  1810,  St.  Lawrence  county  had  tivo  slaves.  The  state  then  con- 
tained 14,t>38  slaves.  It  had  247  looms  makiiij,'  19,047  yards  woolen; 
80,000  of  linen,  and  1,!)2()  ot'  mixed  cloth ;  5  tidlin^'  mills,  (lrcssin<;  14,000 
yards;  2  carding  ninchines,  nsin<j  10,500  1 1  is.  wool;  12  tanneries,  nsinj^ 
17(>7  hides;  2  distilleries,  making;  25,000  gallons  spirits,  worth  80  cts.  per 
gallon,  and  one  trip  hammer.  Franlclin  county  hiul  03  looms;  2  card- 
ing machines,  and  lulling  mills;  made  5138  vardsof  woolen  cloth;  1913 
of  linen ;  85'J  of  cotton ;  3  mixed,  and  107(i  liides,  worth  $425 — and 
§175  during  the  j»revionsyear. 

According  to  the  census  of  18.50,  the  overage  ninid)or  of  deer  killed  in 
the  county  of  St.  Lawrence  within  the  last  year,  was  3500,  valued  at  $3 
dollars  each.  IJy  the  same,  the  resources  of  the  counties  were  shown 
as  follows: 

St.  Law.     Fanklin.  St.  Law.  Fr'klin. 

Acres  impr'd,      337,()8()      103,203  No.  of  oxen,  (5,555      l,i)45 

"      unimpr'd     2tj2,()27        ()4,15fi    "  other  cattle,  34,441       8,87G 

Val.  of  farms,    9,245,542   2,298,912    "sheep,  89,910    27.430 

No.  of  horses,        13,811  3,050     "swine,  18,423      5,220 

"of  cows,  33,305  0,974  Val.  of  livestock,  2,144,170  502,589 

The  District  of  Oswe<ratchie  was  established  March  2,  1811,  and  the 
following  statistics,  procured  by  the  lion.  Preston  King,  at  t!ie  treasury 
department,  for  this  i)nrpose,  show  the  business  of  this  district  very  satis- 
fiictorily.  The  collectors  have  been  Alexander  Richards,  1811-20; 
Aaron  Uacklcv,  1821  to  1827;  Nathan  Mvers,  1827-9;  Baron  S.  Doty, 
1829-30;  Smith  Stilwell,  Oct.  1,  1830— Sej.'t.  11,  1840;  David  C.  .ludsoli, 
Sept.  12,  1840,  Feb.  10,  1849;  James  (^  Barter,  Aug.  7,  1849,  till 
the  present  time.  No  duties  were  collected  till  1815,  since  which  tlie 
receipts  have  been  as  follows: 


■VKAR.             DHL.    '     CTS.lYF.AIl 

DOL        CTS     YKAR. 

IJDI,        CTS  ,YI"AR. 

1101.          CT3. 

lSlG....11.71.'9-y7 

i82r).. 

..    1,349  3011835... 

.    2,954-75 

1843.. 

.       743-35 

181G....   4,409'80 

182G.. 

..    l,207-87!lS36... 

.  10,5M,0it 

1844.. 

.    2,032  09 

1817....    G,17G-0-:i  1827.. 

..       708-02:1830... 

.    2.228-97 

1845.. 

.   2,884-26 

1818....   fl,ir)5-9S  1828.. 

..    2,103-3311837... 

.    4.310-79 

1840.. 

.    1,852-20 

1819....    2,716'0l  1829.. 

..    2,044-91 11838... 

.    2,847-52 

1847.. 

.    4,55009 

1820....    1,077-01 

1830.. 

..    2,329-70ll839... 

.    2,497-Ob 

1848.. 

.   5,100'75 

1821....    l,;J39-45 

1831.. 

..   3,3l4-(i0|1840... 

.    l,lll-25'lS49». 

.    7,505-19 

1822....   2,3i)7-35 

1832.. 

..    3,847-0  1  1840... 

542-22 

1849 r. 

.    1,325  19 

1823....   2,402-07 

1833.. 

..    3,295-99  1841... 

.    1,420-08 

1850t 

11,210-37 

1824....    1,913-59 

1834.. 

..    2,525-53  1842... 

.    1,208-08 

1851.. 

.20,048-95 

Subordinate  oltices  exist  at  Oak  Point,  M 

orristowii,  Louisville,  Mas- 

seiia  and  WaddingI 

on. 

The  District  of  Champlain,  was  established  IMarcli  2,  1799,  and  in- 
cludes Franklin  county.  From  an  official  statement  procured  through 
the  same  channel  as  the  above,  it  a|)peai8  that  Peter  Sailly,  F.  S.  C 
Sailly,  David  B.  McNeil,   Wm.  F.  Ilaile,  Ezra  Smith,  and  Oliver  Pea- 

•  To  Feb,  7     tFrom  x'eb.  7  lo  Aug.  6.    tFroin  Aug.  6,  to  Jan.  1. 


* 


1 


574 


HISTORY   OF  ST.    LAWRENCE 


body,  hnve  been  collectors  of  tlie  diHtrict.  The  clepnties  nt  Port  Cov- 
ington liiivo  been,  Seili  BInnclinrcl,  Joint  Hunsden,  Jumes  Cainphcll, 
Jolni  McCren,  Janiun  B.  Spencer,  James  Cntnpbell,  Samuel  II.  Payne, 
Ezra  Stiles,  (Jeorpe  B,  R.  Gove.  At  Hojianshngrli,  B.  Harrington, 
A.  K.  Williams,  E.  Bovvkcr,  and  J.  S.  Eldridge.  Belonging  to  tlie 
revenue  department,  are  light  houses  ut  .Ogdenslturgh ;  Cross  over 
island,  Sunken  rock,  and  Rock  island,  under  the  supervision  of  the 
collector  of  Oswegntchie  district.  They  have  stationary  lights  with 
parabolic  reflectors. 

Post  Offices  have  been  established  in  St.  Lawrence  county  ns  follows 
with  names  of  first  postmasters  and  date  of  formation,  as  far  as  can  Ih; 
ascertained.  A  fire  which  destroyed  the  post  oftice  building  in  183G, 
lias  made  it  difficult  to  settle  some  ])oints.  To  such  as  are  not  known 
the  star  (*)  has  been  prefixed,  which  denotes  the  time  when  the  office 
commenced  rendering,  l^e  author  is  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  the 
Hon.  Preston  King  for  the  fbllowing  list: 


Post  Offices. 

Black  Lake  (Oswegatchie), 

Blink  Bonny  (De  Kalb), 

Brasher's  Falls, 

Brier  Hill  (Hammond), 

Buck's  Bridge  (Potsdam), 

Brasher  Iron  Works, 

*Canton, 

Colton,t 

Crary's  Mills  (Canton), 

De  Kalb, 

De  Peyster, 

East  Pierrepont, 

East  De  Kalb, 

East  Pitcairn, 

Edenton  (De  Peyster), 

Edwards, 

Edwardsville  (Morristown), 

Fowler, 

Flackville  (Lisbon), 

Fullersville  Iron  Works,^ 

Gouverneur, 

Hammond, 

Helena  (Brasher), 

Hcrmon, 

Heuvelton  (Oswegatchie), 

*Hopkinton, 

Lawrenceville, 

•Lisbon, 

•Louisville, 

Louisville  Landing, 

Lisbon  Centre, 

Madrid, 

Mosseno, 

Massena  Centre, 

Macomb,§ 


Date  of  establishment. 

Dec.  18,  1850, 
Dec.  2,  1850, 
July  22,  1840, 
March  G,  1851, 
March  .10,  1830, 
July  14,  1849, 
Dec.  27,  1808, 
June  19,  1851, 
Dec,  10,  1849, 
Dec.  9,  leOG, 
Sept.  10,  1827, 
Aug..  31,  1832, 
July  14,  1851, 
Jan.  15,  1850, 
June  13,  1850, 
Jan.  4,  1828, 
March  22,  1837, 
Nov.  19,  1821, 
July  8,  1847, 
April  6,  1848, 
Aug.  .3, 1824, 
Oct.  Ifi,  1824, 
Feb.  13,  1827, 
Dec.  20,  1828, 
Feb.  ,5, 1828, 
Nov.  3,  1807, 
April  7,  1829, 
July  1,  1810, 
Sept.  11,1811, 
April  9,  1850, 
Dec.  19,  1850, 
April  5,  1826, 
Sept.  19,  1811, 
July  13,  1851, 
May  13,  1812, 


First  Postmaster. 

Wm.  H.  Davis. 
Wm.  Cleghorn,  jr. 
Calvin  T.  Hulburd. 
David  Griffin.      \ 
Owen  Buck.        ' 
Isaac  W.  Skinner. 
Daniel  W.  Sayre. 
Israel  C.  Draper. 
Truman  Hunt. 
William  Cleghorn. 
Smith  Stillwell. 
Joseph  Dimick. 
John  H.  Bartlett. 
Charles  H,  Bowles. 
Bei;jamin  F.  Partridge. 
Orra  Shead. 
Jonathan  S.  Edwards. 
Theodosius  O.  Fowler. 
Lauren  Sage. 
Charles  G.  Edgerton. 
Moses  Rowley. 
Arnold  Smith. 
David  McMurphy. 
Benjamin  Healey. 
George  Seaman. 
Theophilus  Laughlin. 
Josiaii  Sanders. 
James  Thompson. 
Benjamin  Willard. 
Ralph  D.  Marsh. 
John  McBride. 
John  Horton. 
Calvin  Hubbard. 
Augustus  Wheeler. 
David  Day  2d. 


■t  Formed  as  Matildaville,  June  17,  lb37,  William  R.  Slark,  iraslmaster. 

i  Formed  as  r'ullervilU  about  1830- 

f  Formed  ai  Waskburnville,  July  'i7,  1S37,  David  Day  3d,  postmaster. 


fi       ■    ^"    ]:■ 


•■^^ 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


575 


MoiJey  (Canton), 

Morristown, 

Nicliolville  (Luwreuco), 

Norfolk, 

North  Lnwrence, 

Nortli  Potsdnm, 

North  Russel, 

North  Stockliolm, 

Oiik  Point  (llnmnriond), 

*Ofr(lenHl)urf»li, 

Pnrishville, 

Pierre|»ont, 

Pitcairn, 

Pope's  Mills  (Macomb), 

Pot8i)ain, 

Raekett  lliver  (Masaena), 

Kaymondville  (Nortblk), 

Rensselaer  Falls  (Canton), 

Richyille  (De  Kalb), 

Rossie, 

Russell, 

Shingle  Creek  (Rossie), 

Somerville  (Rossie), 

South  Edwards, 

South  Hammond, 

Southville  (Stockholm), 

♦Stockholm, 

Stockliolm  Depot, 

VVaddingtoUjt 

West  Fowler, 

West  Potsdam, 

West  Stockholm, 


*Bangor, 

Bombay,  ' 

Brush's'  Mills  (Moira), 
^  Burke  (formerly 
\  West  Chateaugay), 
*Ciiateaiigay, 
Dickinson, 
Duunc, 

East  Constable, 
Fort  Covington, 
Franklin  Falls, 
Harriettstown, 
Hogausburgh  (Bombay), 
*Malone, 

Mcrrillsville  (Franklin), 
*Moira, 

North  Bangor, 
South  Dickinson, 
Trout  River  (Burke), 
West  Constable, 


Ap'il  a  1839, 
July  Id,  1810, 
Jan.  7,  1331, 
May  22,  1S23, 
Dec.  12,  1850, 
Dec.  30,  1850, 
Feb.  17, 1848, 
March  8,  1851, 
March  31,  IH41, 
April  1,  1807, 
Aug.  2,  1813, 
June  5,  1820, 
June  5,  1840, 
July  14,  1849, 
April  21,  1807, 
Feb.  28,  1842, 
Sept.  2,  1840, 
Dec.  19,  1851, 
March  5,  1828, 
May  10,  1810, 
June  27,  1812, 
Feb.  0,1828, 
May  2,  1828, 
Sept.  16,  1828, 
Jan.  14,  1833, 
May  0,  1825, 
Oct.  1,  1807, 
April  23, 1851, 
April  28, 1827, 
Ja:i.  15,  IS.'iO, 
Sept.  22,  1847, 
March  25,  1825, 

Fhankun  County. 

Feb.  17,  1812, 
Jan.  3,  1838, 
Aug.  11,  1849, 
Nov.  4,  1844, 
Feb.  25,  1829, 
April  1,  1807, 
June  10,  1828, 
March  25,  1833. 
June  12,  1828, 
May  7,  1818, 
Jan.  21,  1851, 
Aug.  11,  1849, 
July  22,  1824, 
Oct.  1,  1810, 
July  29,  1837, 
Jan.  1,  1808, 
Jan.  31,  1848, 
Feb.  3,  1842, 
Feb.  24, 1852, 
Jan.  12,  1828, 


Lorenzo  Fenton. 
David  Ford. 
Clemens  C.  Palmer. 
Phineas  Attvvater. 
John  II.  Conant. 
RoHin  Ashley. 
Linus  A.  Clark. 
Stephen  House. 
James  H.  Consall. 

Lewis  Hasbrook. 
Daniel  Hoard. 
I'eter  Post. 
John  Sloper. 

Russell  Covell. 

PieiHie  Shepherd. 

Peter  Vilas. 

John  Woodard. 

Archibald  Shull. 

John  C.  Rich. 

Rosvvell  Ryon. 

Pliny  Goddard. 

James  Bailey. 

Solomon  Pratt. 

James  C.  Halle. 

Jonathan  King. 

Hosea  Brooks. 

William  Gay. 

Jason  W.  Stearns. 

Alexander  Richards. 

Thomas  Mitchell. 

Wm.  T.  Galloway. 

Joseph  H.  Sanford. 


Henry  Blanchard. 
Wilson  Randall. 
Henry  N.  Brush. 
Hiram  Miner. 
Ezra  Stiles. 
Amasa  Fairman. 
Benjamin  Heath. 
Franklin  C.  Hatch. 
Henry  H.  Hawkins. 
William  Hogan. 
John  Stearns. 
Alanson  B.  Neal. 
William  Hogan. 
John  H.  Russell. 
John  R.  Merrill. 
Appleton  Foot. 
George  H.  Stevens. 
Eldred  Baker. 
Elisha  Hollister. 
Ebenezer  Man. 


f  Formed  at  Madrid,  December  14,  1607,  A.  Kichards,  postmaster. 


676 


HISTORY    OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


Liwt  of  those  who  linve  been  ndmitted  to  prncticc  in  the  court  off'om- 
mon  I'loaa,  in  St.  J^awienco  coniify,  with  the  your  when  ndiiiitted.  It 
einitriicea  many  lawyers  living  in  a<lj(>ining  countioMi: 

Julius  C.  Ai)pl,  '02;  Horace  Allen,  'IG;  Charles  Anthony,  '40;  Frederick 
M.  Attwnler,  '17;  Jeremiah  Bailey,  'ti;!;  Benjamin  (J.  Baldwin, 'Ml ;  Cyrus 
W.Baldwin, '40;  S.  Baldwin,  .Ir., 'l>S;  Charles  V..  Beardsiey, ':i8;  Anios 
Benedict,  '0(i;  M.  M.  Berry,  '21;  Isaac  W.  Bostwick,  'I! ;  W.  VV.  Bowen, 


■»-"^"'°"""  ■>--,«••»-■■,  i",  ...11.  vpii^...,  .-I,  ■^,  ...  >..•■....,  .«,  ••....-.  . -.. 
l)odv, '05;  Bishop  Perkins, '15;  Matthew  Perkins, '02;  Samuel  11.  Matt, 
'02;' R.  M.  Popliam, '10;  Wm.  S.  Radclitt; 'JO;  Ceorjre  Uedinfiton, '^>;3; 

T  1»  ..     !•  ^ »«-»1     .  A    _        ■->  I        *  I  -■  ft    I       __      _       1  11  •-  ..  I.       ,-.l    .         I  ..         1  '^  . 


Smith, '40;  Micah  Sterlinfr, '15:  E-I.ert  Ten  Eyck,  '0:3:  llalsev  Town- 
send,  '21;  J.  A.  Vanden  lleuvel,  '22;  Wm.  11.  Vining,  '17;  .lames  P. 
War»brd,'07;  Samuel  Warlord,  '08;  Samuel  Whittlesey,  '08:  Charles  «. 
Wright,  '45;  Silas  Wright,  Jr.,  '1«J; 

Persons  in  St.  Lawrence  county  admitted  to  the  Supreme  Court  since 
1847,  in  the  order  of  their  admission : 

Bennett  fl.  Vnrv,  J.  Addison  Brown,  Joseph  Mac  Naughton,' Winslow 
T.  Barker,  Martin'  Th  .icher,  Kzekiel  E.  Cooley,  Asahel  Clark,  Charles 
C.  Montgomery,  Theodore  E.  Parker,  Orrin  L.  Kay,  Benjamin  II.  Fuller, 
William  H.  Andrews,  James  II.  Barter,  Henry  M.  Eastman,  John  Powell, 
Jun.,  Sylvester  T.  Pierce,  Charles  Rich,  VVilliauj  ii.  Sawyer,  John  H. 
Sigourney. 

Members  of  the  bar  of  Franklin  county,  derived  from  Mr.  Josej)!)  II. 
Jackson,  of  Mulone,  and  by  severol  lawyers  in  the  county: 

George  S.  Adams,  William  IM.  Berry,f  Marshall  Connnt.  Leander 
Douglass,  George  W.  Field,t  Putnam  B.  Fish,  Edward  Fitch,  Richard  G. 
Foote,  Josejjh  R.Flanders,  Azel  llaysvar<l,*  Asa  llascall,*  Albert  Ilohbs, 
William  L.  Horton,  John  Button,  William  Hogan,t  Joseph  II.  Jackson, 

♦Dead.    tR^nioved. 


m 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


577 


ZJourt  since 


Dnvid  Jones,*  Edjrnr  A  Konler,  Sidney  Lnwrenco,  Willinm  C.  IVIeVicker, 
flornce  Merintti,!  Joseph  IVIonlfon,|  Henry  A.  Paddock,  Ashliel  H.  I'ar- 

tneleo,  Jiihez  Faiklinrst,  Walter  II.  Puyne, Furdy,*  John  II.  Unsnell, 

Joel  J.  >Scaver,  Khwha  B.  Smith,  Jatnew  C.  Spencer,  Fraiicist  StoriM8,t 
llornco  A.  Taylor,  Jonathan  Wallace,  AInioii  VVheeler,*  C.  II.  Wheeler,* 
William  A.  Wheeler,  George  II.  Wood,t  Thomas  Wright,  Junt 

St.  Lawrenck  County. 

List  of  Public  Officers. — The  Slierijfs  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  have 
heen  Thomas  J.  Davies,  John  Boyd,  T.  J.  Davies,  Joseph  York,  David 
C.  Jiidson,  Charles  D.  Raymond,  Levi  Lookwood,  Miiiet  Jenison, 
Lemuel  Buck,  Jonathan  Iloit,  Lnman  iMoody,  Benjamin  Squire,  Nohle 
S.  Elderkin,  Josiah  Waid,  Ilcnry  Barl)er,  and  Reuhen  Nott.  Mr.  Lock- 
wood  fir»t  held  the  office  by  election,  his  ])rcdeces8or8  having  been 
appointed  by  the  governor. 

Counli/  Clerks. — Louis  Haslironck,  till  March  1,  1817,  with  two  years 
interval,  in  which  Alexander  Richards  held  the  office.  Myrtle  B.  Hitch- 
cock, Joseph  York,  James  G.  Hopkins,  Wm.  II.  Root,  Alviu  C.  Low, 
John  L.  Russell,  (appointed  July  8,  1843,  to  fill  for  a  short  time  the 
vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Mr.  Low,)  Martin  Thatcher,  George 
'S.  Winslow. 

The  tbilowing  are  fac  similes  of  the  signatures  of  clerks,  with  one 
exception,  in  which  it  could  not  be  procured.  It  was  inconvenient  to 
arrange  thetii  in  chronological  order. 


i^t/^^  (^^.^/-l^/^-tyt^y 


^^^^^4^^^ 


OA 


^*^w»c 


•Dead,    t Removed. 


^J<ku<M<!>n^ 


573 


HISTORY    OP   ST    LAWRENCE 


m 


Fimt  /ud^M— Nnthnn  Kor.l,  18()>  till  1820.  Dnvid  A.  Ojr.len,  till  1SQ4. 
John  Fine,  till  IH^ri;  1).  A.  <)j;<lHn,  till  18'^);  John  Film,  till  IK'K 
Iforncfi  Allen,  John  line,  troni  IHCi  wiio  holtl  until  tlin  niloption  of  tint 
new  roiiHtitntion.  By  tliia  iho  olllci!  wnw  niiulo  cU'i-livi',  iind  nt  n  n|iecinl 
election  in  Juno,  1847,  F.dwin  Dodp)  wnH('!:oHen,  nnil  in  lHr>l,  n-elrrtcil. 

^Issixlanl  Jim/iVm. — Hv  npiiointini^nt,  Hiillninn  Foote,  John  TiitliilH, 
Jim.,  Mmch  10,  \8{)'2;  taike  iMct.'i-nckon,  Roheit  Liviiifiston,  Daniel  \V. 
Chnirh,  March  .'»,  1806;  Daniel  W.  Church,  .Stillinan  Foote,  April  H, 
1808;  John  'I'iithits,  Jun.,  Luke  MrCracken,  CharleH  Cox,  Daniel  W. 
Cliurch,  Stilhnan  Foote,  Daviii  Ford,  David  Kohinson,  Reidien  Adhninii, 
Marrh  (i,  1811;  Charles*  Cox,  June  Ti,  I8l'i;  Daniel  VV.  Church,  Jnlni 
TihhitH,  Jun.,  Stillinan  Foote,  Daviii  Ford,  Daniel  KuhinHon,  Keiilien 
Atihinan,  April  5,  1814;  Reuhcn  Asliinan,  Jason  Fenton,  D.  VV.  CIiiiitIi, 
Richard  'rowiiHend,  /ephaniah  French,  Timothy  Pope,  John  I'olley, 
Charles  Hill,  Ciileh  IIoukIi,  Jun.,  April  15,  1815;  Caleb  Hoiifth,  MoNes 
A.  Hunnell,  John  Lyttle,  Reuben  Strecter,  N.  F.  Winslow,  March  l(i, 
1818. 

Judfrex. — Alexander  J.  Turner,  Joseph  Fidsall,  March  10,  1802;  Rus- 
sell Atlwater,  Benjiimin  Raymmid,  Alexander  Ricliiird:^  and  Joitepli 
Edsall,  April  8,  1808;  Rosvvell  Hopkins,  March  27,  1810;  R.  Attwater, 
A.  Richards,  B.  Raymond,  R.  Hopkins,  Robert  Livin|;Kton,  Dnvid  A. 
Ogden,  March,  (i,  1811;  David  A.  O^den,  R.  Livin;>ston,  June  .'),  1812; 
R.  Attwater,  A.  Richards,  R.  Hopkins,  B.  Raymond,  D.  O^den,  R. 
IJvin^rgton,  April  5,  1814;  R.  Attwater,  A.  Richards,  R.  LiviiiffHtoii, 
Thomas  J.  Davies,  N.  F.  Winslow,  April  15,  1815;  rt.  Attwater,  H. 
]Jviiy;ston,T.  J.  Davies,  J.  Fenton,  A.  Richards,  March  16,  1818;  AiiiHKa 
Hackley,  Jim.,  Jason  Fenton,  R.  Livingston,  Ansel  Baily,  Smith  Slilwell, 
January,  24,  1823;  R.  Livingston,  J.  Fenton,  S.  Stillwell,  A.  Bailey, 
March  28,  1828;  David  C.  Judson,  Jabez  Willes,  Asa  Spragiie,  Jun  , 
Chauncey  Pettilione,  March  13,  1H21);  Minet  Jenison,  January  10,  18,'{2; 
Minet  Jenison,  Jan.  13,  1837;  Zenas  Clark,  March  27,  1835;  Minet  Jeni- 
son, Jan.  21, 1837;  Edwin  Dodge,  (>eorgeRedington,  IMiinneas  Attwater, 
March  19,  1845.  This  list  is  necessarily  im|>ertect  t'rom  the  defective 
manner  in  which  the  records  of  ap|iointments  were  formerly  kept. 
Among  those  who  have  held  the  office,  not  alrave  mentioned,  are  James 
Averill,  Anthony  C.  Brown,  Isaac  R,  Hopkins. 

Jmtices  of  Sessions. — (elected),  Joseph  Barnes,  James  C.  Barter,  1847; 
Joseph  Barnes,  Chilleab  Billing,  1849;  Joseph  liarnes,  Silas  Baldwin, 
1850;  Joseph  H.  Beard,  Silas  Baldwin,  1851 ;  and  reelected  in  1852. 

District  Mtorneys. — Amos  Benedict,  Samuel  Whittlesey,  A  Benedict, 
Jesse  L.  Billings,  and  Ela  Collins,  while  Lewis  and  jefTerson  were 
united  wtth  this  county  as  a  district.  Since  1818,  John  Scott,  was  the 
first  one  who  held  the  office  in  the  county;  he  was  succeeded  by  Bishop 
Perkins.  This  office  is  now  elective,  and  Charles  G.  Myers,  was  chosen 
at  the  special  judicial  election  of   line,  1847,  and  reelected  in  1851. 

Surrogates.— yia\\\G\\  Perkins,  March  10,  1802.  The  earliest  record  of 
business  done  by  the  office  bears  date  April  27,  1805.  Andrew  McCoi- 
lom,  Feb.  16,  1809.  George  Boyd,  Goiiverneiir  Ogilen,  March  3,  1813, 
Silas  Wright,  Jun.,  Feb.  24,  1821,  Horace  Allen,  Jan.  21,  1824.  James 
Redington,  March  30,  1840.  Charles  G.  Myers,  March  30, 1844.  Benju- 
inin  G.  Baldwin,  July  1,  1847. 

All  but  the  last  named,  iield  their  ofiice  by  appointment  of  the  gover- 
nor. Since  the  adoption  of  the  [iresent  constitution  it  haa  become  in  St. 
Lawrence  county  a  separate  elective  office. 


K'nt 


h 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


679 


Iflii,  till  IHQ4. 
iin,  (ill  IKIS. 
option  of  tilt! 
il  (It  n  H|)6cinl 
.">!,  rt'eli'i'ti'd. 

ohi)  TiltliilH, 
1,  Dniiit'l  \V. 
>otfi,  April  H, 
X,  Dniiiol  W. 
liKii  Atihinnn, 
!liiii'rli,  Joliii 
isnn,  RiMiiiiMi 

,   W.  CIllllTh, 

John   Policy, 

loil^ll,    MONCH 

w,  Marcli  lO, 

0,  1802;  RiiH- 
luul  Joflepli 
R,  Attwiiter, 

inn,  UnvitI  A. 
Jnne  5,  181'2; 
X  Officii,  R. 

1.  Livindsfon, 
.  Attwntcr,  R. 
,  1818;  AriiMhii 
tinitli  Stilwt'll, 
ell,  A.  Jliiilcy, 
^prngne.  Jim  , 
tavy  \0,mn; 

Minet  Joiii- 

leas  Attwntcr, 

the  defective 

)rnierly  kept. 

B(l,  are  Jniiics 

Barter,  1847; 
ilas  Baldwin, 
1  ill  1852. 
A  Benedict, 
fferson  weie 
:;ott,  was  the 
ed  by  Binliop 
wa.""  chosen 
hi  1851. 
iest  record  of 
drew  McCol- 
nrch  3,  1813. 
824.  James 
1844.    Benja- 

of  the  gover- 
lecoine  in  St. 


Cbrontr*.— Polli  Uanney,  William  Shaw,  Feh.  21),  1804.  S.  Rnniiey, 
Win.  Hinplcfl,  NicholaH  Reynolds,  iMaich  ."i,  180.5.  John  liyon.  Wil- 
liam HtaplcH,  NirhohiN  Revnohip,  April  8,  1808.  Benjainiii  Willard, 
Kcl«ey  J.  Thiirher,  J»din  Boyd,  .Stephen  l.anjjw  >i  liy,  iMairh  (i,  1811. 
Win.  S.  GiieHt,  Wni.  Perry,  Wint«low  Whiicoinh,  Cleinciit  Tiittle,  Juno 
l.*!,  1812.  Josjina  Dewey,  Stephen  HIaWHon,  <'aleli  llon;;li,  Jr.,  March  .'?, 
lUl.'l.  John  Iferrick,  Knncli  Story,  John  Pioive,  Levi  (iieen,  John  Wil- 
linniH,  Dyer  Biirnham,  Kiitland  (tritlin,  Jeremiah  iMatliciioii,  March  2, 
1814.  J.  Dowev,  C.  Hoiijrh,  B.  Willard.  J.  Boy.l,  K.  J.  I  Imrher,  April 
15,  181.5.  J.  Dewey,  C.  UoiikIi,  B.  Willnrd,  J.  Bov<l,  K.  J.  Thnrher, 
March  1(1,  181(5.  Reuhen  Altwiiter,  N.  F.  Winnlow.'C.  Iloiijrh,  Klijali 
Baker,  John  (jyttle,  fra  RaiiHom,  K.  J.  'riinrher,  March  1(>,  1818;  R,  Att- 
water,  Klijah  Baker,  Irn  RniiHom,  JoHcph  York,  John  Lvttle,  F.iioh  C, 
KaHtman,  April  8,  181J).  R.  Xttwater,  l!.  Baker,  J.  Lytic,  J.  York,  I).  C. 
KaHtmaii,  Win.  S.  (iiicHt,  (/ImrlcH  Wlialan,  lla/.en  Rolf.and  Jahe/.  Willen, 
1820.  Win.  S.  (iiieHt,  Peter  Pollard,  Ira  CoiliiiH, Thomas  liiiighani,  llnzeii 
Rolf,  ZoraHter  Culver,  Caleh  lloiif^h,  Henry  C.  (jrecn,  TliomaH  I).  Olin, 
Natlin'.iel  Ives,  Feb.  28,  1821.  In  1822,  the  name  with  the  udditibii  of 
TlinmaH  Hill.     We  are  not  ahle  to  |>r(icme  six  years. 

In  1828,  John  F,.  Perkins,  Henry  Foot,  Samuel  C.  Barter,  S.  Pratt.  In 
18:)l,  Darius  Clark,  Win.  S.  Paddock,  Justus  Pickil,  Michael  .^.  Daniels. 
In  181)4,  Ahijah  Rowlev,  Allen  McLeod,  Jr.,  (iideon Sprai.'iie,  Almond/. 
jMadison.  In  1837,  iS.  ^ratt,  D.Clark,  John  Stone,  RndolphUHSearle.  In 
1840,  D.  Clark,  Joseph  il.  Ripley,  Royal  Yilas,  Smith  Low.  Ii:  1843,  D. 
Clark,  (yharles  N.  L.  S|>ra^ue,  Luther  Lanphear,  R.  Vilas.  In  I84G,  D. 
Clark,  Henry  D.  Lan^hlin,  Win.  .S,  Paddock,  lieman  W.  Tucker.  In 
1847,  Win.  S.  Paddock,  re-elected.  In  1841»,  H.  D.  Lnn^hlin,  .Cynm 
Ahernethy.  In  1851,  L.  Lamphear,  Win.  S.  Paddock.  In  1852,  T.  O. 
Bonjanun,  Alexander,  U.  Gregor,  John  C.  Preston. 

Lou  I  .  L  mmissioners. — In  1808,  $4,473  school  moneys  was  received,  to 
be  loaned  in  the  county,  and  the  persons  appointed  to  this  trust  up  to 
1840,  have  been  Russell  Attwntcr,  Alex.  Richard,  Thomas  J.  Davies, 
Joscpii  W.  Smith,  Smith  Stillwell,  Jason  Fenton,  Geo.  Ranney,  Alvin  C. 
Low,  Joseph  Ames,  2d.  In  1837,  $103,501,  of  the  United  States  de- 
posit fund  was  received  for  loaning  in  the  county,  and  George  Ranney 
and  Joseph  Ames,  2d,  were  the  commissioners  tir^it  appointed.  In  1850, 
this  and  the  loan  of  1808,  were  consolidated,  and  but  one  set  of  oflicers 
are  required. 

Deputif  Superintendents  of  Schools,  appointed  by  the  Supervisors, — Sylves- 
ter Ford,  1841,  tor  the  east  section  of  Lisbon,  Canton  and  Russell,  and  Jos. 
Hopkins  for  these  and  all  the  towns  west.  In  1843,  George  S.  Winslow, 
for  the  whole  county.  Mr.  Winslow  resigned  his  oflice  in  1844,  and 
Charles  Rich  was  appointed  to  the  western,  and  Frederick  P.  Sprague, 
to  the  eastern  sections.  In  1845,  Sprague  resigned,  and  Mr.  Rich  was 
appointed  for  the  whole  county,  for  the  ensuing  year.  Tn  184(J,  Luko 
Carton  was  appointed,  and  held  the  office  till  it  was  abolisiied. 

Confrressioned  Districts.— hi  March,  1802,  St.  Lawrence,  with  Herkimer 
and  Oneida,  were  formed  the  15th  district.  In  1812,  with  Lewis  and 
Jeffcison,  the  18th.  In  1822,  with  Oswego,  Lewis  and  Jetlerson,  the  20th. 
In  1832,  with  Franklin,  the  14th.  In  1842,  with  Lewis,  the  18tli,  and  in 
1851,  with  Herkimer,  the  17th.  The  representations,  so  far  as  ascertained, 
have  been  as  follows,  the  years  given  being  those  in  which  they  came 
into  oflice:  1811,  Silas  Stowe ;  1813  and  1815,  Moss  Kent;  181/', 
David  A.  Ogden;  1821,  Macah  Sterling;  1823,  Ela  Collins ;  1825,  Nicol 

35 


580 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


.^■5 


F-"* 


Fosdick;  18Q7,  Silas  Wright;  1829,  Jonah  Snnford;  1831,  Wm.  Ilogan; 
18:«  niul  18.15,  R.  11.  Giliet;  18;}7,  James  B.  Spencer;  1839,  John  Fine; 
1841,  Henry  Van  Rensselaer;  1843  and  1845,  Pivston  King;  1847,  Wni, 
Collins;  1849  and  18'il,  Preston  King;  1853,  Risliop  Perkins. 

Senators. — The  journals  of  the  senate  contain  the  following  names  of 
memliers  from  St.  Lawrence  county.  Russell  Attwater,  1814;  Silas 
Wright,  1824;  Jahez  Willis,  1835;  James  G.  Hopkins,  1840.  Under  the 
old  constitution  this  formed  a  part  of  the  western  district.  Under  that 
of  1822,  a  part  of  the  4th.  Under  that  of  184G  with  Franklin  it  formc<l 
the  12th,  which  has  heen  represented  by  John  Fine,  Wm.  A.  Dart,  and 
till  1854,  by  Henry  B.  Smith. 

Jlssemhljf  Districts. — This  county  was  separated  from  Oneida  and  united 
with  Jefferson  and  Lewis,  about  1807,  when  Moss  Kent,  of  Jefferson 
county,  was  the  member.  L  1808,  Lewis  (Jraves.  In  1810  St.  Law- 
rence was  made  a  separate  district,  and  hos  been  represented  as  follows. 
In  1810-3,  Roswell  Hopkins;  1814;  Louis  Hasbrouck;  1815,  David  A. 
Ogdcn,  181G-18;  Wm.  W.  Bowen;  1819-21,  Josei)li  York;  1822,  Wm- 
H.  Vining;  182JJ-4,  Nathaniel  F.  Winslow;  1825,  Jacob  A.  Vauden  Ileu- 
vel ;  182n,  Baron  S.  Doty. 

Fronj  this  period  till  1847,  the  county  elected  two  members  on  a  gen- 
eral ticket,  viz:  1827,  Svlvester  Gilbert,  Baron  S.  Doty;  1828,  Moses 
Rowley,  Jabez  Willes;  1829,  Harvey  D.  Smith,  Jonah  Sanfbrd;  1830, 
J.  Sanford,  Asa  Sprague;  1831,  A.  Spragiie,  Joseph  FVeeman;  1832, 
Wm.  Allen,  Edwin  Dodge;  18;«,  Wm.  Allen,  Sylvester  Butrick;  1834, 
S.  Butrick,  J.  Willes;  1835-7,  Preston  King,  Wm.  S.  Paddock;  1838,  P. 
King,  Myron  G.  Peck;  1839,  M.  G.  Peck,  Asa  Sprague;  1840,  A. 
Sprague,  Zenas  Clark;  1841,  Z.Clark,  S.  Pratt;  1842-4,  George  Red- 
dington,  Calvin 'P.  Hidbnrd;  1845,  John  L.  Russell,  Asa  L.  Ilazlctoii; 
184(5,  A.  L.  Ilazleton,  Bishoj)  Perkins. 

The  county  is  now  divided  into  three  assembly  districts,  as  follows. 
In  each  of  these  one  member  is  annually  elected. 

The  first  district  comprises  De  Peysler,  De  Kalb,  Fowler,  Gouverneur, 
I'fnriir»;ond,  IMacomb,  Morristown,  Oswegatchie,  Pitcairn,  and  Rossie. 

The  second  district,  Lisbon,  Madrid,  Norlblk,  Canton,  Russell,  Ilerinou, 
Fine.  Edwards,  and  Pierrepont. 

The  third  district,  Yirashcr^  Masseno,  Potsdam,  Stockholm,  Lawrence 
Hopkinton,  Colton,  Parishville,  and  Louisville. 

1847.  Bishop  Perkins,  of  Oswegatchie;  2d,  Henry  Barber,  of  Canton 
3d,  Pbineas  Attwater,  of  Norfolk.  1848.  1st,  Charles  G.  Myers,  of 
Os«egatcliie;  2d,  John  S.  Chipman,  of  Madrid;  -'id,  Benjamin  Holinps, 
of  Stockholm.  184!).  1st,  Harlow  (Joddard,  of  Ih;  Kalb;  2d,  J.  B. 
Pic  iet,  of  Edwards;  3d,  Noble  S.  Eldrkin,  of  Potsdam.  1850,  Harlow 
Gr>ddard,  of  De  Kalb;  2,  John  Horton,  of  Madrid;  3d,  Noble  S.  Elder- 
kin,  of  Potsdam.  1851.  1st,  Smith  Still  well,  of  Oswegatchie;  2d,  John 
Ifortop,  of  Madrid ;  3(1,  Noble  S.  Elderkin,  of  Potsdam.  1852.  1st, 
Smith  Stilwell,  of  Oswegatchie;  2d,  Benjamin  Smith,  of  Russell;  3(1, 
Parker  W.  Rose,  of  Parishville.  18.53.  1st,  Barnabas  Hall,  of  (Jouvcr- 
neur;  2d,  Benjamin  Smith,  of  Russell;  3d,  Pari  r  W.  Rose,  of  Parish- 
ville. 

Public  Officers,   Franki.i.n  County. 

Sheriffs. — John  Wood,  Samuel  Chapman,  Zerubabel  Curtis,  Jnnies 
Campbell,  John  Wood,  by  appointment;  John  Mitchell, elected  in  1822; 
Rsevo  Ptck,  John  Backus,  Orrin  Lawrence,  Aaron  Beeman,  Guy  Meigs 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


581 


Wm.  Andrews,  Loyal  C.  Lathrop,  Benj  W.  Clark,  Riifus  R.  Stephens, 
and  JanicH  C.  Drake,  elected  in  1851. 

Counhi  Clerks. — James  S.  Allen,  Gates  Iloit,  Asa  Wheeler,  Gates  Iloif, 
A'M  Wheeler,  and  Eiienezer  Brownson,  «iicressively  l»y  a(ipniiitnient. 
Asa  Wheeler,  elected  18tJ2  8:  Ahel  Wilson,  18-28-31;  Samnel  S.Clark, 
18314;  Uriah  D.  Meeker,  1834-43;  Lauriaton  Amsden,  1843-G;  Henry 
S.  Brewster,  184G-5);  Samuel  C.  F.  Thorndike,  1849-.')2. 

Counti/  Trewturers. — Nat'ian  Wood,  Ilirarn  Ilorton,  appointed  Dec.  5. 
1810;  Jlicoh  VVead.June  1-2,18'21;  Saeniiel  C.  Wead,  April  24,  1843:  S, 
S.  Clark,  Dec.  4,  1843.  By  election  S.  S.  VVeatI,  1848;  Wm.  VV.  King, 
1851. 

First  Judges. — Ehenezer  Brownson,  Feh.  21,  1809;  Geo.  F.  Harrison, 
April  7,  1814;  Joshua  Nichols,  Feh.  28, 1815;  Alhon  Man,  Jnlv  8,1816; 
Hiram  Horton,  Nov.  10,  1820;  F.  Brownson,  Jan.  31,  1823;  Henry  S. 
W.iterman,  April  18, 1823;  B.  Clark,  March  1{>,  1825;  W.  Ilogan,  March 90, 
1821);  Roswell  Bates,  March 28, 1837;  Henry  B.Smith,  Fehrnary  24, 1843; 
Joseph  R.  Flandurd,  (elected)  June  1847;  John  Hutton,  (elected)  No- 
vemher,  1851. 

.hsislant  Justices. — Jesse  Chi|)man.  Solomon  Wymnn,  Fehruaryl  21, 
180*.);  Solomon  Wymaii,  John  Mazuzan,  Fehruary  21,  1811;  Amasa 
F\iir(nan,  Fehruary2(>,  1812;  Cone  Andrus,  Elislia  Nichols,  A.  M.  Hitch- 
cock, VVareham  Hayings,  March  2!(,  1814;  Seth  Blanchurd,  James  S. 
Allen,  John  H.  Russell,  Marcit  13,  1817. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  who  have  been  appointed  judges,  with 

the  year  of  their  appointment: 

Cone  Andrus,  '17;  Wm.  Builey,  '08;  Roswell  Bates, '23;  Seth  Blanch- 
ard,  '12;  Ehcnezi'r  Brownson,  '08;  James  Campbell,  '17;  Benjamin 
Clark, '23;  Giiooii  Collins, '2:1;  Silas  Cushman, 'Oi);  Samnel  Hard, '29; 
Geo.  F.  Harrison, '10;  Wareham  Hastings, '17;  Wm.  Hoyan, '28;  Hiram 
Horton, '14;  Gatis  Hoit,  '14;  Moses  Hoyt,  '23;  John  B.  Jackson,  '22; 
Wm.  King,  '43-,  Sylvester  Langdon,  34;  Clark  Lawrence,  31:  Sidney 
Lawrence,  32;  Albon  Man,  'iO;  Ahic  Man,  '14;  .Joshua  Nichols,  '08; 
Jason  Pierce, '24;  Horatio  Powell,  '2(i;  John  H.  Russell,  '31;  Elvin  K. 
Smith, '43;  Henry  B.Smith, '33;  Salmon  Smith. '2.3;  James  B.Spencer, 
'14;  Honrv  Stevens,  '45:  llenrv  B.  Titus,  32:  John  Varnel,  '29;  Asa 
Wheeler,  '08;  Charles  H.  Wlieeler,  '22;  Aitdierst  K.  Wdliams,  '.37. 

Justices  of  Sessions. — (Elected)  Elisha  B.  Smith,  Frederick  P.Allen, 
1847;  George  W.  Darling,  Satmiel  Maiming,  1649;  Jonathan  Wallace, 
Solon  Parvin,  1850;  Milton  Ileuth,  Elisha  Hollister,  1851. 

Surrogates. — Joshua  Nichols,  March  2.3,  1808;  Albon  Man,  April  7, 
1814;  Ehenezer  Brownson,  July  8, 181(i;  James  B.  Sjicncer,  July  8, 1828; 
Sydney  Lawrence,  May  Iti,  18;{7;  ftlartia  L.  Parlin,  March  31, 1843. 

Since  the  adoption  of  the  constitution  of  1840,  this  otlice  has  been 
merged  in  that  of  the  county  judge.  Joseph  K.  Flanders  and  John  Mut- 
ton have  Ticcordingly  acted  in  the  capacity  of  surrogates  since  the  adoption 
of  the  [tresent  constitution. 

Coroners. — Ezekiel  Payne,  Oliver  Brewster,  1808:  Joseph  Mason, 
Anthony  Spra^ue,  February,  1809;  John  Amsden,  February  13,  1810; 
Noah  Moody,  Libius  Fairman,  February  20,  1812;  John  Wood,  L.  Fair- 
man,  March  30,  1813;  L.  Fairman,  Ahel  Wilson,  March  29,  1814;  L. 


'!  i 


SS2 


HISTORY   OF  8T.   LAWRENCE 


FairtTiBD,  Leonard  Conant,  February  28,  1815;  L.  Fairman,  L.  Conant, 
March  16,  1816;  N.  Moojy,  March  27,  1816;  John  P.  Andrus,  July  8, 
1816;  N.  Moody,  John  P.  Andrus,  March  13,  1817;  N.  Moody,  Samuel 
Perk,  Tune  16,  1818;  N.  Moody,  S.  Peck,  L.  Fairman,  March  13,  1819; 
S.  Peck,  L.  Fairman,  February  12,  1820;  S.  Peck,  S.  Hyde,  Warren 
Brings,  John  Mitchell,  C.  M.  Erwin,  February  13,  1821:  S.  Peck,  S. 
Hyde,  W.  Briggs,  C.  M.  Erwin,  Jeduthan  Sherman,  March  6,  1822. 

Elected  by  the  people  under  the  late  constitution: 

Aretus  M.  Hitclicock,  Sumuel  Hyde,  Sainiicl  B.  Roberts,  Luther  Tay- 
lor, 1828;  Asaph  VVatkins,  Sidney  Lawrence,  Ezra  Styles,  Allen  Lincoln, 
1831 ;  Leonanl  Conant,  Lowell  \V.  Gurnsey,  George  A.  Cheeney,  Timo- 
thy Beaman,  IS'M;  Archibald  Fisher,  Leonard  Conant,  George  A. 
Cheeney,  Simeon  Bellows,  1837;  Luther  Taylor,  Timothy  Beaman, 
Elisha  Kellog,  Milton  Heath,  Thomas  S.Mears,  1840;  Carlos  C.  Keeler, 
Lucius  Plumb,  Samuel  H.  Payne,  Doriiis  Cox,  1843;  Henrv  Mallon,  Eli 
B.  Smith,  Reuben  Cady,  Samuel  H.  Payne,  1846;  Sanmel  ft.  Payne  (did 
not  qualify  in  i846],  1847;  William  Gillie,  Thomas  J.  Looker,  Jonathan 
Uoyt,  Charles  J.  Rider,  1849;  John  R.  Merrill,  1851. 

Dtpidxi  Sup'rintendents  nf  Common  Schools,  for  the  county  of  Franklin, 

Appointed  by  the  board  of  supervisors: 

Dana  H.  Stevens,  of  Moira  (Mr.  S.  was  a  physician, and  died  in  Moira 
about  18.50),  i  ppointed  November  12,  1841;  Elos  L.  Winslow,  appointed 
November,  1.^45;  DeWitt  C.  Backus,  appointed  November,  1847,  but 
the  office  was  abolished  belbre  he  entered  upon  its  duties. 

Congresaiond  Districls. — In  1812,  Franklin  was,  with  Washington, 
Clinton  and  Essex,  made  the  12th  district;  in  1822,  with  Clinton,  Essex 
and  Warren,  the  19tli;  in  1832,  with  St.  Lawrence,  the  14th;  in  1842, 
with  Warren,  Ciinton,  and  a  part  of  Hamilton,  the  15th}  and  in  1851, 
with  Clinton  and  Essex,  the  16th. 

Superintendents  of  the  Poor. — A.  White,  B.  Roberts,  S.  Langdon,  1848. 

Loan  Commissioners. — Asa  Wheeler,  John  Mazuzan,  April  11,1808; 
William  Bailey,  Amasa  Fairman,  February  13,  1810;  John  L.  Fuller, 
March  30,  1813,  iu  place  of  Fairman  (declined);  John  11.  Russell,  1814; 
Thomas  Smith,  Cone  Andrus,  February  ,5,  1820;  John  McCrea,  Febru- 
ary 25,  1822;  James  Campbell,  Thomas  Smith,  F'ebruary  7,  1824;  Asa 
Wheeler,  James  Campbell,  April  8,  1826;  Oliver  Westcott,  James  B. 
Spencer,  February  20,  182S);  f'.benezer  R.  Daggett,  Orlando  F^irnes!», 
March  D,  1832;  \Villinm  King,  in  f>iace  of  Furness  (deceased),  May  H, 
1835;  Aaron  Beeman.  iu  place  of  Daggett,  February  13,  1840;  Cephas 
Watson,  in  place  of  King,  February  13, 1840;  Hiram  B.  Miner,  in  place 
of  Beeman,  Fei)ruary  24,  1843;  Ebontzer  R.  Daggett,  in  place  of  Wat- 
Don,  February  24,  1843;  Ebenezer  R.  Daggett  reappointed,  March  19, 
1845;  Reuben  Cady,  iu  place  of  Miner,  March  19,  1845;  Thomas  J. 
Looker,  in  place  of  Daggett,  March  3,  1848;  Samuel  C.  F.  Thonulyko, 
in  place  of  Cady,  March  3,  1848. 

At  this  period  the  old   loan  fund  of  1808,  was  consolidated  whh  the 

United  States  deposit  fund. 

Commissioners' of  U.  S.  Deposit  Fund. — Orrin  Lawrence,  Goodrich 
Hazen,  April  11,  1837;  George  B.  R.  Gove,  in  place  of  Lawrence,  Feb- 
ruary 13,  1840:  Joshua  Dickinson,  in  place  of  Hazen,  February  13,1841; 
Haudet  B.  Mears,  in  i)lace  of  fjlove,  February  24,  1R43;  James  Adams, 


-**B^iii4:;. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


<>83 


in  place  of  Dickinson,  February  24, 1843;  Martin  R.  Durkee,  in  place  of 
Adams,  March  9,  1845;  Jolin  Roberts,  4th,  in  place  of  Durkee,  March  3, 
1848 ;  Henry  \l.  Ilosford,  March  3,  1848 ;  Henry  H.  Hosford,  March  19, 
1850;  John  Roberts,  4tii,  Marcii  19,  1850. 

This  county  received  $30,771-91  of  the  United  States  deposit  fund. 

Jlssemblymtn  from  Franklin  County. — By  its  act  of  incorporation,  this 
county  was  attached  to  Clinton,  forming  one  district,  which  was  repre- 
sented by  the  following  persons:  1802,  William  Bailey ;  1803-4,.  Peter 
Sailly  ;  1805,  Benjamin  Mooers  ;  1806,  William  Bailey  ;  1807, 
Nathaniel  Piatt  ;  1808,  Elisha  Arnold;  1809,  Kinner  Newcomb; 
1810-11,  Gates  Iloit;  1812,  no  returns;  1813-14,  Allen  R.  Moore; 
1815,  Robert  Piatt;  1816-17,  Benjamin  Mooera;  1818,  Gates  Iloit;  1819, 
Ebenezer  Brownson;  1820-1,  Piatt  Newcomb;  1822,  Abijah  North; 
1823,  William  Hogan.  In  1823,  Franklin  county  was  erected  into  a 
single  assembly  district,  and  has  since  so  remained.  1824,  George  B. 
R.  Gove ;  1825-6,  Asa  rfascall ;  1827,  James  Campbell ;  1828-30,  Luther 
Bradish;  1831-2,  James  B.  Spencer;  1833-4,  Jabez  Parkhurst;  1835,  Aea 
Hascall;  1836-8,  Luther  Bradish;  1839.  Asa  Hascall;  1840-1,  John  S. 
Eldridge;  1842,  Thomas  R.  Powell;  1843,  Joseph  H.  Jackson;  1844, 
Francis  D.  Flanders;  1845,  Hiram  liorton;  1846,  Sidney  Lawrence; 
1847,  Joseph  R.  Flanders;  1848,  Elos  L.  Winslow;  1849,  George  B.  R. 
Gove;  1850-1,  Wm.  A.  Wheeler;  1852-3,  Darius  W.  Lawrence. 


!d  with  the 


w' 


.*»■  1 


UrJT 


Bl^ 


ts{* 


5 

4r    - 


6  84 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


BIOGRAPHICAL  NOTICES. 

T  ia  the  most  pleasing  jinrt  of  tlie  liiHtorianV  duties  to  reconl 
the  iiniiies  mid  services  of  tliose  who  Imve  acted  a  h;ading  purl 
in  the  eventM  wliicii  make  up  tiic  annals  of  any  period  or  of  anv 
country ;  and,  in  short,  liistory  may  he  consi«Iered  but  the  recoi  il 
of  the  actions  of  leading  men,  as  all  popular  movements  and  all 
the  events  of  life  are  origiiuited  and  guided  by  a  iew.  In  a  work 
like  the  present,  it  is  a  delicate  task  to  discriminate  in  the  selec- 
tion of  sidtjpcts  for  notice,  and  numhcrs  are  necessar'ly  omitted 
from  the  impossibility  of  obtaining  data  concerning  them.  We  trn»t  it 
will  not  be  deemed  invidious  that  a  few  living  cili^ftcns  are  noticed  in  the 
followmg  pages.  We  have  been  induced  to  this  from  u  frequently  ex- 
]>re8sed  desire  of  numerous  friends,  and  regret  our  inability  to  extend 
them  to  that  of  others,  who  through  a  long  series  of  years,  have  been 
forenjost  in  measures  tending  to  tlie  general  welfiire  of  the  country,  and 
the  promotion  of  its  internal  improvement  and  prosperity. 

Rt'ssRi.i,  Attwatkr  was  born  Jime  20.  17G2,  at  Cheshire,  Ct.,  and  was 
n  son  of  Reuben  Attwater,  of  English  descent,  and  one  of  the  C4)mmittee 
of  safety  in  New  Haven  county  during  the  revnhiliou.  Rlr.  Attwater  en- 
gaged in  mercf'.ntile  pursuits  at  RIanlbrd,  Mass.,  in  early  life,  and  while 
on  business  in  New  York  in  1708,  he  was  induced  by  RIcCormick,  with 
whom  he  had  dealings,  to  purchase  parts  of  the  present  towns  of  Russell, 
Pierrcpont,  Ilopkinton,  &c.,  and  to  become  an  agent  for  McCorniick, 
Harrison  and  others.  An  account  of  his  labors  has  been  given  in  onr 
liistory  of  Russell,  Norfolk  and  Urasher.  In  1808  he  was  afipointed  nn 
n-isociate  judge,  and  held  the  office  many  years.  In  the  openin<r  of  the 
St.  Lawrence  turnpike,  aiul  the  roads  towards  Lake  (Jeorgearul  Albany, 
he  had  the  principal  direction,  and  his  energies  were  for  many  years  de- 
voted to  the  promotion  of  the  various  internal  improvements  of  the  coun- 
try. In  1814  he  was  elected  a  senator,  and  in  181fi  a  precidential  elector, 
and  voted  for  Clinton.  He  die«l  a>  the  residence  ofliia  son,  Phinneas 
Attwater,  in  Norfolk,  in  June,  J 8.^1. 

Thomas  JI.  Benepict  was  a  son  of  a  clergyman,  n  native  of  Woodbury, 
Ct.,  where  he  was  born  October  2.3,  l/KJ.  When  a  young  man,  he  came 
into  De  Kalb  with  judge  Cooper,  niid  engaged  in  mercantile  pinsuits. 
In  1812  he  held  a  colonel's  commission,  and  had  principal  charge  of  (he 
military  operations  at  Ogdensburgh  in  the  summer  of  1812,  During  tlie 
war  he  was  promoted  to  a  brigadier  general.  He  was  a  man  of  much 
ability,  and  merited  the  confidence  reposed  in  him,  but  military  atliiirs 
impaired  his  relish  for  the  quiet  pursuits  of  peace,  and  firesented  tein|»tH- 
tions  to  which  stronger  men  have  yielded.     He  died  at  De  Kalb,  March 

II,  isay. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


585 


John  Boyd  was  born  in  New  York  city,  August  2,  1772,  and  settled  in 
Hamilton  in  1805.  IJeing  appointed  sheriff,  lie  removed  to  Ogdensiiurjr't. 
and  remained  witii  an  interval  of  two  years,  a  citizen  of  tliat  village  till 
ills  death,  July  17,  183.%  atler  a  long  illness.  He  possessed  much  perse- 
verance and  energy,  and  was  an  aetive  and  useiid  member  of  society 
who  deeply  felt  the  loss  occasioned  by  his  death. 

James  Campbell.  Few  citizens  of  Franklin  county  have  held  more 
public  offices  or  have  seen  more  of  the  growth  and  progress  of  that 
country  than  Mr.  Catnftbell.  He  was  born  in  Kockingham,  Vt.,  June  3, 
1784,  and  in  1809  settled  at  French  Mills,  as  a  mechanic.  In  1812  he 
was  a|)pointed  inspector  of  customs,  and  during  the  summer  of  1812,  he 
acted  as  adjutant  of  the  (JGtli  regiment,  then  including  the  county,  and 
assisttant  U.  S.  store  keeper,  to  receive  the  inuuensc  quantities  of  supplies 
ordered  to  the  place  during  the  sojourn  of  Wilkinson's  army.  From 
1815  to  1818,  he  held  the  office  of  sheriff,  and  from  1818  to  1823,  was 
one  of  the  jiulges  of  the  county.  In  1820,  as  deputy  marshal!,  he  took 
the  census  of  the  county,  and  in  1827,  was  a  member  of  assembly.  In 
various  military  and  civil  capacities,  as  justice,  [iresidential  elector,  and 
in  numerous  town  and  county  offices,  he  has  been  equally  useful. 

Danikl  W.  Church,  whom  we  liave  so  oflen  mentioned  as  a  pioneer 
millwright,  and  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  m>".ny  facts  relating  to  the 

origin  of  the  several  towns,  was  born 
May  10, 1772,  iit  Hrattlehoro,  Vt.,  and 
moved  into  the  county  in  1801,  and 
for  many  years  was  actively  engaged 
in  erecting  the  first  mills  in  various 
]iarts  of  this  coimty  and  Franklin. 
In  the  hardships  and  labors  neces- 
sarily involved  in  these  pursuits, 
there  was  constantly  aflbrded  an  op- 
portunity for  the  exercise  of  that 
presence  of  ttjind  and  self  reliance 
which  rendered  him  j)articularly 
useful  to  the  country,  and  dm-ing  the 
military  operations  at  Ogdensburgh, 
which  terminated  with  its  capture  in 
February,  1813,  he  was  particularly 
active.  He  is  living  at  an  advanced 
age,  with  a  son  in  Alurris- 
town. 

Thomas  J.  Davies,  a  na- 
tive of  Washington,  Conn., 
came  into  the  county  in 
1800,  at  the  age  of  33,  selected  a  farm  on  Black  lake,  eight  miles  from  Og- 
densburgh, conmienced  i.iiprovements  atid  in  the  following  winter  brought 
in  his  family  by  way  of  V  ^rmont  and  Canada,  and  from  an  early  period, 
took  a  leading  part  in  political  and  public  affiiirs,  being  the  first  acting 
sheriff"  of  the  county,  which  office  he  held  for  many  years.  He  also  for 
some  time,  lield  the  office  of  county  jud«,e.  He  ilied  on  his  tiirm  at  Black 
lake,  April  18,  1845.  Judg.)  Davies,  with  only  an  ordinary  education, 
possessed  a  business  talent  \t'hich  joined  with  much  energy  of  character, 
rendered  him  valuable  as  a  pidtlic  officer,  and  prosperous  in  his  private 
affairs.  He  acted  with  the  democratic  p  u-ty.  His  son,  Charles  Davies, 
has  attained  distinction  as  a  mathematician,  and  for  many  years  held  a 
profoasorahip  in  tite  military  academy  at  West  Point. 


c4v 


w.^i 


i 


M 


586 


HISTORY   OF 


LAWRENCE 


Mi 


John  Fiwe  wns  born  in  New  York,  August  26, 1794,  and  wns  prepared 
for  college  by  Andrew  Smith,  a  Scotclininn,  a  well  known  and  severe 
teacher.  He  entered  Colun<))ia  college  in  1805,  and  graduated  in  1809, 
nt  the  age  of  15,  receiving  the  second  honor,  the  English  salutatory. 
Among  liia  college  classmates  were  bishops  B.  T.  Onderdonk  and  J. 
Kemper,  Rev.  Dr.  W.  E.  Wyatt,  Rev.  C.  R.  Duffee  and  J.  Brady ;  Drs. 
J.  W.  Francis  and  E.  N.  Bibby,  and  the  Hon.  Murray  Hoffman.  Mr. 
Fine  studied  law  four  years  with  P.  W.  Kadcliif,  one  year  with  G,  W. 
Strong,  and  attended  a  course  of  law  lectures  of  one  year  under  judges 
Reeve  and  Gould,  at  Litchfield,  Conn.  He  removed  to  St.  Lawrence 
county  in  1815,  and  formed  a  law  partnership  with  Louis  Hosbrouck, 
which  continued  until  the  death  of  the  latter  in  1834.  In  1824  he  was 
appointed  first  judge  of  the  county,  and  was  continued  in  this  office  by 
reap|K>intment  till  March,  1839.  In  the  fall  of  1838,  he  was  elected  to 
congreBB,  and  in  the  latter  of  the  two  years  was  on  the  committee  on 
foreign  affuiiis.  In  1844  he  was  reappointed  first  judge,  and  held  that 
office  until  the  adoption  of  the  new  constitution  in  1847.  During  his 
'MP'iee  of  over  eighteen  years  on  the  bench,  thrte  only  of  his  decisions 
were  reversed.  In  1848  he  was  elected  to  the  state  senate,  and  served 
one  term,  during  which  period  he  introduced  and  aided  in  carrying  into 
a  law,  the  bill  to  punish  criminally  the  seduction  of  females,  and  also  the 
bill  to  protect  the  property  of  married  women.  The  latter  has  made  a 
gnat  change  in  the  common  law,  and  raises  the  female  sex  from  a  menial 
and  dependant  coudition,  as  regards  the  control  of  their  property,  to  an 
equality  with  man.  The  refinements  of  civilized  society,  and  the  spirit 
bt  the  Christian  religion,  justify  the  law  whicli  has  been  incorporated 
into  our  code,  and  from  the  favor  with  which  it  has  been  received  by  the 
public,  there  is  a  proimbility  it  will  never  be  repealed.  Judge  Fine  re- 
ceiyad  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  from  Columbia  college,  in  1813,  and 
that  of  Doctor  of  Laws,  from  Hamilton  college,  in  1850.  In  1847  and 
1849,  he  was  nominated  forjudge  of  the  6upreme  court,  but  on  each  oc- 
casion was  unsuccessful,  the  venerable  Daniel  Cady,  of  Johnstown,  being 
elected.  From  1821  to  1833,  he  held  the  office  of'^county  treasurer,  and 
upon  resigning,  the  board  of  supervisors  passed  resolutions  expressive 
of  their  confidence  in  his  integrity  and  ability.*  In  1852  he  published  a 
volume  of  lectures  on  bw,  for  the  use  of  his  sons,  of  which  Judge  Cady 
hJBB  aaid :    "I  do  not  believe  there  is  another  work  in  the  English  lan- 

fuaga  which  contains  so  much  legal  information  in  so  few  words;  all 
read  and  hear  of  the  lectures,  strengthens  my  conviction  that  they 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  student  who  wishes  to  acquire  in  the 
shortest  time,  a  knowledge  of  the  laws  of  his  country."  The  high  station 
and  distinguished  attainments  of  the  one  b^  whom  this  opinion  was 
given,  confer  great  value  upon  it.  In  the  various  benevolent  movements 
of  the  day,  and  especially  in  the  founding  and  support  of  the  County  Bible 
society,  Judge  Fine  has  been  foremost,  and  he  will  long  be  regarded  as 
the  efficient  supporter  of  this  and  other  benevolent  societies:  as  a  dis- 
tinguished lawyer,  an  able  jurist,  and  as  one  who  in  every  respect  has 
adorned  ond  elevated  the  society  in  which  he  has  lived. 

Stillman  Foots,  the  first  permanent  settler  of  Canton,  was  born  in 

•  "  RtMolved,  That  the  linard  rrgrets  tliat  Mr.  Fine  findi  the  duties  of  the  office  incompatilile 
With  hi(  otiier  businesii,  and  that  in  accepting  hi*  reiignution  they  have  been  guveriied  by  a 
desire  to  comply  with  hia  request. 

Jit$olt*d,  That  tliis  board  have  the  fullest  confidence  in  the  able  manner  in  which  he  has 
di»oliurged  his  official  duties,  \vhivb  have  been  highly  sBiisfacio'y  to  the  board  of  tupervisur 
fwd  to  ^  public." 


8  prepared 
ii)(J  severe 
ed  in  1809, 
salutatory. 
)nk  and  J. 
rady;  Drs. 
'man.    Air. 
I'ith  G.  W. 
(icr  judges 
Lawrence 
Hagbrouck, 
124  he  was 
IS  oflicc  by 
elected  to 
nniittee  on 
lield  tliat 
During  his 
i  decisions 
ind  served 
rrying  into 
nd  also  the 
as  made  a 
im  a  menial 
»erly,  to  an 
i  the  spirit 
corporated 
ived  by  the 
[e  Fine  re- 
1813,  and 
1847  and 
>n  each  oc- 
own,  being 
iBurer,  and 
expressive 
wblished  a 
udge  Cady 
ngUsh  Ian- 
words;  all 
that  they 
lire  in  the 
igh  station 
inion  was 
novements 
unty  Bible 
igarded  as 
as  a  d\»- 
esjiect  has 

as  born  in 


incompatilile 
uveriieU  by  a 

ivhich  lie  has 
oftupervisur 


■^1 


*l3 


mM. 


f 

■    i 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIES. 


589 


Sinisbury,  Ct.,  Sept.  10,  1783,  and  was  the  son  of  Dnniel  Foote,  who 
was  one  of  tlie  first  settlers  of  Miildlebiiry,  Vt.,  where  he  erected  the 
first  mills,  in  1840,  at  the  age  of  80,  he  divided  his  propertv  among  his 
children,  and  with  that  fondness  for  the  life  of  a  pioneer,  charactei  wtic 
with  the  tinmily,  he  acconipaided  iiis  son  in  1801  to  Canton,  wherf;  he 
died.  S.  Fcote  was  the  firdt  magistrate  appointed  in  town,  and  for  many 
years  took  a  prominent  part  in  public  atfairs.  He  died  in  1834. 
George  Foote,  liis  brother,  was  Irarn  in  1749,  and  in  the  revolntion  was 
taken  prisoner,  hut  escaped.  At  an  early  day  lie  settled  in  Canton,  where 
he  died  May  19, 1830. 

David  Ford,  the  pioneer  of  Morristown,  was  a  native  of  Wew  Jersey, 
and  followed  Judge  Ford,  his  brother,  to  the  county,  in  1804.  In  early 
life  he  was  a  zealous  politician,  of  the  federal  school,  and  in  1794,  par- 
ticipated in  the  military  expedition  called  out  to  suppress  the  whiskey 
riots  of  Western  Pennsylvania.  In  this  affair  he  held  a  majorVcommis- 
ek)n  in  a  troop  of  horse.  He  died  at  Ogdensburgh,  Nov.  6,  1835,  at  the 
age  of  75. 

Nathan  Ford,  was  born  at  Morristown,  N.  J.,  Dec.  8, 1763,  and  hav- 
ing at  an  early  age  lost  both  parents,  lie  spent  his  childhood  with  his  pa- 
ternal grand-father,  Jacob  Ford,  and  remained  ai'ter  the  death  of  the 
latter  in  1777,  with  the  family,  receiving  but  a  common  education.  In 
1779-80,  he,  though  a  youth  of  but  17,  solicited  a  service  in  the  continent- 
al armies,  and  obtained  and  faithfully  discharged  the  duties  of  assistant 
deputy  quarter  master  general  during  the  memorable  winter  of  suffering 
in  which  the  American  army  lay  encamped  on  the  hills  back  of  Morris- 
town. While  still  a  young  man,  he  obtained  the  confidence  of  several 
of  the  parties,  who  had,  many  of  them,  been  officers  in  the  revolution, 
and  who  had  become  interested  in  the  land  speculations  of  Northern 
New  York,  and  was  sent  by  them  in  1794  and  1795  to  explore  the  north- 
ern part  of  the  state  where  they  hud  made  their  purchases,  and  also  to 
examine  and  report  u|ion  several  of  the  islands  near  Kingston,  which 
they  were  proposing  to  purchase  upon  speculation. 

We  have  given  some  of  the  details  of  his  settlement  at  Oswegatchie, 
from  which  it  will  be  learned  that  he  was  a  man  of  indomitable  energy 
and  force  of  character,  which  proved  adequate  to  tire  trying  emergencies 
which  surrounded  him,  and  which  would  have  discouraged  common 
men  from  proceeding.    The  Oswegatchie  Indians  often  proved  annoying, 
especially  when  stimulated  by  ardent  spirits,  ond  on  one  occasion  a  num- 
ber of  them  in  the  night  time,  entered  the  old  stone  garrison  which  he 
inhabited,  seized  Dick  his  negro  slave,  and  wop  about  to  put  him  into  the 
fire  which  was  burning  in  the  room,  but  the  cries  of  the  frightened  negro 
aroused  Mr.  Ford,  who  seized  his  sword,  and  without  waiting  to  dress, 
he  rushed  into  the  room,  and  succeeded  with  the  help  he  assembled,  in 
diiving  out  the  intruders.    This  afliiir  probably  occurred  in  a  drunken 
row,  for  aAer  the  Indians  had  been  driven  from  the  house  they  began  to 
quarrel  among  themselves,  and  one  Battise,  said  to  be  a  chief  of  the 
tribe,  got  stripped  and  beaten  till  he  was  nearly  dead.    During  the  night 
he  knocked  at  the  door  of  Mr.  Lyon  for  admission,  and  was  allowed  to 
enter  and  spend  the  night  on  the  finor.    In  the  tnoriiing  as  he  arose  to 
depart,  he  stooped  down  to  the  hearth,  blackened  both  hands  with  coal, 
and  rubbing  them  over  his  face,  he  with  a  whoop  and  a  bound,  sallied 
forth  to  avenge  the  injuries  he  had  received  on  the  previous  night.    These 
Indians  were  peculiarly  addicted  to  intemperance,  having  for  many  years 
resided  near  a  post  where  liquors  were  easily  procured,  and  in  conse- 
quence frequent  quarrels  arose  among  them,  and  the  night  was  of\en 


4 


t 


I  i  ■  % 


Kli^^^ 


690 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


made  hideous  by  thoir  bacchnnalinn  riotn  and  yelling.    Two  or  three  of 
their  number  f;ot  killed  at  theno  revela  in  171Ki  and  7. 

Early  in  180i3,  a  dinpnte  concerning  timber  on  OgdenV  island,  alluded 
to  on  p.  343,  hud  reached  Biirh  a  pitch  that  lite  was  threntened,  and  the 
ntliiir  neceHsarily  came  under  the  notice  of  Judge  Ford,  who  wrote  to 
Ciovernor  Clinton  as  follows:  "  Upon  my  arrival  here,  I  availed  myself 
of  the  first  safe  opportunity  to  forward  the  letter  (your  excellency  did 
me  the  honor  to  commit  to  my  rare),  to  the  chiefs  of  the  St.  Regis  vil- 
lage. Upon  inquiry,  I  found  they  had  carried  a  very  high  hand  respect- 
ing  the  island  business,  and  absolutely  went  so  fur  us  to  threaten  the 
taking  of  scalps.  This  threat  wus  made  by  Gray,  and  was  previous  to 
Judge  EdsalPs  sending  the  express  forward.  Upon  my  being  intbrmed 
of  this  outrageous  conduct,  I  wrote  Gray  a  letter  upon  the  subject,  and 
wished  to  know  how  he  durst  throw  out  such  threats  against  the  citizens 
of  this  state;  and  told  him  it  was  absolutely  necessary  for  him  to  come 
forward  and  make  such  concessions  us  conduct  like  this  required;  that 
harmony  and  good  tinderstunding  the  citizens  of  this  country  were  wil- 
ling to  cultivate,  but  threats  like  this  they  would  bo  far  from  submitting 
to,  and  the  sooner  he  gave  satisfactory  explanations  upon  the  subject,  the 
sooner  harmony  would  be  restored.  Had  he  resided  in  the  county  or 
state,  as  u  magistrate,  I  should  have  pursued  a  different  method  with 
him.  Col.  Lewis,  who  was  on  his  woy  home  from  Oneido,  (and  who 
had  not  seen  your  excellency's  letter  to  the  chiefs,  or  mine  to  Gray), 
called  upon  me.  1  explained  to  him  the  subject  of  y^m  excellency's  let- 
ter, and  also  mine  to  Gray.  I  told  him  it  was  a  ni.  r  of  astonishment, 
that  he  and  Gray  should  have  to  act  in  such  o|ien  «letiunce  of  the  laws 
of  the  state  os  they  had  done  respecting  the  sale  of  the  timber  upon  the 
island ;  had  it  been  by  common  Indians,  some  little  apology  might  have 
been  made  for  them,  but  for  him  and  Grey,  there  certuiidy  could  be  none, 
I)ecause  they  knew  better,  and  they  as  certainly  could  have  no  doubt 
resting  upon  their  minds  as  to -the  islands  beitig  comprehended  in  the 
sale  of  those  lands  to  the  state;  and  as  an  evidence  that  at  the  time  of  the 
treaty,  he  and  Gray  applied  to  your  excellency,  to  know  if  the  islontls 
would  not  be  taken  possession  of  before  the  corn  which  was  then  upon 
them  would  be  fit  to  gather.  This  was  too  strong  a  circumstance  to 
admit  of  a  quibble,  and  too  well  grounded  in  their  recollection  to  be  de- 
nied. He  attempted  a  weak  apology,and  concluded  by  saying,  he  hoped 
good  understanding  would  not  be  broken  up,  and  that  similar  conduct 
would  not  take  place.  I  then  stated  to  him  Gray's  threats,  and  the 
necessity  there  was  of  his  coming  forward  and  making  satisfactory  oc- 
knowledgements  which  should  be  made  as  public  as  his  threats  had 
been.  This  he  assured  me  he  should  do,  and  accordingly  Gray  came 
up,  and  afler  making  the  fiillest  recantation,  declared  he  never  meant  or 
intended  harm  to  any  of  the  citzens  of  this  state,  and  that  he  must  have 
been  in  liquor  when  so  unguarded  an  expression  escaped  him,  and 
hoped  the  thing  might  be  overlooked.  I  then  talked  with  him  upon  the 
subject  of  the  island.  He  did  not  pretend  but  that  the  islands  were  con- 
tained in  the  sales  to  the  state,  but  attempted  to  apologize  by  impressing 
the  idea  of  a  grant  made  to  the  St.  Regis  people  of  that  particular  island, 
by  the  Oswegatchie  Indians.  1  found  no  difiiculty  to  confound  him  in 
this  specious  pretext,  for  it  has  been  his  and  Lewis's  uniform  declara- 
tion to  me,  that  the  Oswegatchie  Indians  never  had  any  claim  whatever, 
to  lands  in  this  part  of  the  state,  consequently  they  could  not  grunt  an 
island  in  the  river.  In  consequence  of  his  excellency's  letter,  the  buisi- 
Qess  of  the  island  I  hope  is  happily  concluded,  and  I  hope  a  sitnilar  oc- 


0  or  three  of 

dam],  alluded 
Mied,  and  tlie 
I'lio  wrote  to 
vniled  inyHcIf 
scelleiicy  did 
St.  Rejoin  vil- 
iniid  respect- 
tlirtMiten  the 
3  previous  to 
ing  intbriiied 
Htd)ject,  and 
9t  the  citizens 
hiin  to  cotne 
squired;  tliut 
ry  W(-ro  wil- 
tn  submitting 
e  subject,  the 
he  county  or 
method  with 
In,  (und  who 
ne  to  Gray), 
:ellcncy's  let- 
istonishnient, 
of  the  laws 
ber  upon  the 
r  might  have 
)uld  be  none, 
ve  no  doubt 
3nded  in  the 
e  time  of  the 
f  the  islandH 
8  then  upon 
umtitunce  to 
ion  to  be  de- 
g,  he  hoped 
ar  conduct 
ttN,  und  the 
fifiictory  ac- 
tiiroats  had 
day  came 
'er  meant  or 
must  have 
him,  and 
m  upon  the 
8  were  con- 
impressing 
:ular  island, 
und  him  in 
III   declara- 
n  whatever, 
ot  grunt  nn 
r,  the  busi- 
sitnilar  oc- 


'■■"'    '■■■    l^.l.MU,    II    ■!,.    ■.    !»■•"■' 


/^<^i 


2^7^-^       '^>^^^ 


!;"':il1 


1 

1 

AND    FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


693 


cnsion  will  not  prpwnnt  it«'lf.  I  roriKider  it  proper  to  ft'ivn  your  exr«'l- 
li'tiry  the  cnrlieHt  iiiforrimlioii  upon  this  subject,  utid  it  wna  but  yenterdny 
thnt  Oniy  ciiuih  forward." 

Mr.  Ford  wmm  appointed  first  Jnd;.'!',  which  office  he  held  for  mnny 
yenrH,  and  in  thin  ctipnrity  he  ever  evinced  tliiit  promptnensnnd  deciNion, 
joined  with  Hoiind  judgement,  thnt  nnderett  him  peculinrly  vnlnuble  to 
tlie  public,  niul  n  terror  to  evil  doers.  In  politics  hu  vvos  federal,  and 
altliou)(li  he  denouncod  the  policy  of  the  war,  bin  course  was  mich  as  to 
secure  the  confidence  of  the  officers  stationed  at  0;rdenHhtn'f;l),  niul  he 
was  particularly  useful  in  disuadin^  tiom  predatory  incursions  for  phui- 
dering,  wbicli  led  only  to  retaliation^.  For  several  years  previous  to  bin 
death,  which  occurred  in  April,  Iti^M,  his  constitution  find  been  yieldiiif^ 
to  the  insidioUii  approaches  of  couMuniption,  but  the  vi>;or  of  hia  inind 
remained  unimpaired,  and  he  continued  to  feel  a  di!e[)  interest  in  public 
iitfairs,  nOer  bis  strength  had  denied  him  the  |iower  of  taking  part  in 
them.  He  had  seen  and  felt  the  first  I'eeble  lieginninfrs  of  a  colony  which 
had  grown  up  to  a  populous  and  thriving  town,  and  the  bowling  wilder- 
ness traversed  only  by  savages  and  wild  bfmsts,  transformed  into  cultiva- 
ted fields  and  inhabited  l>y  an  inteliiL'eiit  and  prosperous  people.  With 
the  progress  of  u  third  of  a  century  lielbrc  liini,  be  looked  forward  into 
coming  years,  and  with  the  prophetic  faiili  natural  to  bis  employment, 
realised  in  his  mental  vision  the  chiin;;u  which  a  century  would  work  in 
the  condition  of  the  country  aroimd  iiim.  Some  time  before  ids  death, 
a  friend  conversing  on  this  subject,  iisked  him  if,  in  ids  dreams,  the 
future  aspect  of  the  town  ever  presented  itself.  The  idea  instantly  struck 
hirn,  ami  with  an  energy  beyond  his  strength,  and  an  eye  kindling  with 
enthusiasm  be  replied,  "■Drrmn'f  I  ace  it!  A  rich  and  populous  cjVy.'  A 
wide  extent  of  country  covered  with  houses;  n  harbor  crowded  with  the 
fleet  of  the  lakes!"  He  then  went  on  and  in  glowing  language,  portray- 
ed the  coming  greatness  and  opulcin-e  which  natural  ndvantages  were 
destined  to  confer  upon  the  town.  I'rom  the  earliest  period,  Mr.  Ford 
hud  taken  the  strongest  interest  in  the  welfiire  of  the  Presbyterian 
church  in  the  village,  and  the  day  before  his  death,  he  bad  a  cunvcrsn- 
tiori  with  some  of  the  officers  of  tbi;  society,  in  which  he  said,  "  You 
know  the  dt^ep  interest  I  have  always  taken  in  the  society,  and  how 
nrdently  I  feel  at  the  close  of  life  for  its  welfin-e.  I  enjoin  it  upon  yon 
nil  to  cultivate  pence  among  each  other,  and  let  no  jealousies  or  dissen- 
tions  creep  in  among  you.  Let  eveiy  one  of  you  try  to  excell  the  rest 
in  giving  up  their  own  individual  wislies  for  the  good  of  the  whole.  I 
am  drawing  near  tiie  close  of  life,  I  look  forward  to  the  salvation  pur- 
chased by  Clirist,  as  abundantly  suflicient  to  save  all  who  will  put  their 
trust  in  him." 

In  |)er8on,  Mr.  Ford  was  thin  and  slender,  and  his  features  nre  well 
represented  in  the  portrait  given ;  his  eye  possessed  unusual  brilliancy,  and 
when  excited  Ity  any  topic  thnt  engnged  his  whole  soul,  it  sparkled  with 
entbusinsm  and  feeling.  In  his  manners  be  was  courteous  and  gracefid, 
and  his  hospitality  was  of  that  elegiuit  kind  which  while  it  made  its 
recipients  at  ease,  gave  them  a  sense  of  tvelcome,  and  a  home  feeling,  so 
emineiitly  pleasing  to  the  guesis.  He  was  interred  in  the  family  vault, 
in  the  western  part  of  the  village,  wiiich  is  neatly  enclosed  in  a  wall, 
and  the  grounds  within  are  suitably  adorned  with  shrubbery. 

Asa  IIascall,  a  native  of  Vermont,  removed  from  Essex  county 
where  be  hiid  acquired  the  legal  pnifession,  and  settled  at  Malone,  in 
1815,  In  1818,  ha  wns  elected  supt-rvisor  of  Malone  which  office  be 
lleld  till  lb38.    From  1840  to  1843,  lie  held  the  same  office.    He  Trasfor 


.<(■.*'• 


594 


HISTORY   OF  ST.   LAWRENCE 


1.. 


many  years  a  justice  of  tlie  peace  and  district  attorney  for  Fraukiin 
county.  He  also  repeatedly  represented  liis  district  in  assembly.  He 
died  in  Malone,  January  5,  1852,  at  the  age  of  66,  having  lor  several 
years  been  disabled  by  u  ])aralytic  stroke.  In  his  private  and  public  life, 
he  was  a  true  specimen  of  the  noblest  work  of  God.  In  every  station 
which  he  held  he  always  acquitted  himself  like  a  man.  The  members 
of  the  bar  in  the  county,  were  accustomed  to  look  to  liirn  with  a  feelinff 
bordering  upon  reverence,  as  a  pattern  of  integrity  nnd  worth  in  their 
]>rofe8sion,  wliom  tiiey  might  safely  imitate.  As  a  citizeii,  as  a  lawyer, 
and  above  all,  as  a  Christian,  his  influence  was  great  and  unbounded, 
nnd  employed  to  a  good  account." 

Louis  Hasbrocck,  was  the  fiftii  in  descent  from  a  family  of  French 
Hugueiio  3,  who  fled  from  France  to  Holland,  and  thence  to  New  York, 
and  settled  on  the  Hudson,  in  the  present  town  of  New  Palt;:,  Ulster 
county.  He  was  born  at  New  Paltz,  on  the  banks  of  liie  Wuilkill,  April 
2*2,  1777,  nnd  received  his  collegiate  education  at  Nassau  Hall,  in  Prince- 
ton, at  which  he  graduated  Sept.  25,  1797,  and  studied  law  in  New  York, 
under  Josiah  Ogden  Hoffman  and  Cadwallader  Golden.  In  Aujfust,  1801, 
he  was  admitted  at  Albanv  to  practice  in  the  supreme  court,  and  in  Sep- 
tember following,  to  the  IJ.jtercourt  of  common  pleas.  While  at  Albany, 
at  the  time  of  his  admission  to  tiie  supreme  court,  he  met  with  Judge 
Ford,  and  was  persuaded  to  come  to  Ogdensburgh  to  settle, and thiough 
the  same  influence  he  received  an  appointment  as  clerk  of  the  county, 
March  10,  180:2.  In  June  he  arrived  nt  Ogdensburgh,  and  oi!iciated  at 
the  first  court  held  in  the  old  garrison  in  that  month.  He  came  by  horse- 
back, with  others,  through  the  Mohawk  and  Black  river  countries.  He 
returned  in  October,  and  continued  for  two  years  to  spend  his  winters 
below,  and  his  summers  in  Ogdensburgh.  In  May,  1804,  he  started  with 
the  view  of  making  a  permanent  residence,  accompaniet^  by  his  wife, 
brother,  a  lady  cousin,  and  a  female  slave,  end  proceeded  up  the  Mo- 
liawk  valley  and  the  Black  river  settlements,  in  a  wagon,  as  ♦''•  as  Cof- 
fin's tavern,  in  West  Carthage.  It  being  impossible  to  proceed  further 
by  wagon,  he  hired  anotlier  liorse  of  a  Frenchman  called  Battise,  and 
j)roceeded  on  from  thence  with  three  horsey  to  the  five  travelers.  One 
of  the  horses  wi^s  used  as  a  pack  horse,  and  across  it  were  laid  two  bags 
containing  provision  and  clothing.  Their  outfit  for  a  march  of  several 
days  through  a  wilderness,  with  no  guide  but  a  line  of  marked  trees,  and 
only  casual  opportunities  of  procuring  supplies  from  the  huts  of  scattered 
settlers,  ccr.jisted  of  some  dried  beef,  a  few  lemons  for  making  lemon- 
ade, htrd  crackers,  and  a  little  tea  and  sugar.  For  milk,  bread,  and 
other  provisions,  they  trusted  to  the  supplies  they  might  procure  olong 
the  road  of  inhabitants,  or  kill  in  the  forest  witli  their  fire  arms.  Mr. 
Joseph  Hasbrouck  led  the  wa},  and  the  others  followed  in  Indian  file, 
adopting  at  times  the  practice  of  ridingand  tying,  and  at  others  mounting 
douhte.  The  route  led  through  Wilna,  Antwerp,  and  somewhere  near 
the  line  of  the  Old  State  road,  to  the  Oswegatchie,  ntthe  present  village 
of  Heuvelton,  where  thej  crossed  the  river  in  a  scow.  Tlieir  first  night 
was  spent  at  Lewis's,  their  second  at  Lee's  (now  Mordecai  Cook's,  in 
Antwerp),  their  third  at  Biistol's  (De  Peyster's),  and  their  fourtii  at  the 
old  garrison  in  Ogdensburgh.  The  Hasbrouck  mansion  was  erected  the 
year  previous,  and  finished  in  1804.  Mr.  H.  moved  for  a  few  weeks  into 
Judge  Ford's  building,  at  the  garrison.  Mr.  Hasbrouck  arrived  in  the  iii- 
fjincy  of  its  settlement,  and  commenced  the  practice  of  law  in  that  vil- 
lage, which  he  continued  till  his  death.  He  held  the  office  of  county 
clerk  until  1817.    During  a  period  of  thirty-two  years,  io  which  he  mw 


AND  FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


595 


two  bags 


the  progressive  and  rapid  rise  of  the  cotinty,  from  a  wilderness  to  a  pop- 
ulous and  prosperous  district,  he  was  intimately  concerned  with  its  busi- 
ness and  its  interests,  and  was  extensively  known  to  its  citizens,  by  all 
classes  of  whom  he  was  highly  esteemed  for  the  many  excellent  quali- 
ties he  possessed.  With  the  purest  rectitude  of  principle  in  all  his 
conduct,  he  united  a  kindness  and  benevolence  of  disposition,  that  made 
him  alike  respected  and  beloved  by  all.  Modest  and  impretending  in 
his  manners,  he  sought  not  public  distinction,  and  prelerred  the  walks 
of  private  life,  from  which  he  could  not  be  prevailed  to  withdraw,  imtil 
nt  the  full  election  of  1832,  he  reluctrntly  consented  to  allow  his  political 
friends  io  nominate  him  for  the  office  of  senator  of  this  state.  To  this 
oiiice  ho  was  elected,  and  continued  until  bis  decease,  which  resulted 
from  thf!  liydrothorax  on  the  20th  of  Aug.,  18.34.  The  members  of  the 
bar  of  th?  county  of  St.  Lawrence,  resident  in  Ogdensbi  ■;,i ,  convened 
the  day  after,  and  testified  their  respect  for  the  amiable  chatQCter  of  the 
deceassd  by  passing  a  series  of  resolutions  highly  expressive  of  their 
esteem  for  his  merits,  and  sorrow  at  his  death ;  and  followed  in  a  body  to 
his  last  resting  place,  the  remains  of  the  citizen  whose  memory  it  was 
their  privilege  to  honor.  The  trustees  of  the  village  also  called  a  meet- 
ing of  the  inhabitants  to  consider  the  proper  measures  to  be  taken  for 
paying  suitable  resftect  to  his  memory.  The  meeting  thus  assembled, 
adopted  measures  for  testifying  their  sorrowandexpressing  their  sympa- 
thy with  the  family  of  the  deceased. 

RoswELi.  Hopkins,  was  born  in  Ameniu,  Dutchess  county,  in  May, 
1757.  At  an  early  age  lie  emliarked  in  the  arduous  strupgle  of  the  revo- 
lution, and  was  engaged  in  ♦..';«  battle  of  Bermington,  and  also  at  the 
capture  of  liurgoyne,  near  Stillwater.  He  afterwards  served  two  cam- 
paigns as  a  volunteer  at  West  Point,  and  its  vicinity.  His  campaign  at 
this  latter  place,  was  terminated,  however,  by  his  being  taken  a  prisoner, 
when  he  was  put  on  board  one  of  the  British  prison  ships,  and  eventu- 
ally landed  at  Newport,  Rhode  island,  where  he  was  incarcerated  with 
otiierp  for  a  considerable  period,  and  for  four  days  immediately  siibse- 
quenr  to  landing,  without  taking  a  morsel  of  food.  He  was  released 
from  this  place  on  parole,  about  the  close  of  the  war.  He  settled  in  Ar- 
lington, in  Vermont,  where  he  reside«l  till  after  he  was  appointed  secre- 
tary of  state,  when  lie  removed  to  Bennington,  then  the  seat  of  the  state 
government.  Besides  the  ottice  of  secretary  of  state,  (to  which  he  was 
reelected  annually,  by  the  general  assembly,  (or  ten  years  or  more  in  suc- 
cession, till  he  gave  in  bis  resignation),  he  held  various  other  responsible 
state  offices,  and  was  once  appointed  elector  of  president  and  vice  presi- 
dent of  the  United  States.  At  the  [leriod  of  the  early  settlement  of  this 
region.  Judge  Hopkins  purchased  a  large  tract  of  land,  including  the 
townsiiip  of  Hopkinton,  in  this  county,  and  removed  his  family  from 
Vermont  to  his  late  residence.  During  all  the  hardships  and  privations 
incident  to  the  settlement  of  a  new  countrv,  a  wide  field  is  necessarily 
opened  for  the  exercise  of  all  those  charities  and  acts  of  soothing  kind- 
ness which  have  distinguisiied  the  conduct  of  some  of  the  proprietors  of 
this  county.  The  course  of  Judge  Hopkins  with  respect  to  the  settlers 
of  his  land,  to  whom  he  stood  in  tho  relation  of  a  father,  was  strongly 
marked  by  that  unbounded  generosity  and  munificence,  which  fornied 
so  prominent  a  feature  in  his  character.  Soon  aller  the  organization  of 
the  county,  he  was  appointed  a  judge  of  the  cumt  of  common  pleas,  the 
duties  of  which  station  he  discharged  with  his  usiiai  ability,  for  several 
years.  He  was  elected  to  a  seat  in  the  legislature  c' this  state,  four  years 
■uccesaively,  from  1810  to  1813.    For  some  years  before  hia  death  he 


.!^ 


596 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


A 


t         I 


V   1 


P. 


"t 


took  no  part  in  public  nffairs,  but  continued  to  enjoy  the  confidence  nnd 
esteem  of  all  who  knew  him.  Ho  died  at  the  nge  of  73,  Sept.  5,  I8"21), 
in  Chazy,  from  i.ijury  sustained  by  huing  thrown  from  a  wagon,  and  hia 
remains  were  brought  back  and  interred  in  liopkinton. 

Hiram  Hortoct.  Few  persons  liel(1  a  more  conspictiouH  pince  in 
public  life  among  the  pioneers  of  Fianklin  county  than  Judge  Horion. 
He  was  a  native  of  Springfield,  Miis.s.,  and  his  ancestors  were  (mioiig  the 
first  settlera  of  that  place.  In  iiis  youth  lie  failed  to  enjoy  tlie  ad- 
vantages of  an  education,  and  wns  never  able  to  attend,  a  district  school 
but  six  weeks  in  bis  life,  but  feeling'  the  importance  of  this  element,  so 
necessary  for  the  performance  of  th(;  active  duties  of  life,  he  set  himself 
about  the  task  of  self  education,  and  at  the  age  of  twenty,  had  fitted  him- 
self to  become  the  teacher  of  a  difstri<rt  school,  and  was  employed  us  an 
assistant  by  the  secretary  of  state  in  VeriMont.  At  at. out  this  time  he  re- 
moved to  Brandon,  Vt.,  where  he  purchased  a  commodious  farm  on 
Otter  creek,  and  now  in  part  occupied  by  the  village  of  Brandon,  and  by 
a  diligent  and  successful  course  of  industry,  acquired  a  considerable 
amount  of  property.  In  1808,  he  removed  to  Malone,  where  he  jiur- 
chased  the  mill  privilegeson  both  sides  of  Salmon  river,  and  erected  ilie 
first  mills  worthy  of  the  name.  lie  subsequently  filk'd  the  offices  of 
supervisor,  county  treasurer,  ju<!fre,  and  first  judge,  and  was  for  many 
years  an  agent  for  Pierrepont  and  Ellice,  in  the  sale  and  settlement  of 
their  lands.  His  death  occurred  Oct.  5,  1824,  at  Malone,  at  the  age  of 
(M.  During  the  war  he  was  a  fedondist,  but  sustained  the  measures  of 
government  in  prosecuting  that  measure,  an<l  towards  the  close  of  his 
life  his  political  preferences  were  in  favor  of  Clinton. 

David  C.  Judsoiv,  came  into  the  county  of  St.  Lawrence  in  the  spring 
of  1808,  his  father's  family  having  settled  on  Black  lake,  in  Oswegntchie, 
two  years  previously,  from  Washington,  Ct.  It  lieing  the  fieriod  of  the 
embargo,  Mr.  J.  engage<l  in  no  permanent  business,  until  1811,  when  on 
the  appointment  of  the  late  Thomas  J.  Davies,  to  the  office  of  sheriff, 
he  in  connection  with  his  friend  Mr.  York,  undertook  to  do  all  the  active 
duties  of  the  office  throughout  the  eotmty,  the  former  taking  all  east  of 
the  east  line  of  Lisbon  and  Canton,  and  the  latter  the  remainder. 

He  accordingly  located  at  Hamilton,  in  Madrid,  and  this  arrangement 
continued  durisig  rhe  official  term  of  Mr.  Davies,  and  of  Mr.  York,  his 
successor.  In  1818,  he  was  appoiered  sheriff,  and  assuming  the  active  du- 
ties of  the  western  half,  and  thus  became  thoroifghly  conversant  wiih  the 
entire  county,  and  a  witness  ol  its  early  and  feeble  begimiings,  which  was 
of  eminent  service  to  him  in  subsecptent  life.  In  the  division  of  the  demo- 
cratic party,  during  the  era  of  good  feeling  in  national  politi(;8,  in  rela- 
tion to  Mr.  Clinton  and  his  policy,  Mr.  J.  adhering  to  Mr.  C.  was  re- 
moved from  the  office  of  sheriff,  on  tlio  triumph  of  the  Bucktail  party,  iu 
1821. 

He  was  immediately  after  nominated  and  elected  to  the  senate  frni 
the  eastern  district.  The  constitniiori  of  1821,  coming  into  operation  in 
1822,  by  which  all  legislative  and  judicial  offices  w<!re  vacated,  he  de- 
clined renomination,  and  was  principally  instrumental  in  securing  the 
nomination  of  Silas  VVright,  Jr.,  w  ho  was  elected,  and  then  first  occu- 
pied the  field  in  which  he  became  so  eminent.  In  the  selection  of  a 
new  suite  for  the  public  buildings,  Mr.  Judson  from  his  intimate  know- 
ledge of  the  county,  gave  his  influence  for  a  change,  believing  that  the 
public  wants  required  it,  and  his  idiMitification  with  this  measiu'e  con- 
tributed to  his  election  to  the  asscndijy  in  1818,  the  county  having  be- 


■¥< 


1'  ll 


)nfi{lence  nnd 
Sept.  5,  18-^9, 
agon,  and  hia 

loiiR  pince  in 
lulge  Horutii. 
re  itmoiig  the 
njoy  the  ad- 
liutrict  8chool 
8  element,  so 
je  set  liitnself 
ad  fitted  liini- 
i|»loyed  as  an 
lis  time  lie  re- 
iotis  iiiirri  on 
ndon,  and  hy 

consideruhle 
here  lie  pur- 
id  ererted  tlie 
tlie  offices  of 
vas  for  many 
settlement  of 
It  the  ajrc  of 

measures  of 
I  close  of  his 

in  the  spring 
Oswegntchie, 
[leriod  of  the 
811,  when  on 
ce  of  sheriff, 
nil  the  active 
ng  all  cast  of 
iider. 

arrangement 
Ir.  York,  his 
he  active  dii- 
sant  with  the 
:s,  which  was 
of  the  dcnio- 
ilicH,  in  rtlii- 
C.  Was  re- 
tail |)arty,  in 

senate  fr^ni 
nperalion  in 

ted,  he  de- 
scctiriiig  the 
II  first  occii- 

Icction  of  a 
unite  know- 
'ing  that  the 
icasiire  con- 
having;  be- 


1i'i: 


t-n-'/ 


/ 


^^  ^  Mg  ^/rc~>, 


¥  lii' 


AND  FBANELIN    COUNTIES. 


699 


fore  been  decidedly  federal.  The  measure  was  brought  forward  this 
seHsion,  but  defeated,  principally  through  the  influence  of  the  Inte  George 
Parish.  In  1826  it  was  again  brought  forward,  aided  hy  Mr.  Wright,  in 
the  senate,  and  Mr.  Judson,  notwithstanding  his  interests,  and  residence 
at  Ogdensburgh,  gave  his  influence  for  it.  It  was  at  last  siiccessful, 
having  been  made  the  issue  of  the  election  of  1 897,  and  he  was  one  of 
the  building  committee  appointed  to  superintend  the  erection  of  the 
new  buildings,  which  were  completed  in  time  for  the  fall  term  of  1829, 
at  a  cost  of  less  than  $7000. 

From  1829  till  1840,  he  was  one  of  the  judges  of  the  county  court. 
In  the  fall  of  1829,  he  was  chosen  cashier  of  the  Ogdensburgh  Bank, 
and  remained  till  1840,  when  he  resigned,  and  in  the  fall  of  that  year 
was  appointed  collector  of  the  district  of  Oswegatchie,  by  Van  Buren, 
and  held  this  station  under  the  different  presidents,  until  1849,  since 
which  he  has  enjoyed  "  the  post  of  honor — a  private  station."  It  is  sel- 
dom that  an  individual  is  found,  who  for  nearly  half  a  century,  has  been 
so  extensively  and  so  intimately  concerned  in  public  aflairs,  and  it  is  but 
justice  to  add,  that  his  worth  is  appreciated  as  extensively  as  his  name  is 
known,  and  in  most  of  the  public  improvements  of  the  county  in  gen- 
eral, and  of  Ogdtnsburgh  and  vicinityjn  pakdcular,  we  witness  some  of 
the  beneficial  results  of  his  influence. 

Dr.  Robert  McChesney,  a  native  of  Troy,  studied  his  profession 
with  Dr.  Joseph  White,  of  Cherry  Valley,  and  David  Little,  of  Spring- 
field, N.  v.,  and  in  1810,  removed  to  Madrid,  and  in  the  year  following 
to  Potsdam.  He  there  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  profession  with 
increasing  reputation  and  success,  until  his  death  in  May  1824,  at  the 
age  of  3().  He  was  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and  fine  abilities,  and  en- 
joyed to  a  high  degree  the  confidence  of  the  public. 

David  A.  OaoEfr,  with  his  father  Abraham  Ogden,  and  his  brother 
Thomas  L.Ogden,  all  of  whom  then  resided  in  Newark,  New  Jersey, 
purchased  of  William  Constable  in  1796,  the  town  of  Madrid.  Af\er 
the  decease  of  their  father  the  two  brothers  became  the  owners  of  this 
property,  one  third  of  which  they  sold  in  1803,  to  Joshua  Waddington, 
of  iVcw  York.  David  A.  Ogden,  was  the  eldest  of  a  family  of  twelve 
children,  llis  father  Abraham  Ogden,  was  a  native  of  New  Jersey, 
where  he  spent  the  greater  part  of  his  life,  and  his  ancestors  were 
among  the  earliest  settlers  of  that  state.  He  resided  in  Morristown, 
during  the  time  when  the  American  army  lay  in  winter  quarters  there, 
and  his  house  was  occupied  by  General  Washing  'on,  as  his  quarters, 
during  his  sojourn  there.  Mr.  Abraham  Ogden,  followed  the  profession 
of  his  father,  that  of  a  lawyer.  Upon  the  organization  of  the  general 
government,  he  received  the  unsolicited  appointment  of  district  attor- 
ney f'lr  the  state  of  New  Jersey,  which  office  he  held  until  his  death,  in 
1798.  Besides  the  purchase  of  Madrid  as  above  stated,  Mr.  A.  Ogden,  in 
company  with  Mr.  Hoffman,  his  brother-in-law,  purchased  a  tract  in 
Hague  and  Cimbray,  since  called  the  Ogden  and  Iloffinan  tract.  He 
was  a  brother  of  Samuel  Ojrden,  the  early  owner  of  Oswegatchie,  and 
the  person  from  whom  the  present  village  of  Ogdensbm gri  rtb/'ved  its 
name.  D.  A.  Ogden,  studied  law  in  his  father's  office,  and  at  about  the 
period  of  the  death  of  the  latter,  he  removed  to  New  York,  and  in  com- 
pany with  his  brother  T.  L.  Ogden,  commenced  the  practice  of  his  pro- 
fession, where  they  formed  a  business  connection  with  Alexander  Hamil- 
ton, which  gave  them  a  prominence  in  their  profession,  and  terminated 
with  the  memorable  duel  between  Hamilton  and  Aaron  Burr,  which 
cast  a  gloom  of  sorrow  over  the  nation.    Mr.   O^den  continued   the 


600 


HISTORY   OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


^i^^^ 


■*fii'" 


practice  of  his  profession  in  New  York  until  1812,  when  he  retired  frotn 
that  pursuit,  to  carry  into  execution  a  plan  which  he  had  I'or  some  years 
clierisiied,  to  remove  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  fix  his  permanent  renidence 
on  its  benutiful  shores.  In  pursuance  of  this,  he  built  a  fine  and  sub- 
stantial dwelling  on  the  island  opposite  the  village  of  Waddington  and 
commenced  its  improvement  as  a  farm,  which  comprises  nearly  eight 
hundred  acres.  lie  was  at  this  time  in  the  prime  of  life,  and  carried 
with  him  those  tasted  for  rural  employments,  which  he  had  imbibed  in 
early  life,  wiiicu  with  his  favorite  literory  pursuits,  were  well  calculated 
to  render  his  residence  agreeable,  not  only  to  himself,  but  to  those  who 
might  associate  with  him.  He  early  turned  bis  attention  to  improving 
the  natural  advantages  of  his  location,  not  only  as  an  agricultural  but  as 
a  commercial  and  mauufactui  ing  district. 

A  feeling  of  brotherhood,  and  community  of  interest,  was  engendered 
by  the  difficulties  encountered  by  tiie  pioneer  settlers,  and  many  early 
emigrants  speak  with  gratitude  of  the  sympathy  and  assistance  they  re- 
ceived from  him  in  time  of  nee<l.  He  was  once  elected  to  congress, 
and  for  eight  years  held  the  office  of  first  judge  of  the  county  court, 
when  on  account  of  declining  henltli,  he  retired  from  the  bench.  At 
the  announcement  of  his  intention  to  do  this,  the  grand  jury  then  in 
session,  passed  a  resolution  expre8sive  of  their  regard,  and  containing 
settlements  highly  complimentary  to  his  character  as  a  citizen  and  as  a 
judge.  With  these  exceptions  he  held  no  public  offices.  His  death  oc* 
ccured  at  Montreal,  June  9,  1829,  at  the  age  of  sixty.  His  remains  were 
brought  back  to  Waddington  and  interred.  The  St.  Lawrence  county 
bar,  upon  the  news  of  his  death  being  received,  met  and  passed  a  series 
of  resolutions  highly  expressive  of  then*  sense  of  the  loss  which  they  had 
to  sustain  in  his  death. 

David  Pakish,  was  the  second  son  of  John  Parish,  an  English  gen- 
tleman, a  resident  of  Hamburgh,  who  was  the  first  to  hold  the  office  of 
United  States  Consul  at  that  place.  The  subject  of  this  notice  was  on<j 
of  five  brothers,  whose  names'  were  John,  David,  Richard,  Charles  and 
George.  The  first  is  still  living  in  Bohemia,  and  has  attained  much  dis- 
tinction as  an  astronomer,  which  science  he  has  pursued  as  an  amateur, 
and  a  number  of  important  discoveries  have  been  made  by  him  at  his 
private  observatory.  He  is  the  proprietor  of  a  large  crown  estate,  and 
to  which  a  great  number  of  serfs  belong;  and  he  l^ars  the  title  of  Buron 
Seuftenberg.  Charles  Parish,  and  Richard  Parish,  the  latter  the  father 
of  George  Parish,  Esq.,  of  Ogdensburgh,  still  reside  at  Hamburgh,  in 
Germany.  Mr.  David  Parish  was  educated  as  a  banker,  which  pursuit 
was  the  business  of  his  tather;  und  the  financial  operutiohs  in  which 
they  were  engaged,  were  on  a  most  extensive  scale.  About  the  year 
1808,  there  was  an  enterprise  undertaken  by  some  of  the  principal  mer- 
chants and  capitulLsts  of  Europe,  in  which  they  entered  into  an  agree- 
ment with  the  French  government,  then  in  the  hands  of  Bonaparte,  to 
transfer  a  large  amount  of  credits  to  Europe  from  the  Spanish  colonies 
in  Mexico.  The  wars  between  France  and  England,  and  the  restrictions 
upon  commerce,  which  then  existed,  rend^rud  the  navigation  of  the 
Atlantic  with  valuable  cargoes,  extivmely  perilous,  from  their  liability  to 
capture  by  Bruisli  rruisers,  which  swarmed  in  every  sea  where  nn 
opportunity  existed  tor  annoying  the  commerce  of  FVance.  The  only 
practicable  way  of  transferring  to  Europe  an  equivalent  for  the  specie 
which  had  been  intercepted  by  blockade  'n  the  ports  of  the  Spanish 
colonies,  was  to  procure  its  shipmeMt  to  maritime  cities  in  the  iJnitcd 
States,  wbere  it  could  be  invested  in  colonial  produce,  and  thippud  to 


oc- 


m 

:i'  It'    I 

'I 
1 


(Invtt  K  r....\ll. 


AND  FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


603 


neiitrni  ports  in  Europe,  under  the  Amerionn  flnp,  wliich  in  certain  cases 
wiis  allowed,  hy  tiie  arro<;nnt  Britisii  govern tnent,  to  pnrsne  a  commerce 
witli  Eurojie.  Tiie  causes  were  tiien  i)einp  d«!Veloped  wliicrii  soon 
ripened  into  an  open  war  between  tiie  United  States  and  Great  Britain, 
wiiicli  principally  grew  out  of  the  arbitrary  assumptions  of  the  latter 
jroverninent.  The  principal  commercial  house  eti^'a^ed  in  the  enterprise 
above  mentioned,  was  that  of  Hope  &,  Co.,  of  Amsterdam,  and  IMr. 
David  Parish  was  employed  to  visit  the  United  States,  to  carry  into  effect 
the  arran^'cmonts  which  had  been  made  for  the  accomplishment  of  tliio 
object,  i^ Vessels  bnilt  with  express  reference  to  sp»;ed,  and  manned  by 
picketl  crews  and  experienced  pilots,  were  employed  to  enter  the  block- 
aded ports  whenever  circumstances  warrnnled,  and  convey  the  funds  to 
such  American  ports  as  tliey  mifjht  l)e  able  to  enter.  On  several  occa- 
sions very  narrow  escajies  from  capture  occurred  on  these  voynjies,  wliicli 
were  generally  remarkably  successiid,  and  proved  very  lucrative  to  the 
projectors.  While  engaged  in  carrying  these  measures  into  effect,  Mr. 
Parish  resided  in  Philadel|)hia,  and  his  business  brought  him  infrequent 
contact  with  the  finoncial  men  of  that  place,  among  whom  were  Robert 
Morris,  Gouvernetn*  Morris,  the  Ogden  families  and  Le  Ray  de  Chaumont. 
Among  the  more  prominent  of  the  subjects  which  engagtul  these  gentle- 
men at  that  time,  was  ttie  purchase  and  settlement  of  lands  in  the  state 
ot  New  York,  and  this  subject  being  kept  ])rominently  before  him,  he 
was  induced  to  listen  to  overtures  from  them  on  the  fdyect  of  purchases. 
From  the  peculiar  organization  of  European  soci  .lie  ownership  of 
large  landed  estates  confers  im|)ortance  u|)on  the  pi-nsessor,  and  places 
him  on  a  level  i'nv  superior  to  that  of  the  owner  of  a  similar  amount  of 
capital  invested  in  manufacturing  or  commercial  pursuits;  and  this  is 
coveted  as  the  most  desirable  species  of  woulth,  as  well  from  its  perma- 
nence and  freedom  from  loss  ')y  accident  or  fraud,  as  li'om  the  certain 
revenues  which  it  produces,  and  the  importance  in  social  life  which  it 
confers. 

The  gentlemen  above  mentioned  were  at  that  time  engaged  in  settling 
their  lands  in  the  norliiern  part  of  th>  state,  and  Mr.  Parisli,  with  the 
view  of  learning  the  value  of  the  tracts  offered  him,  sent  Mr.  Joseph 
Kosseel,  then  u  yoimg  man,  who  had  escaped  fi'om  the  military  con- 
scriptions of  his  native  country,  to  explore  the  country,  and  make  to  him 
a  report  of  its  value.  The  result  was  the  pinchase  of  extensive  tracts  in 
Rossie,  Antwerp,  liopkinton,  Porishville,  &c.,  and  the  village  of  Ogdens- 
hurgh,  excepting  parts  previously  sold.  In  Septendier,  1814,  the  town- 
ship of  Hammond,  and  at  various  times,  other  tracts  have  been  added  to 
these  purchases.  Soon  af\er  acquiring  an  interest  in  these  lands,  3Ir. 
Parish  commenced  the  task  of  their  improvement  and  settlement  with 
much  energy,  and  possessing  resources  which  enabled  him  to  undertake 
that  which  men  of  limited  means  would  not  have  been  able  to  accom- 
plish. In  1810,  he  erected  the  large  stone  store  on  Water  street,  and 
his  dwelling  in  Ogdensburgh-  and  in  1813,  commenced  the  construction 
of  tt  blast  finnace  at  Rossie.  The  settlement  of  Parishville,  and  the 
ojieningof  lines  of  comnnmication  between  different  sections  of  the  coun- 
ty, and  to  the  markets ;  the  erection  of  mills,  and  opening  of  mines  of  iron 
ore,  were  among  the  enterprises  in  which  he  engaged,  and  which  gave 
life  and  spirit  to  the  settlements  which  he  projected,  and  employment 
for  the  industry  of  those  who  had  no  other  means  to  meet  the  payments 
due  on  their  purchases,  than  the  labor  of  their  hands.  The  war  checked 
the  prosperity  of  Ogdensburgh,  but  scarcely  affected  the  back  settle- 
ments of  Parishville  and  Rossie,  vvhicl;  rather  increased  in  proportion  as 

•36 


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' .'.  -i  H'M\''- 


604 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


thn  front  diminiHlird  in  popiilntion,  from  tlio  ncpossions  which  they  re- 
ceived from  tiio  timid,  and  tiioso  thrown  out  of  cinploymont  iiy  tho  w«r. 

Whiio  the  war  was  penditip,  and  in  antirijiation  of  tho  event,  tho 
Hovorntnent  negotiated  a  loan  of  .*  I r»,0()(),()0(),  and  Stephen  Girani 
and  David  Parisli  l)ecarne  parties  to  tlie  hmn  of  .fiTtOOOjOOO  of  thiH  sinii. 
With  occaHionnl  int(!rruption8,  Mr  FariMJi  continued  to  hn  en^ra^'iMJ  in 
the  improvement  of  his  estates  in  ^t.  Law.enco  and  .lefferson  eonnties, 
nntil  the  year  181(5,  wlien  lie  reKnned  to  Enropo.  Not  loiif;  after  tiiis, 
he  was  indnced,  tiiroii^di  the  inlliienee  of  ('oimt  Mettcrnich,  tlie  cele- 
brated Austrian  ininiHter  to  en^'age  in  a  partnership  with  tlie  cominer- 
rial  house  of  Fries  &  Co.,  of  Vienna,  witli  the  expectation  tliat  tliey 
should  have  n  shure  of  the  patronage  of  tho  Austrian  f;overnment  in  ita 
financial  operations.  The  parties  with  whom  ho  hecame  associated, 
sustained  the  stylo  of  living  ami  eiiuipafre  'vliich  can  ho  offorded  only 
by  princes  with  imperial  revenues,  and  althoujjii  their  ihvellinjfs  con- 
tained galleries  of  |)aintings,  and  elaborate  treasures  of  tho  fine  arts,  and 
they  displayed  all  tho  daz/.ling  parade  of  wealth,  tiie  real  condition  of 
the  firm  was  most  corrupt,  and  its  alfairs  were  fast  tending  to  irretriev- 
able bankrupf  y.  This  fact  Mr.  Parish  did  not,  unfortunately,  discover, 
nntil  it  was  toj  late  to  recede,  and  he  found  himself  involved  in  the  ruin 
which  shortly  overtooit  them. 

A  large  portion  of  his  European  estates  were  sacrificed  to  satisfy  the 
claims  of  creditors  of  the  house  with  which  ho  was  involved.  The 
business  in  America,  which  hud  for  some  time  previous  been  managed 
by  David  and  George  Parish,  was  soon  ut\er  assumed  by  the  latter.  Mr. 
Dov'd  Parish  will  long  he  gratefiilly  remembered,  by  the  citizen  of  St. 
Lawrence  county,  as  their  early  benefiictor,  and  is  never  mentioned  by 
those  who  enjoyed  an  ac(|uaintance  with  him,  without  a  warm  expression 
of  esteem  and  respect.  His  wealth  enabled  iiim  to  extend  those  offices 
of  kindness  and  support  to  those  who  needed,  which  with  many  would 
exist  in  intention  only:  the  deserving  poor  found  in  him  a  benefactor; 
the  man  of  enterprise  and  industry,  a  patron;  the  gentleman  of  culti- 
vated mind,  and  enlightened  views,  a  companion,  who  could  appreciate 
and  enjoy  his  society;  and  every  n)ember  of  the  community  in  which 
he  lived  felt  towards  him  a  sentiment  of  respect  and  regard,  which  was 
as  universal  as  it  was  deserved. 

The  portrait  which  we  give,  was  engraved  afYer  a  miniature,  painted 
on  ivory,  by  Spornberg,  at  Cheltenham,  in  England,  in  1810,  and  is  said 
by  those  who  knew  him,  to  be  a  correct  resemblance.  Mr.  Parish  was, 
by  a  special  act  of  the  legislature,  passed  in  November,  1808,  empowered 
to  hold  and  convey  real  estate,  but  this  act  did  not  confer  upon  him  the 
full  right  of  citizenship. 

George  Parish,  was  a  younger  brother  of  David  Parish,  who  received 
a  finished  connnercial  education  in  Europe,  and  came  to  Ogdenshurgh 
to  reside,  in  1816.  He  had  previously  held  the  office  of  collector  in  the 
East  Indies,  and  was  a  gentleman  of  great  intelligence,  polished  man- 
ners, and  a  capacity  for  the  transaction  of  business  which  is  seldom  sur- 
passed. He  continued  the  improvements  which  his  brother  hud  com- 
menced, and  was  among  the  first  of  our  land  proprietors  who  adopted 
towards  settlers  the  equitable  and  accommodating  system  of  receiving 
payments  in  kind,  of  whatever  surplus  grain,  stock  or  labor  he  might 
have  in  exchange  for  land.  The  greater  portion  of  the  northern  part  of 
the  state  was  purchased  and  held  by  capitalists,  who  bought  upon  specu- 
JatioD,  and  sold  their  lands  through  agents  who  received  money  only  for 


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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER, NY.  '  «    SO 

(716)  872-4503 


■  1^:  '-"ii,  i  "WM^ikfi 


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r 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


605 


their  lands.  The  proprietors  residing  in  the  cities  felt  no  personal 
interest  in  the  nffairs  of  tlieir  settlements,  further  than  to  realize  as  large 
n  profit  as  possible,  and  expended  money  for  roads  and  im|trovement8 
only  so  far  as  it  tended  to  enhance  the  vahieof  their  property  and  make 
it  more  saleable.  The  moneys  received  were  usually  remitted  to  the 
owners,  and  the  country  not  benefited  by  its  expenditure ;  and  this  sys- 
tem very  naturally  gave  rise  to  a  feeling  of  ill  will  towards  the  proprietor, 
which  was  evinced  in  various  ways. 

To  this  may  be  traced  the  causes  of  those  abuses  of  power  in  voting 
for  taxes,  of  which  our  past  history  affords  many  examples,  and  which, 
in  some  instances  in  Franklin  county,  grew  into  a  studenduous  system 
of  fraud  and  crime,  which  required  the  action  of  the  legislature  to  sup- 
press, by  withdrawing  the  power  which  had  been  exceeded. 

The  jtrivations  of  a  poineer  settler,  who  has  to  contend  against  the 
rugged  wildness  of  nature,  in  addition  to  poverty,  want  of  access  to 
market^,,  and  the  numerous  casualties  which  befall  those  who  advance 
I)eyond  the  precincts  of  civilization,  and  lay  the  foundation  of  what  it  ia 
his  ambition  to  make  a  /tome,  and  a  freehold,  are  of  such  a  nature  that  it 
requires  persevering  industry  and  rigid  economy  on  the  one  side,  and 
forbearance,  liberal  accommodation  and  easy  terms  on  the  other,  in 
order  that  the  purchaser  and  the  landlord  may  each  derive  the  greatest 
benefit,  and  the  settlement  prosper  to  their  mutual  advantage.  During 
his  residence  in  the  county,  he  acquired  the  general  respect  of  t(ie 
inhabitants,  by  his  courtesy  and  kindness.  With  the  graces  and  urbanity 
derived  from  his  early  education  and  former  assoeiations,  and  n  true 
sense  of  the  requirements  which  genuine  politeness,  unattended  with 
ostentation,  or  aristocratic  airs,  dictate,  he  assimied  bo  position  in  the 
society  of  those  arouud  him  which  was  calculated  to  convey  a  feeling  of 
superiority.  During  his  administration  of  the  estates  of  the  family  in  this 
country,  he  spent  several  years  in  traveling  in  the  north  and  east  of 
Eurofie.  In  the  course  of  these  journeys,  he  traversed  Norway  and 
Sweden,  visited  St.  Petersburgh,  Moscow,  Astrachan  and  many  other 
cities  in  the  -^ast  of  Europe,  and  was  preparing  to  und4>rtake  an  exten- 
sive tour  over  Asia,  when  he  died  suddenly  at  Paris,  France,  on  the  22d 
of  April,  1839,  at  the  age  of  58. 

Dr.  Horatio  Powell,  a  native  of  Hartford,  Vt.,  removed  to  Malone, 
and  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  in  1£11.  From  that  period 
till  within  a  few  years  before  his  death,  he  continued  in  the  practice  of 
that  laborious  profession,  and  acquired  to  a  great  degree  the  confidence 
and  patronage  of  the  citizens  ot  Franklin  county.  For  several  of  the 
latter  years  of  his  life,  he  was  disabled  by  a  paralytic  affection.  He  died 
at  Malone,  November  12,  1849. 

Bentamik  Raymond,  a  son  of  Paul  Raymond,  was  bcrn  at  Richmond, 
Mass.,  October  19,  1774.  In  his  youth  he  received  such  advantages  as 
his  native  town  afforded,  and  while  a  young  man  removed  to  Rome,  and 
became  acquainted  with  Mr.  B.  Wright,  which  led  to  a  friendship  that 
endured  for  life.  In  this  way  he  became  connected  with  the  surveys  of 
northern  New  York,  of  which  we  have  given  an  account.  While  tra- 
versing the  country,  the  several  parties  would  occasionally  meet,  and 
spend  the  night  together,  exchanging  the  news  which  they  might  chance 
to  pick  up,  compare  notes,  and  speculate  on  the  probable  destiny  which 
the  future  held  in  store  for  the  country  which  they  were  explding.  On 
one  occasion,  Mr.  Raymond,  in  a  letter  to  Wright,  distinctly  expressed 
his  belief,  that  the  navigable  waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence  would  at  a  future 


606 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


day  be  united  unth  those  of  lake  Champlain,  to  as  to  afford  a  channel  of 
communication  between  them;  und  this  geivn  of  nn  idea  of  n  canal  he  never 
lost  sight  of,  but  oAen  and  repeatedly  nr$;ed  it  upon  the  public  notice, 
und  lived  to  see  a  concerted  and  general  movement  towards  its  realiza- 
tion, nor  was  the  i)rqject  wholly  abandoned,  until  it  gave  place  to  a 
scheme  for  a  rail  road,  which  has  but  recently  been  completed. 

Having  traveled  through  St.  Lawrence  county  in  various  directions  as 
a  surveyor,  and  observed  the  character  of  the  soil  and  surface,  he  pro- 
cured, on  his  return,  from  the  proprietors  of  Potsdam,  an  agency  for  the 
sale  and  settlement  of  that  town;  ami  in  this  he  was  aided  by  the  influ- 
ence and  recommendation  of  his  friend  Wright.  In  May,  1803,  he 
started  for  his  location  from  Koine,  in  a  bateau,  laden  with  iron  for  a 
mill,  provisions  for  the  season,  and  several  men,  and  proceeded  by  the 
slow  and  difficult  water  route  to  Point  Iroquois,  above  the  present  village 
of  Waddington,  where  he  hired  teams,  and  opened  a  roi}d  sufficient  to 
allow  the  passage  of  wagons  to  a  point  on  Raquette  river,  about  half  a 
mile  below  the  present  site  of  Potsdam  village.  Here  he  built  a  raft, 
and  floated  up  his  eftccls  to  the  falls,  where  he  landed  on  the  west  side 
of  the  river,  opened  a  land  otbce  in  a  bark  shanty,  and  commenced  the 
erection  of  mills.  During  the  fiist  year,  he  got  in  operation  a  saw  mill, 
cleared  a  small  tract  and  made  arrangements  for  removing  his  family. 
In  1804,  he  returned  and  spent  the  summer,  erecting  a  grist  mill  and  a 
house,  which  was  the  first  framed  dwelling  in  town.  The  princi|)al 
ruads  from  the  village  to  the  neighboring  towns  are  very  direct,  and  were 
surveyed  by  Mr.  Raymond,  during  the  first  season  of  his  residence,  with 
the  view  of  making  his  settlement  a  central  point  with  relation  to  the 
surrounding  towns.  During  the  second  year  of  his  residence,  heopencd 
a  small  store,  for  the  accommodation  of  his  settlers,  and  in  1810,  he  built 
a  house,  which  he  called  an  academy,  and  subsequently  conveyed  for  that 
purpose.  In  the  founding  of  this  institution,  and  in  securing  its  endow- 
ment by  an  appropriation  from  the  state,  he  was  peculiarly  active  and 
successful,  and  the  St.  Lawrence  Academy  may  justly  be  considered  as 
owing  its  origin  to  the  zeal  and  energy  of  Mr.  Raymond.  He  also  took 
an  active  part  in  organizing  the  first  religious  society  in  town,  and  in  se- 
curing the  sei*vices  of  a  clergyman. 

About  the  year  1810,  he  became  an  agent  for  a  tract  of  land  in  the 
town  of  Norfolk,  and  erected  a  warehouse  at  the  head  of  navigation  on 
Raquette  river,  and  sul)se(|uently  took  much  interest  in  the  navigation  of 
that  stream,  which  was  in  early  times  regarded  as  a  matter  of  nuich  im- 
portance. The  potash  and  other  produce  of  the  young  settlements  back 
of  this  place,  was  brought  here  for  shipment,  and  the  merchandise  used 
in  the  country  arrived  by  the  same  route. 

In  1818,  he  removed  to  the  settlement  in  Norfolk  which  bears  his 
name,  and  which  it  received  at  the  request  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  es- 
tablishment of  a  post  office.  He  remained  at  this  place  several  years,  as 
the  agent  of  Mr.  McVickar,  having  relinquished  the  agency  of  Potsdam, 
and  engaged  in  the  improvement  of  his  new  settlement,  the  erection  of 
mills,  and  the  formation  of  a  line  of  boats  to  run  between  this  place  and 
Montreal.  He  was  engaged  in  this  business  in  partnership  with  Henry 
McVickar,  and  continued  in  this  connexion  until  the  death  of  the  Intler 
in  Europe.  Mr.  Raymond  was  appointed  one  of  the  first  justices  of  the 
peace  on  the  organization  of  the  town,  and  held  that  office  as  well  as 
that  of  supervisor  of  the  town  of  Potsdam,  for  many  years.  On  the  8th 
of  April,  1808,  he  was  appointed  a  judge  and  justice  of  the  county  court. 
In  1823,  he  was  employed  by  n  committee  chosen  at  a  convention  called 


J 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


609 


to  concert  nieusureH  for  securing  a  caiinl  from  the  St.  Lawrence  to  Lake 
Chaniplaiii,  to  examine  tlie  route,  and  his  report  was  instrumental  with 
the  petitions  forwarded  to  the  le<rislaturc  in  securing  the  passage  of  a 
law  providing  for  tiie  survey  of  tlie  route  by  one  of  the  engineers  (Mr. 
Holmes  Hutchinson),  in  tlie  emfdoyment  of  the  canal  commissioners. 

He  continueM  actively  engaged  in  Ids  land  agency,  ndiiing^  farming, 
and  merchandiHe,  until  1824,  when  he  went  as  an  engineer  and  assistant 
•  of  Benjamin  Wright  to  the  south,  and  engaged  on  the  Delaware  and 
Chesapeake  canal,  where  he  socn  after  sickened  and  died  of  a  prevailing 
fever  at  St.  Georges,  Newcastle,  Delaware,  on  the  26th  of  September, 
1824.  Mr.  Raymond  was  tall  and  well  built,  and  possessed  a  dignified 
and  genteel  deportment,  whicli  would  lead  one  to  select  him  in  a  crowd, 
as  a  man  of  superior  ability  and  one  who  took  a  leadfng  part  in  public 
affairs.  His  complexion  and  hair  were  light,  and  his  features  are  admir- 
ably represented  in  the  accompanying  engraving.  A  single  propensity 
in  his  character,  impaired  his  usefulness  and  prevented  him  from  being 
universally  esteemed;  which  was  a  peculiar  faculty  for  sarcasm  that 
possessed  a  point  and  severity,  and  was  expressed  in  language  so  concise 
and  pertinent,  that  its  sting  often  remained  in  the  feelings  of  the  unlucky 
subject  long  after  the  occasion  had  passed  which  induced  it.  This 
was  not  indulged  from  a  cynical  motive,  nor  from  malicious  feeling,  for 
no  man  ever  possessed  a  heart  more  open  to  the  calls  of  humanity  or  a 
hand  more  ready  to  convey  relief  to  the  widow  and  the  fatherless,  the 
eick  and  the  afflicted,  than  him ;  but  rather  to  gratify  a  taste  tor  the  lu- 
dicrous, and  to  hold  up  in  an  absurd  manner  the  arguments  and  motives 
of  those  from  whose  opinions  he  differed.  Among  those  who  had  been 
])olitically  and  otherwise  opposed  to  him  on  numerous  occasions,  and 
who  had  oftenest  been  the  subject  of  his  satire,  the  writer  has  not  found 
one  individual  who  did  not  concur  in  the  assertion,  that  Mr.  Raymond 
was  a  man  of  spotless  integrity,  great  benevolence,  and  superior  ability, 
in  whatever  station  of  public  or  private  life  he  was  called  to  fill. 

Alexander  Richards,  was  a  native  of  New  London,  Conn.,  where 
he  spent  his  early  life.  When  a  young  man  he  'emoved  to  New  Jersey, 
and  becoming  there  acquainted  with  the  Ogden  family,  he  was  sent  by 
them  as  an  agent  to  their  lands  in  Madrid,  where  he  located  as  the  suc- 
cessor of  Joseph  Edsall  in  the  land  agency  of  that  town  in  1803.  Ik 
1811,  he  was  appointed  collector.  During  the  war  he  was  an  active  par- 
tisan, and  being  of  the  republican  school  of  politics,  he  sustained  that 
measure  to  the  extent  of  his  ability.  He  died  at  Waddingion,  Oct.  16, 
1834,  aged  sixty-nine. 

Joseph  Rosseel,  although  never  jdaced  in  a  public  station,  yv^  from 
his  early  and  prominent  connection  with  the  business  of  Ogi'^^nsDUi 'h, 
has  become  in  a  measure  identified  with  its  history.  He  is  h.  native  fti 
Ghent,  Belgium,  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  25,  with  letters  from 
the  house  of  Hope  &  Co.,  of  Amsterdam,  introducing  him  to  Mr.  Parish, 
and  to  several  commercial  houses,  osteh  ibly  with  a  view  of  extendmg 
his  commercial  knowledge,  but  in  reality,  lo  avoid  the  military  conscrip- 
I  ions  of  Napoleon,  He  reached  Baltimore  in  August,  1807,  and  resided 
a  year  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  became  acquainted  with  Robert  H. 
Rose,  late  of  Montrose,  Pa.,  and  with  him  took  a  tour  into  Pennsylvania. 
Late  in  1807,  he  was  sent  by  David  Parish  to  explore  the  lands  in  North- 
ern New  York,  which  that  gentleman  proposed  to  buy,  but  from  the 
lateness  of  the  season  was  obliged  to  defer  the  exploration,  which  was 
Bccoinplished  in  the  summer  of  180S,  in  which  he  traversed  Antwerp 


610 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Rossie,  nnd  Kilkenny,  then  mostly  n  wihlerness.  In  September,  while 
on  his  way  to  "  the  gnrriacn,"  ho  met  D.  Piirish  nnd  G.  Morris,  nnd  the 
latter  offered  strong  inducements  lor  him  to  locate  at  Morristown,  nnd 
promised  a  gift  of  a  mile  square,  where  the  village  now  i8,  if  he  would 
establish  himHelf  there;  but  Mr.  Pnrish  was  convinced  that  Ogdensburgh 
would  be  the  place,  and  his  advice  prevailed.  With  Mr.  Parish's  advice, 
and  sustained  by  his  capital,  he  commenced  mercantile  business  with 
David  M.  Lewis,*  under  the  firm  of  J.  Rosseel  &  Co.,  and  for  several 
years  did  an  extensive  business,  but  an  untbrtimate  speculation  in  western 
produce  led  to  embarrassments,  which  Mr.  Parish  met.  Having  implicit 
confidence  in  Mr.  li.  he  offered  to  again  establish  business,  or  to  give 
him  the  general  agency  of  his  lands.  lie  chose  the  latter,  and  has  since 
continued  in  the  emidoymeut  of  the  family. 

Dr.  Joseph  W.  Smith,  was  the  first  physician  who  settled  in  St. 
Lawrence  county,  nt  a  period  when  the  hardships  of  that  laborious  pro- 
fession were  unusually  severe.  The  physician's  avocation  is  always  one  of 
great  responsibility,  and  requires  for  its  successful  prosecution  the  great- 
est amount  of  sagacity  and  skill,  but  especially  amid  the  privations  of  a 
new  settlement,  where  conveniences  for  the  sick  are  sometimes  not  pro- 
curable, and  the  usual  methods  from  necessity  are  sup])lanted  by  such  as 
the  exigencies  of  the  tnoment  may  suggest,  docs  it  require  in  a  special 
manner  the  exercise  of  soimd  Judgment  and  a  prompt  and  judicious 
action.  Dr.  Smith  was  born  at  Cheshire,  Mass.,  Feb.  32,  1781.  His 
father  removed  from  Cheshire  to  Addison,  Vt.,  and  died  inTlie  year  ITUL 
He  studied  with  Dr.  Ebenezer  Huntington,  of  Vergennes,  in  J 71)9,  and 
completed  his  professional  studies  with  Dr.  William  Rose,  nt  Middlebury, 
in  1802.  In  the  following  year,  he  removed  to  Lisbon,  and  commenced 
practice.  During  the  time  he  resided  here,  his  business  extended  to 
Madrid,  Canton  and  Oswegatchie,  and  was  one  of  great  hardship  from 
the  want  of  passable  roads,  nnd  the  great  distance  which  he  was  com- 
pelled to  travel,  often  on  foot  from  the  impossibility  of  getting  through 
otherwise,  and  exposed  to  the  various  vicissitudes  incident  to  a  new 
country.  He  has  been  known  to  travel  on  loot  through  the  forest  by 
torch  light,  at  night,  without  a  road,  to  Canton,  a  distance  of  18  miles. 
In  1807,  he  removed  to  Ogdensburgh,  and  became  the  first  physician  at 
that  place,  ile  was  the  first  president  of  the  County  Medical  oociety, 
and  continued  to  fill  that  office  during  a  great  part  of  the  time  till  his 
death.  He  also  held  the  office  of  loan  commissioner  for  some  time. 
The  following  tribute  to  his  memory,  published  soon  after  his  decease, 
is  believed  to  be  but  a  just  picture  of  his  life  and  character: 

"  From  the  first  settlement  of  the  county  till  the  close  of  bis  life,  his 
whole  time  and  energies  were  devoted  to  his  profession.  He  underwent 
incredible  fatigue  in  his  extended  practice  in  the  country  without  roads, 
and  never  spared  himself  in  his  exertions  to  mitigate  the  pain  of  others; 
neither  dangerous  roads,  or  the  darkness  of  night,  or  inclement  weather, 
ever  deterred  him  from  attending  to  the  calls  of  the  sick,  even  though 
that  call  were  made  by  the  most  poor  and  profligate  of  our  race;  all  will 
bear  him  witness  to  his  kindness,  charity  and  compassion.  It  was  no 
selfish  princi|)le  that  prompted  his  exertions.  The  love  of  gain  seemed 
to  have  no  iulluence  with  him,  for  he  habitually  did  himself  great  in- 
justice, as  well  in  respect  to  the  amoimt  of  his  charges,  as  in  his  reluct- 
ance to  collect  those  he  had  made.    He  was  undoubtedly  a  man  of  great 

•  Mr.  Lewis  was  private  secretary  of  Mr.  Parish,  and  died  in  Ne-w  Orleans,  June  1, 1834, 
aged  firiy.eight. 


AND   FRAN&LIN    COUNTIES. 


611 


science,  skill  and  judgment  in  his  profession.  Perlmps  no  physician 
ever  had  tlie  universal  confidence  both  of  his  professional  brethren  and 
of  his  (tutieiits,  tiian  Dr.  Smith;  at  the  bedside  of  a  patient  he  was  rarely 
mistaken,  either  in  the  disease  or  its  appropriate  remedy.  To  the  poor 
and  distressed  he  was  the  ^ood  Samantan,  and  in  the  various  relations 
of  professional  and  private  life  lie  was  ever  found  exemplary." 
He  d'dd  at  Ogdensburgh,  Jidy  4, 1835. 

GuRDON  Smith,  was  born  in  Windham,  Ct.,  Feb.  12, 1775,  where  he 
resided  till  his  21st  year,  when  he  removed  to  Rome.  Here  he  became 
acquainted  with  Mitchell  and  Wright,  who  had  been  extensively  engaged 
in  surveying,  and  becoming  interested  in  this  science,  he  commenced 
the  study  and  subsequently  assisted,  as  has  been  elsewhere  stated,  in  the 
township  surveys  of  St.  Lawrence  and  Franklin  counties.  He  was  one 
of  the  first  Justices  of  the  peace  appointed  on  the  organization  of  the 
town,  which  were  Benjamin  Raymond,  John  Delance  and  Gurdon Smith; 
the  latter  held  his  office  about  twenty  successive  years. 

James  B.  Spencer,  removed  from  New  Haven,  Vt.,  in  1810,  to  French 
mills;  during  the  war  he  served  his  country  with  fidelity,  in  the  capacity 
of  captain  in  the  29th  regiment  of  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  took  part  in  several 
of  the  engagements  of  this  frontier.  He  subsequently  held  many  offices 
of  trust,  among  which  were  those  of  magistrate,  judge,  deputy  collector, 
member  of  assembly,  presidential  elector,  and  Indian  agent,  and  in  1836 
he  was  elected  to  congress.  His  tastes  led  him  into  the  field  of  political 
strife,  and  hfl^ acquired  much  influence  in  the  democratic  party.  A  deep 
thinker  and  a  man  of  an  active  temperament,  he  was  well  calculated  to 
plan  and  execute  whatever  business  of  a  political  or  a  social  nature 
he  might  undertake.  Few  citizens  of  the  county  have  acquired 
more  influence,  or  have  been  more  highly  esteemed  than  the  subject  of 
this  notice.    lie  died  at  Fort  Covington,  in  March  1848,  at  the  age  of  64. 

Richard  Townsend,  was  born  at  Hebron,  New  York,  about  1768.  In 
his  youth  he  pursued  the  study  of  medicine  but  did  not  engage  in  its 
regular  |)ractice.  He  removed  to  Delhi,  Delaware  county,  and  engaged 
in  the  business  of  lumbering,  when  being  in  New  York,  in  the  course  of 
his  trade  he  became  acquainted  with  Gouverneur  Morris,  by  means  of 
Gen.  Lewis  R.  Morris,  which  resulted  in  his  appointment  as  agent  for 
the  sale  and  settlement  of  wild  lands  in  the  townships  of  Cambray  and 
Kilkenny,  much  of  the  former  belonging  to  Morris,  and  the  latter  to 
Messrs.  Fowler  and  Gilchrist.  He  was  married  about  1804,  and  in  the 
year  following  made  the  first  exploration  with  the  view  of  settlement,  of 
which  a  particular  account  is  given  in  our  history  of  Gouverneur.  He 
settled  in  the  village  of  Gouverneur,  and  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life 
in  that  town,  devoting  his  time  to  his  agency,  and  to  farming.  During 
the  epidemic  of  1813,  he  practiced  his  profession,  from  necessity;  but 
otherwise  did  not  serve  the  public  in  that  capacity  except  in  cases  of 
emergency.  Towards  the  close  of  life  he  became  a  Quaker,  and  died  in 
that  faith,  at  his  house  two  miles  below  the  village,  about  1826.  He  was 
interred  at  the  Friend's  settlement  in  Philadelphia,  Jeffereon  county. 
He  was  active,  intelligent  and  benevolent,  and  won  the  esteem  of  bis 
settlers  by  his  kindness  and  generosity. 

William  Henrt  Vinino,  was  a  young  man  of  brilliant  talents  and  en- 
dowed with  a  capacity  which  would  have  rendered  him  the  ornament 
of  his  age,  had  his  life  been  spared,  but  he  was  unfortunately  for  his 
country,  stricken  down  early  in  life,  but  not  until  he  had  evinced  on 
several  occasions  the  splendor  of  his  genius,  and  those  traits  of  character 


'\h 


r^ 


'Ml 


CT 


613 


HISTORY   OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


which  belong;  not  to  ordinary  men.  Mr.  Vining's  father  was  a  member 
of  congress  from  the  state  of  Delaware,  who  died  without  we.  Itii.  and 
left  hia  family  dependent  upon  relatives.  The  motiier  alse  dieJ  while 
Jier  sons  were  young,  leaving  the  training  of  their  children  lo  n  maiden 
aimt.  Two  of  them  were  educated  at  West  Point,  but  died  young. 
Henry  was  received  while  a  boy,  into  the  family  of  Mrs.  Gouverneur 
Ogden,  his  maternal  aunt,  and  came  to  VVaddnigton,  where  he  after- 
wards lived.  Adopting  the  legal  profession  he  studied  in  the  oftice  of 
his  uncle  G.  Ogden,  and  was  admitted  to  practice  in  the  supreme  and 
county  courts  as  an  attorney  in  IB17,  and  as  counsellor  in  1820.  In  1B21 
he  was  elected  to  the  assembly,  but  dccliniiig  health  prevented  him 
from  taking  his  seat.  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  he  sailed  for  the  island 
of  St.  Croix,  and  arrived,  as  he  expressed  it  in  n.  letter  to  a  friend,  "  A 
lonely  Invalid  in  the  land  of  the  stranger."  In  the  spring  he  returned  to 
New  York  without  benefit  froni  his  voyage,  and  died  in  that  city  among 
his  relatives  in  1822.  In  the  few  cases  at  which  he  appeared  at  the  bar, 
he  evinced  an  eloquence  and  ability  that  elicited  remark,  and  on  an 
occasion  of  a  slander  suit,  while  pleading  the  cause  of  the  plaintiff,  it  was 
said  by  several  members  of  the  profes«tion  that  the  plaintiff  cotdd  well 
afford  to  be  slandered,  to  be  so  eloquently  defended.  The  management 
of  his  argument  was  masterly  and  its  effect  upon  the  jury  and  the 
audience  was  wonderful.  On  another  occasion  before  the  supreme 
court  at  Utica,  he  received  the  commendation  of  Chief  Justice  Savage, 
for  the  ehasteness  and  purity  of  his  language  and  careful  preparation  of 
authorities.  He  was  a  man  of  delicate  sensibilities,  a  lively  and  poetic 
iancy,  and  of  unsullied  purity  of  character ;  he  recognized  in  the  beauties 
of  nature  the  evidences  of  a  God  whom  he  loved  and  worshiped,  and  on 
every  occasion  which  hisbrief  career  afforded,  evinced  that  he  possessed 
a  heart  that  sympathizes  with  his  fellow  man,  and  a  genius  that  needed 
but  the  opportunity  to  have  rendered  him  eminent.  The  foregoing  facts 
are  derived  from  an  article  written  twenty  years  after  his  death,  by  one 
who  knew  him  well,  and  had  been  favored  with  his  confidence. 

Dr.  Hekrt  S.  Waterhouse,  was  a  native  of  Salisbury,  Vt.,  from  which 
place  ho  removed  to  Oneida,  and  thence  to  Malone,  where  he  settled 
during  the  war,  as  a  physician  and  surgeon.  His  tastes  and  studies  led 
him  to  direct  especial  attention  to  anatomy,  and  he  acquired  much  dis- 
tinction as  a  surgical  operator,  and  led  to  an  appointment  in  the  medical 
department  of  Vermont  university,  in  182(>.  lie  held  this  post  about 
two  years,  and  then  removed  to  Key  West,  Florida,  where  he  resided 
several  years.    lie  was  drowned  at  Indian  Key  in  Florida, 

Joseph  York,  the  second  sheriff  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  an  active 
partisan  in  the  war  of  1812-15,  and  a  citizen  who  enjoyed  to  a  great  de- 
gree the  esteem  of  the  public,  was  born  in  Clarenden,  Mass.,  Jan.  8, 
1781,  and  removed  with  his  father's  family  at  an  early  age  to  Randolph, 
Vt.  From  thence  he  emigrated  in  1805,  to  Ogdensbmgh,  and  for  three 
years  held  the  post  of  deputy  slierift  under  Thos.  J.  Duvies,  when  he 
succeeded  that  gentleman,  and  held  the  office  of  sherifl'  four  years.  At 
the  battle  of  Feb.  22,  1813,  he  was  residing  in  the  court  house,  and  had 
care  of  the  prisoners.  Measures  had  been  token  to  raise  a  new  com- 
pany, and  he  was  to  have  been  one  of  its  officers.  He  had  charge  of  a 
cannon  which  was  posted  at  the  corner  of  Ford  and  Fiiphamia  streets, 
and  was  the  only  person  of  his  party  who  was  not  killed  or  wounded. 
He  was  captured  and  taken  to  I'rescott,  but  soon  af\er,at  the  intercession 
of  his  wife,  he  was  paroled,  and  in  a  fiew  weeks  after  exchanged.  The 
prisoners  in  jail  were  set  free  on  their  own  assertion  that  they  were  cou- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES.  613 

• 
fined  for  pnlitiviil  offences,  but  npoii  l)einp  asstn-ed  of  the  contrnry,  thev 
were  mostly  reurresled,  nnd  given  up  to  Mr.  York,  wlio  met  tlie  British 
Hdthorities  nt  tiie  national  boundary  on  the  ice,  in  the  miihlle  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  and  received  them  Among  these  was  one  wiio  had  fled  to 
Montreal  upon  his  receiving  his  liberty,  and  was  there  captured,  lie 
liad  been  confined  on  a  charge  of  murder.  During  three  successive 
years,  Mr.  York  represented  the  county  in  the  legislature.  Tlie  town  of 
York,  in  Livingston  county,  N.  Y.,  dorives  its  name  from  him.  He  died 
on  the  6th  of  May,  1827,  at  the  age  of  4G,af\er  a  lingering  illness  of  seve- 
ral months. 

Mr.  York  was  a  very  public  spirited  man,  and  especially  in  times  of 
danger  or  alarm,  he  was  one  of  thoMc  who  placed  himself  in  front,  and 
by  ills  word  and  example  encouragtul  others  more  timid  or  less  qualified 
to  think  for  themselves  at  moments  of  excitement.  This  was  particu- 
larly the  case  in  fires,  on  which  occasion  he  never  failed  to  take  the  lead 
in  directin|$  the  means  to  be  taken  for  suppressing  the  consuming  ele- 
ment, and  m  rescuing  property. 

Silas  Wrioht.  This  illustrous  citizen  was  bnrn  in  Amherst,  Mass., 
May  24, 1795,  and  in  infancy  removed  with  his  parents  to  Weybritlge, 
Vt.,  wliere  he  formed  his  earliest  associations.  After  an  academic  course, 
he  entered  Middleimry  college,  and  j:radnated  in  1815,  and  while  still  a 
student  he  eptered  warndy  into  the  political  discussions  of  the  day,  and 
became  a  republican  in  politics.  Having  studied  law  with  Henry  C.  Mar- 
tindale,  at  Sandy  Hill,  N.  Y.,  he  was  in  1819,  licensed  to  practice  as  an 
attorney  in  the  supreme  court,  and  in  that  year,  being  led  to  Canton  on  a 
visit  to  a  friend,  he  was  induced  to  settlo  in  that  new  and  thinly  settled 
village.  Here  he  commenced  the  practice  of  law,  and  soon  acquired 
the  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens,  and  the  confidence  of  the  public  gen- 
erally, for  his  sound  judgment  and  ^'ood  sense.  He  was  soon  appointed 
surrogate,  justice,  commissioner  of  deeds,  and  postmaster;  held  several 
town  offices,  and  passed  through  tiie  several  grades  of  military  promo- 
tion to  the  office  of  brigadier  general,  As  a  magistrate  he  discouraged 
litigation,  nnd  as  a  lawyer  he  was  especially  eminent  in  the  happy  man- 
ner in  which  he  drew  from  witnesses  tlie  statements  bearing  upon  the 
case,  without  ever  touching  the  feelings  by  rndenee^s  or  satire.  His  argu- 
ments were  always  lucid  and  logical,  and  carried  with  them  a  conviction 
not  only  of  their  truth  and  justice,  but  also  of  the  genius  and  talents  of 
their  author. 

In  the  various  improvements  of  the  town  and  county,  he  took  an  active 
part,  and  especially  in  the  erection  of  county  buildings,  after  the  selec- 
tion of  the  site,  was  he  noted  for  his  zeal  and  activity  in  collecting  mate- 
rials, and  assisting  the  work. 

The  influence  which  the  upright  character  and  evident  talents  of  Mr. 
Wright  had  acquired,  led  his  friends  to  wish  to  try  his  abilities  on  a 
wider  field;  and  his  name  was  presented  in  tlie  fidl  of  1823,  withduthis 
previous  knowledge,  to  the  republican  convention  of  the  fourth  senate 
district,  then  embracing  the  counties  of  Saratoga,  Montgomery  and  Ham- 
ilton, Washington,  Warren,  Clinton,  Essex,  Franklin,  and  St.  Lawrence. 
The  opposition  of  De  Witt  Clinton  and  his  friends  to  the  convention  of 
1821,  and  other  causes,  had  led  to  a  new  organizati(m  of  parties,  styled 
Clintonians  and  buck  tails,  anti-Clintonians  or  republicans.  Mr.  Wright 
was  known  to  be  friendly  to  the  latter,  but  his  known  candor  and  libe- 
rality rendered  him  more  acceptable  to  the  Clintonians  than  any  other 
candidate  that  could  be  oflered,  and  he  was  unanimously  nominated. 

During  the  legislative  Bessioo  preceding  the  nomination  of  Mr.  Wright 


■ilv.  jl, 

0 

"M'i 


p 


ill 


614 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


to  the  office  of  senator,  the  repiihlicnn  menihern  of  hotii  hoiiROs  from  tlie 
4th  district,  met  to  decide  hy  ballot  wliich  county  in  the  Henatoriul  district 
shoidd  be  entitled  to  senator.  Tlio  county  ilusignntcd  was  to  he  entitled 
to  the  privilege  of  selecting  tlieir  candidate,  thus  dispensing  with  the 
formality  of  a  convention  of  tlie  wliole  district.  After  seven  haliotiiigs, 
and  some  feeling  being  created  in  the  iniixls  of  some  niemlicrs,  the 
choice  fell  npoii  St.  Lawrence  coimty.  Mr.  Wright  was  thus  enabled  to 
enter  n  field  in  whicli  lie  was  eminently  qualified  to  excel,  and  his  fu- 
ture career  might  have  bci:n  quite  different  had  the  choice  of  a  different 
county  been  the  result  of  the  bidloting.  The  electors  for  president  and 
vice  president  liad,  since  1789,  been  selected  by  the  legislature  in  the 
same  manner  aa  senators  of  the  United  States  are  now  chosen,  which 
gave  great  additional  importance  to  the  tnemliers  of  the  legislature,  and 
trom  the  relative  prospects  of  the  five  prominent  candidates  for  the 
presidential  tertn  to  commence  in  18'}5,  (Crawford,  Adams,  Jackson, 
Clay,  and  Calhoun),  the  friends  of  Mr.  Crawford  believed  that  their  in- 
terests wouhl  be  promoted  by  retaining  the  existing  law  for  the  u[)point- 
ment  "f  electors.  Other  parties  proposed  to  restore  the  right  of  naming 
the  electors,  to  the  people,  and  most  of  the  condidates  of  1823  were 
questioned  in  relation  to  their  views,  and  Mr.  Wright  among  others,  lie 
freely  deechired  himself  in  favor  of  giving  directly  to  the  people  the 
choice  of  electors.  No  pledge  was  given  or  required  beyond  the  faiih 
reposed  in  the  frank  and  unreserved  declarations  made  by  him  in  con- 
versation. His  vote  in  the  county  was  1,419,  that  of  his  opponent  20. 
In  Canton  it  was  199  to  1.  The  one  vote  was  doubtless  given  by  Mr. 
Wright  hitnself. 

The  session  of  1824  was  memoroble  for  the  spirit  with  which  the  pas- 
sage of  the  electoral  law,  as  the  proposed  change  in  the  mode  of  elect- 
ing presidential  electors  was  called,  and  this  became  the  engrossing  sub- 
ject of  the  session  from  the  time  of  its  opening  till  the  final  passage  of 
the  biir.  Mr.  Wright's  course  in  this  contest  was  such  as  to  draw  from 
)iis  political  opponents  the  admission  that  he  was  governed  by  upright 
and  consistent  principles,  although  at  variance  with  their  plans,  and  sub- 
versive of  their  cherished  schemes.  While  in  the  senate,  early  in  the 
session  of  1825,  a  great  number  of  applications  for  bank  charters  were 
presented  in  both  houses,  and  such  were  the  restrictions  then  in  force, 
thot  banks  that  held  charters  virtually  possessed  great  privileges  for 
transacting  pecuniary  business,  and  hence  charters  were  eagerly  sought 
after.  Mr.  Wright  opposed  these  applications  to  the  extent  of  hisability, 
and  was  to  a  considerable  degree  successful.  His  influence  constantly 
increased  in  the  senate,  and  in  1826  lie  was  elected  to  congress.  The 
tariff  question  was  then  a  subject  that  was  agitated  by  the  parties,  «nd 
Mr.  Wright  became  a  member  of  a  committee  which  had  an  important 
bearing  upon  tliis  subject.  At  the  next  election  for  congress,  Mr.  Wright 
was  defeated  from  the  omission  of  the  word  Junior  in  his  name  on  some 
of  the  ballots,  and  frotn  an  irregularity  in  returns.  Carly  in  1829,  he 
was  appointed  comptroller,  which  office  lie  filled  with  distinguished 
ability,  until  in  1833,  he  was  chosen  U.  S.  senator,  and  took  his  seat  in 
this  august  body  at  the  age  of  38,  and  at  the  time  when  the  nullification 
measures  of  South  Carolina,  the  removal  of  the  deposits  from  banks,  the 
rechartering  of  the  national  bank,  and  other  exciting  topics  distracted 
the  national  councils.  Mr.  Wright  opposed  the  continuance  of  the  bank 
in  a  speech  of  great  ability.  At  the  end  of  the  short  term  to  which  he 
was  chosen,  he  was,  in  1837,  reelected,  notwithstanding  the  powerful 
bank  iufluences  brought  against  him.    At  the  national  convention  ot 


s 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


615 


1844,  the  nominntion  of  vice  president  wns  tendered  to  liim,  lint  declined. 
In  1848,  liiH  friinids  liiid  Holicittid  fmrii  liiin  the  privilege  of  noininnting 
iiiin  for  governor,  hut  ho  declined,  n«  he  had  uIho  done  that  of  the  oflice 
of  judge  in  tho  supreme  conrt  of  tlie  United  StatcH.  In  1844,  ho  was 
nominated  for  governor,  and  elected.  During  IiIh  otHcial  term,  tho  con- 
stitution of  the  state  was  revised,  and  several  sidijectn  reipiiring  in  espe- 
cial manner  the  exercise  of  promiitnc.^s  and  discretion,  arose. 

In  184(i  ho  was  again  nominated  I'or  governor,  hut  Mr.  .lohn  Young, 
his  opponent,  was  elected.  At  the  close  of  his  official  term,  Rlr.  Wright 
returned  to  his  residence  in  Canton,  and  engaged  in  that  pursuit  tor 
which  during  a  long  period  he  had  evinced  a  deciiled  fondness, — that  of 
practical  agricidture.  He  was  appointed  in  1847,  to  deliver  tho  addresa 
at  the  State  Agricultural  Fair,  at  Saratoga  Springs,  and  accepted  the  ap- 
])ointment,  hut  was  suddenly  attacked  hy  a  severe  illness  of  which  he 
died  in  two  hours.  lie  had  for  several  months  devoted  his  days  to  hard 
hihor  on  his  farm,  and  his  nights  lo  correspondence,  which  were  helieved 
to  have  heen  the  proximate  causes  of  his  death.  This  sudden  bereave- 
ment cast  a  gloom  over  the  connnunity,  and  the  heavy  tidings  were  re- 
ceived with  sadness  by  his  numerous  friends,  and  the  public  generally. 
The  democratic  party  were  at  this  time  looking  about  for  a  man  upon 
whom  they  might  unite  at  the  next  presidential  canvass,  and  from  every 
quarter  there  came  expressions  that  indicated  the  preference  they  felt  lor 
Mr.  Wright,  and  it  is  highly  probable  that  hud  he  lived  he  would  huvo 
been  selected  as  their  candidate. 

During  his  lifetime,  his  mercantile  friends  had  procured  a  testimonial 
of  their  esteem  which  af\er  his  death  was  forwarded  to  Mrs.  Wright.  It 
consisted  of  195  pieces  of  silver  plate  manufactured  by  Cerandus  Uoyce, 
of  New  York,  each  article  bearing  a  suitable  inscription,  commemorating 
tlie  occasion  of  tho  gift.  The  articles  were  two  pitchers  holding  four 
quarts  and  one  pint  each;  a  silver  tea  kettle  holding  three  rpiarts;  a 
coffe  pot,  teapot,  sugar  dish,  cream  ])ot,  slop  bowl,  soup  ladle,  fish  knife, 
crumb  knife,  ice  cream  slicer,  pair  of  sugar  tongs,  four  butter  knives,  and 
nine  dozen  table  and  dessert  spoons  and  forks.  The  total  value  was  about 
§1,900. 

Soon  after  the  death  of  Mr.  Wright,  his  widow  and  family  yielding 
to  the  solicitation  of  his  neighbors  mn\  friends,  accepted  the  offer  which 
they  tendered,  of  erecting  a  plain  and  simple  moimment  over  his  grave, 
ns  a  testimonial  of  personal  esteem  and  private  friendship.  An  ostenta- 
tious display  of  architecture  was  deemed  inconsistent  with  the  modest 
ani'i  unassuming  character  of  the  man  whose  name  it  bore,  and  unneces- 
sary to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  one  who  had  become  endeared  in  the 
hearts  of  the  people.  A  subscription  was  drawn  u|)  in  October,  1847, 
the  amoimt  of  each  contribution  limited  to  $1,  and  its  circulation  to  citi- 
zens of  St.  Lawrence  county.  With  the  avails  of  this,  a  simple  shaft  of 
pure  white  marble  from  the  Dorset  quarry,  15  feet  in  height,  resting  on  a 
base  of  Canton  granite  1^  feet  high,  was  erected  and  inclosed  in  a  neat  iron 
paling.  This  unassuming  monument  is  shown  at  the  end  of  the  present 
chapter.     ^ 

The  shaft  bears  on  one  side  his  name  and  date  of  birth  and  death. 
On  the  other  the  inscription  "erected  by  the  citizens  of  the  county  of  St. 
Lawrence." 

The  citizens  of  Weybridge  and  vicinity,  in  Vermont,  (which  town  Mr. 
Wright  always  regarded  with  the  feelings  of  a  natal  place),  in  the  March 
following  his  decease,  united  in  testifying  their  respect  for  his  character, 
by  erecting  a  monument  to  his  memory.  A  series  of  resolutions  highly 
expressive  of  regard,  were  drawn  up,  and  a  committee  appointed  to  pro- 


■'I  ' 


V  if' ill 


V 

616 

HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 

cure  the  menna  for  ornctiriff  it  nnd  n  steel  pinto  en);ravin^  of  it  floln« 
inon  W.  JeWHit  iind  Saimiul  O.  Wriglit,  of  VVuyhridKei  nnd  Samuel  9. 
Plielps,  of  Mi<idluli(iry,  wen;  appointed  the  cominitton,  who,  at  a  coMt  uf 
iiliout  $4,400,  erected  in  their  villiif(e  near  the  hcIiooI  house,  and  over  the 
SHrne  ^ro'i'xi  where  the  (Jon^reKational  church  stood,  at  which  VVri);lit 
nnd  his  parents  had  worifhipped,  n  shafl  of  white  uiorble  uhotit  thirty 
eiylit  feet  in  height.  Tiio  main  shall  is  twcnty-ciKht  feet  high,  three  teut 
square  at  the  luise,  and  seventeen  inches  at  the  top.  It  statuls  upon  n 
mound,  and  is  supported  by  three  bases;  the  first  8,  the  second  Q[,  and 
the  third  5  feet  stpinre.  Above  this  is  u  die  four  feet  square,  which  in 
surmounted  by  the  shaft.  Inserted  in  the  monument  is  a  beautiful  and 
accurate  uiednliou  bust,  executed  by  H.  I).  Palmer,  of  Albany.  The  only 
inscri|)tion  which  it  has  upon  it  is,  SUaa  IVrighl.  It  is  surrounded  by  a 
circular  iron  railing  six  rods  in  iliumeter. 

His  biography  has  been  ably  written  by  the  Hon.  Jabez  D.  Hammond, 
and  forms  the  third  volume  of  the  Political  History  of  New  York.  The 
well  known  character  and  abilities  of  this  talented  writer,  are  a  suDicient 
guaranty  of  its  value. 

We  are  indebted  to  Hammond's  Lite  of  Silas  Wright,  published  at 
Syracuse,  by  Hall  and  DirLinson,  for  the  portrait  which  faces  our  title. 
The  reader  will  find  in  that  work  n  very  minute  and  correct  account  at 
the  life  and  public  services  of  this  truly  illustrioua  man.  Uia  uienioirs 
have  also  been  written  by  J.  S.  Jenkins. 


Ill 


Wright's  Monununt,  Cantim. 


I  V 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


617 


»'M 


CHAPTER  IX. 


EVENTS  OF  THE  WAR  OP  1812—1815. 

N  the  .'»th  of  April,  ISOS,  a  rPKirnent  wns  fortripH  in  St.  Lnw- 
renco  comity  witli  Alex.  .1.  Tumor,  II.  col.  cotnmandant ;  Jn- 
Hepli  EdHiill,  \sl  major,  niu\  Dnvid  Kord,  tid major;  uiui  on  tli» 
lltli  a  hri^'ndo,  f.mm'uciiijr  Lowis,  JefTorson, niidSt.  Lnwrenco 
coiintioH  wiiB  torincd,  Imvinir  VVidter  Mnrlin,  itn  brigadier  gtneralf 
llu  hnd  prcvioiioly  been  licut.  col.,  nnd  Ida  plnii.'  .nx  siipplind  liy 
Jonuthan  Collins,  of  Turin.  On  the  Md  of  A|)ril,  tS'  ;,  the  follow- 
ing nppointtnuntH  were  nmde  in  Tiirner*8  re^irn*Mit.  iHtiac  Bcuch, 
adjutant;  John  K'\\\^,  paymaster ;  J).  W.  Church,  qnaritr  master ;  Joneph 
\\ ,  Smith,  surgeon;  I'ouell  DnviH,  surgeoix's  mife;  Loiii.-  HiiHli/oiick, 
Timothy  Pope,  Timothy  Crossot,  Nntlian  Stone,  V»'m.  Perrv,  TlidinaH  B. 
Beiiedit  >,  Solomon  Linsley,  Jr.,  Isaac  Bartliolotnew,  Hiclxtrd  Flack, 
Kiitl.ii  Deniston,  nnd  Benjamin  Stewart,  captains;  lehitd  Dimiriock, 
Kelsey  Thurbor,  Samuel  Armstrong,  Martin  Philips,  Mcdad  Moody,  Pot- 
ter Coif,  Seth  (intcs,  John  llnwiey,  John  W.  Lyttle.  (alvin  lluhhnrd, 
and  Benjamin  Bailey, /leufennn^s;  nnd  Jacob  Arnohl,  Jr.,  Thomas  Lee, 
John  A.  Armstrong,  Aimer  Wright,  James  Parkil,  Jr.,  Joel  Woodhou«c, 
Daniel  Greene,  Nicholas  Reynolds,  Robert  Jackson,  Seth  Matliiews  and 
Dnvid  French,  en*i'gn.».  An  artillery  c«impany  was  formed  April  G,  1807, 
with  Alex'  Richard,  capl, ;  Amos  Wells,  1st  It ;  Joseph  Freeman,  2nd  It.  A 
battallion  of  fom*  companies,  under  Alric  Man,  major  commandant,  was 
formed  in  Franklin  co.,  June  4,  1808,  and  belonged  to  Gen.  Benj.  Moore's 
brigade.  Our  space  forbids  the  use  of  the  details  collected  in  relation  to 
Hubseipient  organizations.  The  location  of  our  counties  upon  the  front- 
ier, ma<le  them  the  theatre  of  events  tliat  will  be  briefly  enumerated,  nnd 
checked  their  growtii  and  settlement  to  a  most  Ininentable  degree ;  not 
80  much  by  the  actual  ns  the  dreaded  evils  of  war,  and  the  entire  ces- 
sation of  trade,  which  had  mainly  found  nn  outlet  by  the  St.  Lawrence. 
With  business  stopped,  the  industry  of  the  country  palsied,  and  the 
brightest  prospects  of  the  future  blighted,  it  is  not  surprising  that  tho 
war  was  to  a  considerable  degree  iuipo|)idnr,  especinlly  with  those  cinsses 
whose  business  was  interrupted  by  the  measure,  atid  whose  property 
was  depreciated  nnd  in  some  instances  rendered  valueless  by  its  occur- 
rence. The  measiu'es  which  preceded  and  led  to  hostilities  belong  tu 
our  national  history'.  Grievances  had  existed  for  several  years,  and  ef- 
forts had  been  made  to  settle  the  difficulties  between  the  two  nations  by 
diplomatic  arrangements,  but  these  failing,  a  resort  to  arms  became  the 
only  means  effectual  in  attaining  these  ends  which  coidd  not  be  accom- 
plished peaceably. 

On  the  22d  of  Dec.  1807,  congress  laid  an  endiargo  upon  all  ships  nnd 
vessels  in  the  ports  of  the  United  States,  nnd  directed  that  no  clearance 
should  be  furnished  to  any  ship  bound  to  any  foreign  port  or  place,  ex- 
cept Under  the  immediate  direction  of  the  president.    In  the  event  of 


ill 

» 


i 


!; 


618 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


"lie  suspension  of  hostilitiea  between  the  bellisierent  powers  of  Europe, 
or  of  such  clinngcs  in  tlieir  niensint^s,  ns  woulil  render  tlio  commerce  of 
the  country  sufe,  the  president  was  authnri/ed,  hy  un  net  passed  on  the 
8tii  of  April  followinjr,  to  suspend  in  wliole  or  in  part,  the  o])orations 
of  the  emlmrf(o.  This  a])plied  to  tlie  lakes  as  \\cll  as  the  seji  hoard. 
Early  in  1801*,  Cn|)tain8  Samuel  Cherry  and  Thomas  Anderson,  were 
stationed  at  OgdtMishurgh,  to  enforce  nou  intercourse  and  occupied 
temporary  barracks  erected  for  their  use.  These  two  companies  of 
troops  are  represented  ns  the  worst  set  of  men  that  ever  lived,  and  were 
charged  with  lunug  needlessly  oHicious  in  searching  persons  crossing 
the  river,  whicli  led  to  jealousies  that  almost  ripened  into  hostility  wiili 
tilt!  citizens.  The  latter,  for  their  own  protection,  orgiuiized  a  nightly 
(tatroll  to  protect  their  gardens  and  hen  roosts,  and  thus  between  tin; 
preservation  of  national  and  persoiiid  rights,  the  village  bore  the  disci- 
pline of  n  camp,  until,  to  the  gn;at  joy  oi  the  citizens,  the  news  arrived 
that  the  soldiers  were  to  be  withdrawn.  This  was  too  desirable  an  event 
to  pass  imiiotic<!d,  and  jireparations  were  made  to  ctdebrate  it,  whioli 
coming  to  the  knowledge  of  the  other  |)arty,  an  attempt  was  made  in  the 
night  time,  to  seize  an  ohi  French  cannon,  belonging  in  the  village,  which 
was  to  be  fired  on  their  departure,  and  to  throw  it  from  the  bridge  into 
the  river.  The  plot  was  discovered,  and  the  party  sent  was  arrested  by 
the  citizen  guard,  nnd  in  the  morning  marched  buck  to  their  quarters, 
and  released  at  the  solicitation  of  their  otlicers.  As  they  were  leaving, 
a  citizen  who  went  down  to  their  bouts  to  recover  some  stolen  property, 
was  seized  and  thrown  overboard,  wliich  instantly  raised  an  excitement, 
and  as  they  left,  they  were  followed  by  the  hootings  and  cries  of  the 
irritated  crowd.  Tiie  old  iron  cannon,  and  the  discordant  music  of  a 
hundred  tin  horns  with  as  many  cowbells,  assisted  in  expressing  the 
general  satisfaction.  The  books  of  a  mercantile  firm  show  an  unsettled 
balance  of  $300  against  one  of  these  worthies.  Congress,  April  10, 1812, 
required  100,000  men  to  be  raised  in  antici{)ation  of  the  war,  which  were 
to  be  officered  with  pres'.Mit  militia  officers,  paid  at  the  same  rates  as  the 
regular  army,  and  were  not  compelled  to  serve  longer  than  six  nioiitlis 
aflcr  arriving  at  the  place  of  rendezvous.  It  was  stipnia  ed,  that  no  nou- 
commissioned  officer  musician  or  private,  should  be  subject  to  corporal 
punishment  by  whipping,  but  stoppage  of  pay,  confinement,  and  de- 
privation of  rations,  should  be  substituted.  $1,000,000  was  nppro- 
]iriuted  for  this  purpose.  Gen.  Jacob  Brown,  whose  brigade  included 
the  county,  wrote  May  2,  1812,  to  Col.  Benedict,  to  raise  43  men,  in- 
cluding noncommissioned  officers,  to  be  held  ready  at  a  minutes  warn- 
ing, and  two  competent  men  as  lieutenant  and  ensign.  These  ho  re- 
quired to  be  embodied  and  stationed  in  the  village  of  Williatnstown, 
[Ue  Kalb.]  as  soon  as  possible.  Col.  Stone,  of  Herkimer  county, 
was  also  instructed  to  raise  37  men,  and  1  lieutenant,  to  join  the 
above.  A  company  wns  accordingly  raised  of  about  80  men,  with 
Darius  Hawkins,  of  Herkimer  county,  captain;  John  Policy,  of  Mas- 
eenn,  and  P^lisba  Gritliu,  of  De  Kalb,  lieutenants.  These  were  sent  on 
to  Ogdensluirgh,  and  Col  Benedict  wrote.  May  25,  1812,  to  D.  W. 
Church,  adjutant,  in  charge  of  the  barracks,  as  follows  :  They  appear 
to  have  laid  in  for  a  stock  of  military  supplies.  "  You  will  probably  re- 
ceive this  letter  by  the  hand  of  Lt.  Policy,  who  has  the  command  of  a 
detachment  of  men  from  this  encampment.  I  have  ordered  him  to  Og- 
deiisburgh  with  the  detachment.  Lt  Griffin,  as  commanded,  will  fol- 
low in  three  or  four  days.  They  are  to  go  to  the  public  barracks.  Lt. 
Policy  is  to  be  obeyed  as  commander,  until  the  arrival  of  Lt.  Griffin. 
You  will  receive  by  Whipple,  four  bbls.  of  pork,  four  axes,  and  one  fry- 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


619 


ing  pnn,  which  belonp  to  the  troops,  together  with  one  bbl,  of  whiskey, 
for  their  nse.  1  expert  to  be  nt  Ogdensbnrgh  on  or  by  Monday  next, 
and  until  my  arrival  1  have  to  request  the  favor  of  yo>i  to  fnrnisii  flour, 
bread  and  other  riunj)  npcessaries;  in  fine  to  be  an  assistant  to  the  Lt., 
and  lend  him  all  tiie  assistance  in  yonr  power.  On  my  arrival  I  sliall 
make  the  necessary  arrangements  imtil  the  arrival  of  the  proper  officers." 
These  .roopa  arrived  on  the  last  of  May,  and  lor  n  lew  (lays  were 
quartered  in  the  court  house.  The  citizens,  from  their  former  expe- 
rience, disliked  the  idea  of  having  troops  among  them,  and  it  is  said 
that  difficnity  was  experienced  in  getting  Iheir  bread  baked  from  this 
cause.  The  declaration  of  war,  in  June  1812,  was  mado  known  by  the 
arrival  of  Major  Darby  Noon,  to  erect  barracks,  which  were  temporary 
and  located  a  short  distance  below  the  village.  No  sooner  was  the 
news  of  the  declaration  of  war  received,  than  the  greatest  alarm  was 
immediately  created  on  both  sides  of  the  lines,  from  mutual  Itiars  of 
hostile  incursion  from  the  other  side  of  the  !)oundary. 

In  St.  Lawrence  county  especially,  this  fear  was  greatly  increased  by 
rumors  that  parties  of  Indians  were  about  to  fall  upon  the  settlements, 
then  young  and  feeble,  and  lay  waste  the  country  with  fire  and  tomahawk. 
On  the  slighest  alarm,  often  from  trivial  or  accidental  causes,  a  rimior 
wouhi  originate  and  spread  through  an  entire  settlement;  the  timid 
would  flee  to  the  woods,  and  not  unfrequently  the  most  grotesque  and 
ludicrous  scenes  were  enacted.     Families  hastening  oft'  and   leaving 
their  houses  open  and  the  table  spread  with  provisions,  and  fleeing  on 
horseback  and  on  foot,  in  carts,  and  in  wagons,  laden  with  such  aiticles 
of  value  as  they  were  able  to  snatch  in  their  haste;  some  driving  their 
flocks  and  herds  before  them,  which  others  \e(t  behind,  and  each  fugi- 
tive Irom  the  danger  they  apprehended,  augmented  the  fears  of  the 
others,  which  they  met  by  relating  their  own.    Many  of  these  did  not 
return  till  peace  and  some  never.    By  degrees  it  was  remarked  that  no 
real  danger  from  these  sources  existed,  and  confidence  became  reestab- 
lished, so  that  before  the  close  of  the  war,  the  former  feeling  of  friend- 
ship had  in  some  degree  been  renewed  between  the  settlers  along  oppo- 
site the  St.  Lawrence.    The  first  news  of  the  war  in  lune  1812,  was 
the  signal  tor  general  alarm,  but  before  the  close  of  the  season,  the  minds 
of  the  settlers  had  become  accustomed  to  these  rumors  and  they  were 
but  little  regarded.    The  sight  of  an   Indian,  however  innocent  ami 
peaceable,  his  business,  or  of  an  Indian  or  squaw's  track  in  the  sand, 
was  an  especial  subject  of  alarm,  and  this  operated  greatly  to  the  dis- 
tresses of  the  St.  Regis  tribe,  who  were  thus  cut  off"  from  their  custom- 
ary pursuits  and  compelled  to  remain  at  home,  for  fear  of  exciting- 
alarms. 

To  say  that  this  alarm  was  general,  would  be  •^r'-^g  injustice  to  a  large 
class  of  citizens  who  awaited  whatever  events  tl  .  war  might  entail,  with  a 
constancy  and  steadiness  which  reflecte<i  great  credit  upon  their  charac- 
ter. Id  every  town  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  however  most  ludicrous  scenes 
were  enacted,  originating  in  accidental  alarms  or  the  wanton  reports  set 
on  foo;  by  those  who  adopted  this  method  of  testing  the  personal  courage 
of  theii  neighbors.  The  settlers  in  De  Peyster  were  on  one  occasion, 
•iriven  to  the  woods  by  a  report  brought  by  a  young  man  who  rode 
through  on  horseback  at  great  speed,  and  spiead  an  alarm  of  Indians. 
This  proved  to  be  entirely  groundless,  and  its  author  just  a  year  after- 
wards, got  severely  flogged  for  this  indulgence  of  his  humor.  A  ludicrous 
incident  occurred  in  Louisville,  in  June.  An  early  settler  who  lived  upon 
one  of  the  points  that  project  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  who  to  a  fo  n 


1  ■ ,  ■' 

■■■ 

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>%"■ 


'  f 


620 


HISTORY   OP   ST   LAWRENCE 


ness  for  n  practicnl  joke,  ndded  miirli  personal  courage,  became  disgusted 
at  the  ti"iid  conduct  of  his  neiglilxirs,  and  feared  that  the  Guntidiana 
would  cross  over  for  plunder,  supposing  the  country  deserted.  He  ac- 
cordingly resolved  one  still  heautiml  evening,  to  try  the  effect  of  a  strata- 
gem which  was  to  convince  the  people  opposite  within  sight  of  his  resi- 
dence, that  although  some  had  fled,  yet  others  were  left,  and  that  his 
government  was  not  unmindful  of  the  interests  of  its  citizens  on  her 
norihern  frontier. 

He  accordingly,  with  the  aid  of  two  or  three  accomplices,  built  a  great 
number  of  fires  in  a  consjiicuous  point  on  the  bank,  and  then  passing  up 
and  down,  be  announced  in  a  loud  voice  which  resounded  for  miles 

^  across  the  placid  waters  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  orders  which  it  is  cus- 
tomary to  issue  to  the  different  companies  and  battallions  of  an  army 
when  taking  their  positions  in  a  camp.  These  orders  were  duly  responded 
to  by  bis  aids  who  were  posted  at  .suitable  distances.  Tlie  fires  liad  at- 
tracted notice  on  the  Canada  shore,  and  the  orders  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  were  conclusive  evidence  that  an  army  of  Americans  bad  arrived, 
and  were  about  to  precipitate  themselves  upon  the  British  domituoiis. 
Immediately  the  cries  of  alarm,  the  Imrking  of  dogs,  which  their  masters 
vainly  tried  to  suppress,  and  the  rattling  of  wagons  announced  that  the 
settlers  were  on  their  way  to  the  woods,  where  as  it  subsequently  ap- 
peared, they  spent  the  night  in  the  greatest  terror  and  confusion.  One 
old  Dutchman  alone  remained,  declaring  that  the  voice  that  came  across 
the  waters,  was  too  much  like  that  of  an  old  fellow  with  whom  he  was 
acquainted. 

\s  mitfht  have  been  supposed,  the  alarm  spread  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
fires,  and  a  British  army  wtis  reported  to  have  landed  and  taken  posses- 
sion. Great  nund)ers  fled  in  terror  to  the  thickets,  snatching  whatever 
was  at  hand  capable  of  ministering  to  the  first  necessities  of  nature,  and 
remained  several  bours  until  two  or  ihree  of  their  number  who  had  been 
sent  to  reconnoitre  and  had  crept  cautiously  up  to  the  fires  without  en- 
countering the  picket  guard  or  the  luio  of  sentinels,  returned  with  a  report 
of  their  obf^ervations.  This  little  circumstance  by  showing  the  ridiculous 
consequences  of  false  alarms,  did  much  good  by  {)lacing  the  citizens  on 
their  guard  against  them.  The  sayings  and  doings  of  diverse  persons 
who  headed  this  retreat,  were  not  soon  forgotten. 

As  soon  as  war  was  declared.  Gen.  Brown  drafted  six  companies  in  'le 
regiments  of  Colonels  Benedict  and  Stone,  which  were  under  Captai  ^ 
Griflin,  of  De  Kalb,  Armstrong,  of  Lisbon,  Cook  and  Ilovey,  of  Levvit 
county,  and  Bell  and  Weaver  of  Herkimer  county.  Oliver  Bush,  c*' 
Turin,  was  1st  Major,  and Whitman,  2d  Major  of  Benedict's  regi- 
ment. Col.  Stone's  r  giment  arrived  soon  after  with  several  companies, 
among  which  was  an  independent  rifle  company  under  Capt.  Noadiali 
Ilulbard,  of  Champion.  The  militia  captains  on  duty  during  a  consider- 
able part  of  the  summer  of  181"2.  wore  as  follows  in  the  order  of  their 
commissions:  Nathan  Adams,  Nathan  Cook,  Imri  Case,  Jost  Bell, 
Moses  A.  Bunnell, Howland,  Jacob  Hovey.  When  war  was  de- 
clared eight  schooners  were  in  Ogdensburgh  harbor,  which  on  the  29th 
of  June,  attempted  to  escape  to  the  lake.  Mr.  D.  Jones,  an  active  parti- 
san residing  near  the  present  village  of  Maitland,  on  the  Canada  shore, 
seeing  the  movement  and  appreciating  the  advantage  that  would  result 
to  the  British  interests  if  this  fleet  could  be  prevented  from  reaching  Lake 
Ontario,  raised  a  company  of  volunteers,  pursued  them  in  boats  till  he 

overtook  them  near  the  foot  of  tlie  'f  liousand  islands  above  Brockville. 
Two  of  the  vessels,  the  Sophia  and  the  Island  Packet,  were  taken  with- 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


621 


out  resistance,  as  they  were  fitted  for  trade  only,  and  had  on  board  no 
armament.  Several  emigrant  families  on  board,  with  the  crew  and  a  part 
or  the  whole  of  thejr  effects  were  set  on  nn  island,  and  the  vessels 
burned.  The  crews  of  the  remainder  immediately  steered  back  to  Og- 
densburgh. 

The  following  extract  from  the  correspondence  of  Mr.  Joseph  Rosseel, 
conveys  an  account  of  the  excitement  produced  by  these  measures: 

"  July  2,  ISIS.  Since  my  Inst  there  has  been  much  confusion  through- 
out the  town.  This  I  intend  sending  by  Mr.  H.,  who  is  packing  up  to 
start  with  his  family  for  Utica  directly.  This  confusion  commenced  on 
Sunday  morning  with  the  setting  out#of  a  party  from  this  place  in  a 
revenue  cutter,  in  pursuit  of  13  king's  boats  laden  with  cannon  ball, 
swivels  and  ammunition;  this  pursuit  proved  unsuccessful,  the  wind  fail- 
ing the  cutter.  On  Monday  morning,  Major  Noon  orrived  here  from 
Sncketts  Harbor,  in  company  with  several  merchants  from  Osvego,  in  a 
long  boat,  with  men  armed.  His  object  was  the  arranging  for  barracks 
for  1000  troops  and  a  hospital.  The  armed  men  came  to  accompany  up 
eight  vessels  which  lay  here  wind  bound,  when  the  news  of  the  declara- 
tion of  war  reached  us.  These  vessels  with  those  of  Ogdensburgh, 
holding  out  temptation  to  the  enemy,  sailed  on  that  day  at  noon  to  the 
rejoicing  of  the  inhabitants.  We  held  a  conference  with  Capt.  Moyo, 
owner  of  the  Genesee  Packet,  about  sinking  the  Ogdensburgh  vessels,  but 
it  was  deemed  improper.  The  remainder  of  that  day  was  employed  in 
keeping  down  the  marauding  spirit.  The  wholo  town  met,  and  their 
proceedings  were  concluded  with  much  propriety  and  harmony.  All 
went  on  well  till  Tuesday,  about  noon,  when  five  of  the  vessels  which 
sailed  the  day  before,  returned  to  this  port.  That  which  excited  a  general 
alarm,  was  the  circumstance  of  one  of  the  returning  vessels  making 
signal  of  distress.  The  report  was  that  two  vessels  had  been  burnt  in 
the  narrows  by  Indians  and  whites,  who  secreted  themselves  on  the 
islands.  This  report  which  run  through  the  country  with  the  swift- 
ness of  lightning,  together  with  the  general  orders  which  were  at 
the  same  time  issued  to  march  to  Ogdensburgh,  all  the  men  in  town  pre- 
pared for  immediate  action,  created  such  confusion  as  is  iiulescribable. 
In  less  than  an  hour  all  the  settlements  on  Black  lake  and  St.  Lawrence, 
from  hence  upwards,  were  entirely  deserted— people  every  where  run- 
ning through  the  woods  in  great  dismay.  At  2  P.  M.,  v^e  were  all  under 
arms,  nn  immediate  attack  being  expected  from  the  enemy  with  a  view, 
as  was  supposed,  of  burning  our  vessels; — our  fears  were  not  realized." 

Very  soon  after,  the  Prince  Regent,  a  new  vessel  of  10  guns,  came 
down  from  Kingston,  and  fears  were  apprehended  that  an  intention  of 
attacking  the  town  was  entertained.  On  the  20th  of  July,  Brigadier  Gen. 
Stephen  Van  Rensselaer,  arrived,  and  a  rumor  prevailed  that  two  more 
vessels  were  coming  down  to  destroy  the  fleet.  As  afterwards  appeared, 
several  plans  were  laid  to  take  the  vessels,  but  none  were  attempted ;  aa 
a  further  security,  they  were  taken  above  the  bridge,  and  during  an  arm- 
istiire  that  occurred  in  summer,  were  got  up  to  the  lake.  Soon  after  the 
arrival  of  the  Prince  Regent,  the  Earl  of  Moira  and  Dtike  of  Gloucester^ 
the  former  of  18  and  the  latter  of  10  guns,  arrived  at  Prescott  A  scheme 
was  laid  for  destroying  the  Duke  of  Gloucester  on  the  night  of  July  23, 
.:ind  from  the  original  volunteer  list  before  us,  it  appears  that  about  60 
men  offered  themselves  for  the  service  who  were  to  act  under  Colonels 
T.  B.  Benedict  and  Solomon  Van  Rensselaer.  Three  parties  were  to 
coripur  itc,  but  before  night  the  vessel  changed  her  position,  and  the  at- 

37 


•  I 


i! 


1 


622 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


tempt  was  not  made.  In  July,  Gen.  Brown  despatched  the  schooner 
Julia  of  the  navy,  armed  with  one  18  and  two  iron  6  pounders,  and  laden 
with  military  stores,  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  H.  W.  Wells,  of 
the  government  brig  Oneida,  and  accompanied  by  Cant.  Noadiah  Hubbard 
with  a  rifle  company  in  a  Durham  boat.  She  sailed  July  29,  and  on  ar- 
riving at  Morristown,  she  was  met  at  3  o'clock  on  the  31st  by  the  Earl 
of  Moira,  which  soon  as  they  came  alongside,  dropped  their  anchors, 
brailed  up  their  canvass,  and  commenced  a  cannonade,  which  lasted, 
three  and  a  quarter  hours  without  intermission,  but,  singularly  enough, 
without  loss  of  life  and  with  but  little  injury  to  the  vessels.  The  Earl  of 
Moira  was  hulled  a  few  times,  and  the  Julia  received  a  slight  injury  from 
one  shot.  Near  dark,  the  enen%'s  vessels  were  warped  up  to  Elizabeth- 
town  (now  Brockviile),  and  the  guns  taken  out  and  placed  in  battery  on 
shore.  The  Julia  weighed  anchor  and  fell  down  the  current,  and  by 
being  towed  by  the  Durham  boat  and  the  schooner's  yawl,  reached  Og- 
densburgh  before  morning.  She  lay  off  in  the  stream  between  Prescott 
and  Ogdensburgh,  until  the  iifth  of  September,  under  the  command  of 
Capt.  Wm.  Vaughan,  sailing  master  in  the  navy.  Samuel  Dixon  and 
Abram  Shoemaker,  volunteers,  acting  master's  mates.  Lieut.  Wells  re- 
turned the  day  after  the  affair  to  Sacketts  Harbor. 

A  scout  had  been  sent  to  notify  the  Julia  of  her  danger  from  the 
two  armed  vessels,  but  did  not  arrive  seasonably.  The  firing  being 
heard  at  Ogdensburgh,  and  the  occasion  of  it  being  surmised,  Adjutant 
Church  was  sent,  by  Col.  Benedict,  to  proceed  with  a  party  of  volunteers 
to  offer  any  assistance  that  might  be  possible.  They  hastily  marched  to 
the  scene  of  the  engagement  but  did  not  arrive  until  after  the  affair  was 
over.     From  Mr.  Church,  the  foregoing  accotmt  was  derived. 

Samuel  Dixon,  who  was  on  board  the  Julia  and  participated  in  this 
affair  as  a  volunteer,  had  been  in  the  employment  of  David  Parish,  as 
captain  of  the  schooner,  Collector.  The  principal  merchant  vessels  on 
the  lake,  were  bought  up  by  government  on  their  reaching  the  lake,  and 
fitted  up  with  an  armament.  Captain  Mayo's  schooner  the  Genesee 
Packet,  had  its  name  changed  to  the  Hamilton.  The  Experiment,  one  of 
Mr.  Parish's  vessels  became  The  Groioler. 

An  incident  occurred  during  the  summer  of  1812,  while  the  militia 
were  on  duty  at  Ogdensburgh  which  created  much  talk  at  the  time,  and 
has  smce  been  a  standing  subject  for  a  story;  properly  regarded  it  re- 
flects high  credit  upon  the  military  courage  of  the  individual,  and  was 
at  the  time  so  regarded  by  his  comrades.  Had  he  beon  assigned  a 
dangerous  position  in  an  assault,  he  would  doubtless  have  acquitted 
himself  in  as  conscientious  and  efficient  a  manner  as  he  acted  on  the 
mistaken  orders  he  received  on  the  following  occasion.  An  alarm  had 
required  a  hasty  draft  of  recruits  from  the  militia  of  the  adjacent  towns, 
who  arrived  in  the  forenoon,  and  were  from  the  necessity  of  the  occasion 
put  upon  duty  the  same  evening,  before  they  had  had  time  to  learn  the 
discipline  of  a  camp,  or  the  duties  of  the  soldier.  The  articles  of  war  were 
read  in  their  hearing,  in  which  the  penalty  of  death  was  declared  the 
doom  of  every  offender,  who  should  violate  the  rules  of  order,  or  bo 
found  wanting  in  d(  eds  of  omission,  as  well  as  commission,  in  the  rou- 
tine of  the  soldier'ii  duty.  To  those  who  had  just  been  called  from  the 
quiet  labors  of  the  field  to  participate  in  the  events  of  war,  and  act  a 
part  in  the  rigid  discipline  of  a  camp,  the  soldier's  life  appeared  to  de- 
pend on  more  contingencies  than  casualties  of  battle,  and  the  profession 
of  arms  to  be  a  path  beset  with  pitfalls  and  dangerous  passes,  so  straight 
and  narrow,  that  the  utmost  caution  was  required  so  to  conduct  one's 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


623 


militia 


deportment  as  not  to  incur  the  death  penalty.  Such  doubtless  was  the 
sentiment  of  the  subject  of  the  followinj,'  incident,  when  on  the  evening 
of  his  arrival,  he  was  {daced  on  duty  us  a  sentinel,  with  the  usual  in- 
junctions to  allow  no  one  to  pass  withotit  the  countersign. 

This  was  not  given  him  either  through  accident  or  design,  and  the 
omission  was  noticed  by  him  at  the  time,  and  he  enquired  of  one  of  the 
party  who  had  previously  known  something  of  the  usages  of  the  camp, 
what  he  should  do  in  this  emergency,  who  replied  that  he  must  do  as 
he  had  been  ordered.  He  accordingly  formed  the  resolution  to  obey 
orders  to  ihe  letter;  to  know  no  man  in  the  dark,  and  to  stop  all  persons 
parsing  by  land  or  water.  There  are  those  who  believe  that  the  sentinel 
was  thus  purposely  left,  in  order  to  test  his  fidelity  by  endeavoring  to 
deprive  him  of  his  arms,  and  thus  make  him  a  subject  of  ridicule.  In- 
deed, one  of  the  officers  who  was  subsequently  detained  by  him,  is  said 
to  have  boasted  that  he  had  got  two  or  three  guns  away  from  sentinels 
on  guard  that  night,  and  intended  to  get  as  many  more. 

The  guard  had  all  been  posted  and  the  seijeant  and  his  party  of  some 
six  or  eight  men,  were  returning  to  the  guard  house,  when  on  approach- 
ing the  spot  where  the  man  had  been  posted,  without  the  countersign, 
they  were  ordered  to  stop  and  one  by  one  were  commanded  to  advance, 
lay  down  their  *ms  and  sit  down  upon  the  ground.  Here  they  were 
kept  in  perfect  silence  and  stillness  by  the  resolute  orders  of  the  sentinel 
who  noticed  every  motion,  and  with  loaded  musket  threatened  instant 
death  to  the  first  one  who  should  oflTer  to  leave  his  place,  or  make  the 
slightest  move  towards  recovering  his  arms.  The  answer  that  the  Ser- 
jeant had  returned,  on  being  first  hailed,  which  was  the  remark  that 

Colonel  B had  given  orders  to  allow  a  boat  to  pass  up,  had  made 

the  sentinel  suspicious  that  something  was  wrong.  About  eleven  o'clock 
at  night,  when  preparing  to  go  the  grand  rounds,  the  captain  of  the 
company  on  duty,  made  inquiries  for  the  serjeant  of  the  guard  and  his 
relief.  No  one  knew  what  had  become  of  them  as  they  had  not  been 
seen  since  dark.  The  corporal  of  the  guard  was  also  found  missing. 
Captain  Hawkins,  to  whose  command  these  belonged.  Adjutant  Church, 
and  two  privates,  immediately  started  to  go  the  rounds  and  ascertain  the 
cause  of  the  absence,  and  were  proceeding  along  in  single  file,  the  two 
privates  in  advance,  when  they  were  stopped  by  the  customary  challenge, 
"Who  comes  there,"  to  which  it  was  replied,  "Grand  rounds."  This 
was  as  unintelligible  as  Greek  to  the  new  recruit,  who  abruptly  replied, 
"I'll  grand  rounds  you,"  and  he  ordered  the  first  one  to  advance  and  be 
seated.  The  captain  was  next  disarmed  and  placed  on  a  level  with  his 
privates,  which  altogether  formed  a  group  of  a  dozen  or  more,  including 
all  the  missing  ones,  who  were  not  only  kept  in  their  places,  but  kept 
still  and  silent  by  the  resolute  sentinel  armed  with  a  loaded  musket. 
The  other  private  was  soon  added  -to  the  captive  party,  and  Adjutant 
Church  was  next  ordered  to  advance,  an  order  which  with  characteristic 
1.  .nness,  he  ])romptly  refused  to  obey.  No  sooner  had  he  refused,  when 
the  sentinel  instantly  fired,  but  it  being  dark,  the  shot  took  no  effect. 
Captain  Hawkins,  upon  this  sprang  to  his  feet  and  endeavored  to  seize 
the  musket,  but  he  was  collared  and  kept  at  arm's  length  by  the  iron 
grasp  of  the  sentinel.  A  struggle  ensued  in  which  the  bayonet  was 
loosened  from  the  inusket,  but  retained  by  the  owner,  and  the  captain 
received  a  severe  wound  in  the  arm.  The  serjeant  was  also  wounded 
in  the  leg,  upon  which  the  party  retreated,  leaving  their  arms  on  the 
field.  In  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  the  captain  had  ordered  the 
stubborn  guardsman  to  be  shot,  but  a  second  thought  dictated  a  more 


■M 


624 


HISTORY  OF  ST.   LAWRENCE 


humane  policy,  and  a  line  of  eentries  was  posted  around  him  to  keep 
others  from  falling  in  his  way  till  morning.  The  lino  beyond  him  was 
at  length  relieved,  much  wondering  what  strange  event  had  kept  them 
on  duty  so  long.  Meanwhile,  our  soldier,  conscious  of  having  commit- 
ted some  error,  the  nature  and  consequence  of  which  he  knew  not, 
resolved  titill  to  act  strictly  upon  his  orders  and  to  trust  to  common  jus- 
tice the  eveiit.  He  neatly  stacked  the  weapons  he  had  captured,  hanging 
the  swords  and  hats  upon  the  bayonets,  and  upon  the  top  of  all  he 
placed  the  military  hat  of  his  captain,  and  resumed  his  duties  resolved 
to  defend  his  position,  at  least  as  long  as  practicable.  Tr/o  or  three  com- 
panies were  ordered  out  to  take  him  forcibly  from  his  ground,  but  upon 
a  little  discussion  it  was  thought  expedient  to  let  hint  remain.  A  young 
officer  hearing  of  these  occurrences  offered  to  go  olone  and  get  him  off, 
and  he  parted  with  that  design,  but  nothing  more  was  seen  of  him  till  after 
sunrise  the  next  morning,  when  he  was  found  sitting  very  quietly  under 
gunrd,  not  far  from  the  stack  of  trophies,  of  the  last  night's  adventure. 

The  sentinel  refused  to  let  him  off,  notwithstanding  some  of  his 
neighbors  went  to  mtercede  in  his  behalf,  until  the  man  who  had  given 
him  the  orders  on  leaving  him  the  night  before  should  grant  him  the 
authority.  But  the  latter  had  been  wounded,  and  wavimable  to  walk, 
and  he  was  accordingly  carried  to  within  speaking  distance  of  the  sen- 
tinel, and  succeeded  in  procuring  his  release.  He  still  refused  to  lecve 
his  post,  until  assured  by  an  officer  with  whom  he  was  acquainted,  that 
no  harm  should  come  from  the  last  night's  proceedings,  and  he  appear- 
ed deeply  affected  at  the  mistake  he  had  committed,  and  especially  at 
the  unhappy  consequences  that  had  resulted  from  it.  The  censure  of 
public  opinion,  as  soon  as  the  first  impulse  was  over,  fell  justly  upon  the 
officer  who  had  placed  a  sentinel  upon  guard,  with  injunctions  coupled 
with  the  death  penalty,  to  stop  all  persons  passing,  and  at  the  same  time 
neglecting  to  give  him  the  countersign.  The  man,  who  thus  proved 
himself  true  to  his  orders,  was  Mr.  Seth  Alexander,  still  living  in  DeKalb. 

About  the  middle  of  September,  it  was  learned,  that  a  number  of 
bateaux  were  coming  up  the  river  laden  with  stores,  and  a  party  under 
Capt.  Griffin,  in  a  Durham  boat,  accompanied  with  a  gun  boat,  having 
eighteen  men  and  a  brass  six  pounder,  under  D.  W.  Church,  left  Og- 
densburgh  in  the  evening,  and  late  at  night  landed  on  Toussaint  island, 
opposite  the  town  of  Lisbon,  and  near  the  place  where  the  enemy  lay. 
The  only  family  on  the  island  was  secured,  but  the  man  managed  to 
escape  by  swimming  and  gave  the  alarm,  and  the  ])rovincial  militia 
were  hastily  rallied.  The  bateaux  lay  under  the  north  shore  behind  the 
island.  The  party  under  Capt.  Griffin,  took  a  position  near  its  head, 
while  Church  was  directed  to  station  his  gun  boat  near  its  foot.  Ji  sharp 
firing  soon  began  and  was  continued  for  some  time,  when  the  boat  was 
abandoned  with  the  loss  of  one  inan,  (Macomb)  and  one  wounded.  It 
drifted  down  the  channel,  and  was  taken  up  by  the  enemy  before  it 
reached  the  foot  of  the  island.  The  gun  boat  about  sunrise  came  to 
anchor  and  was  immediately  fired  upon;  at  the  second  discharge  having 
five  of  the  eighteen  wounded,  but  before  the  third  shot,  the  cannon  was 
brought  to  bear,  and  very  shortly  after  the  regulars,  who  accompanied 
the  enemy's  boats,  broke  and  run.  Failing  in  its  object,  the  party  return- 
ed by  land,  and  the  gun  boat  was  sent  to  Hamilton.  Adjutant  Fitz  Gib- 
bon, was  said  to  have  charge  of  the  British  party,  two  of  which  at  the 
time  were  reported  killed  and  several  wounded.  We  had  but  one  man 
killed. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  season,  Capt.  Benjamin  Fc  'yth,  with  a  com- 


AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 


625 


pany  of  riflenien,  arrived  at  Ogdensburgh.  Gen.  Brown  was  frequently 
111  the  place.  On  the  2d  of  October,  about  forty  British  boats,  escorted 
by  two  gun  boats,  were  proceeding  up  the  river  towards  Prescott,  when 
a  cannouade  was  commenced  from  the  enemy's  batteries  upon  the  vil- 
lage, to  cover  the  boats,  which  was  returned  a  short  time,  until  it  was 
found  that  long  shots  had  but  very  little  effect  On  the  3d,  the  firing 
was  renewed,  but  not  answered.  On  Sunday  morning,  the  4th,  an  at- 
tack was  made  by  twenty-five  boats  and  two  gun  boats,  which  had  pro- 
ceeded up  the  river  nearly  a  mile,  and  were  then  seen  to  turn  their 
course  towards  the  village.  The  morning  parade  had  just  been  dismissed, 
but  the  order  to  rally  was  instantly  issued,  and  a  wooden  battery  near 
the  stone  ware  house  was  manned  with  the  brass  six  pounder,  under 
Adjutant  Church,  and  an  iron  twelve  pounder,  under  the  onlers  of 
Joseph  York,  a  volunteer  citizen.  There  was  but  one  embrasure  which 
was  occupied  b^  the  brass  piece,  the  other  being  stationed  at  its  end,  and 
without  protection.  The  regiment  under  the  orders  of  Gen.  Brown,  and 
Forsyth's  riflemen,  which  then  lay  encamped  west  of  the  Oswegatchie, 
was  drawn  up  with  the  militia.  The  Americans  numbered  1,200  men. 
Firing  commenced  from  the  enemy's  batteries  with  the  embarkation  of 
the  troops,  and  continued  as  they  advanced,  and  was  returned  by  our 
troops  as  soon  as  the  boats  arrived  within  musket  range.  The  flotilla 
approached  to  within  a  quarter  of  a  mile,  when  one  of  their  gun  boats 
having  been  disabled  and  two  of  their  number  killed,  they  returned  to 
their  own  side.  It  was  reported  that  one  of  their  bateaux  was  sunk,  but 
of  this  fact  the  author's  informant  was  not  certain.  Not  a  drop  of  blood 
was  lost  on  the  side  of  the  Americans,  but  some  little  injury  was  done  to 
property  and  buildings  by  the  shot  of  the  enemy.  About  thirty  rounds 
were  fired  from  each  of  the  two  pieces  at  the  wooden  battery.  Tho 
firing  continued  nearly  two  hours.  The  assailants  in  this  attempt  were 
commanded  by  Col.  Leth bridge,  and  according  to  the  accounts  published 
by  the  British,  they  numbered  750  men.  Christie,  a  British  author,  has 
thus  described  tiie  affair:  "  They  advanced  without  opposition  to  mid 
channel,  when  the  enemy  opened  a  tremendous  discharge  of  artillery, 
which  checked  their  progress.  A  confusion  immediately  ensued,  and 
they  were  compelled  to  make  a  percipitate  retreat,  with  the  loss  of  three 
men  killed  and  four  wounded.  The  Americans  were  commanded  by 
Brigadier  General  Brown,  and  are  said  to  have  behaved  with  much  cool- 
ness and  intrepidity.  This  enterprise,  undertaken  without  the  sanction 
of  the  commander  of  the  forces,  was  censured  by  him,  and  the  public 
opinion  condemned  it  as  rash  and  premature." 

After  this  unsuccessful  atten:''tt  of  the  enemy,  nothing  further  of  con-> 
sequence  occurred  till  the  close  ->f  the  year.  The  winter  set  in  early, 
and  was  very  severe.  The  drafted  regiment  returned  home,  and  left 
the  place  under  the  protection  of  Captain  Forsyth,  with  his  rifle  com- 
pany, and  a  small  detachment  of  Captain  Kellog's  artillery  company  of 
Albany  volunteers.  The  remainder  of  that  company  had  been  detached 
to  Sackett's  Harbor.  On  the  6th  of  February,  1813,  about  a  fortnight  be- 
fore the  attack  upon  Ogdensburgh,  Captain  Forsyth,  being  told  by  spies 
and  friends  in  Elizabethtown,  (Brockville),  that  a  large  number  of  Ameri- 
cans were  confined  there  in  jail,  and  pressing  news  being  repeatedly  re- 
ceived that  they  were  treated  with  severity,  that  some  were  claimed  as 
British  deserters,  alihongh  they  hud  become  citizens  of  the  United  States, 
and  that  some  of  these  would  be  executed  by  the  authority  of  the  British 
courts  martial,  it  was  resolved  to  attempt  their  rescue.  A  party  con- 
sisting of  Captain  Forsyth's  company,  and  citizen  volunteers  to  the  num- 


626 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


ber  of  about  two  hundred,  was  organized,  and  ready  to  start  about  nine 
o'clock  in  the  evening,  and  leaving  the  town  in  the  care  of  Captain  Kel- 
log,  of  the  Albany  volunteers, ana  a  tevr  citizens,  they  proceeded  on  foot 
and  in  two  or  three  sleighs  (the  latter  in  the  rear),  to  Morristown.  Hav- 
ing halted  hero  a  few  moments,  and  procured  a  guide,*  they  crossed  in 
two  divisions,  marching  in  open  order  on  account  of  the  weakness  of 
the  ice,  Captain  Forsyth  leading  one  division,  and  Colonel  Benedict  the 
other.  Flank  guards  were  dispatched  to  each  side  of  the  town,  to  ar- 
rest such  as  might  attempt  to  escape,  while  the  main  body  marched  into 
the  village,  and  stationed  themselves  in  the  square  in  front  of  the  jail, 
which  then  occupied  the  same  site  as  at  present  Adjutant  Church  was 
ordered  to  detach  platoons  from  the  main  body,  and  station  them  at 
the  corners  of  the  streets,  and  those  points  bust  calculated  to  prevent  re- 
sistance or  a  combination  of  forces.  Lieut.  Wells  commanded  the  right 
flank  guard,  and  Lieut.  Johnson  the  left  Sergeant  Foster,  of  the  main 
guard,  who  had  been  stationed  with  a  few  men  on  one  of  the  corners, 
on  hearing  the  approach  of  a  company  of  men,  hailed  them  with  the 
challenge,  "  who  comes  there  ?"  He  was  answered  by  the  reply,  "  not 
friends  of  King  George."  Not  hearing  the  first  word  in  the  reply,  he 
fired  and  wounded  one  man.  The  party  proved  to  be  tho  Icfl  flank  of 
the  Americans,  and  an  understanding  was  soon  regained.  Meanwhile 
Captain  Forsyth,  with  a  few  men,  entered  the  jail,  and  demanded  the 
keys,  which  were  surrendered  without  resistance,  and  every  prisoi.er, 
with  the  exception  of  one  confined  for  murder,  was  removed.  He  na- 
turally begged  hard  to  share  the  fortune  of  the  others,  but  was  left.  Some 
of  the  more  prominent  citizens  were  taken  prisoners,  and  (with  the  ex- 
ception of  one  physician  who  was  paroled  at  Morristown),  taken  to  Og- 
dcnsburgh,  at  which  place  the  party  arrived  before  daylight.  The  res- 
cued prisoners  and  citizens  brought  back,  numbered  about  fifty-two,  of 
whom  six  or  seven  were  officers.  One  man  was  wounded  by  a  shot  from 
a  window,  with  which  exception  no  resistance  was  offered.  The  counver- 
sign  of  the  party  on  this  affiiir  was  .Americans.  Among  the  prisoi<- 
ers  was  Major  Carley,  three  captains,  and  two  lieutenants. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  those  taken,  except  officers:  Stephen  Chip- 
man,  David  Wheeler,  Charles  French,  Benjamin  Gould,  Wm.  Graves, 
Winthrop  Tufts,  Zea  Castle,  Ichabod  Wing,  George  Allen,  Henry  Stauts, 
Timothy  Buel,  Abram  McCue,  Thomas  Daehnham,  Alex.  Campbell, 
John  Davis,  Dan'l  McMidlen,  Richard  McBane,  Joseph  Trader,  Isaac 

C ,  (name  illegible), Uri  Stone,  Archibald  Ladd,  David  Wheeler,  Joiin 

W.  Easton,  Peter  Whitman,  Joseph  Howard,  Lovi  Stone,  Thomas  Thorn- 
ton, Isaac  Mather,  Samuel  Elliot,  Joseph  Woolley,  James  Smith,  Horatio 
Bradshaw,  Gamaliel  Tuttle,  John  Green,  Joseph  Ryon,  Norris  Loverin, 
David  Stevenson,  Jehiel  Smith,  Thomas  Rambley,  Wm.  Robinson,  Rich- 
ardson Cameron,  Henry  Smith,  Cleveland  Safford,  John  Joy,  John 
Whitlesy.    Total  45,  besides  officers. 

(From  the  original  list.) 

They  also  seized  and  brought  away  one  hundred  and  twenty  muskets, 
twenty  rifles,  two  casks  of  fixed  ammunition,  and  some  other  public  stores, 
but  no  private  property  was  either  taken  or  destroyed,  A  writer  li'orn 
Ogdensburgh,  giving  an  account  of  this  affair,  says:  "Captain  Forsyth 
was  led  to  this  enterprise  by  the  repeated  aggressions  of  the  British 
guards,  who  had  been  in  the  habit  of  crossing  the  river  a  few  milp« 


•  Arnold  Smith,  who  kept  a  public  house  in  the  place. 


I  ; 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


627 


above  this  place,  and  taking  desertvrs,  sixteen  of  whom  they  had  in  the 
jnil  at  Eiizabethtown,  threatened  with  being  shot  Capt.  F.  being  in- 
formed of  this,  determined  to  effect  their  liberation,  in  which  he  suc- 
ceeded. One  prisoner  confined  in  the  jail  for  murder,  he  declined  taking. 
Capt.  F.  speaks  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers  and  men  in  the  highest 
terms  of  approbation.  Two  British  officers,  from  Prescott,  came  over  a 
few  hours  af\er  the  return  of  our  troops  with  the  prisoners,  to  eflect 
their  release.  I  understand  they  are  all  paroled,  and  are  to  eturn  again 
to  Canada  this  evening.  The  movement  cc  the  troops  on  the  other  side 
indicating  an  attack  on  this  place,  Col.  Benedict  was  induced  to  call  out 
his  regiment  of  militia,  so  that  we  have  now  in  Ogdensburgh  about  800 
men ;  and  should  an  attack  be  made  from  Prescott,  I  have  the  fullest  con- 
fidence in  our  success.  Indeed,  from  the  high  tone  of  our  troops,  it  is 
difficult  to  restrain  their  ardor;  and  should  thoy  not  be  attacked  from  the 
other  side  within  a  few  days,  I  should  not  be  surprised  were  they  to  go 
over  there." 

This  affair  led  the  enemy  to  take  measures  for  retaliation,  and  the 
governor  arriving  on  his  way  to  Upper  Canada,  Lt.  Col.  Pearson  com- 
manding at  Prescott,  proposed  an  attat;k  upon  Ogdensburgh,  but  the 
governor  did  not  deem  it  expedient  to  order  an  attack ;  but  as  two  men 
had  deserted  on  the  evening  of  his  arrival  and  gone  over  to  the  Ameri- 
cans, who  might,  upon  ascertaining  the  arrival  of  the  governor,  wayloy 
him  on  his  route,  it  was  determined  that  Lieut.  Col.  Pearson  should  pro- 
ceed on  the  ensuing  morning  with  his  excellency  to  Kingston,  while  Lt. 
Col.  McDonnell,  second  in  command  at  Prescott,  should  make  a  demon- 
stration upon  the  ice  in  front  of  Ogdensburgh,  os  well  with  the  view  of 
engaging  the  attention  of  the  troops,  as  by  drawing  out  their  forces  to 
ascertain  the  strength  of  the  garrison. 

To  afford  the  data  from  which  to  estimate  the  relative  merit  of  the 
defence,  the  following  account  of  the  armament  and  force  in  garrison  at 
Ogdensburgh  is  given,  as  derived  from  the  memories  of  citizens  then  in 
town.  It  had  been  learned  from  spies  that  the  British  were  preparing 
to  attack  the  town,  and  Capt.  Forsyth  had  written  to  General  Uearborn, 
at  Plattsburgh,  soliciting  assistance.  To  this  Gen.  D.  sent  word  that  he 
could  afford  him  no  help,  and  that  he  must  do  as  well  as  he  was  able. 
If  he  could  not  defend  the  place  he  was  at  liberty  to  evacuate  it,  and  it 
was  left  optional  with  him  to  do  this  before  or  after  making  an  attempt 
to  defend  it.  In  his  letter  he  said  that  the  loss  of  the  place  might  arouse 
the  American  spirit,  intimating  that  the  town  was  to  be  made  a  sacrifice 
for  the  good  of  the  country. 

Upon  receiving  this  letter.  Captain  Forsyth  assembled  the  officers 
around  him,  consisting  of  Captain  Kellog,  Lieutenant  Smith  of  the  rifle 
company.  Lieutenant  Buird,  second  lieutenant  in  the  same.  Lieutenants 
Lytle  and  Wells  of  the  volunteers,  then  just  raised,  and  Adjutant  Church, 
who  had  at  tlie  request  of  General  Brown  joined  Forsyth,  to  await  the 
arrival  of  volunteers.  A  few  others  whose  names  are  not  remembered, 
were  present.  To  these  he  read  the  letter  of  General  Dearborn,  and 
solicited  their  advice.  The  result  of  the  deliberation  that  ensued  was, 
that  it  was  expedient  to  defend  the  place  as  long  as  practicable,  and  to 
abandon  it  only  when  compelled. 

The  defences  of  the  place  were  as  follows:  Near  the  intersection  of 
Ford  and  Euphamia  (now  State)  streets,  stood  an  iron  twelve  pounder, 
luider  the  command  of  Cajitaiu  Kellog,  of  the  Albany  volunteers.  It 
was  mounted  on  a  wheel  carriage,  and  was  one  of  the  trophies  won  in 
the  revolutionary  war  from  Burgoyne  at  Saratoga.    In  front  of  the  arse- 


1 


628 


HISTORY   OF  ST.    LAWRENCE 


.'V 


nal*  in  Ford  street,  was  a  brass  six  pounder,  on  a  wheel  carriaiie  belong- 
ing to  the  state  of  Now  York.  It  was  under  the  command  of  Joseph 
York,  with  a  few  men  mostly  citizens  and  volunteers.  A  short  distance 
north  of  the  northeast  corner  of  Mr.  Parish's  store,  was  a  rude  wooden 
breastwork,  defended  by  an  iron  twelve  pounder,  which  was  mounted 
on  a  sled  carriage,  [t  was  also  one  of  the  trophies  won  from  Burgoyne, 
and  was  under  the  command  of  Captain  Joshua  Conkey,  of  Canton,  but 
it  is  said  was  not  fired,  although  it  was  so  placed  that  it  might  hove  done 
the  enemy  much  injury,  and  perha|)s  have  checked  them  altogether. 
This  piece  had  been  on  the  armed  vessel  Niagara.  On  the  point  where 
the  light  house  now  stands,  was  a  brass  nine  pounder,  which  had  also 
been  brought  down  on  the  Niagara,  near  the  close  of  navigation.  It  is 
said  to  have  been  mounted  on  a  sled  carriage,  and  was  under  the  com- 
mand of  a  sergeant  in  the  company  of  Captain  Kellog.  This  piece  was 
fired  repeatedly  with  effect,  and  its  commander  was  one  of  the  last  who 
retreated  when  the  place  was  finally  evacuated.  Back  of  the  old  stone 
garrison  were  two  old  fashioned  iron  six  pounders,  which  were  mounted 
,  on  sleds.  They  had  formed  a  part  of  the  armament  of  some  gun  boats 
that  had  dismantled  the  fall  before.  One  of  these  pieces  was  untlcr  the 
orders  of  Daniel  W.  Church,  and  the  other  of  Lieut  Baird,  of  Captain 
Forsyth's  company.  In  front  of  the  gateway  between  the  two  buildings 
which  formed  the  stone  garrison,  was  a  six  pound  brass  piece  on  a  sled 
carriage.  This  piece  had  been  in  the  village  during  the  summer,  and 
for  some  time  previous  had  been  used  in  their  exercises  by  a  company 
of  flying  artillery  then  being  formed,  but  which  was  absent  or  scattered 
at  the  time  when  the  place  was  taken.  About  twenty  feet  to  the  lefl  of 
this,  was  a  six  pound  iron  cannon,  on  a  sled  carriage,  which  had  been 
taken  from  a  gun  boat.  Besides  these,  there  were  several  cannon  which 
had  been  thrown  from  gun  boats  upon  the  beach  in  front  of  the  stone 
garrison,  which  were  frozen  into  the  ice,  and  which  together  with  all  of 
those  above  enumerated,  were  token  by  the  enemy,  and  were  never  re- 
covered. 

Below  the  town  and  not  far  from  the  present  brewery,  was  an  unfin- 
ished redoubt  which  had  been  commenced  towards  the  close  of  the 
season  previous,  but  which  was  at  the  time  not  occupied  or  defended. 
It  had  been  commenced  under  the  orders  of  General  Brown,  and  was 
planned  by  M.  Ramee,  a  French  engineer,  who  had  been  in  the  service 
of  Bonaparte,  and  was  to  have  been  quadrangular  in  form,  and  bore  the 
name  of  Fort  Oswegatchie. 

"  The  troops  stationed  here  have  been  employed  since  last  Thursday, 
in  buildins-  a  fort — it  progresses  pretty  fast,  considering  the  number  of 
men  employed.  It  is  believed,  however,  that  it  will  not  be  finished  be- 
fore the  winter  sets  in.  The  plan  of  the  fort,  we  understand,  was  the 
production  of  Mr.  Ramee,  a  French  gentleman,  who  resides  in  this  vil- 
lage."   ( Ogdensburgh  Palladium,  vol.  ii,  JVb.  46.    JVovember  10, 1812.) 

The  drafted  militia  had  long  since  returned  home,  and  Capt.  Forsyth's 
company  alone  remained.  Lieut.  Lyttle  had  received  orders  for  raising 
a  company  of  volunteers,  and  Joshua  Conkey,  of  Canton,  had  arrived  a 
little  before  with  thirteen  men,  towards  a  company.  On  the  evening 
previous  to  the  attack,  an  arrangement  had  been  made,  that  in  thi&  case 
Adjutant  Church  was  to  have  charge  of  the  piece  at  the  garrison,  and 
Sheriff  York  the  brass  six  pounder,  near  the  arsenal.  Early  in  the  morn- 
ing of  Feb.  22,  the  governor  departed,  and  ai  the  same  time  Lt.  Col. 


*  A  store  on  the  weM  tide  of  Ford,  between  State  and  laabella  sireeis. 


/  :i, 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


629 


McDonnel  marched  out  on  the  ice  io  two  columns,  with  an  intention,  as 
stated  by  Britisii  authorities,  of  only  making  a  demonstration,  but  which 
he  turned  into  a  real  attaclc.  One  of  thean  said  to  be  five  hundred 
strong,  directed  their  marcli  to  a  point  wliere  the  breastwork  had  been 
thrown  up  below  tlio  village,  but  which  at  the  time  was  without  defense, 
and  the  other  of  about  three  hundred,  approached  from  a  point  above  the 
stone  garrison.  Besides  the  regulars,  there  were  not  more  than  fifty  to 
show  thoir  faces  to  the  enemy.  Cnpt.  Forsyth  had  drawn  up  his  men 
in  the  ro.-ir  of  the  garrison,  and  facing  the  column  that  was  approaching 
from  that  quarter,  and,  when  within  half  musket  shot,  he  walked  down 
in  front  of  liia  men,  and  directed  them  to  reserve  their  fire  until  the  word 
of  command  was  given.  Near  the  right  of  the  line,  Lieutenant  Buird 
was  stationed  with  an  iron  six  pounder,  and  Adjutant  Church  was  about 
two-thirds  the  way  down  the  line,  with  a  brass  six.  No  order  was  given 
to  fire  until  the  enemy  had  nearly  reached  the  bank,  where  the  snow  had 
drifted  about  knee  deep,  and  hero  they  first  fired,  but  without  effect. 
Captain  Forsyth  then  ordered  his  troops  to  fire,  and  a  volley  was  at  once 
discharged  from  the  rifles  and  the  two  cannon.  Upon  hearing  the  order, 
the  soldiers  of  the  enemy  fell  prostrate,  and  immediately  after  the  dis- 
charge, the  company  jumped  up  and  ran  off  without  ceremony,  leaving 
eight  of  their  number  dead  on  the  ice.  This  detachment  consisted  of 
provincial  militia  and  volunteers,  under  British  oHicers.  The  column  of 
five  hundred  from  below,  under  McDonnell,  marched  into  the  village 
without  resistance.  York  and  Kellog  each  fired  upon  them,  but  the  gun 
of  the  latter  was  disabled,  by  the  breaking  of  the  elevatini;  screw,  at  the 
first  fire,  which  prevented  it  from  being  again  used.  York  continued  to 
fire  till  two  of  his  men*  were  mortally  wounded,  and  himself  and  party 
taken  prisoners.  Kellog  and  his  men,  ai\er  the  accident  which  deprived 
them  of  further  means  of  resistance,  retired  across  the  Oswegatchie, 
and  joined  Captain  Forsyth.  Meanwhile,  the  greatest  confusion  and 
alarm  prevailed  throughout  the  village,  and  numbers  of  citizens  were 
hastening  away,  most  of  them  in  the  direction  of  Heuvelton.  The  nine 
pounder,  which  was  posted  on  the  point  under  the  charge  of  a  sergeant, 
was  fired  with  effect  upon  the  first  column,  the  moment  they  began  to 
show  disorder  and  cotntnence  retreat,  but  its  position  was  such  that  it 
could  not  milest  the  other  lower  body.  Captain  Conkey  surrendered 
himself  without  resistance.  These  three  cannon  being  in  their  possess- 
ion, together  with  the  village,  the  enemy  next  directed  his  efforts  towards 
the  position  of  Forsyth. 

There  were  planted  in  front  of  the  stone  garrison,  occupied  by  him, 
one  iron  and  a  brass  cannon,  both  sixes.  These  were  loaded  by  Church 
and  Baird,  but  when  about  to  be  fired,  a  white  flag  borne  by  two  men 
was  seen  approaching.  One  of  the  bearers  was  Duncan  Frazer,  and  the 
other  Jonas  Jones,  who  has  since  filled  a  higli  judicial  station  in  Canada. 
The  object  of  their  visit  was  to  present  the  compliments  of  Colonel  Mc 
Donnel,  and  the  conditional  alternative,  of  "  if  you  surrender,  it  shall  be 
well ;  if  not,  every  man  shall  be  put  to  the  bayonet."  Captain  Forsyth 
promptly  replied,  "  Tell  Colonel  McDonnel  there  must  be  more  fighting 
done  first."  The  bearers  of  the  communication  immediately  returned, 
and  had  no  sooner  entered  the  ranks,  which  were  drawn  up  in  Ford 
street,  near  the  Hasbrouck  place,  when  the  two  cannon  before  the  gate 
way  were  immediately  discharged.  The  brass  piece  was  loaded  with 
case  shot,  and  disabled  eight  men;  but  being  a  little  too  elevated,  it  had 


ill: 


V  •- 1 


I 


>  Joseph  Kneeland  and Hyde,  b  nh  citizeiu. 


:i 


630 


HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAWRENCE 


but  little  of  tho  eiTeot  that  would  have  been  witneosed,  had  it  been  por- 
perly  pointed.* 

Imm»(liiitely  after  this  discharge,  tho  eneni)r  retreated  behind  tho 
Btono  store  of  Mr.  Parish,  for  shelter.  Up  to  this  time  there  had  been 
none  of  Forsyth's  company  killed,  and  os  there  remained  no  enorny  in 
Bi((ht,  the  latter  ordered  his  men  within  the  gates,  as  tho  British  began 
to  Are  at  his  company  from  behind  various  objects,  by  which  several 
were  wounded,  among  whom  were  men  by  tho  names  of  Squires  ond 
Clark.  They  were  not  so  badly  wounded  but  that  they  were  able  to 
retreat.  Lieutenant  Baird  lingered  behind  after  the  order  for  retreat  was 
given,  and  only  retired  when  u  messenger  was  sent  with  a  second  com- 
mand for  him  to  leovo.  Soon  after,  some  of  the  party,  among  whom 
were  Church  and  Baird,  went  out  to  load  the  cannon  in  the  rear  which 
had  been  first  used,  hoping  that  some  chance  might  occur  for  discharg- 
ing them  with  effect,  but  on  returning,  both  were  wounded,  the  latter 
severely.  Deeming  further  resistance  useless.  Captain  Forsyth  issued 
orders  for  his  men  to  retreat,  and  to  rendezvous  at  Thurber's  tavern,  on 
Black  lake,  and  thence  (hey  proceeded  to  De  Peystor  Corners,  where 
they  a'rived  in  tho  evening.  The  British  took  prisoners  all  tho  men  in 
the  hospital,  eight  in  number,  and  Sergeant  Carr,  who  had  care  of  the 
orsei.al.  Lieutenant  Baird  was  too  badly  wounded  to  retreat,  and  was 
conveyed  to  the  house  of  Judge  Ford,  where  ho  was  taken  prisoner. 
Adjutant  Church,  with  the  assistanceof  two  of  Forsyth's  men,  retreated. 
None  of  this  company  was  killed,  and  with  the  above  exceptions,  none 
taken  i>ri8oners.  There  were  on  the  side  of  the  Americans  five  killed 
and  eighteen  wounded.  As  tho  enemy  were  marching  down  Ford 
street,  some  of  the  number  on  entering  the  store  room  used  as  an  arHu- 
nal,  were  met  by  a  lad  at  the  door,  by  the  name  of  Jones,  from  Canton 
who  discharged  a  musket,  and  severely  wounded  one  of  their  number, 
and  was  in  the  act  of  reloading  his  piece,  when  the  soldiers,  enraged  at 
this  resistance,  fired  a  volley  upon  the  courageous  boy,  and  finished  their 
work  with  him  by  a  thrust  of  a  bayonet,  which  pinned  him  to  the  coun- 
ter. Further  resistance  not  being  oflfered,  the  enemy  i)roceeded  to  ran- 
sack the  town  for  public  property  ond  pillage,  carrying  off  or  wantonly 
destroying  private  property  to  a  great  amount.  Fifty-two  prisoners  were 
taken  over  to  Canada,  where  citizens  were  mostly  paroled  and  allowed 
to  return  home,  excepting  those  who  had  been  found  under  arms.  Con- 
key  and  his  men,  Sergeant  Rogers,  Lieutenant  Baird,  and  a  few  others, 
believed  to  be  about  twenty,  were  sent  as  prisoners  of  war  to  Montreal, 
and  thence  by  water  to  Halifax,  until  exchanged,  except  fourteen,  of 
whom  Rogers  was  one,  who  escaped  from  jail  at  Montreal,  and  returned 
home. 

These  prisoners  were  confined  in  an  upper  story  of  the  prison ;  their 
window  was  grated  with  a  double  row  of  iron  bars;  a  line  of  sentinels 
s patrolled  the  premises  surrounding,  and  the  yard  was  enclosed  with  a 
stone  wall.  The  manner  in  which  they  effected  their  escape,  is  said  to 
have  been  as  follows:  Besides  those  taken  at  Ogdensburgli,  there  were 
several  others  confined  in  the  same  apartment,  among  whom  was  one 
who  resided  just  south  of  the  boundary  on  lake  Champlain,  who  was 
known  to  be  an  active  partizan,  and  had  been  seized  on  British  soil,  and 

*  The  anecdote  is  related,  that  as  Mr.  Church  was  about  to  fire  this  cannon,  Captain  For. 
»yth  stepped  lorward  and  ordered  him  to  elevate  it  more.  The  former  replied  that  it  waf  liigli 
enoiigli,  liut  the  commiinder,  impatient  of  contradiction,  peremptorily  renewed  his  order, 
which  was  sullenly  obeyed.  It  has  been  suggested  that  an  additioual  turn  of  the  screw  was 
given  to  prove  the  soundness  of  his  argument,  and  thus  the  lives  of  muiy  of  the  enemy  were 
saved. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


631 


nono 


confined,  aa  a  pruilentini  measure.  To  him,  however,  on  account  of 
frienda  reniding  in  tho  city,  considerable  indulgence  was  shown,  and  they 
were  allowed  to  send  him,  from  time  to  tim«<,  certain  dainties  from  tliuir 
tabluH.  Being  of  ample  corporeal  dimonNionH,  and  enjoying  nn  oppetito 
ndeiiuate  to  its  mnintjnanco,  the  dishes  wore  Hometitnes  of  proportionatn 
size;  and  especially  sonio  of  the  puddings,  which  might  have  suHicud 
for  a  small  party,  but  which  were  found  to  conceal  muiibcrs  of  sharp 
fUes  and  saws.  With  these  tho  prisoners  worked,  whenever  they  could 
do  so,  unobserved,  and  nt  tho  end  of  two  weeks,  had  so  nearly  severed 
tho  burs,  that  they  could  bo  removed  with  little  labor.  To  conceal  their 
operations,  the  notches  worked  with  tho  files  were  filled  with  a  sort  ot 
paste  mingled  with  the  filings  in  such  a  manner  as  not  to  bo  readily 
detected  without  close  observation.  At  length  a  propitious  night  arrived 
for  their  flight.  An  inclement  storm  drove  the  sentmels  to  their  boxes, 
atid  the  tempest  howled  around  tho  promises,  deadening  what  over  sound 
they  mig'.it  accidentally  make.  Their  l)edding  was  torn  up  and  twisted 
into  ropes,  the  bars  removed,  and  ono  by  one,  with  the  exception  of  tho 
corpulent  gentleman,  from  whose  diimers  the  tools  had  been  derived, 
they  glided  down  the  rope  unobserved,  and  succeeded  in  scaling  the  wall 
and  getting  away.  One  of  their  number  strained  his  ancle,  and  was  unable 
to  accompany  them;  but  finding  friends  in  tho  city,  ho  remained  two  or 
three  weeks,  and  finally  in  thogarhof  an  agent  of  the  commissary  depart- 
ment, he  was  conveyed  away,  and  Conkcy  and  Ituird  remained  prisoners 
till  tho  closo  of  tho  war. 

To  return  to  tho  subject:  the  enemy  continued  through  the  day  to 
seek  and  carry  away  whatever  commodities  their  caprice  or  their  wants 
indicated,  among  which  was  a  large  (piantity  of  provisions  froin  tho 
stone  store,  of  which  tlioy  were  said  to  bo  much  in  need,  and  for  which 
they  paid  tho  value.  Tho  prisoners  in  tho  jail,  upon  their  own  asser- 
tion that  they  were  confined  for  political  reasons,  were  set  fi-ee,  but  upon 
a  true  representation  being  made  afterwards,  several  were  pursued,  re- 
captured and  given  up  to  tho  sheriff. 

The  wanton  destruction  of  private  property,  which  is  said  to  have 
extended  to  every  house  in  the  village  except  three,  was  perpetrated  by 
swarms  of  the  abandoned  of  both  sexes  from  Canada,  and  by  numbers 
of  the  dissolute  class  who  belonged  to  tho  American  side,  and  who  seized 
this  opportunity  to  gratify  a  morbid  passion  for  gain,  and  for  wanton 
ruin.  The  barracks  vvero  burned,  and  an  attempt  was  mado  to  fire  tho 
bridge,  but  without  eflfect,  as  it  was  covered  with  ice  and  snow.  The 
citizen  prisoners  captured  at  this  incursion,  were  exchanged  for  those 
taken  at  Brockville.  It  is  but  just  to  observe  that  the  wanton  plunder  of 
the  enemy  was  disclaimed  by  those  in  command,  and  some  efibrts  were 
made  to  procure  the  restoration  of  a  few  of  the  articles  stolen. 

The  following  are  the  British  ofilcial  accounts  of  this  affair,  dated 
Kingston,  February  2(1,  1813: 

General  Orders. — His  excellency  the  commander  of  the  forces,  has 
the  satisfaction  of  announcing  to  the  army  in  British  North  America, 
the  complete  success  of  an  attack  made  by  Lieut.  Col.  McDonnel,  of  the 
Glengary  light  infantry,  and  the  detachment  stationed  at  Prescott,  yes- 
terday morning,  on  the  enemy's  i)osition  at  Ogdensburgh,  which  termi- 
nated in  the  capture  of  that  place,  and  of  eleven  pieces  of  cannon,  and 
all  the  ordnance  and  marine  stores,  provisions  and  camp  equipage,  and 
the  destruction  of  two  armed  schooners  and  two  gun  boats.  Such  of 
the  enemy's  garrison  as  did  not  fly  to  the  woods,  were  made  prisoners. 
The  conduct  of  every  individual  engaged,  and  which  includes  the  whole 


il 


I 


632 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


of  the  troops,  regular  and  militia,  stationed  at  Prescott,  appears  to  have 
been  highly  honorable  to  them.  The  following  officers  are  particularly 
noticed  by  Col.  McDonnel,  as  having  distinguished  themselves:  Capt. 
Jenkin^^  of  the  Glengary  light  infantry,  who,  the  commander  of  the 
forces  laments  to  find,  is  severely  woundud,  as  also  Lieut.  Empy,  of  the 
militia,  who  has  lost  a  leg,  and  Liout.  Powell,  of  the  King's  regiment, 
slightly  wounded,  Staff  Adjutant  Ridge,  of  the  King's  regiment,  who  led 
the  advance  $;uard,  and  Lieut.  McAuly,  of  the  Glengary  light  infantry. 
Lieutenant  McDonnel  reports  that  he  was  well  sup))orled  by  Capt. 
Eustace,  and  the  officers  of  the  King's  regiment;  by  Col.  Eraser  and 
Lieut.  Col.  Eraser,  and  all  the  officers  of  the  militia,  as  well  as  by  Capt. 
Le  Lievre,  of  the  Royal  Newfoundland  regiment,  attached  to  the  militia. 
The  field  artillery  was  well  served  by  Ensigns  McKay  of  the  Glengary 
light  infantry,  and  Kerr,  of  the  militia,  and  the  good  conduct  of  the  Royal 
engineers  is  likewise  particularly  noticed. 

The  commander  of  the  forces  was  induced  to  authorize  this  attack, 
not  by  any  means  as  an  act  of  wanton  aggression,  the  troops  under  his 
command  having  been  ordered  at  all  times  to  absta>.i  from  all  acts  of 
that  nature;  but  as  one  of  a  just  and  necessary  retaliation  on  that  which 
was  recently  made  on  the  British  settlement  of  Brockvilie,  by  a  party 
from  Ogdensburgh,  and  in  consequence  of  frequent  depredations  from 
that  garrison  committed  on  the  persons  and  propertj'  of  his  majesty's 
subjects  within  its  reach ;  and  in  announcing  its  results,  his  excellency 
feels  much  pleasure  in  publicly  expressing  his  entire  approbation  ot  the 
gallantry  and  judgment  with  which  it  appears  to  have  been  conducted. 

His  excellency  directs  the  officers  and  men  taken  prisoners  on  this 
occasion  to  be  sent  to  Montreal,  there  to  remain  until  further  orders. 
A  salute  to  be  fired  immediately. 

John  Harvet, 
Lieut.  Col.  and  Dtp.  Mj.  Gen, 

Office  of  the  Adjutant  General's  Department, 
Montreal^  February  25,  1813. 

General  Orders. — The  major  general  commanding,  has  much  satis- 
faction in  announcing  to  the  troops  in  the  lower  province,  that  he  has 
received  a  report  from  Lieutenant  Colonel  McDonnel,  of  the  Glengary 
light  infantry,  stating  that  in  consequence  of  the  wanton  attack  lately 
tijadc  by  the  enemy  on  the  village  of  Brockvilie,  it  had  been  determined 
to  retaliate  by  an  assault  on  his  position  at  Ogdensburgh.  This  took 
place,  in  a  gallant  and  spirited  manner,  under  the  command  of  that  offi- 
cer, on  the  morning  of  the  22d  inst.,  and  was  crowned  with  success  after 
an  action  of  an  hour  and  a  half,  in  which  the  enemy  had  about  twenty 
kille<l,  and  a  great  number  wounded. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  McDonnel  reports  his  having  taken  possession  ot 
all  the  enemy's  artillery  (with  the  exception  of  one  piece),  as  well  as 
naval,  military,  and  commissariat  stores;  and  of  his  having  destroyed 
the  barracks  and  shipping.  A  detailed  return  of  the  stores,  has  not  yet 
been  received,  l)ut  eleven  pieces  of  artillery  and  several  hundred  stand 
of  arms  had  arrived  at  Prescott. 

Lieut.  Colonel  McDonnel  speaks  in  high  terms  of  the  conduct  of  the 
force  under  his  command,  particularly  of  the  gallantry  of  Capt.  Jenkins, 
of  the  Glengary  light  infantry,  who  was  severely  wounded.  The  lieut. 
colonel  also  mentions  the  assistance  which  he  received  from  Colonel 
Frazer,  Lieut.  Col.  Frazer,  and  all  the  officers  of  the  militia,  fioni  Capt. 
Eustace  and  officers  of  the  King's  regiment,  Capt.  Le  Lievre  of  tiie  New- 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES." 


633 


1 


twenty 


foundlnnd  regiment,  Lieutenant  McAuIey  and  the  officers  of  the  Glen- 

fnry  light  infantry,  and  from  Lieut.  Gangrclen,  of  the  Royal  engineers; 
Insigns  M'Kay  of  the  Glengary,  and  Kerr  of  the  militin,  who  directed 
the  service  of  the  field  pieces,  as  well  as  of  the  spirited  manner  in  which 
the  advance  was  led  on  by  Staff  Adjutant  Ridge. 

List  of  killed  and  wounded  in  the  attack  upon  Ogdenshurgh,  <!2rf  Feb.,  1813. 

Royal  artillery — One  rank  and  file  killed.  King's  regiment — One  ser- 
geant killed ;  12  rank  and  file  wounded.  MufouncUand  regiment — One 
rank  and  file  killed,  and  four  rank  and  file  wounded.  Glengary  light  in- 
fantry— Two  renk  and  file  killed;  one  lieutenant  colonel,  one  captain, 
one  lieutenant,  two  sergeants,  seven  rank  and  file,  wounded.  Militia — 
Two  rank  and  file  killed;  one  captain,  eight  subalterns,  one  sergeant, 
fifteen  rank  and  file,  wounded.  Total — One  sergeant,  six  rank  and  file, 
killed;  one  lieutenant  colonel,  two  captains,  four  subalterns,  three  ser- 
geants, and  thirty-eight  rank  and  file,  wounded.  J^Aimen  of  officers  wounded 
— Glengary  light  infantry,  Lieut.  Col.  McDonnel,  Capt.  Jenkins,  severely; 
Lieut.  M'Kay.  Militia — Capt.  J.  McDonnel,  Lieut.  Empy,  severely; 
Lieut.  M'Lean,  and  Lieut.  M'Dermott. 

J.    ROWEN, 

Deputy  Assistant  Adjutant  General. 

Capt.  Forsyth  announced  to  the  secretary  of  war  the  event  at  Ogdens- 
hurgh, in  the  following  letter,  dated  Feb.  22,  1813. 

"  Sir  : — I  have  only  time  to  inform  you  that  the  enemy,  with  a  very 
superior  force,  succeeded  in  taking  Ogdenshurgh  this  morning,  about  9 
o'clock.  They  had  about  two  men  to  our  one,  exclusive  of  Indians. 
Numbers  of  the  enemy  are  dead  on  the  field.  Not  more  than  twenty  of 
our  men  killed  and  wounded;  Lt.  Beard  is  among  the  latter. 

I  have  made  a  saving  retreat  of  about  eight  or  nine  miles.  I  could 
not  get  all  the  wounded  off. 

We  have  killed  two  of  the  enemy  to  one  of  ours  killed  by  them. 
We  want  ammunition  and  some  provisions  sent  to  us,  also  sleighs  for 
the  wounded.  If  you  can  send  me  three  hundred  men,  all  shall  be  retaken, 
and  Prescott  too,  or  I  will  lose  my  life  in  the  attempt. 

I  shall  write  more  particular  to-day. 

Yours,  with  due  respect, 
Benjamin  Forstth,  Cp.i>.  Rifle  reg.  corn'g. 

The  following  »!xtraots  convey  additional  facts  in  relation  to  this  affair, 
and  from  having  been  written  soon  after  the  occurrence  of  the  events, 
possess  additional  interest.  The  first  is  from  Mr.  Rosseel,  and  the  second 
is  understood  to  iiave  been  written  by  Mrs.  York,  to  a  brother  in  New 
York,  and  was  published  in  Niles's  Weekly  Register. 

"  By  the  middle  of  the  afternoon,  having  rigged  out  an  apology  for  a 
one  horse  sieigh,  I  left  Ogdenshurgh  with  the  land  ofiice  papers,  to  re- 
jom  my  family,  who  left  it  tlie  moment  the  place  was  being  taken  and 
came  witliiii  an  ace  of  receiving  the  contents  of  a  32  jiounder,  loaded 
with  graiie  and  canister,  which  stood  at  the  four  corners  (near  St.  Law- 
rence tavern),  in  front  of  which  the  sleigh  in  which  my  family  were, 
was  driving  furiously  along,  undistinguished  from  the  enemy,  and  the 
dread  effect  of  which  discharge  I  witnessed  fioiu  my  window.  Several 
of  the  Britisii  fell  at  the  corner  of  Mr.  Parish's  premises  [in  the  fence  of 
which,  what  remains,  may  yet  be  seen  to  this  day,  the  marks  made  by 


634 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


II' r 


the  grape  shot.]  I  had  received  from  General  Arnold,  of  the  militia,  who 
was  here  prisoner  or  parole,  a  commission  for  Capt.  Forsyth,  that  he 
prepare  for  an  attack  that  night.  Forsyth  and  his  rifle  corps  were  at 
Kellog's  [about  a  mile  s.  w.  of  Depeyster  corners — on  state  road],  and  I 
found  the  militia  at  Remington's  [Heuvelton].  They  would  not  allow 
me  to  go  further  till  I  told  them  my  errand.  The  teamster  who 
drove  me  was  very  drunk,  and  never  minded  the  challenge  from  the 
pickets  placed  here  and  there  along  the  road,  which  was  narrow,  I 
sometimes  feeling  their  rifles  touching  our  bodies.  At  Kellog's  I  found 
almost  all  Ogdensburgh,  soldier  and  civilian,  all  pell-mell.  But  after  I 
communicated  to  Capt.  Forsyth  my  message  from  Gen.  Arnold,  the 
sound  of  the  bugle  cleared  the  room  of  riflemen,  and  the  people 
breathed  more  freely.  After  placing  my  family  in  safety,  I  returned  to 
Ogdensburgh,  between  which  place  and  Rossie  Iron  Works  my  nttention 
was  divided." 

Extract  of  a  letter,  Fehruartj  20^1813.    "  I  did  not  leave  the  house  until 
the  British  were  close  to  it,  and  not  till  they  had  siiot  a  great  number  of 


balls  into  it. 


I  took  nothing 


with  me  but  some  money,  and  my  table 


spoons,  and  ran  as  fust  as  possible,  with  a  number  of  other  women;  our 
retreat  was  to  the  distance  of  about  15  miles.  The  next  day  I  returned; 
our  house  was  plundered  of  almost  every  thing,  and  my  husband  a  pris- 
oner on  the  other  side.  You  can  easier  imagine  my  feelings  than  I  '.-an 
describe  them.  They  did  not  leave  any  article  of  clothing,  not  evei  a 
handkerchief— they  took  all  my  bedding  but  left  the  beds;  they  broke 
my  looking  glasses  and  even  my  knives.  Thus  situated  I  determined  to 
go  over  to  Canada,  and  accordingly  went  to  a  flag  of  truce,  which  was 
then  in  this  village,  for  permission,  which  1  obtained.  I  went  to  one  of 
my  acquaintances  on  the  other  side,  where  I  was  favorably  received. 
I  applied  to  the  commanding  oflicer  for  the  purpose  of  ascertaining 
whether  I  could  procure  any  of  my  clothes;  he  assured  me  that  I  should 
have  them  if  I  could  find  them,  but  did  not  trouble  himself  to  make 
any  inquiry.  RIy  journey  was  not  lost;  Ip  cured  the  release  of  my 
husband,  w  i.o  was  paroled  and  returned  with  me.  Most  of  the  houses 
in  the  village  were  plundered.  *  *  *  You  will  be  astonished  wlien 
I  tell  you  tliat  they  were  not  contented  with  what  tie  Indians  and 
soldiers  could  plunder  during  the  battle,  but  after  it  was  over,  the  wo- 
men on  the  other  side  came  across,  and  took  what  was  left."  The 
partizan  spirit  of  Mr.  York,  which  was  well  known  to  the  enemy,  may 
have  rendered  his  house  an  object  on  which  to  expend  their  antipathies. 
It  was  reported  that  a  company  of  women,  under  the  protection  of  a 
guard,  was  sent  over  to  plunder,  but  this  rumor  is  scarcely  credible. 
The  following  anecdote,  however,  is  doubtless  reliable.  One  of  the 
provincial  militia  in  crossing  during  the  day,  was  met  by  a  woman  re- 
turning with  a  large  mirror,  which  she  said  siie  had  stolen  from  the 
Y^ankees.  She  had  scarcely  spoken,  when  her  feet  slipped  on  the  ice, 
which  threw  her  prostrate,  and  her  ill  gotten  booty  was  lost,  while  boast- 
ing of  her  success  in  obtaining  it. 

Capt.  Forsyth  having  retired  with  his  company  to  Depeyster,  the  place 
was  left  defenceless,  and  the  same  day  evacuated  by  the  British.  Gen. 
Brov/n  having  received  news  of  the  aft'air  arrived  the  next  day,  but  did 
not  enter  the  town,  and  soon  returned  home,  and  Forsytii  proceeded  to 
Sackett's  Harbor,  to  join  the  forces  at  that  place,  which  a  few  months 
after  participated  in  the  descent  upon  Little  York. 

Most  of  the  citizens  who  lied  on  the  attack  returned  home,  and  the 
place  was  leit  entirely  without  military  defence,  or  any  semblance  ol  re- 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIES. 


635 


i 


sistaiico  during  the  remainder  of  the  war.  This  defenceless  condition 
occasionally  exposed  them  to  insult,  and  in  May  1813,  some  deserters 
having  come  over  from  the  enemy,  an  officer  was  sent  across  with  a  flag, 
with  a  threat  to  commit  the  village  to  the  flames,  if  they  were  not  re- 
stored. To  this  requisition.  Judge  Ford,  with  his  usual  promptness  re- 
jilied,  that  they  would  do  no  such  thing,  for  no  sooner  should  he  see 
them  landing,  than  iidth  his  own  hands  he  would  set  fire  to  his  own  Iwuse, 
rally  his  neighbors,  cross  the  liver  tvith  torches,  and  burn  every  house  from 
Prescott  to  lirockville.  The  British  officer  seeing  the  consequences  that 
might  ensue,  afterwards  apologized  for  his  conduct.  In  the  fall  of  1813, 
Col.  liUckett,  with  a  regiment  of  dragoons,  forming  a  part  of  the  regular 
service,  was  sent  in  advance  of  the  army  of  Gen.  Wilkinson,  to  examine 
the  country  and  report. 

He  is  helievcd  to  have  been  instructed  to  make  no  demonstration  that 
would  create  alarm  to  the  enemy,  or  lead  to  an  attack.  On  the  day  of 
his  arrival,  Oct.  11, 1813,  the  town  was  filled  with  people,  who  had  come 
to  attend  court,  which  was  to  commence  its  session  on  the  following  day. 
It  was  secretly  reported  the  same  evening,  to  persons  still  living,  that 
there  would  bo  a  flurry  next  day,  the  meaning  of  which  in  due  time  be- 
came apparent.  The  court  met  and  had  begun  business,  Benjamin 
Raymond  presiding 'vs  judge,  assisted  by  Daniel  W.  Church,  and  John 
Tibbits,  assistant  justices.  The  grand  jury  had  received  their  charge 
and  retired,  and  a  case  was  being  tried,  when  a  cannonade  was  heard 
from  the  fort  at  Prescott,  which  led  to  much  uneasiness,  and  after  a  little 
discussion,  the  session  of  the  court  was  interrupted  for  the  day,  by  the 
withdrawing  of  a  juror,  and  the  room  was  hastily  evacuated.  The 
grand  jury  also  hearing  the  cannonade,  adjourned  for  the  day,  and  left 
the  house.  Their  room  was  above  the  court  room,  in  what  is  now  a 
masonic  hall.  In  passing  out,  the  room  was  hardly  cleared,  and  the  last 
person  of  the  nimiber  in  the  door,  when  a  24  pound  shot  entered 
the  room,  shattering  an  end  beam  in  the  house  cut  obliquely  across  the 
seats,  but  a  moment  before  occupied  by  the  jury,  and  lodged  in  the  parti- 
tion beyond.  Fortunately  no  one  was  injured  by  the  cannonade,  but 
some  damage  was  done  to  houses.  As  soon  as  the  firing  commenced 
Col.  Luckett  retired  into  the  back  country,  and  there  are  those  who  be- 
lieve that  a  display  of  his  force  was  designingly  made  to  get  up  an  ex- 
citement with  the  enemy. 

In  August  1813,  a  direct  tax  of  $3,000,000  was  apportioned  through- 
out the  United  States,  of  which  $770  was  drawn  from  Franklin,  $3,000 
from  St.  Lawrence,  $4,610  from  Jefferson,  and  $1,9G0  from  Lewis 
counties. 

Before  giving  an  account  of  Wilkinson's  expedition,  wo  will  notice 
the  operations  in  Franklin  county,  in  the  campaign  of  1812.  A  com- 
pany of  militia  from  Lt.  Col.  Alric  Man's  regiment  was  drafted  early  in 
the  summer,  and  commanded  by  Capt.  Rufus  Tiiden,  and  about  18 
mounted  men,  who  were  under  the  orders  of  the  general  oflicers  of  the 
regiment,  to  which  Tiiden  was  attached,  viz:  the  8th,  commanded  by 
Lt!  Col.  Thos.  Miller,  of  Plattsburgh.  Tilden's  company  were  posted  at 
French  Mills,  and  commenced  building  a  block  house.  Early  in  the 
fall,  other  companies  of  the  8th  regiment,  undei  Major  Ransom  Noble, 
of  Essex,  joined,  and  afterwards  others  under  Major  Young  (p.  157). 
The  mounted  men  were  used  as  express  men.  This  party  acted  in  the 
descent  upon  St.  Regis,  which  we  have  described  (p.  15G),  hut  the  merit 
of  their  boasted  capture  of  the  colors,  loses  its  im])ortance,  if  the  follow- 
ing extract  from  Christie's  history  of  the  war  (a  British  writer)  be  true. 


:  fl 


Hi 


'km 


X 


S( , 


636 


HISTORY   OP   ST.    LAWRENCE 


"  The  Americans  in  plundering  the  village  found  an  ensign  or  union 
jaci<,  in  the  house  of  the  resident  interpreter,  usually  hoisted  upon  a  fing 
staft'  at  the  door  of  the  chief,  on  Sundays  or  Holy  Days,  which  said  the 
American  Major  in  an  order  issued  upon  the  occasion  (not  a  little  proud 
of  the  achievement,)  toere  the  first  colors  tahtr\during  the  war." 

The  same  author  in  giving  an  account  of  the  affair  at  Toussaint  island, 
states  that  the  British  force  numbered  138  troops  under  Major  Heatlicoat. 
A  detachment  of  militia  commanded  by  Capt.  Munroe  had  arrived  near  the 
close  of  the  skirmish.  Soon  after  the  affair  at  St.  R^gis,  Col.  Young  was 
withdrawn,  and  the  enemy  planned  an  attack  upon  Capt.  Tilden,  in  re 
taliation  for  the  first  aggression.  This  took  place  on  the  22d  of  Novem- 
ber, according  to  Christie,  by  detachments  of  the  Royal  artillery,  49th  re- 
giment, and  Glengary  light  infantry,  amounting  to  seventy  men,  with  de- 
tachments from  the  Cornwall  and  Glengary  militia,  of  near  the  same  num- 
ber, the  whole  under  the  command  of  liieut.  Col.  McMillan.  The  block 
house  was  not  finished  and  had  no  roof,  and  the  company  was  quartered 
in  a  house  on  Water  street,  since  owned  and  occupied  as  a  dwelling  by 
the  late  James  B.  Spencer.  During  the  night  an  alarm  had  been  brought 
in,  and  the  company  repaired  to  the  block  house.  The  British  marched 
in  on  the  old  St.  Regis  road,  west  of  Salmon  river,  crossed  and  paraded 
on  Water  street.  The  block  house  stood  on  a  rising  ground  at  some  dis- 
tance east  of  the  river.  Deeming  it  impossible  to  avoid  it,  Capt.  Tilden 
surrendered  his  party  prisoners  to  the  number  of  44,  including  himself 
and  two  subalterns.  Many  escaped,  and  the  prisoners  were  sent  to  Mont- 
real and  imprisoned,  one  third  being  on  parole  each  day  until  in  three 
weeks  they  were  exchanged  for  the  very  men  they  had  taken  at  St.  Regis, 
and  released.  At  the  affair  at  French  Mills,  Thomas  Fletcher  was  shot 
in  his  door,  having  first  discharged  his  rifle  at  a  company  of  soldiers. 

After  Captain  Tilden's  company  were  taken  prisoners,  their  place  was 
isupplicd  by  militia  and  volunteers  fi'om  Columbia  county,  under  the 
command  of  Major  Tanner,  part  of  the  9th  regiment  New  York  State 
militia,  who  remoined  here  until  the  first  of  March,  1813,  when  Captain 
David  Erwin  raised  a  company  of  volunteers  who  were  stationed  as  a 
garrison  for  the  block  house,  here,  during  the  spring  and  summer  of  1813. 
This  company  in  the  fall  joined  General  Hampden's  forces  at  Chateau- 
gay,  where  he  was  intending  to  cooperate  with  General  Wilkinson,  after 
which  tills  company  was  discharged. 

Early  in  1813,  a  plan  of  operations  for  the  reduction  of  Canada  was 
discussed  in  the  cabinet,  Gen.  John  Armstrong  being  the  secretary  of 
war,  and  Major  General  Henry  Dearborn  at  the  head  of  the  northern 
armies.  The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  general  outline  proposed  by 
Armstrong  to  Dearborn,  Feiiruary  10,  1813: 

"  1st,  4000  troops  will  be  assembled  atSacketts  Harbor.  2d,  3000  will 
be  brought  together  at  Buffalo  and  its  vicinity.  3d,  the  former  of  these 
corps  will  be  embarked  and  transported  under  a  convoy  of  the  fleet  to 
Kingston,  where  they  will  be  landed.  Kingston,  its  garrison,  and  the 
British  ships  wintering  in  the  harbor  of  that  place,  will  be  its  first  object. 
Its  second  object  will  be  York  (the  capital  of  Upper  Canada),  the  stores 
collected  and  tiie  two  frigates  building  there.  Its  third  object,  Forts 
George  and  Erie,  and  their  dependencies.  In  the  attainment  of  this  last, 
there  will  be  a  cooperation  between  the  two  corps.  The  composition  of 
these  will  be  as  follows : 

1  St,  Bloomfield  brigade,  1,436;  2d,  Chandler's  brigade,   1,044;  3d, 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


637 


3000  will 
of  these 
fleet  to 
and  tbe 

St  object. 

le  stores 

ct,  Forts 
this  last, 
isition  of 


Philndelphia  detnchmont,  400;  4tli,  Bnltimore  detachment,  300;  5th 
Carlisle  detncliment,  200;  Gtii,  GrecnbushdHtuchineiit,400;  7th,  Sncketts 
Harbor  detachment,  250;  8tli,  several  corps  at  IJiiffiilo  under  the  com- 
mand of  Col.  Porter,  and  the  recruits  belonging  there,  .'5000:  total,  7000. 
The  time  for  executing  this  enterprise  will  be  governed  l)y  the  opening 
of  Lake  Ontario,  wliich  usually  takes  place  about  the  iirst  of  April. 

The  adjutant  general  has  orders  to  put  the  most  southern  detachments 
in  march  as  expeditiously  as  possible.  The  two  brigades  on  Lake  Cham- 
plain  J  lU  will  move  so  as  to  give  thorn  full  time  to  reach  tiieir  destina- 
tion by  the  25th  of  March.  The  route  by  EIiza!)eth  will,  I  think,  bo  the 
shortest  and  best.  They  will  be  replaced  by  some  new  raised  regiments 
from  the  east.  You  will  put  into  yom*  movements  as  much  privacy  as 
may  be  compatable  with  their  execution.  They  may  be  fnasked  by  re- 
ports that  Sacketts  Harbor  is  in  danger,  and  that  tl)e  princij)al  efforts  will 
be  made  on  the  Niagara,  in  cooperation  with  Gen.  Harrison. 

As  the  route  to  Sacketts  Harbor  and  to  Niagara  is  for  a  considorabio 
distance  the  same,  it  may  be  well  to  intimate,  even  in  orders,  that  the ' 
latter  is  the  destination  of  the  two  brigades  now  at  Lake  Cham|)lain." 

Tiic  attack  of  Little  York,  and  the  operations  on  the  Niagara  frontier, 
were  a  part  of  the  plan,  and  tended  more  or  less  to  its  accomplishment, 
but  their  details  belong  to  our  general  history.  On  the  8th  of  July,  1813, 
Gen.  Dearborn  was  witlulrawn  from  the  command  of  the  northern  army, 
and  on  the  5th  of  August,  a  communication  was  addressed  to  Gen.  Jas. 
Wilkinson,  proposing  a  plan  of  operations  which  he  approved,  and  un- 
dertook to  execute.  This  was  to  bring  a  combined  force  upon  Canada, 
a  part  to  descend  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  another  portion  by  way  of  Lake 
Champlain,  which  were  to  unite  and  cooperate  as  circumstances  might 
dictate.  The  former  of  these  was  to  be  under  the  command  of  General 
Wilkinson,  and  the  latter  that  of  Gen.  Wade  Hampden.  It  remained  to 
be  discussed  whether  Kingston  was  first  to  be  reduced,  and  in  the  advice 
of  the  secretary  of  war,  this  measure  was  strongly  recommended.  Gen. 
Wilkinson  arrived  at  Sacketts  Harbor,  towards  the  last  of  August,  and 
proceeded  to  the  head  of  the  lake  to  make  preliminary  arrangements  for 
concentrating  his  forces.  A  series  of  unpardonable  delays  hindered  him 
from  effecting  this  object  or  of  returning  to  Sacketts  Harbor,  before  the 
4th  of  October.  The  secretary  of  war  was  at  that  post,  and  on  the  day 
following  a  discussion  was  held  between  Generals  A rmstong,  Wilkinson, 
Lewis  and  Brown,  at  which  the  reasons  for  and  against  making  Kingston 
the  first  point  of  attack,  were  brought  forward  and  examined  in  detail, 
but  at  length  abandoned.  The  same  delays  and  cmbarraslbments  con- 
tinued and  were  increased  by  the  storms  incident  to  the  lateness  of  the 
season.  The  forces  assembled  at  Grenadier  island.  On  the  28th  of  Oc- 
tober, he  wrote : 

"  The  inexorable  win's  and  rains  continue  to  oppose  and  embarass  our 
movements,  but  I  am  seizing  every  moment's  interval  to  slip  into  the  St. 
Lawrence,  cori)s  and  detachments,  as  they  can  be  got  ready.  Our  ren- 
dezvous will  be  in  Bush  creek,  about  twenty  miles  below,  and  nearly  op- 
posite to  Gananoqui,  which  position  menaces  a  descent  on  the  opposite 
shore.  1  shall  sail  from  that  position  at  4  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and 
will  pass  Prescott  about  the  same  time  the  ensuing  morning.  We  have 
had  such  a  fluctuation  of  sick  and  well  between  this  place  and  Sacketts 
Harbor,  that  it  is  impossible  to  say  in  what  force  we  shall  move ;  but  I 
calculate  on  GOOO  combatants,  exclusive  of  Scott  and  Randolph,  neither  of 
whom  will  I  fear  be  up  in  season,  notwithstanding  all  my  arrangements 
and  exertions  to  accelerate  their  march." 
38 


ess 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


On  tlio  first  of  November,  1813,  the  commander  in  chief  wrote  to  Gen. 
Armstronir,  ns  follows: 

"You  will  perceive  from  the  (liipiicato  imdcr  cover  (lettcjr  of  the  2Fth 
of  October),  what  were  my  calculations  four  days  since;  but  the  winds 
and  waves,  ami  rains  and  snow  still  prcnail,  an<l  \\c  have  made  several 
fruitless  ntt(!mpts  to  turn  Stoney  l*oint,  one  of  them  ol'  i;reat  peril  to 
three  thousand  men,  whom  I  seasonably  remanded  t,)  the  harbor  without 
the  loss  of  a  life.  Onrsick,  one  iuuidred  and  ninety  six  in  number,  have 
not  fared  ns  well;  they  were  embarked  in  stout  cond'ortable  vessels,  and 
sailed  the  day  before  yesterday  morniiiff  for  Saeketts  Harbor,  but  they 
were  driven  on  shore  by  a  storm  which  contiiuitMl  with  uuremittinir  vio- 
lence all  ififrht,  and  as  no  exertion  could  relieve  them,  I  anticipated  the 
loss  of  the  whole;  but  the  tempest  havinjr  abated  ami  iIm;  wind  shifted 
from  S.  W.  to  N.  I'i.,  boats  were  sent  out  yesterday  morniiiff,  and  Dr.  Hull 
rcftorts  the  loss  of  three  men  oidy.  Other  means  oftransport  will  be  ])ro- 
vided  to-nifirrow,  and  theses  unfortunate  men  will  be  sent  to  the  hos])ilal 
at  Sacketts  Harbor.  Hrig.  Gen.  Brown,  with  his  brijiade,  tla;  liirht  artil-' 
lery,  the  riflemen,  the  <;un  boats,  IJissel's  n-giment  and  a  i)art  of  iNlacomb's 
are,  I  expect,  safe  at  French  creek,  with  the  artillery  and  ordnance;  stores. 
'J'hese  C()r[)s  have  made  the  traverse  of  the  arm  of  the  lake  under  cir- 
cumstances of  <.'reat  <Ian<rer,  though  fbrtimately  without  tin;  loss  ofa  life, 
but  at  tiie  (;xpense  of  some  boats.  I  shall  wait  oik;  day  lon::('i-,  and  if  the 
liassajre  shall  still  continue  impracticable  to  t\n\  troops,  1  will  land  them 
on  tho  opposite  shore,  march  them  across  the  country  to  the  St.  Law- 
rence, and  se)id  the  em])ty  boats  round  to  a  given  rendezvous.  AsIMajor 
General  Hampton  is  muleryom*  orders,  jKirmit  me  to  suggest  toyou  wiiat 
is  worthy  of  refh'Ction — whether  he  should  tak<'  a  position  and  wait  the 
arrival  of  my  conjmand  near  the  confhnmce  of  the  St.  J/awrenei;  and 
Grand  rivers,  or  whether  he  shoidd  move  down  the;  St.  Lawi-eiic(?  and 
menace;  Chambly?  If  he  is  strong  enough  to  meet  Sir  (ieoi-gt;,  the  latter 
■will  be  the  preferable  ])lan,  bcMrause  it  will  have  the  eflect  lo  divide  tho 
enemy's  force;  otlierwisi;,  he  should  ado|)t  the  first  idea,  hazard  nothing, 
and  strengthen  my  hands.  The  enclosed  copy  ofa  memorandum  from 
Colonel  Swift,  will  show  you  wliJit  Ik;  is  about,  1  flatter  mysell',  to  your 
satisfaction.  The  sole  imjileasant  circumsianee  before  mi',  is  our  total 
ignorance  of  xho prcparuiions  of'  Sir  George,  ami  wiiat  we  may  expect  to 
meet  on  the  islami.  I  fear  no  consequeuces;  but  it  nnist  be  painliil  to 
lead  more  than  (iOOO  men  to  battle  hoodwinked.;  ami  yet  all  my  efibrts  to 
procure  intelligence  from  iMontreal,  have  proved  fruitless." 

The  following  account  of  the  progress  of  the  expedition  down  tlu;  St. 
Lawrence,  is  derived  from  the  journal  of  Dr.  Amasa  Trowbridge,  of 
^\  atertown,  who  attended  in  a  jiroli'ssioual  capacity,  and  occasionally 
from  the  published  diary  of  Gr'ueral  Wilkinson. 

On  the  '.Jitth,  Gen.  Brown's  brii:a(le,  with  the  light  ami  heavy  artillery, 
embarked  .-ind  proce(;ded  down  the  St.  Lawrence;,  the;  rntranee  of  whieh 
was  about  six  miles  from  Bason  harbor,  and  arrivdl  safe?  .at  I''i-encli  creek 
tho  same  evening.  On  the  3Lst,  orders  were;  issued  direeting  the  remain- 
der of  the  army  to  fi:illow,  but  a  severe;  storm  iire;venteil  the'  eMnliarkaliem. 
The'  winds  continueel  imfiivorable  till  the  '2d  e)f  Ne)veniber,  \vhen  the 
whole  e;mbarked  ami  arriveel  at  Cajte;  Vince;nt,  nine  miU's,  the  same  day, 
nnel  em^amped.  General  Brown,  with  the  \an  of  the  e'xpeelitie)ii,  hiid 
been  attackeei  by  the  enemy's  armeel  sclie)e)ne'r  and  gun  boats,  but  wcie; 
repulsed  with  loss,  and  we;rc  compelleel  to  me)ve  U|t  the  river  anel  take  a 
position  eight  milea  below  Capo  Vincent.     In   tho  evening,  about  10 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


639 


o'clock,  Coiriiiiodorc  Cliimnccy  came  into  tlio  livor  from  the  luke,  nnd 
anchored  iKiar  the  encampineiit.  The  army  appeared  much  gratified  at 
the  appearance;  of  tiie  fleet. 

On  the  ;{(!,  tJK!  fleet  \veif,'hed  anciior  and  stood  down  the  river.  At 
seven  the  troopw  end)arke(l  and  followed,  with  ii  favorahle  wind,  and  at 
nine  passed  our  fleet  at  anchor,  at  the  junction  of  tlu;  IJritisli  channel 
Avith  that  on  the  south,  in  such  a  position  as  toopj)os(!  th(!en(!my,  should 
they  attem|)t  to  annoy  the  army  in  d(;scendinj(.  At  'A  P.  IM.,  joined  (Jen. 
Mrown  at  French  creek.  TIk;  4th  was  spent  in  waitinj^  lor  hoals  with 
l)rovisions  and  troops  from  Sackett's  JTarlior,  and  makin;:  nece>fsary  ar- 
ran<;(;ments  for  the  exjiedition.  TIk;  .')tli  was  a  cliarininjf  day,  and  in  the 
inornin",'  orders  were  issued  for  sailinir,  and  at  six  the  whole  army  was 
under  way,  in  ahout  .'$00  small  crafts  nnd  boats,  and  arrived  the  same 
eveninjf  at  Morristowu,  a  distance  of  forty  miles;  a  favorahle  landiufr  was 
selected,  and  the  hoats  jiut  in  in  f,'ood  order.  On  iIk;  (ilh  the  ex|)edition 
jirocecMled  on  to  within  three  miles  of  OfidensHurffh,  and  i)reparati()ns 
\wie  made  for  passing  the  fort  at  Prescott.  At  this  place  (Jen.  Wilkin- 
son issued  the  following  proclamation  to  the  Canadians : 

"The  army  of  the  United  States,  which  I  have  the  iionor  to  command, 
invades  these  provinces  to  compter,  and  not  to  destroy;  to  snhdue  the 
forces  of  his  iiritannic  maj(\sty,  not  to  war  against  his  unoffending  sub- 
jects. Those,  therefore,  among  you,  who  remain  cpiiet  at  home,  shoidd 
victory  incline  to  the  American  standard,  shall  he  protected  in  their  per- 
sons and  property.  JJut  those  who  are  Ibund  in  arms,  nnist  necessarily 
be  treated  as  avowed  enemies.  To  menacf!  is  unjust,  to  seihice  dis- 
honorable; yet  it  is  just  and  humane  to  |)lace  these;  alternatives  before 
you. 

Done  at  the  head  quarters  of  the  United  States  army,  this  sixth  day  of 
November,  IHl.'J,  near  Ogdensburgh,  on  the  river  St.  Lawrence. 


(i 


iirnec 


I) 


(Signed)^ 


Hy  the  general's  command, 


James  Wilkinson. 

N.  PiNKNEY, 

Major  and  Jlid-de-camp^ 


•■,•.■'  * 


"The  jiowder  and  fixed  ammunition  were  debarked  and  placed  iu 
carts,  to  be  trans[)orted  by  land,  under  cover  of  the  night,  beyond  tlie 
enemy's  batteries.  As  soon  as  the  general  returned,  orders  were  issued 
for  the  debarkation  of  every  man  (except  so  many  us  were  necessary  to 
navigate  the  boats),  who  were  directed  to  march  undercover  of  the  night, 
to  save  useless  exposure;  to  the  enemy's  cannon,  to  a  bay  two  miles  be- 
low I*r(!scott;  and  arrangements  were  made  at  the  same  time  for  the  pas- 
sage of  the  flotilla  by  that  place,  the  su|)erinten(lenc.y  of  which  devolved 
upon  ]}rig.  (Jen.  IJrown,  the  general  ofHcer  of  the  ilay.  About  8  o'clock 
p.  M.,  we  had  so  heavy  a  fog,  that  it  was  believed  wecoidd  pass  the  British 
fortress  unobserved,  and  orders  were  :iCcordingly  given  for  the  army  to 
march,  and  the  flotilla  to  get  under  way.  The  general,  in  his  gig,  pro- 
ceeded ahead,  followed  by  his  passage  boat  and  family;  but  a  sudden 
change  of  the  atmosphere  exposed  his  passage  boat  to  the  garrison  of 
th(;  (wiemy,  and  near  fifly-two  twenty-lbiu-  pound  shot  were  fired  at  her 
without  effect,  while  the  column  on  land,  discovered  by  the  gleam  of^ 
their  arms,  were  assailed  with  shot  and  shells  without  injury.  General 
Brown,  on  hearing  the  firing,  judiciously  halted  the  llotilla  until  the  moon 
had  set,  when  it  got  into  motion,  but  was  perceived  by  the  enemy,  who 
opened  upon  it,  nnd  continued  their  fire  from  front  to  rear,  for  the  space  ^ 


"^rr 


640 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


of  three  hours;  and  yet  out  of  more  than  three  hundred  bonts,  not  one 
wns  touched ;  and  only  one  man  was  killed,  and  two  were  wounded, 
Before  ten  next  morning,  the  whole  of  the  flotilla,  except  two  vessels, 
reached  the  place  of  rendezvous." 

[Another  account  states,  that  the  general  resorted  to  the  expedient  of 
sending  some  old  boats  forward,  on  which  the  British  expended  their 
long  shot;  and  the  army  passed  harmless,  except  from  one  shot,  which 
killed  two  men  and  wounded  three  others.] 

"  About  noon  this  day.  Colonel  King,  adjutant  general  of  tlie  army  of 
Gen.  Wade  Hampton,  arrived,  and  waited  on  the  commander-in-chief, 
whom  he  informed  that  he  had  been  to  Sackett's  Harbor,  with  a  despatch 
from  Gen.  Hampton  to  the  secretary  of  war;  that  lie  had  no  communi- 
cation, written  or  verbal,  from  Major  General  Hampton  (the  commander- 
in-chief),  but  that  not  finding  the  secretary  of  war  at  Sackett's  Harbor,  he 
had  thought  i)roper,  on  his  retiu'n,  to  call  for  any  comnumication  which 
he  (Gen.  Wilkinson),  might  have  to  make  to  Gen.  Hampton.  The  gene- 
ral had  intended,  in  the  course  of  the  day,  to  send  an  express  to  Gun. 
Hampton,  with  an  order  to  him  to  form  a  junction  of  his  division  with 
the  corps  «lcscending  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  availed  iiimselC  of  the  op- 
portunity jirescntcd  by  Col.  King,  to  send  ti.e  order.  In  passing  I'res- 
cott,  two  of  our  largest  vessels  loaded  with  provisions,  artillery  and  ord- 
nance stores,  either  through  cowardice  or  treachery,  had  been  grounded 
in  the  river  near  Ogdensburgh,  and  o|)j)osite  Prescott. 

The  enemy  kept  up  so  constant  a  eaiuionade  on  them,  that  we  found  it 
difficult,  and  lost  half  a  day  to  got  them  out.  We  perceived  the  miljtia 
in  arms  at  Johnstown,  directly  op])()sitc  us,  and  several  j)ieces  of  field 
artillery  in  motion.  I'nihnsliuiding  that  the  coast  below  was  line«i  with 
posts  of  musketry  and  artillery  at  every  narrow  pass  of  the  river,  Colonel 
Macond)  was  detached  about  one  o'clock  with  liie  elite  corps  of  al)ont 
1200  men,  to  remove  these  obstructions,  and  the  general  got  under  way 
about  half  past  three  o'clock. 

Four  or  five  miles  below,  we  entered  the  first  rapids  of  the  rivei*,  and 
soon  after  passing  them,  two  [)ieces  of  light  artilleiy  which  Colonel  Ma- 
comb had  not  observed,  opened  a  sharp  fire  upon  the  general's  passage 
boat,  but  without  any  further  effect  than  cutting  away  some  of  tiie 
rigging. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Eustis,  with  a  party  of  oiu'  light  gun  barges,  came 
within  shot  of  the  pieces  of  the  enemy,  and  a  cannonade  ensued  without 
injury  to  either  side.  In  the  mean  time.  Major  Forsyth,  who  was  in  the 
rear  of  the  elite  of  Colonel  Macomb,  landed  his  riflemen,  advanced  upon 
the  enemy's  guns,  and  had  his  fire  drawn  by  a  couple  of  videts,  ])osted  in 
his  route,  on  which  their  pieces  were  precipitately  carried  ofl'. 

The  general  came  to  at  dusk,  about  six  miles  below  the  town  of  Ham- 
ilton, where  he  received  n  report  fiom  Colonel  Macomb,  who  had  routed 
a  party  at  a  block  liouse  about  two  miles  below,  and  captured  an  officer." 

On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  information  had  been  received  that  the 
enemy  had  taken  a  position  on  the  river  above  Hamilton,  at  a  narrow 
pass,  and  had  fortified  it  to  annoy  the  flotilla  in  passing.  These  were 
dislodged  by  Major  Forsyth.  A  body  of  dragoons  had  assembled  here 
for  crossing,  and  the  whole  of  the  8th  and  following  night  were  de- 
voted to  transporting  these.  About  noon,  advice  was  received  that  two 
armed  schooners,  and  a  body  of  the  enemy  in  bateaux,  estimated  at  1000 
or  1500  men,  had  descended  the  river  from  Kingston,  and  landed  at 
Prescott;  that  they  had  immediately  sent  a  flag  across  the  river  to  Og 


a- 


I 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


641 


(lonsburgh,  and  demanded  the  surrender  of  a]l  public  property  there, 
under  the  penalty  of  burning  tiio  town.  Not  long  after,  wo  received  in- 
fortnution  that  the  enemy  hud  reembii  ked  atPrcscott,  in  their  bateaux, 
and  were  following  with  seven  gun  bouts. 

While  the  expedition  lay  at  tiie  narrows  near  Hamilton,  on  the  8th,  a 
council  of  war  was  held.  Generals  Wilkinson,  Lewis,  Boyd,  Covington, 
Porter,  and  Swartwout,  being  present,  in  whicli  the  cominander-in-chief 
stated  that  his  force  consisted  of  7,000  men,  and  that  he  expected  to  meet 
4,000  more  under  Gen.  Hampden,  at  St.  Regis;  tliut  his  provisions 
amounted  to  ten  day's  bread  ond  twenty  day's  moat;  that  from  the  best 
of  his  information  the  enemy's  force  vvua  GOO  under  Colonel  Murray, 
troops  of  the  line  at  Coteau  de  Lac,  strongly  fortified  with  artillery;  200 
on  the  island  opposite,  v/ith  two  pieces  of  artillery,  and  about  the  same 
numl)er  on  the  south  shore,  with  two  pieces  of  artillery ;  200  or  300  men 
of  the  British  line  of  artillery,  but  without  ammunition,  at  the  Cedars;  at 
Montreal  200  suilorsand  400  mariners,  with  the  militia,  numbers  unknown ; 
no  fortifications  at  that  city  or  in  advance  of  it;  9,500  regular  troops  ex- 
pected daily  from  Quebec ;  the  militia  on  the  line  reported  at20,0U0  men, 
Canadians  chiefly.  This  information  was  procured  by  colonel  Swift,  who 
employed  a  secret  agent  for  the  purpose.  Under  these  circumstances 
Major  General  Wilkinson  submitted  to  the  council  the  following  propo- 
sition, viz:  Sliall  the  army  proceed  with  all  possible  rapidity  to  the  at- 
tack of  Montreal  ?  The  above  information  was  given  by  a  confidential 
agent  of  reputed  integrity,  who  led  Montreal  on  the  3d  instant;  it  was 
added,  that  two  British  armed  vessels,  with  sixty  bateaux  with  troops,  had 
arrived  ut  Prescott  this  morning,  and  that  four  hundred  were  the  last 
evening  at  Cornwall,  about  thirty-three  miles  below  this  point.  With 
these  facts  before  them,  the  question  was  asked,  "shall  we  proceed  to 
attack  Montreal  ?"  to  which  Lewis,  Boyd,  Brown,  and  Swartwout,  de- 
cided in  the  affirmative,  and  Covington  and  Porter  expressed  strong  ap- 
prehensions from  wantof  ju'oper  pilots,  &c.,  but  saw  no  other  alternative. 

A  body  of  300  provincial  militia  had,  the  evening  before  the  arrival  of 
the  main  army,  been  driven  by  Forsyth  from  a  block  house,  with  two  G 
pound  cannon,  and  this  he  had  burned.  On  the  evening  of  the  8th,  the 
jiassage  of  the  cavalry  to  the  north  shore  was  accomplished,  and  on  tlie 
9th  at  6  A.  M.,  the  2d  brigade  with  two  companies  of  the  2d  artillery,  the 
riflecorps  and  cavalry  commenced  their  march  by  land  to  Williumsburgh, 
and  in  the  afternoon  the  flotilla  moved  down  the  river.  Very  early  in 
the  morning,  the  enemy  in  the  rear  hud  a  slight  skirmish  with  the  rifle- 
men, in  which  we  hud  one  man  killed,  and  the  enemy  retired.  The 
object  of  Gen.  Brown's  being  sent  forward  vvitli  a  part  of  the  army,  was 
to  clear  the  shore  of  any  annoyances  which  the  enemy  might  have  erect- 
ed, opposite  the  rapids  and  narrow  defiles  of  the  river.  The  flotilla 
passed'down  11  miles,  and  came  to  for  the  night,  and  the  army  encamped 
on  ground  selected  by  Gen.  Boyd,  guards  were  posted,  and  all  remained 
quiet  for  the  night.  The  enemy  continued  to  follow  up  the  rear,  and  on 
arriving  at  Hamilton  availed  tliemselves  of  the  opportunity  to  send  to 
that  village  a  jjcremptory  demand  for  the  restoration  of  some  merchan- 
dise that  liad  been  captured  under  the  following  circumstances: 

In  October,  1813,  some  six  or  eight  bateaux  laden  with  merchandise, 
and  owned  in  Kingston  and  Toronto,  were  passing  along  up  the  river, 
under  the  Canadian  shore,  and  were  moored  for  the  night,  not  far  from 
opjjosito  the  head  of  Ogden's  island,  when  they  were  surprised,  while 
most  of  the  crews  were  sleeping,  and  captured  without  resistance.  This 
ex[)edition  was  planned  and  executed  mostly  under  the  direction  of  Ben- 


iBui' 


iii 


642 


IIISTGRY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


i. 


jainiii  Ricliards,  of  llatnlltoii,  iictiii<r  iindor  n  Ictror  oC  iiiMr(|iii>,  luid  a:)- 
Hi.st(!(l  by  a  voliiiitiior  |mriy  ol"  citi/.ons.  A  |)art  of  tlic;  captiiicil  floods 
won)  .stored  in  a  warclioiisu  in  tlio  viilaj;!!,  and  tiiu  cloths  and  li),'litur 
nrtielo.s  \v(3n!  tiikun  to  .Madrid  ((yoluniliia  vill'iffi')  and  in  other  pinis  of 
till!  town  Tor  {jrcali-r  .sciMn'ity.  Soon  alk-r  (ion.  >Viil<in.son  with  hi.s  army 
Jiad  passiid,  Col.  Mori'ison  oftiu-  army  whicii  hiuiif  npon  tiit^  roar  of  liio 
Amt'rieans,  !3t()|>|icd  at  tiit;  viHa;.;t>,  landed  a  part  ol'  lii.s  l(>rc(!,  and  de- 
inanded  a  sin'i'ender  (if'thi!  merishandi.se.  No  rewistaneo  conld  oCconrso 
l)i;  o(lt;red  or  allempted,  and  he  was  procoedinjf  to  take  what  mijiht  he 
lonnd  of  th(!  pro|)erty.  While  t;n;,'a;;ed  in  this,  lie  heard  a  (■aiinonadH 
l)(;low,  wliii-h  made  him  impatient  of  d(day,  and  he  hastily  spiked  a  (i 
poiinil  iron  c.innon  which  he  llinnd  in  the  village,  and  ordered  the 
floods  and  hnildinj:  in  which  they  W(;re  to  he  set  on  lire.  The  day  was 
bi'antiliilly  dry  and  sunny,  and  tin;  l)nlldin<r,  if  liiirned,  must  have  con- 
snmed  a  eonsider.ihle  part  of  the  villa<;e.  The  principal  citizens  hefrf-'tul 
ol"  the  conmiandiiifi'  oliicer  of  the  eiuMiiy  to  consider  this,  and  succeeded 
ill  frettiiifi  the  order  coiintermanded  under  the  stipulation  that  all  the 
,H()(ids  in  the  villajre  wlfu^h  had  heiMi  ca|itiircd  should  he  the  next  day 
landed  on  the  Canada  shore. 

This  ai.'reenient  was  fulfilled,  hiit  the  ]>orlions  which  had  been  sent 
back  to  the  Crass  river  W(.'ro  still  in  tlu;  hr.nds  of  the  ca|)tors.  Some 
barracks  belon<;in^  to  the  village  of  llamiltoti,  and  which  had  been  used 
by  detachments  oi" troops,  wcsre  burned. 

Ill  .January  (bllowinj;,  (^apt.  l^eiiben  Sherwood,  an  active  loyalist,  of 
daring  courage,  who  was  well  acipiainted  with  the  country,  having  acted 
as  a  surveyor,  and  who  often  appeared  without  disguise  or  concijalmeiit 
on  tht!  soulh  shore  of  the  St.  Lawn^nce,  crossed  the  river  near  Point 
Iroipiois,  with  the  tiesign  of  rec()\eriiig  the  remainder  of  the  merchan- 
dise, lie  arrived  lat(!  in  the  evtming  with  a  company  of  provincial 
militia,  post(;d  guards  in  the  vill.ige  to  prevent  resistanc(!,  pressed  a 
mimhiM'  of  teams  with  their  drivers,  and  ])roceeiled  to  Colundiia  village, 
where  he  succeeded  in  recovering,  without  dilHculty,  the  greater  |)art  of 
what  liad  been  deposited  in  that  placi;,  whicli  had  not  been  purloined. 
The  party  engagecl  in  this  incursion  returned  about  da}  light,  decked 
out  with  ribbons  and  streamers  of  brilliant  colors,  whicli  ibrmed  a  jiart 
of  their  capture,  and  recrossed  the  St.  Lawrence,  without  the  loss  of  a 
man.  Scandal  relates  that  u  pfU'ty  was  hastily  rallitul  to  iiiu'sne  and 
recover  the  goods,  but  that  a  quantity  of  shrub,  a  very  agreeable  mi.\ed 
]i(]Uor,  was  let't  in  a  conspicuous  place,  which  had  its  designed  effeirt,  and 
that  the  pursuing  party  were  thus  disarmed.  This  iiicnrsi'in,  from  the 
boldness  with  which  it  was  conceived  and  executed,  creattul  a  general 
feeling  ol"  insecurity  among  the  inhabitants, and  convinced  them  that  the 
state  of  war  was  a  reality;  that  they  were  at  any  moment  liable  to  an 
unexpected  and  unwelcome  visit  from  the  enemy,  and  that  their  lives 
and  property  were  alike  at  the  mercy  of  the  British.  From  this  time 
forward,  there  was  nothing  attempted  that  iniglit  provoke  retaliation,  or 
invite  an  unceremonious  visit  from  Canada. 

To  return  from  this  digression:  on  the  morning  of  Nov.  10,  informa- 
tion was  received  that  the  enemy  had  collected  at  or  near  the  foot  of  the 
Long  saut,  determined  to  oppose  the  passage  of  the  flotilla.  To  dis- 
lodge these,  Gen.  Brown  was  sent  forward,  iid  about  noon  was  engaged 
by  a  jiarty  ol"  the  enemy  near  a  block  bouse  on  the  saut,  erected  to  har- 
rass  the  tiotilla  in  its  descent.  At  the  same  time  the  enemy  were  ob- 
served in  the  rear,  who  commenced  a  cannonade,  which  obliged  the 
general  to  order  two  18  pounders  to  be  run  on  shore,  and  Ibnned  in 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


643 


battery,  wliicli  soon  coinpcllnd  tliotii  to  retire  tip  tlio  river.  Tiicso  oper- 
ntioiis  itful  HO  liir  \vaHt(!rl  tin;  day,  that  tlio  pilots  were  afraid  to  enter  tlio 
Haiit,  and  they  eanie  to  anchor  oppoMite  tlie  preniines  of  John  Cliryf'ler, 
about  nine  inih.'.s  al)ove  this  head  of  tiie  I.onj;  want  rapid.  At  4  i*.  m.,  a 
party  of  oU  men  nniUir  Capt.  IJnrhaiik,  fell  in  with  a  parly  of  the  enemy 
in  a  ffrove  .nboiit  a  mile  in  the  rciar  of  tiie  camp,  who  were  disperH(;d  by 
a  few  volleys,  lowing,'  one  man  and  killinj;  two.  A  few  nfnmte.-!  aftcsr 
this,  a  Hinall  body  of  mi>unt(Ml  men  appeared  in  tiio  road  near  the  rivt;r, 
who  were  tired  upon  i>y  oin-  rear  ;;uard  of  gun  i)oatH,  and  dispersed.  At 
.')  o'clock,  a  body  of  men  appeared  at  the  same  place,  with  two  tJ  pound- 
ers, and  oi)en(!d  a  tire  on  our  j,'un  boats,  which  was  returned,  and  ki'pt 
ii|)  for  some  nfuuitt.'s.  (Jen.  JJoyd  advanced  aj;ainst  these!,  who  rcjiircMl. 
As  it  was  eonsid(;ri!d  important  to  luiar  from  (Jen.  lirown,  whether  the 
passajre  was  eh'.ir  before  connifittinj;  himself  to  the  saut,  li-om  which 
there  was  no  retreat,  the  American  flotilla  fell  down  a  short  distance, 
and  came  to  under  (book's  point,'*  about  a  mile  below  (Jhrysler's. 

JJelJire  /(ivin;;  an  acrcount  of  tlu!  battle  that  iMisued,  it  may  be  well  to 
describe'  tiie  topojiraphy  of  tin;  (Miuntry.  'I'lio  (/aiiada  shore  is  here  very 
level  with  the  exception  of  three  or  four  ravines,  caused  by  rivulets, 
whicii  would  afford  no  obstacle'  to  tii(!  crossing  of  troojjs,  but  would 
Ifmdi'r  tli(!  passa^M!  of  artillery.  With  the  exception  of  a  narrow  strip 
of  wocjds,  betwei;n  ('hrysler's  flu'in  and  Cook's  point,  the  country  was 
cleared.  I'arallel  with  the  river,  and  a  nfile  distant,  lays  an  ash  swamp, 
which  forbadi,'  the  march  of  troops.  The  cinrent  of  the  river  at  the 
j)oint  is  very  stronjf,  the  channel  beiiii;  but  1,!}00  yards  over,  and  very 
deep,  so  that  it  woidd  have  be<Mi  difficult  for  boats  to  retain  a  po.sition, 
except  near  tin;  shore.  J)urin<;  the  whole  voya,i,'e,  and  especially  at  the 
time  of  the  battlt?,  (Jen.  \Vilkinson  was  very  ill,  and  much  of  the  time 
confined  to  his  cabin.  Word  having  been  received  about,  10  o'clock, 
that  lirown  had  dislodged  the  enemy,  anil  was  |)rooceding  down,  orders 
^vere  issued  tor  tiie  flotilla  to  sail,  when  eight  of  the  enemy's  gun  boata 
appeared  in  tlu;  rear,  and  commenced  a  smart  tire  upon  the  rear  guard 
of  gun  boats.  Several  shots  were  directed  at  the  flotilla,  but  none  took 
effect.  A  large  row  galley,  carrying  a  32  pound  carronade,  was  tlio 
most  fijrmidable  in  the  enemy's  line.  The  following  is  an  extract  from 
Gen.  Wilkinson's  official  account  of  the  events  of  the  lltli  of  November: 

"A  variety  of  reports  of  their  movements  and  counter  Jiiovements 
were  brought  to  me  in  succession,  which  convinced  me  of  their  deter- 
mination to  hazard  an  attack,  when  it  could  be  done  to  the  greatest  ad- 
vantage; and  therefore  I  resolved  to  anticipate  them.  Directions  were, 
accordingly  sent  by  that  distinguished  oflicer,  Col.  Swift,  of  the  engineers, 
to  IJrig.  (Jen.  Hoyd,  to  throw  thi;  detachments  of  liis  command  assigned 
to  him  in  the  order  of  the  preceding  day,  and  com[)osod  of  his  own, 
Covington's  and  Swartwout's  brigades,  into  three  columns,  to  march  u|)on 
the  enemy,  outflank  thein,  if  possible,  and  take  their  artillery.  The 
action  soon  r.fter  comuienccMl  with  the  advanced  body  of  the  enemy,  and 
became  extremely  sharp  and  galling,  and  with  occasional  pauses,  not  sus- 
tained with  great  vivacity  in  open  space  and  fair  combat,  for  upwards  of 


i 


I  ft 


1 

:  (I'll 


*Tlie  river  til  tlii-i  place  is  very  narrow,  nml  in  the  following  SBmmer,  a 
sniiiU  I'lirt  of  earili  <iiiil  limber  haviiiij  ilie  sliapc  of  ilie  nnnuxtnl  plan  was 
erei'ted.  ll  tnclo.siHl  a  quarter  of  an  acre,  and  was  Imilt  under  Lieut  Ingles, 
from  whom  it  received  llie  name  of  Ingle's  fort,    ll  has  liuce  been  levelled . 


c> 


^ 


Cr 


O 


644 


HISTORY    OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


I'i'ffij 


two  nnd  a  hnlf  hours,  the  adverBo  linos  altornutcly  yi(>l(ling  and  advnnc- 
ing.  It  is  iinpossibiu  to  say  with  accuracy  wlint  was  our  nuntbur  on  tho 
field,  iHicauBo  it  consisted  of  indefinite  detachments  taken  front  tlie  imnts 
to  render  safe  the  passage  of  the  saiit.  Gens.  Covington  and  Swartwuut 
voluntarily  took  part  in  the  action,  at  the  head  of  detachments  from  their 
respective  brigatjes,  and  exhibited  the  same  courage  that  was  displayed 
by  Brig.  Gen.  Doyd,  who  happened  to  be  the  senior  officer  on  the  ground. 
Our  force  engaged  might  have  reached  1,()00  or  1,700  men,  but  actually 
did  not  exceed  1,800;  that  of  the  enemy  was  estimated  from  1,'^00  to 
3,000,  but  did  not  probably  amount  to  more  than  1,500  or  1,<)00,  couNiHt- 
ing,  as  I  am  informed,  of  detachments  from  the  4!)th,  84th  and  lO-ith 
regiments  of  the  line,  with  three  companies  of  the  Voltigeur  and  Glen- 
gary  corps,  and  the  militia  of  the  country,  who  wore  not  included  iu  the 
estimate. 

It  would  Im!  presumptuous  in  me  to  attempt  to  give  n  detailed  accoimt 
of  the  affair,  which  certainly  reflects  high  honor  oii  the  valor  of  the 
American  soldier,  as  no  examples  can  be  produced  of  undisciplined  men 
with  inexperienced  officers,  braving  a  fire  of  two  hours  and  a  hidtj  with- 
out quitting  the  field,  or  yielding  to  their  antagonist.  The  information  is 
derived  from  officers  in  my  confidence,  who  took  active  [larts  in  this 
conflict;  for  though  I  was  enabled  to  order  the  attack,  it  was  my  hard 
fortune  not  to  be  able  to  lead  the  troops  I  commanded.  The  disease 
with  \<'hich  I  was  assailed  on  the  2d  of  September,  on  my  journey  to 
Fort  George,  having,  with  a  few  short  intervals  of  convalescence,  preyed 
on  me  ever  since,  and  at  the  moment  of  this  action,  I  was  confined  to 
my  bed,  and  emanciated  almost  to  a  skeleton,  unable  to  set  ou  my 
horse,  or  move  ten  paces  without  assistance.  I  nmst,  however,  be  par- 
doned for  trespassing  on  your  time  a  few  remarks  in  relation  to  the  afliiir. 

The  objects  of  the  Britisli  and  American  conuiiunders  were  precisely 
opposed;  the  last  bting  bound  by  the  instructions  of  his  government, 
and  the  most  solernn  obligations  of  duty,  to  precipitate  his  designs  on 
the  St.  Lawrence  by  every  practicable  means;  liocause  this  being  effect- 
ed, one  of  the  greatest  difficulties  opposed  to  tiio  American  arms,  would 
be  surmounted;  and  the  first,  by  duties  equally  imperious,  to  retard  and 
if  possible,  prevent  such  descent.  He  is  to  be  counted  victorious  who 
effected  his  purpose!  The  British  commander  having  failed  to  gain 
either  of  his  objects,  can  lay  no  claim  to  the  honors  of  the  day.  Tlio 
battle  fluctuated,  and  seemed  at  different  times  inclined  to  the  contend- 
ing corps.  The  front  of  the  enemy  were  at  first  forced  back  more  tlian 
a  mile,  and  though  they  never  regained  the  ground  they  lost,  their  stand 
was  permanent  and  their  courage  resolute.  Amidst  these  charges  and 
near  the  close  of  the  contest,  we  lost  a  field  piece  by  the  fiill  of  an  officer 
who  was  serving  it,  with  the  annie  coolness  as  if  he  had  been  at  a  parade 
or  a  review.  This  was  Lieut.  Sitiith,  of  the  light  artillery,  who,  iu  j)oint 
of  merit,  stood  at  the  head  of  lijj  grade.  The  enemy  having  halted  and 
our  troojis  being  again  formed  into  battalion,  front  to  front,  wo  resumed 
our  position  on  the  bank  oi  the  river,  and  the  infantry  being  much 
fatigued,  the  whole  were  recmbarked  and  proceeded  down  the  river 
without  any  further  annoyance  from  the  enemy  or  their  gun  boots,  while 
the  dragoons  with  five  pieces  of  light  artillery,  marched  down  the 
Canada  shore  without  molestation. 

It  is  due  to  his  rank,  to  his  worth,  and  his  services,  that  I  should  make 
particular  mention  of  Brig.  Gen.  Covington,  who  received  a  mortal  wound 
directly  through  the  body,  while  animating  his  men  and  leading  them  to 
the  charge.    He  fell  where  be  fought,  at  the  head  of  his  men,  and  sur- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


645 


d  make 

wound 

them  to 

und  sur- 


vived l)ut  two  dnys.  The  next  morning  the  flotilln  passed  through  thn 
saut,  and  joined  that  excellent  officer,  Brig.  Gen.  Krown,  at  narnhart's, 
near  Cornwall,  where  he  had  l)enn  instructed  to  take  post  and  await  my 
arrival.  And  where  I  contidently  expected  to  hear  of  Mojor  General 
Ham|)ton'8  arrival  on  the  op|)08itu  shore.  liut  immediately  atlter  I  halted, 
Col.  Atkinson,  the  inspector  general  of  the  division  under  Major  Gen. 
Hampton,  waited  on  me  with  a  letter  frofn  that  officer,  in  which  to  my 
unspeakable  regret  and  siu-prise,  he  declined  the  jimction  ordered,  and 
informed  mo  ho  was  marching  towards  lake  Chumplain  by  way  of  co- 
operating in  the  proposed  attack  upon  Montreal.  This  letter,  together 
with  a  copy  of  that  to  which  it  is  an  answer,  was  immediately  transmit- 
ted to  a  council  of  war,  composed  of  my  general  oflicersand  the  colonel 
commanding  the  elite,  the  chief  engineer  and  the  adjutant  general,  who 
unanimously  gave  it  as  their  opinion,  that  the  attack  upon  Montreal 
should  be  abandoned  for  the  present  season,  and  the  army  near  Corn- 
wall should  be  innnediately  crossed  to  the  American  shore  for  taking  up 
winter  quarters,  and  that  this  place  affi)rded  an  eligible  position  for  such 
quarters. 

I  acquiesced  in  these  opinions,  not  from  the  shortness  of  the  stock  of 
provisions,  (which  had  been  reduced  by  the  acts  of  God),  because  that 
of  our  meat  had  been  increased  five  days,  and  our  bread  hud  been 
reduced  only  two  days,  and  because  we  could  in  case  of  extremity, 
have  lived  on  the  enemy;  but,  because  the  loss  of  the  division  under 
Major  Gen.  Hamilton,  weakened  my  force  too  scntiibly  to  justify  the  at- 
tempt. In  all  my  nieasin-es  and  inovetnents  of  moment,  1  have  taken 
Uie  o[)inion  of  my.  general  officers,  which  have  been  in  accord  with  my 
own. 

I  remained  on  the  Canada  shore  until  next  day,  without  seeing  or 
hearing  from  the  "  powerful  force"  of  the  enemy  in  our  neighborhood, 
and  the  same  day  reached  the  position  with  the  artillery  and  infantry. 
The  dragoons  have  been  ordered  to  Utica  and  its  vicinity,  and  I  expect 
are  fifty  or  sixty  miles  on  the  march.  You  have  undercover  a  summary 
abstract  of  the  killed  and  wounded  in  the  affiiir  of  the  11th  inst.  which 
shall  soon  bo  fbllowjd  by  a  particular  return,  in  which  a  just  regard 
shall  be  paid  to  individual  merits. 

The  dead  rest  in  honor,  and  the  wounded  bled  for  their  country  and 
deserve  its  gratitude." 

Killed. — Subalterns  3;  Serjeants  7;  corporals  3;  musicians  1 ;  privates 
88 ;  total  103. 

Wounded. — Brigadier  general  1 ;  assistant  adjutant  general  1 ;  aid-de- 
camp 1;  colonel  1;  major  1;  captains  5;  subalterns  G;  Serjeants  9; 
corporals  13:  musicians  1;  privates  198;  total  237.  Total  killed  and 
wounded,  S39. 

J^ames  of  the  commissioned  officers  killed  and  ivounded. — Killed,  Lieut. 
Wm.  W.  Smith,  of  tiio  light  artillery;  Lieutenant  David  Hunter,  of  the 
12th  regiment  of  infantry;  Lieutenant  Edward  Olmstcad,  15ih  do.,  do. 

Wounded. — Brig.  Gen.  Leonard  Covington,  mortally,  (since  dead); 
Major  Talbot  Chambers,  assistant  adjutant  general,  slightly;  Maj.  Darby 
Noon,  aid-de-camp  to  Brigadier  Gen.  Swartwout,  slightly;  Colonel 
James  P.  Preston,  of  the  23d  regiment  infantry,  severely,  his  right  thigh 
fractured;  Major  W.  Cutiimings,  8lh  regiment,  severely;  Captain  Ed- 
ward Foster,  9th  do.,  slightly;  Captain  David  S.  Townsend,  do.  do., 
severely,  (taken  prisoner);  Captain  Mordecai  Myers,  13th  do.,  severely; 
Captain  John  Campbell,  do.,  slightly;  Captain  John  B.  Murdoc,  25th 
do.,  slightly;  Lieut.  Wm.  S.  Ileaton,  lltli  do.,  severely;  Lieut.  John 


il 


\r 


,>';■ 


646 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRE^CE 


Williams,  ^Hcl,  do.,  slifthtly;  Lieut.  Jolin  Lynch,  do.  scvoroly,  (tnkon 
j)ri?-()iier);  Lieiiteiiniit  Potcr  Pellifun,  21st  do.  Hoverely,  ( taken  prisoner); 
Lieutenant  James  ]).  Brown,  Sotii  do.,  sli<;iitiy;  Lieut.  Arciiiliald  C. 
Crary,  do.  do.,  severely,  in  the  skirmish  the  dny  hetbre  the  action. 


liriiish  Official  Account  of  the  Battle,  dated  LaCkine,  15th  JVbv.  1813.' 

(jknekal  Orders. — His  Excellency  the  Governor  General  and  Com- 
mander of  the  forces,  has  received  from  Lieut.  (7ol.  Morrison,  8l>th  rejii- 
nieii!,  the  otlicial  report  of  the  action  which  took  place  on  the  11th  inst., 
at  Chrystler's  (iu-m,  20  miles  above  Cornwall,  between  the  corjjs  of  ob- 
servation, consisting  of  the  49th  and  8'Jth  regiments,  and  a  detachment 
from  the  garrison  at  Prescott,  under  Lieut.  Col.  Pearson,  the  whole 
amounting  to  about  800  men,  and  the  princii)!d  division  of  the  enemy's 
army,  conunanded  by  Major  General  Boyd.  On  the  day  ])receding  the 
action,  a:i  atliiir  took  place  in  consequence  of  the  corps  of  observation 
pressing  on  tlie  enemy,  which  alter  a  short  coiiilict,  determined  in  his 
defeat,  the  British  division  occupying  that  ifight  the  ground  on  which 
the  afliiir  iiad  taken  |)lace.  On  the  11th,  Lieut.  Col.  Morrison  contiinied 
his  pursuit,  when  the  enemy  concentrating  his  Ibrce,  made  a  grand 
ell'ort  to  relieve  himself  from  so  troublesome  an  opponent,  and  advanced 
with  liis  heavy  columns  of  intantry,  snpiiorted  by  artillery,  his  front 
covered  by  a  mimcrous  body  of  cavalry  and  riflemen.  Lieut.  Col. 
Morrison  fell  back  gradually,  and  took  up  a  judicious  ])osition,  (which  ho 
had  previously  made  choice  of),  with  his  little  band,  his  right  on  tlie 
river,  ' onsisting  of  tlu^  flank  companies  of  the  4'Jth  regiment  and  a  de- 
tiu^hmont  of  the  Canada  feiicibles,  nnder  Lieut.  Col.  Pearsen.  ^vitii  a 
six  pounder  a  little  advanced,  supported  by  the  companies  of  the  8')ili 
regiment,  luider  Captain  Barnes;  t|ie  4!tth  and  8'Jth  regiments  lbrm(;d 
tii(!  main  body  of  reserve  extending  across  the  roail  to  a  jiiiie  wood, 
occupying  a  space  of  seven  hundred  yards.  Miijor  lleriot,  witii  a  de- 
taclimcMit  of  the  Canadian  Voltigeiu's,  and  a  small  baini  of  Indian  war- 
riors und(;r  Lieut.  Anderson,  secin-ed  the  left  flank.  The  action  com- 
mevced  about  2  o'clock,  p.m.,  and  in  halt'  an  hour  became  general,  tlje 
enemy  attempting  to  turn  the  left  of  the  British,  but  were  repidsed  by 
the  4'Jth  an<>  8Ltth  regiments,  which  advanced  firing  by  wings  and  pla- 
toons. 

The  (Micmy  having  failed  in  this  attempt,  united  their  utmost  eilii'-ts  in 
an  attack  on  the  right,  supported  .  y  four  ])ieces  of  artillery  and  tlieir 
ca\alry,  which  was  in  like  manner  repulsed,  the  4!)tli  and  8itth  regiments 
having  moved  u|>  in  echellon  and  ibrmed  in  line;  a  cliargts  commenciMl 
by  the  4!tth  regiment,  was  not  persevered  in,  in  consequence  of  tiie 
enemy's  having  charged  upon  th'^  right,  and  threatened  to  gain  the  rear; 
but  their  cavalry  were  so  gallantly  received  by  the  three  conqjanies  of 
the  8!lth  regiment  under  Caimiin  Barns,  and  the  well  directed  tire  of  the 
artilhsry  under  Capt.  Jackson,  that  they  were  instantly  repulsed,  and  by 
tlie  rapid  pursuit  of  Capt.  Barn's  party,  a  six  ])ounder  was  captured  trom 
the  enemy,  whose  attention  was  now  solely  directed  to  cover  the  retreat 
of  ills  beaten  threes.  In  this  last  effort  he  was  foiled  by  a  judicious 
movemen*:  of  the  corps  nnder  Lieut.  Col.  Pearson,  who  continued  to 
pursue  the  enemy  in  his  fliglit.  [Here  Col.  Morrison  speaks  of  the  merits 

"  " "'  '        ~"  fford  and  Heriot,  of 


)f 


lujorf 


tilt!  militia,  and  Cajit.  Jackson;  also  of  Lieut,  (^ol  Harvey;  Captains 
f^kiiiner  and  Davis,  of  the  staff ;  Lieut.  Anderson  e/  the  Indian  depart- 
ment; and  Lieut.  Ilagerman  of  the  miiitia.] 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


647 


It  io  with  cloep  regret  that  Lieut,  Col.  Morrison  transmits  a  list  of 
casualties,  conttiiuitif;  tiie  loss  of  sevonil  brave  soldiers,  but  when  the 
unecjuul  contest,  and  the  (juadru|)le  loss  of  the  enemy,  and  the  i>ii- 
])ort«ncc  of  this  splendid  victory  are  consideriul,  the  comparative  Britisii 
loss  will  ajjpear  less  tlian  mijrlit  reasonably  ho  ex[)ected. 

[The  i)articular  returns  of  the  several  corps  are  omitted.] 

Total. — 1  captain,  'I  drummers,  and  li)  rank  and  fde, killed;  1  captain, 
9  subalterns,  (j  serjeaiUs,  and  i;31  rank  and  tile  woundetl;  twelve  rank 
and  tile  missin<;. 

JVames  of  0£icers  killed  and  wounded. — 4!ttli  regiment,  Capt.  Nairnc, 
killed;  Lieut.  Jones,  wounded  danfj;erously;  Lieut.  Clans,  wouiuled,  left 
leg  amputated;  Lieut.  Morton,  woimded  severely,  not  dangerously; 
Lieut.  Uiciunond,  wounded  r^lightly. 

8!)th  regiment — Capt.   Brown,   wounded  severely,   not   dangerously;' 
Ensign  Leaden,  wounded  slightly. 

4ytli  Hank  company — Lieut.  Holland,  wounded  severely. 
'  Canadian  Fencibltjs — Lieut.  Deloriiiiiere,  wounded  dangerously,  since 
dead;  Lieut.  Armstrong,  wounded  dangerous- ly. 

IJy  his  Excellency's  command, 

Edwaud  BAyNEH,  Adj.  Gen.,  N.A. 

The  pr(;coding  refjorts  were  made  the  suhject  of  severe  comments  by 
the  American  press,  generally. 


The  following  account  of  the  battle  was  prepared  by  Dr.  A. 
bridge,  of  VVatertown,  N.  Y.,  who  was  present: 


Trow- 


-' Night  came  on  and  all  schemes  for  meeting  or  attacking  the  enemy 
were  changed  lor  making  suitable  arrangements  for  the  safety  of  the 
ca'iip.  The  troops  were  marcihcd  hack  and  posted  on  the  same  ground 
tlxiy  occupied  the  night  before.  Strong  guards  were  sent  out  in  ditliireiit 
directions,  the  troo}ts  were  posted  in  line  of  battle,  and  directed  to  sleep 
on  their  arms.  The  night  pissed  uninterrupted  by  alarms.  It  appeared 
evident  from  the  movcmcntf  of  the  enemy  that  a  considerable  force  wtis 
advancing  to  attack  us  or  pass  our  rear  by  land.  The  mnrning  oi'  the 
11th  was  spent  in  making  the  usual  prt;>.ii;itions  for  marcliiug.  At  10 
orders  were  issu(!d  fiir  detachments  of  Generals  Boyd's,  Covington's 
and  Swartwout's  brigades,  with  4  pieces  of  light  artillpr\',  and  the  re- 
maining body  of  dragoons  to  march  to  join  Gen.  Brown,  who  it  was  un- 
derstooil  had  dispersed  the  enemy  and  taken  a  position  at  Cornwall.  Th'3 
movements  had  begun  when  tin;  rear  was  attacked,  the  boats  were 
brought  to,  and  Gen.  tiwartwout  sent  back  to  mee,  the  enemy,  lie 
dashed  into  the  woods  \vith  the  2d  regiment  inlimtry,  commanded  by 
Col.  Hipley,  who,  after  a  short  skirmish,  drove  them  back  to, a  ravine, 
where  they  kept  u]^  a  sharp  fire  upon  our  advancing  colunms,  whicli 
charged  upon  tlie  enemy,  killed  an<l  wounded  several,  and  took  20  \n'i- 
soners.  The  entuny  nttreated  in  a  scattered  condition,  in  various  direc- 
tions. The  main  body  of  tlie  enemy  were  now  seen  advancing  in 
columns  on  the  west  extremity  of  Chrystler's  field.  Tln'v  opened  a  firo 
of  musketrv,  and  liom  a  six  pounder  whi(;h  was  heavy,  juid  gallnig  upon 
om*  troops  composed  of  the  Ist  regiment  and  a  detachment  ti'oin  the  first 
brig.ide  connnandcd  by  Col.  Cole.  This  body  was  now  ordered  to  flank 
the  enemy's  left.  This  was  promjitly  done;  uiuler  a  h.avy  tire;  from  the 
enemy.  Gen.  (yovington  having  been  ordered  up  now  took  the  position 
just  left  by  Ripley  and  (Jolos,  nearly  in  fi-ont  of  the  enemy,  and  within 
rifle  shot  distance.    The  tight  now  become  general  and  quite  stulionary. 


I  iff 

m 


m 


:\  '' 


i'.^ 


\i 


1  f. 


m 


648 


HISTORY   OF   ST   LAWRLNC»5 


a': 


'■%■ 

Mk 


&i 


Gen.  Covington  soon  received  a  mortal  wound  by  a  rifle  shot.  Col.  Preston 
next  in  command,  was  soon  after  wounded  in  the  thigh  by  a  ball,  fractur- 
ing the  bore.  Major  Cumins  was  next  wounded,  and  was  obliged  to  re- 
tire. Many  platoon  officers  were  wounded  or  killed,  and  within  30  mini.tes 
aller,  the  whole  brigade  was  in  contusion  and  left  the  field.  A  few 
minutes  previous,  two  six  pounders  were  brought  up  by  Lieut.  Smitli, 
and  posted  near  some  houses  occupied  by  the  enemy.  Their  position 
was  favorable  and  their  fire  destructive  to  the  enemy,  but  the  lieutenant 
was  soon  killed,  and  most  of  his  men  wounded  by  musketry  from  the 
houses,  and  our  piece  taken.  The  enemy's  fire  was  now  turned  upon 
Ril)ley  and  Coles  flanking  party  retiring  from  their  position.  About  this 
time  a  squadron  of  dragoons  commanded  by  Maj.  Woodferd,  took  aposi- 
^tion  in  the  rear,  and  suffered  much  from  the  enemy's  fire.  They  were 
finally  ordered  to  charge  the  enemy.  This  was  made  in  the  road  upon 
the  enemy  in  houses  and  behind  I  )ard  fences.  The  whole  body  soon 
returned  with  30  horses  without  riders.  The  enemy's  attention  was  so 
much  diverted  from  Ripley  and  Coles  retreating  detachment,  that  by 
passing,  partly  covered  by  the  forest,  they  made  good  their  retread.  The 
guard  lelt  at  the  beats  was  ordered  up  commanded  by  Coi.  Uphani.  Tliey 
occupied  a  position  a  few  minutes  in  front  of  the  enemy,  who  remained 
stationary  in  column,  keeping  .ip  a  steady  fire  from  two  six  pouiit-  j 
upon  everything  that  appeared  on  the  field  to  annoy  them.  Many  ol  ■ 
wounded  had  been  taken  back  to  tiie  boats;  about  40  were  left  in  aruvii  o 
and  taken  by  the  enemy.  Gen.  Boyd  was  the  seniorofliceron  the  ground. 
Gen.  Wilkinson  was  sick  and  confined  to  his  boat  and  bed,  and  unable 
to  muster  forces  without  assistance.  Gen.  Lewis,  next  in  command,  was 
sick  and  unable  to  do  duty. 

The  American  troops  were  stationed  oii  the  margin  of  the  river  near 
the  fiotilla,  and  were  reembarked  with  the  wounded  and  sick,  and  pro- 
ceeded down  the  river  without  further  annoyance  from  the  enemy  or 
their  gun  boats,  while  the  dragoons  with  15  pieces  of  artillery,  marched 
down  the  Cana'!a  shore,  without  molestt  tion.  The  flotilla  arrived  at  the 
head'  of  the  saUt  at!)  o'clock  p.  m.,  and  encamped  on  the  American  side 
of  the  river.  The  badly  wounded  were  placed  in  barns  and  log  houses, 
and  made  as  comfortable  as  circimistances  would  permit.  The  weather 
was  cold,  with  snow  and  sleet,  with  storm  and  wind.  The  next  morning 
the  flotilla  passed  the  saut,  and  joined  Gen.  Brown  at  Barnhurts,  near 
Cornwall.  A  council  of  officers  was  called  which  soon  unanimously 
gave  their  opinion  that  the  attack  on  Montreal  should  be  abandoned,  and 
that  the  army  should  be  immediately  crossed  to  the  American  shore  for 
taking  up  winter  quarters.  The  dragoons  were  recrossed  and  marched 
for  Utica  the  same  day,  and  the  flotilla  proceeded  directly  to  French  Mills, 
where  they  arrived  the  same  night  at  3  o'clock  A.  M.  On  the  arriv;-!  of 
the  army  at  French  Mills  the  weather  become  intensely  >.cre  and  re- 
mained so  till  the  r?3d  of  January.  The  soldiers  have  bvm  subject  to 
great  fixtigue;  many  had  lost  their  blankets  and  extra  clothing.  Tlie  sick 
and  wounded  had  no  covering  or  shelter  except  tents  in  the  severe  lati- 
tude of  45  degrees.  In  the  vicinity  of  French  Mills,  the  country  was  a 
wildnerness.  Provisions  were  scarce  and  of  bad  quality.  Mcdicir*  "'ul 
hospital  stores  were  not  to  bo  found,  and  a  supply  could  not  be  o'-  .iiH!  I 
short  of  Albany,  a  distance  of  250  miles.  It  was  ascertained  thai  c  > 
stores  were  abundantly  provided  at  Sackettp  Harbor,  but  were,  in  stead 
of  being  placed  on  boird  of  separate  boats,  distributed  throughout  the 
boats  of  the  flotilla  for  which  no  officer  could  be  made  accountable.  The 
W'tnt  of  these  necessaries  for  the  sick  and  wounded  was  severely  felt. 


?*,: 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


649 


Under  those  circumstances,  sickness  and  mortality  was  very  great,  and 
excited  general  alarm." 

On  tlie  11th  of  November,  !Iampden  wrote  to  Wilkinson  that  ho 
wo)iId  bo  unable  to  meet  him  at  St.  Regis,  but  would  return  to  Lake 
Chainplain,  and  cooperate  by  a  descent  from  that  place.  "  This  reached 
Wilkinson  at  Barnhart's  island.  A  council  was  convened  and  it  was  re- 
solved to  cross  to  the  American  shore,  and  take  up  winter  quarters  at 
French  Mills,  and  accordingly  the  flotilla  entered  Salmon  river  and  took 
possession.  There  a  frightful  mortality  occurred,  which  is  described  by 
Dr.  Lovell,  a  surgeon,  as  follows:  The  weather  soon  became  intensely 
cold,  and  remained  so  all  winter.  In  addition  to  the  great  fatigue  to 
which  the  soldiers  had  been  exposed,  especially  the  division  liom  Fort 
George,  most  of  them  had  lost  their  blankets  and  extra  clotjiing  on  their 
march,  or  in  the  action  of  the  11th.  Even  the  sick  had  no  covering  ex- 
cept tents,  fiom  the  period  they  debarked  at  the  Mills,  until  tiie  1st  of 
January,  in  the  severe  latitute  of  45'*.  Provisions  were  scarce  and  of  a 
bad  quality.  Medicine  and  hospital  stores  were  not  to  be  found,  Jiaving 
been  lost  or  destroyed  in  <he  passage  down  the  St.  Lawrence.  Under 
these  circumstances  sickness  and  mortality  were  very  great.  A  morn- 
ing report  now  before  nie,  gives  75  sick,  out  of  a  small  corps  of  IGO. 
The  several  regiments  of  the  a-  my,  in  their  returns,  exhibited  a  pro])or- 
tionate  nuinbjr  unfit  for  duty.  Of  the  75  referred  to,  39  were  reported  of 
diarrliQia  ai'd  dysentery;  18  of  pneumonia;  G  of  typiius;  and  12of  para- 
lysis of  ali  the  extremities.  Many  of  the  paralytics,  on  their  arrival  at 
the  Mills,  were  attended  with  mortification  of  the  the  toes  and  feet.  In 
a  few  of  these  the  pain  was  severe,  Avherein  opium  not  only  relieved 
the  pain  but  checked  the  progress  of  the  mortification. 

Stimnlants,  both  externally  and  internally,  were  beneficial,  and  when 
these  remedies  were  assisted  by  a  nutritious  diet,  warm  lo.ging  and 
clothing,  a  cure  was  effected.  The  last  complaint  genenlly  seized 
those  who  previously  had  been  extremely  reduced  by  disease,  and  un- 
der our  unavoidably  bad  situation,  frequently  in  a  few  days  proved 

fatal."* 

"  In  the  vicinity  of  the  French  Mills,  the  country  was  a  wilderness. 
Huts  and  hospitals  were  necessary  to  render  the  army  comfortable. 
The  erection  of  these  was  a  work  of  great  labor,  and  required  several 
weeks  to  complete  it.  A  supply  of  hospital  stores  could  .lot  be  ob- 
tained nearer  than  Albany,  a  distance  of  2.50  miles.  The  want  of  these 
ii(3cessaries  for  the  support  of  the  very  wretched  and  enfeebled  soldier, 
was  most  severely  felt.  The  poor  subsistence  which  the  bread  of  tho 
'St  quality  afforded,  was  almost  the  only  support  that  could  be  had  lor 
n^urly  seven  weeks.  These  accumulated  evils  the  army  encountered 
^  ■'  li  much  patience  and  heroic  lt)rtitiide.  Now  it  was  the  chief  sur- 
geon, who  was  with  the  flotilla,  found  himself  loaded  with  a  weiuht  of 
censure,  of  which  he  should  be  ftiirly  exonerated,  so  far  as  he  was 
blamed  for  tho  loss  or  waste  of  medi"iiie  and  hosjiital  stores  on  the  St. 
Luwr  ('.  It  was  abundantly  demonstrated  that  no  separate  transporta- 
tion lor  these  stores,  althoiigii  expressly  ordered  by  the  commander-in- 
chief,  had  been  provided;  but  that  t'lcy  had  been  improvidentally  dis- 
tributed throughout  tho  boats  cl"  tlie  flotilla,  and  for  the  security  of 
which  noofticer  had  been, nor  could  have  been  made  accountable. 

The  deaths,  sickness  and  distress,  at  French  Mills,  excited  general 
alarm.    The  great  mortality  had  obvious  causes  for  its  existence.    In  all 

*Mann'B  Medical  ketches,  p.  110. 


650 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


such  cases  censure  will  fnll  on  some  department.  And  asj  each  was 
(lif-posed  to  exonerate  itself,  upon  wiiich  was  blame  more  probable  to 
liave  alighted  than  the  medical — than  upon  the  surgeons  of  the 
army  under  whose  immediate  care  the  victims  of  disease  were  daily 
prostrated!  There  are  to  be  found  some,  who  ignorant  of  the  effects  of 
medicine  on  die  human  constitution,  arc  too  prone  to  believe  its  exhibi- 
tion may  be  equally  efticacious,  under  every  circumstarce  and  condition 
to  which  the  patient  may  be  subjected,  llenco  it  was  incorrectly  in- 
ferred, when  men  were  beheld  expiring  under  the  prescriptions  of  the 
surgeons,  the  mortality  was  a  consequence  of  injudicious  management 
or  negle(;t  of  duty.  Predispositions  to  diseases,  the  effects  of  obvious 
causes,  the  comfortless  conditions  of  men  exposed  to  cold,  wanting  the 
Qonimon  necessaries  of  life,  to  supjjort  them  in  their  exhausted  states, 
are  seldom  taken  into  consideratioii.  Dr.  Lovell,  one  of  the  most  able 
and  indefiitigable  surgeons  of  the  army,  emphatically  observed,  "  It 
was  impossible  for  the  sick  to  be  restored,  with  nothing  to  subsist  upon 
exce      ('amageil  bread. '*  *  *  *  *  * 

At  ■       Hospital  on  the  1st  of  February,  1814,  the  number  of 

sick  lia<'.  sed  to  450.     For  an  additional  number  of  200,  sent  from 

French  jNi'.        oonis  were  wanted,   which  were  promptly  provided  by 
Capt.  Dwighi,  A.  Q.  31.  G.,  who  continued  to  give  me  his  assistance." 

I'or  su[)plying  the  army  of  Gen.  Wilkinson,  an  inmiense  quantity  of 
stores  had  been  forwarded  from  Plattsburgh  and  Sackcjtt's  Harbor,  at 
great  expense.  A  portion  of  the  latter  was  dejiosited  at  Ilopkinton,  and 
iMalone,  ami  these  were  constantly  arriving  when  the  order  to  evacuate 
the  place  was  received.  On  the  week  before  leaving,  about  1400  barrels 
of  pork  and  beef,  a  100  casks  of  whiskey,  and  otlicr  parts  of  rations, 
weie  sent  by  James  Campbell,  assistant  store  keeper  at  the  HI  ills. 
About  GO  tons  of  bard  biscuit,  being  considered  not  worth  removing  un- 
der the  circumstances,  was  sank  in  Salmon  river,  in  a  hole  cut  in  the  ice. 
Decides  which  about  ten  tons  were  distributed  among  the  inhabitants,  to 
keeji  from  the  enemy,  but  much  of  this  was  soon  after  seized  by  tiio 
British.  The  troops  on  evacuating,  burned  their  boats  (-{28  in  number), 
down  .0  the  level  of  the  ice,  together  witli  their  barracks.  The  ex- 
penses to  government  during  the  time  that  the  army  tarried  at  French 
Mills,  is  sa"-d  to  have  been  .«800,000. 

"On  the  !.>th  of  February,  1814,orders  were  issued  to  leave  the  canton- 
ment. One  division  under  Gen.  Ihown,  moved  up  the  St.  Lawrence  to 
Sackett's  Harbor,  the  other  under  the  immediate  command  of  the  com- 
mander-in-chief, directed  its  march  to  I'lattsiiurgh.  In  consequence  of 
the  retrograde  movement  of  the  army  from  French  Mills,  the  hospital 
at  Maloue,  at  this  time  unil(!r  good  regulations  was  broken  up  and  the 
sick  were  ordered  to  proceed  on  routes  destined  for  their  resjiective 
regiments.  *  *  *  The  few  acconunodations  on  the  routes  wf.ro 
wretched.  The  inhabitants  although  kitul  were  not  under  circmu- 
stances  to  fiu'nish  means  to  render  the  situation  of  the  sick  men  even 
comfortable.  Nothing  was  omitted  within  their  abilities  to  mclioratt! 
their  miserable  coiulition.  Knowing  that  so  large  a  detachment  of  sick 
and  invalids  could  not  be  covered  at  night,  if  they  moved  in  a  body; 
th(!  sleighs  that  transported  them  were  successiv(;ly  put  in  fiiotion  in 
email  divisions.  Their  liiK!  of  movetiicnt,  threi;  days  f()rming,  extiMided 
the  whole  distance  from  !Malon(\  The  first  division  aiiived  at  Platts- 
burgh, the  jtlace  of  their  destination,  about  tli(!tim(!  the  last  comnienced 
its  ]»rogress.     About  20,  very  sick,  wiio  were  left  in  the  hospitals,  under 

•Maiin.s  Medical  Sketches. 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


651 


the  cnre  of  a  citizen  physician,  were  made  prisoners  of  war,  by  tiie 
liritisli,  wlio  irnniediateiy  followetl  the  retrograde  marcli  of  the  army,  as 
far  as  Malone.  Those  left  in  the  hospitals  were  not  molested  in  their 
persons,  lint  were  only  obliged  to  sign  their  jmroles,  the  greater  part  of 
who, 11,  after  live  or  six  weeks,  joine(i  tfie  hospital  at  IJnrlington.*     *     * 

The  last  of  the  American  army  had  scarcely  left  French  Mills,  and  a 
few  teamsters  were  emjiloyed  in  removing  what  they  might  be  abh;  of 
the  stores,  when  a  (hitnchmcnt  of  IJritish  troops,  marching  in  cohmnis, 
and  preceded  by  a  hoard  of  savages,  entered  the  village  to  plnuder 
whatever  of  public  pro|)erty  might  be  left. 

An  mdncky  teamster,  having  lingered  behind,  and  as  the' enemy  ap- 
proaclied,  was  attem])ting  to  escape,  was  shot  by  the  oflicer  who  com- 
manded the  Indians.  The  ball  lodged  in  the  muscles  of  the  neck,  an,(l 
still,  it  is  said  remains;  the  man,  contrary,  to  all  exjiectations,  having 
survived.  lie  still  lives  to  relate  the  narrow  and  hazardous  csca[)e  which 
lie  ran.  An  account  of  this  incursion  was  published  soon  after,  in  the 
jiajier,  from  which  we  cpiote  the  following: 

"  On  Saturday,  the  IDth,  the  enemy  hearing  that  our  troops  had 
marched,  ventured  to  cross  the  St.  Lawrence,  with  a  niotely  tribe  of  r(!gu- 
lars,  provincials,  and  a  detachment  of  the  devil's  own, — sedentary  militia, 
and  ilieir  brethren,  a  band  of  savages.  This  martial  body  amused  them- 
selves at  I'rench  Mills  until  one  o'clock,  p.  m.,  and  tlum  marciied,  with 
eight  jiieces  of  artill(My  and  two  cart  loads  of  congreve  rockets.  At  tlw; 
fork  nf  the  roads,  eleven  miles  li'om  the  mills,  a  detachment  was  sent 
ofl'  to  Malone,  and  the  main  body  passed  on  to  Chat(>augay,  where  it  ar- 
rived about  4  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  the  QOth.  There,  it  is  reported, 
a  scene  of  phunh-r  began,  which  greatly  distressed  several  of  tiie  iii- 
Jiabitants,  and  every  partich;  of  hec^f,  (tork  or  flour,  with  every  drop  of 
whiskey  which  could  he  Ibnnd,  was  seized  on  iis  public  profierty,  and 
carried  away.  Hy  this  glf;aning,  without  discrimination  bijtween  tiie  in- 
dividual and  tiie  public,  it  is  believed  the  enemy  earriet'  uiF  between  ].")() 
and  900  barrels  of  provisions  of  all  sorts,  good  and  bad — public  and 
])rivate." 

Hin-ing  the  winter  some  ten  or  fificen  teamsters  had  been  hired  in 
IjCwIs  county,   and  many  more  b'om  JefTe.'son,   to  convey  flour  from 


Sackett's  Harbor  to  French  Mil 


Thev  received  each   seven    bairel!^ 


jind  were  allowed  nine  days  to  iierforni  the  tri|),  at  .*  1  per  day  and  ra- 
tions. They  arrived  at  liopkinton  towards  the  last  of  .Taniiary,  when; 
their  loads  were  left  (some  MOO  hai :  ids,  under  the  care  of  a  linv  soldiers^ 
and  thence  they  proceeded  to  French  Mills,  to  aid  in  removing  the  su|i- 
]ilies  i'roni  that  place  to  Plattsburgh.  They  peribrmed  one  trip,  ;ind 
wero  returning,  when  they  were  pressed  at  Chateaugay,  and  again  coiu- 
]iell(Ml  to  return  to   Plattsburgh,    with    loads   of  jirovisions   and   store: 


Tl 


ns  thev  accomplishec 


d   had  ijfot  as  far  as   Cliateaugav,  uiiereM'2 


teanis  had  stop])ed  at  a  tavern,  in  the  village  for  the  night.     There  was  a 


■I'ort  in  circidalif)!!,  that   the  eneniv  were  ovei 


il   tl 


len"  nors(-; 


left 


th 


readv  for  instant  retreat  it'  necessary.     M 


I'an- 
inkinjr 


while  tb';  party  within,  nnmindhd  of  danger,  were  singing  and  dr 
to  jiass  a\  ay  tli(^  niglit,  for  slee[)  among  such  a  crowd,  was  out  of  tlii 
(piestion,  u'lieii  their  gayety  was  suddenly  arrested  by  the  entranc(>  of  a 
Ibitish  oficer  (Major  Sherwood),  who  enfjuired  of  the    landlord,    who 


th 


ese  gel  tlenien  \\ere. 


uid 


being  told  that  thev  wen;  American  team- 


sters, he  informed  lliem   that  thev  were  all    ni-isom.-rs  of  wa 


'I' 


were  bu. '28  JJritish  soldiers,  who  were  undei  ilio  immediate  command 


'Mimn,s  .,-h'ilicul  blielchcs. 


652 


HISTORY   OF     ST.   LAWRENCE 


1' 

■S( 

l. 

■fiy  . 

1 

; 

i- 

[ 

i'!j?> 


of  Captain  Conklin.  'I'lio  night  was  spent  in  searching  for  militaiy 
stores  and  provisions,  whicli  were  placed  in  the  sleighs,  and  intiiu  inoru- 
ing  they  commenced  a  retreat  with  whatever  they  could  pick  of  public 
property.* 

Gen.  Hampden's  movements  have  been  alluded  to.  Ho  had  been 
ordered  in  September  to  proceed  to  Burlington,  and  raise  recruits  to  join 
Gen.  Wilkinson  in  his  proposed  operations.  He  advanced  a  short  dis- 
tance into  Canada,  and  returned  to  Chazy,  from  whence  he  proceeded  to 
Chateaugay. 

His  artillery  consisted  of  8  six  pounders,  1  twelve  and  1  howitzer,  but 
was  deficient  in  military  supplies  and  provisions.  Un  the  first  of  Octo- 
ber, an  attack  was  made  with  3  or  400  regulars  and  as  many  Indians,  upon 
Col.  Snelling,  an  outpost,  but  was  rejjuised.  On  the  2l8t  of  October, 
an  incursion  was  made  into  Canada,  but  without  accomplishing  its  object. 
An  intervening  forest  of  eleven  or  twelve  miles  existed  before  reaching 
tiie  Cuiiudiun  settlements  on  the  Chateaugay,  and  the  obscure  road 
through  this  had  been  blocked  up  by  fallen  timber,  and  was  defended  by 
the  Indians  and  light  troops  of  the  enemy.  The  Ibllowing  is  an  extract 
from  the  official  account  of  Gen.  Hampden : 

"Brig.  Gen.  Izard,  with  the  WfrUt  troops  and  one  regiment  of  the  line, 
was  detached  early  in  the  morning  to  turn  these  impediments  in  Hank, 
and  to  seize  the  more  open  country  below,  while  the  army  preceded  by  a 
strong  working  party,  advanced  on  a  more  circuitous  route  for  a  road.  The 
measure  completely  succeeded,  and  the  main  body  of  the  army  readied 
the  advanced  position  on  the  evening  of  the  22d.  Tlie  23d  and  24tii 
were  employed  in  completing  the  road,  and  getting  up  tlie  artillery  and 
stores.  I  had  arranged  at  my  departure  under  the  direction  of  Maj.  Parker,  a 
line  of  communication  as  far  up  the  St.  Lawrence  as  Ogdensburgb,  for 
the  purpose  of  liastening  to  me  the  first  notice  of  the  progress  of  our 
army  down.  I  had  surmounted  24  miles  of  the  more  difficult  part  of  the 
route,  and  had  in  adv\'\nce  of  me  seven  miles  of  open  country,  but  at  the 
end  of  that  distance  ctmtiienced  a  wood  of  some  miles  in  extent,  which 
'ad  been  fo-med  into  a. i  entire  abatis,  and  filled  by  a  succession  of  wooden 
breast-works,  the  rer.rmost  of  which  was  supplied  with  ordnance.  In 
front  of  these  deib'.ices  were  |)lacod  the  Indian  force  an<l  light  cori)s  of  the 
enemy,  and  in  the  rear  all  his  disjiosable  force.  As  the  extent  of  this  force 
depended  on  his  sense  of  danger  on  the  St.  Lawrence,  it  was  a  cause  of 
regret  that  all  communication  fiom  yourself  or  Major  Parker,  seemed  to 
be  at  an  end.  As  it  was  however,  believed  that  the  enemy  was  hourly 
adding  to  his  strength  in  this  position  if  free  fiom  the  apprehension  of 
danger  from  above,  an  effort  was  judged  necessary  to  dislodge  him,  and 
if  we  succeeded  we  should  be  in  possession  of  a  position  which  we  could 
hold  as  long  as  any  doul)ts  remained  of  what  was  passing  above,  and  of 
the  real  part  to  be  assigned  us.  Our  guides  assured  us  of  a  shoal  and 
practicable  fording  place  opposite  the  lower  flank  of  the  enemy's  de-' 
fenses,  and  that  the  woods  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  a  distance  of 
seven  or  eight  miles,  was  practicable  for  the  passage  of  the  troops.  Col. 
Purdy,  witiithe  light  cor|)sand  a  strong  body  of  infantry  of  the  line,  was 
detached  at  an  early  hour  of  the  night  of  the  25tl),  to  gain  this  ford  by 
the  morning,  and  to  commence  his  attack  in  the  rear,  and  that  was  to  be 
signal  for  the  army  to  fail  on  in  front,  and  it  was  believed  the  pass  might 
be  carried  before  the  enemy's  distant  troops  could  be  brought  forward  to  its 
support.    I  had  returned  to  my  quarters  from  Piu'dy's  column  about  9 

•  Among  otlier  stores  they  took  oft'  a  large  cask,  supposed  to  conlain  rum,  but  wliicli  vlieu 
they  reached  Fienoli  Mills,  was  fouud  to  hold  nothing  but  crater.  The  unfortunate  cask  was 
nstantly  knocked  in  the  head,  much  to  the  amusement  of  the  teamsters. 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


653 


o'clock  «t  iiifiht,  wlien  I  found  a  Mr.  Baldwin,  of  tlio  quarter  master 
general's  dupartinent,  who  put  into  my  linnda  an  open  paper  fiom  the 
quartermaster  general,  respcctingthe  iiuildinfr of  iiuts  in  tlieCiiateaugay, 
below  the  line.     This  paper  sunk  my  hopes,  and  raised  serious  doubts  of 
receiving  that  efficient  support  which  had  been  anticipated.     I  would 
have  recalled  the  column   but  it  was  in  motion,  and  the  darkness  of  the 
night  rendered  it  im|iracticable.    I  could  oidy  go  forward.    The  army 
was  put  in  motion  on  the  morning  of  tiie  'JOth,  leaving  its  baggage  &c., 
on  the  ground  of  encampment.    On  advancing  near  the  enemy  it  was 
found  that  the  column  on  the  o|(posito  side  was  not  as  far  advanced  aa 
had  been  anticijinted.     The  guides  had  misled  it,  and  finally  failed  in 
finding  the  ford.     We  could  not  communicate  with  it,  but  only  waited 
the  attack  below.     At  2  o'clock  the  firing  coimnenced,  and  oin*  troops 
advanced  rapidly  to  the  attack.    The  enemy's  licht  troops  coinmencecl  a 
sharp  fire,  but  Brig.  Gen.  Izard,  advanced  with  his  brigade,  drove  bim 
every  where  behind  his  defenses,  and  silenced  the  fire  in  the  front.    This 
brigade  would  liave  j)ushed  forward  as  liu'  as  courage,  skill  and  jjcrse- 
verance  could  have  carried  it;  but  on  advancing  it  was  ibund  that  the 
firing  had  coimnenced  on  the  o|)positc  side,  and  the  ford  had  not  l)een 
gained.     The  enemy  retired  behind  his  defenses,  but  a  renewal  of  his 
attack  was  expected,  and  their  troops  remained  some  time  in  their  posi- 
tion to  meet  it.     The  troops  on   the   op|)osite  side   were  excessively 
fatigued.     The  enterprise  had  failed  in  its  main  point,  and  Colonel  Purdy 
was  ordered  to  withdraw  his  column  to  a  shoal  four  or  five  miles  above, 
and  cross  over.    The  day  was  spent,  and  Gen.  Izard  was  ordered  to  with- 
draw his  brigade  to  a  position  three  miles  in  the  rear,  to  which  i)lace  the 
baggage  liad  been  ordered  forward.     The  slowness  and  order  with  which 
Gen.  Izard  retired  with  his  brigade,  could  but  have  ins]nred  the  enemy 
with  respect.    They  presumed  not  to  venture  a  shot  at  him  during  his 
movement,  but  the  unguardedness  of  some  part  of  Purdy's  command  ex- 
])osed  him  to  a  rear  attack  from  the  Indians,  which  was  repeated  after 
dark,  and  ex[)osed  him  to  some  loss.     These  attacks  were  always  re- 
pelled, and  must  have  cost  the  enemy  as  many  lives  as  we  lost.    Our  en- 
tire loss  of  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  does  not  exceed  fifty.     In  its 
new  position  within  three  miles  of  the  enemy's  post,  the  army  encamped 
on  the  night  of  the  2Gth,  and  remained  until  12  o'clock  of  the  28th.     All 
the  deserters,  of  whom  there  were  four,  having  concurred  in  the  informa- 
tion that  Sir  George  Provost,  with  three  other  general  oflicers,  had  ar- 
rived with  the  whole  of  his  disposable  force,  and  lay  in  the  rear  of  these 
defences,  and  a  letter  from  Major  Parker  (by  express  received  in  the 
evening  of  the  26th),  having  infornied  me  that  no  movement  down  tilts 
St.  Lawrence  had  been  heard  of  at  Ogdensburgh,  and  for  some  distance 
above.    The  following  questions  were  submitted  to  the  commanding 
officers  of  the  brigades,  regiments  and  corps,  and  the  heads  of  the  general 
staff,  in  a  council  convened  lor  the  purpose :    "  It  is  advisable  under  ex- 
isting circumstances,  to  renew  the  attack  on  the  enemy's  position,  and  if 
not,  what  position  is  it  advisable  for  the  army  to  take,  until  it  can  receive 
advices  of  the  advance  of  the  grand  army  down  the  St.  Lawrence  ?" 
The  opinion  of  the  council  was  expressed  in  the  following  words:    "  It 
is  the  unanimous  opiniou  of  this  council  that  it  is  necessary,  for  the  pre- 
servation of  this  army  and  the  fulfillment  of  the  ostensible  views  of  the 
government,  that  we  inmiediately  return  by  orderly  marches  to  such  a 
j)osition  ((^hateaugay),  as  will  serve  our  commimications  with  the  United 
Slates,  eirher  to  retire  into  winter  (}uarters,  or  to  be  ready  to  strike  below," 
In  pursuance  of  this  opinion  the  army  has  returned  by  slow  marches  to 
this  place,  and  now  awaits  the  order  of  the  government.'' 

39 


il-i'i 


m 
•iii' 


s.i 

i^v 


i^' ,-.' 


654 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


v'f- 


-:■:«  .1 ' 


As  soon  as  news  rennhed  Plnttsbiirpli  tlint  the  oiKsniy  had  followed,  n 
body  of  troops  was  sent  bark  to  meet  them,  but  they  were  soon  informed 
that  the  invading  ))arty  had  retreated.  In  our  accounts  of  Hupkinton, 
Malono  and  Fort  Covinjiton,  are  given  tiie  details  of  thia  affair. 

The  nnsiuccossfid  issue  of  the  military  operations  of  the  northern  army 
in  the  campaign  of  1818,  created  much  dissatisfaction  throughout  the 
Union,  and  the  conduct  of  the  generals  who  had  conducted  the  enter- 
prises became  the  subject  of  severe  censure,  and  both  became  the  subject 
of  investigation  by  courts  martial.  That  of  Gen.  Wilkinson  was  by  an 
order  of  tlio  s«!cretary  of  war,  assembled  at  Utica,  in  January,  1815,  and 
ndjourned  to  Troy.  Ho  was  charged,  1st,  with  neglect  of  duty  and  un- 
oflicer  like  conduct,  stated  in  eight  particulars;  2d,  with  drunkenness  on 
duty,  with  two  specifications;  yd,  conduct  unbecoming  an  olKccr  and 
gentleman,  with  six  instances;  and  4th,  in  countenancing  and  encourag- 
ing disobedience  of  orders.  Toall  of  these  he  pleatl  not  guilty,  and  alter 
a  protracted  trial,  dming  which  his  actions  and  motives  were  severely 
canvassed,  he  was  discharged.  The  official  correspondence  of  the  cam- 
paign was  ])nblished  by  order  of  Congress. 

,  ()n  the  25th  of  March,  1814,  the  citizens  of  Franklin  county  held  a 
public  meeting  at  Malone,  to  nnite  in  a  petition  to  the  legislature  for 
protection  against  the  insults  and  ravages  of  the  enemy.  VVith  glowing 
and  expressive  language  they  represented  their  miseries,  and  invoked 
aid  to  protect  their  property  from  ravage  and  themselves  from  aisult. 
The  ibllowing  is  an  extract  from  this  document. 

We,  the  subscribers,  being  chairman  and  secretary  of  a  general  meet- 
ing of  the  inhabitants  of  Franklin  county,  do  resppctfully  represent: 

That  we  are  peculiarly  and  dangerously  situated,  and  as  freemen  of 
this  state,  and  citizens  of  our  common  country,  ready  to  shed  om*  blood 
in  its  delense,  we  ask  for  protection. 

Like  our  brethren  of  the  Niagara  frontiers,  many  of  our  good  citizens 
have  experienced  the  spoliation  of  their  goods,  clothing  and  i)rovisioi)s, 
the  locks  of  our  desks  and  trunks  have  been  l)roken,  and  books  sacred 
and  profane,  valuable  papers  and  money  have  been  taken  from  tlicni. 
We  have  escaped  massacre  and  conflagration,  but  we  have  witnessed 
that  whoever  run  was  stopped  by  the  force  of  powder  and  lead,  and 
whoever  submitted  was  under  the  humiliating  and  mortifying  situation 
of  being  an  eye  witness  to  the  spoliation  of  his  goods.  But  this  whole 
country  is  exposed  to  daily  dcpradations.  The  barbarous  savage  may  be 
prowling  about  our  dwellings,  and  in  our  weak  state  of  defense  we  must 
tamely  submit  to  every  insult  and  injury.  The  father  experiences,  with 
tenfold  increase,  the  anxious  solicitude  of  a  parent  and  a  husband.  The 
mother  hugs  her  infant  closer  to  her  breast,  contem[)lating  with  fear  and 
horror  the  dangers  that  await  her. 

The  God  of  mercy  only  knows  how  soon  the  father  may  fall  a  victim 
to  the  brutal  inhumanity  of  our  enemy,  in  defending  the  land,  the  homo 
of  his  affec.tion;  how  soon  the  intlmt  may  be  torn  from  the  arms  of  its 
mother,  and  sacrificed  to  the  sanguinary  notions  of  a  brutal  foe ;  and 
how  soon  the  house  that  shelters  them  from  the  stormy  tempest,  may  be 
laid  in  ashes,  and  not  a  vestige  of  husbandry  or  cultivation  be  left  to  mark 
the  residence  of  man. 

Why  have  these  calamities  happened?  Has  it  been  the  production  of 
General  Hampton's  letters  to  the  secretary  at  war,  degrading  the  frontier 
settlements  as  almost  impro|)er  subjects  of  ])rotection,  that  the  army 
should  be  ordered  from  their  strong  positions  in  this  county,  to  the  vil- 
lages of  Plattaburgh  and  Sacketts  Harbor  ?    These  are  strange  move- 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


655 


merits,  ut  n  great  sacrifice  of  public  property,  which  we  ore  unable  to 
account  tor. 

But  oiu'  Hituation  is  too  dangerouH  and  de^radin^  for  us  as  American 
citizens,  to  iiavo  |)aticnco  to  sit  peaceably  under,  and  yet  to  llee  our  resi- 
dences would  but  complete  the  ruin  wliicli  is  already  begun. 

We  do  further  represent,  that  oiu-  enemies  are  continually  drawing 
sup|>lies  of  provisions  from  our  frontiers,  and  the  majesty  of  the  civil 
law  is  trampled  under  foot,  and  the  arm  of  the  magistrate  is  i)ut  forth 
with  little  or  no  effect. 

Our  jail  has  becu  opened  by  our  enemies,  and  prisoners  set  at  liberty, 
and  our  military  force  is  wholly  insufficient  to  render  us  secure. 

By  an  act  of  A[»ril  (J,  1814,  the  sherifi'  of  St.  Lawrence  county  was 
directed  to  remove  the  prisoners  in  tlie  county  jail,  to  the  Lewis  county 
jail,  for  safe  keeping. 

In  the  summer  of  1814,  Capt.  Thomas  Frazer  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence 
at  Hammond,  with  GO  men,  and  proceeded  to  Rossie  to  apprehend  some 
horse  thieves  who  were  said  to  be  lurking  in  the  vicinity.  Mr.  James 
Howard  was  at  the  time  holding  a  justice's  court,  which  was  hastily  dis- 
solved, and  the  parties  sought  were  not  secured.  They  made  inquiries 
into  the  operations  of  the  furnace  then  building,  and  are  said  to  have 
exacted  a  pledge  that  munitions  of  war  should  not  be  cast  there.  In 
returning  several  persons  volunteered  to  row  tiiem  down  the  lake  to  the 
narrows,  from  wlience  they  crossed  to  Canada.  A  plan  was  formed  to 
attack  them  as  they  passed  down  the  river,  but  this  was  discountenanced 
as  only  calculated  to  excite  retaliation.  This  event  occurring  at  about 
the  time  of  the  taking  of  Washington,  gave  rise  to  the  presage,  "  that 
since  the  head  and  tail  of  the  nation  had  both  been  captured,  the  re- 
mainder of  the  body  would  follow  as  a  natural  consequence." 


•I         ■       ;    I 


656 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


CHAPTER  X. 


THE  PATRIOT  WAR  OF  1837-40. 

A  3^y-^  HERE  had   existed   for  several  yenrs  in  tiie 

J I  11  Canadian  provincoe,  a  party  which  labored  to 

^'^-"™™"  '*  obtain  certain  reforms  in  government,  among 

which  were  the  extension  of  the  elective  fran- 
chise and  the  procuring  of  a  responsible  elective 
council.  This  aroused  a  bitter  feeling,  and  late 
in  November,  1837,  the  press  of  tlie  reformers 
was  destroyed  by  a  mob,  which  but  increased 
the  excitement,  and  at  length  the  aid  of  the 
military  force  was  called  out  to  arrest  certain 
prominent  leaders  of  the  reform  party.  The 
prisons  became  filled  with  persons  charged 
with  treason;  martial  law  was  proclaimed  in 
the  lower  province,  and  numerous  instances  of 
wanton  violence  on  the  part  of  the  soldiery  occurred.  Numbers 
fled  to  the  states  for  an  asylum,  and  the  popular  riots  that  ensued 
were  only  aggravated  by  the  efforts  made  to  suppress  them.  It  is 
not  our  purpose  to  narrate  the  details  of  the  causes  or  merits  of  the 
movement,  but  however  much  justice  there  ujay  have  been  in  tiie 
demands  of  the  reformers,  it  will  be  the  duty  of  tlic  future  historian 
to  record  the  fact,  that  the  pretext  was  seized  by  sundry  American  citi- 
zens, as  a  favorable  opportunity  to  })ush  forward  their  private  schemes 
pf  personal  aggrandizement  and  pecuniary  speculation,  and  the  planning 
of  enterprises  which  they  had  neither  the  honor  nor  the  courage  to  sus- 
tain when  their  supi)ort  involved  jiersonal  danger.  The  masses  who 
acted  in  these  movements,  were  doubtless  actuated  l)y  sincere  motives, 
ajid  were  blinded  and  misled  by  a  few  designing  villians.  The  sympa- 
thies of  our  citizens  have  ever  been  on  the  side  of  political  liberty,  and 
our  past  history  is  filled  with  examples  of  its  expression  towards  those 
seeking  it,  and  this  was  the  more  sensibly  felt  from  the  vicinity  of  the 
arena  of  operations,  and  the  belief  that  the  sentiment  of  revolution,  and 
aspirations  for  an  independent  republican  existence  were  entertained  by 
the  masses  of  Canada.  Refugees  from  the  provinces  were  scattered 
through  the  northern  states,  who  related  with  excited  language,  their 
version  of  the  movements,  and  these  causes,  with  many  others  concur- 
ring, led  to  efforts  having  for  their  avowed  object  the  independence  of  the 
Canadas.    The  destruction  of  the  American  steamer  Caroline,*  Dec.  29, 

*  The  Caroline  was  built  as  a  small  coasting  sail  vessel,  in  South  Carolina,  and  her  timber 
was  the  live  oak  of"  thai  section.  Al  Troy  she  was  changed  into  a  small  steamer,  and  under 
the  name  of  Carolina,  was  run  from  Troy  to  Albany  for  some  time.  She  was  tlien  liiken 
through  the  Erie  and  Oswego  cana's  to  Lake  Ontario,  and  plied  as  a  ferry  al  Ogdensliurgh, 
From  litis  place  she  was  taken  through  the  Welland  canal,  and  was  used  as  a  small  ferry  boat 
at  BulTalo  and  vicinity,  when  she  was  employed  in  the  patriot  service,  seized  and  destroyed 
by  a  party  of  Canadians. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


657 


1837,  excited  this  fecliii)?  touii  extriiordinnry  degree,  nnd  public  meetings 
were  iiold  tliroiij,'lii)iit  the  country  to  express  iin  honest  indif;iintion  at 
tiie  outrnffo  and  invoke  the  executive  arm  to  prot«;ct  onr  national  rifjhts. 
In  this  movement  tiiere  was  no  political  or  sectional  feeling.  Tiio  sub- 
ject became  the  absorbing  topic  of  the  press,  and  every  mail  was  eagerly 
awaited  to  learn  the  news  from  the  seat  of  the  disturbances.  On  the 
12th  of  Feb.,  18;{8,  VVm.  L.  McKenzie,  a  prominent  leader  of  the  move- 
ment, addressed  the  citizens  of  Ogdensburgh  on  the  Canadian  (piestion, 
and  in  the  evening  and  following  mornitig  a  cannon  was  fired  several 
times  with  the  view  of  honoring  the  speaker,  but  with  the  effect  of  as- 
sembling crowds  of  excitf'd  citizens.  In  the  evening  several  persons 
from  Prescott  crossed  to  ascertain  tlio  cause  of  the  firing,  who  trust  n 
company  of  the  Patriots,  (as  the  friends  of  the  movcinent  were  called,^ 
who  arrested  and  detained  them  till  morning.  This  illegal  proceeding 
irritated  tiie  Canadians,  aiul  increased  the  hostility.     On  the  IHth  of  Feb. 

1838,  the  state  arsenal  at  VVatertown  was  robbed,  and  a  reward  of  .*250 
offered  ibr  the  burglars.  Active  measures  were  taken  to  assemble  arms 
and  munitions  of  war  along  tlic  frontier,  and  secret  associations  styled 
Hunters^  lodges,  were  soon  formed  in  the  large  villages,  to  organize  a 
plan  of  resistance,  and  circulate  early  intelligence  of  the  movements. 

On  the  night  between  the  29th  and  30th  of  May,  1838,  the  British 
steam  boat  Sir  Robert  Peel,  on  her  passage  from  Prescott  to  the  head  of 
the  lake,  while  taking  fuel,  at  Well's  Island,  in  Jefferson  county,  was 
boarded  by  a  cotnpany  of  armed  men,  the  crew  and  passengers  driven 
on  shore,  and  the  steamer  burned.  The  details  of  this  infamous  trans- 
ection, as  collected  soon  after  by  several  gentlemen  from  Ogdensburgh, 
are  given  below: 

"  On  the  30th  of  May,  the  undersigned  were  informed  that  the  steamer 
Sir  Robert  Peel,  a  British  boat,  had  been  boarded  by  a  band  of  armed 
men,  plundered  and  burnt,  at  a  place  known  as  Wells  island,  Jefferson 
county.  We  immediately  started  in  the  steam  boat  Oswp^^o  for  the 
neighborhood  of  the  outrage,  and  at  Brockvillo  took  with  us  the  purser 
and  several  of  the  hands  of  the  steam  boat  Sir  Robert  Peel,  with  n  view 
to  obtain  their  testimony  in  aid  of  bringing  the  offenders  to  justice.  On 
our  arrival  at  French  Creek,  we  learned  that  six  men  were  then  under 
arrest  charged  with  the  offence  of  burning  and  plundering  the  boat, 
and  that  three  had  been  committed. 

From  the  evidence  taken,  we  think  we  can  not  err  in  saying  the  fol- 
lowing is  the  substance  of  the  facis  relative  to  the  destruction  of  the  Sir 
Robert  Peel :  On  the  night  of  the  29th  of  May,  the  steamer  on  her  pass- 
age up  from  Prescott  to  the  head  of  the  lake,  touched  at  a  wharf  on 
Wells  (a  United  States)  island.  The  wharf  was  built  entirely  for  selling 
wood  to  steam  boats.  Tliere  was  no  building,  except  one  log  shanty, 
belonging  to  the  woodmen,  within  half  a  mile  or  more  of  the  wharf,  and 
there  is  not  inore  tiian  an  acre  of  cleared  land  in  sight  of  tlie  wharf,  on 
the  island.  When  the  boat  first  touched  at  the  wharf,  the  man  fur?  .sh 
ing  wood  informed  the  captain  of  the  boat  that  he  had  seen  armerl  an 
on  the  island,  and  he  was  afraid  they  might  be  there  with  hostile  inten- 
tions against  the  boat.  The  captain  made  light  of  the  woodman's  warn- 
ing, let  down  the  steam,  and  proceeded  to  take  in  wood.  The  captain, 
mate,  and  all  the  cabin  passengers  retired  from  the  deck  of  the  boat, 
and  most  of  them  were  in  bed.  The  boat  touched  at  the  wharf  about  1 
o'clock  in  the  night,  and  had  lain  there  about  an  hour,  when  a  band  of 
men  armed  with  guns  and  bayonets,  painted  and  dressed  in  Indian  cos- 
tume, suddenly  rushed  upon  the  l)oat,  and  by  hideous  yells  and  violent 


1>1  i 


I 


J;i]l 


658 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


'i  i  ■,' 


hi  ■ 


i. 


i 

i 

*^^ 

1 

tlii-GMtH,  drove  nil  tlio  officors,  liiiiuls  niul  imsst'iifrpis  on  Blioro.  TIk-hj 
worr  al)iiiit  ton  piissi-nfft'is  in  tlir  Imlit^s'  caliin  who  wcru  diivcii  on  slioni 
without  thoir  hiiff^'a^c,  and  in  tht-ir  ni;;ht  clothfis;  and  thu  paMsengtTH 
loMt  a  considfiahlo  portion  of  their  l)ag^'a}{0. 

JniniL'diatcly  alter  the  pirates  yot  poMxeMsion  of  tiio  boat,  they  proceed- 
ed to  sack  innl  phinder  it.  Very  soon  afttir  they  liad  (hiven  the  ollicerx, 
hands  and  passen^jors  of  the  lioat  on  shorn,  thi?y  cut  lier  from  tin;  wharf. 
Shn  tloatiMl  ont  some  lliirty  rods,  and  stopped  at  a  small  island  or  rock. 
About  an  horn*  atter  tiu;  armed  hand  ^ot  possession  of  the  boat,  they  set 
Hn;  to  her  in  several  places,  and  tiien  took  to  their  boats,  which  they  iiail 
in  preparation.  iMost  of  thu  witnesses  estimate  the  inmdier  of  arnuid 
men  from  tliirty  to  forty,  who  took  possession  of  the  bout. 

On  om*  arrival  at  French  Creek,  we  found  nine  ]>ersons  had  bcim  nr- 
roHted  on  sns[)icion  of  being  concerned  in  burninj;  the  boat.  At  French 
Creek  we  found  one  Tiiomas  Hcott,  "a  surj^eon,  who  had  been  a  jjassen- 
jrer  on  board  the  Sir  Robert  Peel,  having  come  on  board  at  lirockville. 
Jioctor  Scott  is  n  citizen  of  Hrockville,  U.  C.  and  his  character  as  a  most 
rnpntablo  man  has  b(!en  vouched  for  by  several  respectid)le  inhabitants 
of  lirockville.  U|M)n  tJic  exnminntion  of  the  prisoners,  Dr.  Scott  was 
sworn  us  n  witness,  ami  testified  that  he  was  a  passenger  on  board  the 
Sir  Robert  Peel;  that  after  thi;  bund  of  armed  men  got  possession  of  the 
bout,  and  lie  had  been  upon  the  wharf,  he  retiu'ned  to  the  boat  for  his 
baggage,  invited  by  one  Robinson,  another  passenger,  assuring  him  of 
safety,  and  was  taken  to  the  ladies'  cabin  to  dress  n  wound  of  Hugh 
Scanlan,  who  said  he  had  received  u  blow  from  n  stick  of  wood.  Scan- 
Inn  was  one  of  the  prisoners,  and  identifii d  by  Dr.  Scott.  Dr.  Sco'* 
states  that  while  he  was  dressing  the  woimd,  the  boat  was  cut  tiom  •' 
whurf,  and  floated  so  that  he  could  not  get  ashore,  and  after  the  I 
wns  set  lire  to,  to  save  his  life,  he  went  into  the  boat  with  tin;  an. 
band,  and  they  took  him  away  to  an  island  (we  have  since  learned, 
called  Abel's  island).  The  band  of  iniiu  tlien;  had  n  kind  of  shanty  or 
encam])ment.  lie  remained  with  ihcm  until  after  sumisetlii!  next  morn- 
ing, 'i'he  pirates  cmjoined,  and  he  i)ronused,  not  to  make  any  disclos- 
ures to  injure  tlicm.  They  iIkmi  allowed  him  to  doi)art,  and  he  got  a 
fiirmer  to  take  him  aslion;.  lie  saw  and  counted  all  the  persons  who 
boarded  the  boat,  and  who  went  to  the  encampment,  and  he  knows 
there  were  no  more  than  twenty-two  armed  men  who  hoarded  the  boat. 
He  saw  them  nil  washed,  and  in  their  natural  dresses,  af\er  sunrise,  on 
the  morning  of  the  .30tb  of  May. 

It  wns  talked  and  understood  at  the  fdrntc's  encampment,  that  nil  the 
persons,  except  two,  who  were  engaged  in  the  capture  of  the  boat,  were 
Canadian  refugees,  or  Canadians  who  claimed  to  act  in  revenge  lor  in- 
juries. Dr.  Scott  states  that  if  he  could  see,  he  could  identify  nearly 
every  j)erson  engaged  in  the  outrage.  Nine  of  the  persons  concerned 
were  I'idly  comnutted  for  trial,  and  two  or  three,  yet  unarrested,  are 
known,  who  were  concerned  in  the  outrage.  Vigorous  means  have 
been  taken  to  secure  their  nrrest.     The  boat  is  wholly  destroyed. 

John  Fink,  B.  Perki.ns,  SiMixii  Stii.wf.ll." 

At  5  o'clock  in  the  morning,  while  the  Robert  Peel  was  still  burning, 
the  steamer  Oneida,  on  her  downward  trip,  urrived,  and  took  off  the 
pnsvcugers  on  the  island  to  Kingston,  the  nearest  British  |>ort,  about  30 
miles  up  the  river.  The  cabin  passengers,  nineteen  in  inunber,  acknow- 
ledged in  the  public  papers  their  gratitude  to  Cupt.  Smith,  of  the  Oneida, 
for  thus  generously  relieving  them  iiom  their  unpleasant  condiiion. 

An  outrage  so  flagrant  as  this,  could  not  pass  without  the  notice  of 


AND    FRANLKIN    COUNTIfJS. 


659 


If'. 


ffovornmcint,  nnd  tlio  most  prompt  nnd  docisivo  tiionHiiroH  wcio  mlnptcd 
l»y  till)  luitlioritifs  on  hoih  sidiis  of  tlio  St.  Liuvifiicc,  for  ilic  aiii'st  i)f 
the  authors  of  tlio  act.  'J'Iki  leader  of  tlio  p.irty  that  l)oanlt'daiid  liiiriKid 
thiH  MtnaiiitT  piihlirly  ackiiowlodjiod  tin)  act,  with  tlio  iiKitivca  which  in- 
duced him  to  till)  attoiiipt,  in  the  I'ollowiiifj  procluiimtioii  that  wus  circu- 
hilcd  throiijrh  iiioMt  of  tlio  iiowspapors: 

To  (dl  irlwni  it  mm/  concern :  1,  William  Johnston,  a  natural  born  citizen 
of  ITpiinr  Canada,  certify  that  1  hold  a  commiHsion  in  tlin  Patriot  Horvico 
of  Upper  Canada,  as  commandcr-in-chi(!f  of  the  naval  lorccis  and  llotilla. 
I  commanded  the  expedition  that  attacked  and  destroyed  the  steamer  Sir 
lloliert  I'eel.  The  men  under  my  command  in  tliat  expedition  were 
nearly  all  natural  horn  Kn<,'lisli  suhjoctti;  the  exceptions  were  volunteers 
for  the  expedition. 

My  head  quartors  were  on  an  island  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  without  the  ju- 
risdiction of  tlin  United  States,  at  a  place  named  by  me  Fort  Wallace.  I 
am  well  ac(jiiMinted  with  the  boundary  line,  and  know  which  of  the  islands 
do,  and  which  do  not,  lielong  to  the  United  States,  nnd  in  the  selection 
of  the  island  I  wished  to  bo  positive,  nnd  not  locate  within  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  United  States,  and  had  reference  to  the  decision  of  tli(!  com- 
missioners, under  the  Gth  article  of  tiie  treaty  of  Ghent,  done  at  Utica, 
in  the  state  of  New  York,  I'Jth  of  .Fune,  I8i2.  I  know  the  number  of 
islands,  nnd  by  tlint  decision,  it  was  British  territory. 

I  yet  liold  possession  of  that  station,  nnd  we  also  occupy  a  stntion 
some  twenty  or  more  miles  from  the  boundnry  of  lli  ■  United  States,  in 
wliat  was  his  majesty's  do/iiinions,  mitil  it  wns  oc^  ipied  by  us.  1  net 
imder  orders.  The  object  of  my  movements,  is  tJit!  independence  of  the 
Cunadas.  I  nni  not  at  war  with  the  commerce  or  property  of  citizens 
of  the  United  Stntes. 

Sij,'ned  this  10th  day  of  Juno,  in  tiie  year  of  our  Lord,  one  thousand 
eight  hundred  nnd  thirty-eight. 

WlLLIA.M    JonN3TOZ'f. 

On  the  4th  of  June,  1838,  Governor  IMarcy  issued  a  proclamntion, 
offering  n  reward  for  the  arrest  of  certain  |)ersons,  alleged  to  be  con- 
cerned in  the  burning  of  the  Robert  Peel,  viz:  For  William  Johnston, 
ii'.'iOO;  for  Daniel  INlcLeod,  Samuel  C.  Frey  nnd  Robert  Smith,  each 
-S'-oO;  and  -SlOO  each  for  the  detection  and  delivery  of  other  offenders. 
In  n  letter  to  the  secretary  of  war,  dated  Watertown,  June  J],  1838,  he 
advised  the  coilfierntion  of  the  governments  of  Canada  with  the  United 
States,  in  endeavoring  to  clear  the  St.  Lawrence  of  the  Patriot  forces, 
said  to  be  lodged  nmong  the  Thousand  islands. 

It  was  estimated  that  at  least  live  himdrtid  men  well  armed,  nnd  ac- 
commodated with  boats  adapted  to  the  object  to  be  accomplished,  would 
be  required  to  etfect  this  purpose.  The  governor  of  Canada  also  offered 
a  reward  of  £1,000,  for  the  conviction  of  uny  person  or  persons  con- 
cerned in  the  outrage. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2d  of  June,  1838,  the  Americnn  steam  boat 
Telegraph,  while  leaving  Brockville,  wns  hailed  by  two  sentries,  belong- 
ing to  the  volunteer  niilitin,  nnd  fired  upon  with  balls,  six  shot  in  all 
being  fired,  three  of  which  struck  the  stenmer.  About  the  same  time, 
several  shots  were  fired  from  another  wharf.  Upon  an  examination 
which  ensued,  it  appeared  that  the  firing  wns  not  justified  by  orders,  and 
it  was  asserted  thnt  no  intention  to  hit  the  steamer  existed.  The  sentries 
stated  that  they  fired  them  ns  alarm  guns.  Tliey  were  discharged,  but 
no  further  action  wns  taken  in  relation  to  the  matter. 


m 


'-W 


660 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


ft'  :, 


m 


In  n  mcssn;;o  from  President  Van  Bnren  to  conjrress,  of  June  20, 
1838,  it  is  stilted  that  the  oiitrnges  committed  dm  the  steam  hoat  Sir 
Rohert  I'oel  and  upon  the  Teiegra|)h  at  Broekville,  had  not  been  made 
u  siihject  of  formal  demand  ibr  redress  by  either  government,  as  these 
acts  were  considered  criminal  offences  committed  within  the  juris(hc- 
tion  of  tribunals  com|)etent  to  enquire  into  the  facts,  and  to  i)imisii  those 
engaged  in  their  i)f)r|)etratioii. 

Directly  opposite  the  present  depot  at  Ogdensbiirgh,  stands  a  tall  hut 
massive  stone  tower,  with  «  tin  covered  dome,  whose  enormous  hut  di- 
lapidated afipendagcs  indir.itc  the  ptu'i)oses  of  itG  erection  as  a  wind  mill. 
This  has  been  the  theatre  of  a  sanguinary  conflict,  the  details  of  which 
were  as  follows: 

Eariy  in  November,  1838,  the  Patriots,  who  had  previously  rallied  in 
clubs  and  secret  lodg;s,  which  had  free  and  constant  comrmmication 
with  each  other,  began  to  exhibit  an  intention  of  making  fresh  dernon- 
stratK  ns  upon  Canada,  at  some  point  which  was  known  only  by  those 
who  cvero  in  their  confidence.  Unusual  numl.cts  of  strangers  were 
seen  f.bout  Syracuse,  Oswego,  Sackett's  Harbor,  Watcrtown,  &c.,  and 
large  quantities  of  arms,  many  of  which  were  of  most  beautiful  work- 
inanslii|),  were  collected  and  concealed. 

About  the  lOih  of  Novembor,  two  schooners  named  tl.e  (JharloUe  of 
Osiveo^o  and  the  Charloile  of  Toronto,  were  noticed  as  being  freighted  at 
Oswego,  fi'om  boats  that  had  arrived  from  Syracuse,  by  the  Osvego 
canal,  under  circumstances  that  were  suspicious.  After  being  laden 
they  left  the  harbor,  taking  a  northerly  crinse.  The  steamer  United 
States  had  been  in  port  from  Tuesday,  the  6tli  instant,  undergoing  sonic 
repairs,  which  were  not  completed  till  Saturday  the  lOt'i.  There  had 
been  a  pretty  heavy  gale  on  the  lake  on  Friday  and  jirevious  dajs,  which 
created  a  heavy  swell,  and  made  the  navi"''iiou  of  that  water  nn[ileasaiit. 
The  United  States  left  Oswego  about  9  o'cloc!:  on  Sunday  morning,  tiie 
11th  instant,  to  continue  her  regular  trip  down  the  lake  and  river.  On 
her  leaving  Os>vego,  she  took  about  a  hundred  and  fifty  passengers,  ac- 
cording to  the  testimony  of  Wm.  Williams,  the  first  mate.  All  of  these, 
excej)!  one,  were  men  passengers,  without  any  baggage,  except  small 
budgets,  and  two  or  three  trimks.  There  was  a  nail  keg  put  on  board, 
which  fell  in  handling,  and  the  head  came  out,  when  it  was  found  filled 
with  lead  bullets,  which  rolled  over  the  deck.  There  was  also  a  nmnber 
of  boxes  taken  on  board,  marked  for  Cape  Vincent.  The  steamer  ar- 
rived at  Sackett's  Harbor  between  1  or  2  o'clock,  and  lay  there  three- 
fourths  of  an  hour,  and  here  about  twenty  or  thirty  passengers  came  on 
board,  all  of  whom  were  men. 

The  fire  room  was  filled  with  men,  the  window  of  the  firo  rootn,  in 
shore,  was  shut  down,  and  in  other  res[)ects  the  men  were  about  the 
decks  as  usual.  The  United  States  passed  the  Telegrai)h  (a  steamer 
'.hen  in  the  service  of  the  United  States  government),  about  eleven  miles 
from  Sackett's  Harbor,  opposite  Point  Peninsula.  The  passengers  were 
on  deck,  and  in  open  view  of  those  en  the  goveumient  steamer.  The 
rp"*e  of  the  United  States  testifies,  that  he  heard  some  of  the  leaders  of 
the  men  tell  the .  i  to  keep  out  of  sight.  The  steamer  sto[)ped  at  Cape 
Vincent  about  half  an  hour,  and  here  some  ten  or  eleven  passengers 
came  on  board.  On  arriving  near  the  foot  of  Long  island,  lielow  Mil- 
len's  bay,  the  two  schooners  that  had  left  Oswego,  on  the  lOtli,  were 
discovered,  and  Capt.  James  Van  Cleve,  upon  the  request  of  a  respect- 
able looking  passenger,  who  represented  that  they  belonged  to  him,  and 
were  freighted  with  merchandise  for  Ogdensburgh,  consented  to  take 
them  in  tow.    Soon  after  the  wind  shifted,  and  blew  more  down  the 


^^■1  ,■    -V, 


N 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


661 


^f 


river,  having  previously  been  in  such  n  quarter,  that  tlio  vessels  could 
not  sail  'lown  to  advantage.  These  scl-ooners  were  lashed  one  on  each 
side  of  the  steamer,  and  her  speed  with  them  in  tow  was  about  eight 
miles  an  hour.  The  speed  of  iho  Telegraph  was  abo>it  nine  miles  an 
hour.  The  steamer  touched  at  French  Creek  a  few  minutes,  and  seven 
or  eight  men  came  on  to  the  schooners.  Soon  after  leaving  this  port, 
the  nature  of  the  business  of  the  passengers  became  evident,  and  swords 
and  [)istol8  were  openly  taken  from  boxes  on  board  the  steamer.  The 
passengers  being  exclusively  males,  and  unencund)ered  by  baggage,  and 
the  suspicious  character  of  the  little  freight  which  they  did  take  on 
board  with  them,  rendered  it  sufficiently  evident  that  they  formed  a  body 
of  men  designing  some  military  enterprise  against  some  point  on  the 
St.  Lawrence.  The  boxes  on  board  the  steamers  were  Jiere  transferred 
to  the  schooners,  which  had  not  been  long  in  tow  before  great  numbers 
of  men  came  from  the  latter  on  board  the  steamer,  the  greater  part  of 
them  from  the  larger  of  the  two,  which  was  the  Charlotte  of  Oswego. 
A  considtation  was  now  held  between  the  captain  and  two  of  the  owners 
of  the  stamboat  present,  and  Hi'-am  Denio,  one  of  tiie  bank  comtnission- 
crs,  who  was  on  board  as  a  passenger,  as  to  what  was  best  to  bo  done 
under  the  circumstances;  and  it  was  concluded  to  stop  at  the  wharf  at 
Morristown  (the  next  American  port),  and  cause  information  to  be  given 
to  a  magistrate  of  the  character  of  the  passengers  on  board  of  the  steamer, 
and  of  their  supposed  objects,  and  of  the  steam  boat  having  towed  down 
the  sciioonirs,  and  also  to  send  an  express  'vith  like  information  to 
Ogdensburgh,  with  instructions  to  communicate  the  same  to  the  marshal, 
if  he  should  be  there  (as  it  was  supposed  he  was),  or  if  not,  to  a  magis- 
trate; and  for  the  said  steamer  to  remain  at  Morristown,  until  the  express 
should  have  had  time  to  arrive  with  the  intelligence. 

It  was  observed  that  one  of  the  passengers  on  board  the  steamer,  had 
a  sword  concealed  under  his  cloak,  and  was  looked  upon  by  the  others 
with  that  deference  that  indicated  that  they  regarded  him  as  their  com- 
mander. Under  his  direction,  about  half  of  those  on  board  entered  the 
schooners,  and  die  rest  remained  on  board.  Just  before  the  steamer 
reached  Morristown,  (about  eleven  o'clock  on  Sunday  night,  Nov.  11), 
the  schooners  were  unfastened,  and  dropped  astern,  and  were  seen  no 
more  by  those  on  board  the  steamer,  until  their  arrival  in  Ogdensburgh 
on  the  next  morning.  An  express  was  sent  on,  as  had  been  agreed  upon. 
It  is  also  believed  that  intbrmation  was  sent  over  to  the  village  of  Brock- 
ville,  to  the  same  ef!i.'ct.  It  had  now  become  quite  (Certain,  that  Prescott 
was  the  point  against  which  the  e>_  edition  was  to  be  directed.  The 
United  States,  after  stop|)ing  two  hours  and  a  half,  resumed  her  course 
to  Ogdensburgh,  where  she  arrived  about  three  o'clock  on  Monday  morn- 
ing. The  fires  were  put  out  immediately  on  entering  the  port,  as  usual, 
and  the  hands,  with  the  exception  of  the  customary  watch,  retired.  The 
schooners,  after  parting  company  with  the  United  '^'•ntes,  proceeded  on 
their  way,  and  the  wind  being  favorable,  reached  Frescott  during  the 
night.  They  contained,  as  has  been  above  sugg  led,  and  as  afterwards 
a|)(teare(l,  a  military  armament  under  the  coruniud  of  General  John  W. 
Birge,  but  which  were  under  the  more  immediate  cotnmand  of  one  Von 
Schoultz,  a  Polish  exile,  who  had  seen  much  of  military  operations  in 
his  own  country,  and  who  doubtless  had  been  induced  to  join  this  ca- 
pedition  from  siiicere  motives,  to  promote  a  cause  which  he  had  Injen 
made  to  believe  was  just  and  honorable.  Upon  their  approaching  Pres- 
cott, one  of  the  schooners  was  made  fiist  to  the  upper  wharf,  and  Von 
Schoultz  urged  his  men  to  land,  with  bayonets  fixed,  and  muskets  un- 
oadedj  march  into  the  village,  and  take  possession  of  the  fort  at  once. 


,!:!! 


I'!' 


662 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


w  ■   ■' 


|f': 

f'U 

A  lifisitation  on  the  part  of  acme  of  the  len-lers,  and  a  difference  of 
opinion  as  to  the  mode  of  attack,  arose,  vvliich  led  to  a  delay,  and  the 
schooner  was  soon  after  cast  off.  Those  who  were  conversant  with  tiie 
condition  of  the  town,  and  the  strength  of  the  garrison  at  Fort  Welling- 
ton at  that  time,  have  ex[)ressed  an  opinion,  that  but  litde  difficulty  would 
have  been  experienced,  at  the  first  moment,  in  taking  effectual  possess- 
ion. Soon  after,  the  Charlotte  of  Oswego,  groiuided  on  the  soft  slimy 
delta  of  mud,  which  the  Oswegatchio  has  deposited  in  the  St.  Lawrence, 
ar  its  confluence  with  the  Great  river.  About  sunrise,  on  Monday  morn- 
in!;,  a  crowd  assembled  on  the  dock,  at  which  the  United  States  was 
moored,  and  from  the  movements  and  conduct  of  those  who  took  a  lead- 
ing part  in  the  iiroceedings,  it  was  evident  they  intended  to  seize  that 
steamer,  in  order  to  assist  in  i)romoting  their  enterprise.  Early  in  the 
morning,  an  iron  six  pounder  cannon,  belonging  to  the  village  of  Ogdens- 
burgh,  and  a  brass  four  |)ounder,  belonging  to  the  state  of  New  York, 
and  in  charge  of  an  artillery  company  under  Capt.  A.  B.  Jaines,  were 
seized  by  the  Patriots,  and  afterwards  conveyed  across  the  river  in  a  scow, 
to  the  wind  mill.  Several  of  the  owners  of  the  steamer,  upon  perceiv- 
ing that  the  demonstrations  on  shore,  and  the  movements  of  the  armed 
men,  threatened  the  seizure  of  the  boat,  endeavored  to  obtain  of  the  civil 
and  military  authorities  assistance  in  preventing  it.  The  marshal  of  the 
district  Wiis  absent;  the  collector  (Mr.  Smith  Stilwell),  as  was  abundantly 
pioven  by  evidence  taken  subsequently,  upon  a  suit  growiii^  out  of  this 
afTiiir,  made  strenuous  and  diligent  efforts  to  prevent  the  proceedings 
which  ensued,  but  without  effect.  Meanwhile  the  streets  were  filled  with 
armed  men,  and  it  was  perceived  that  the  village  of  Pi-escott  was  alive 
with  the  bustle  of  preparation  to  resist  the  movements  which  were  in 
progress  against  them.  The  leaders  of  the  patriots  in  Ogdensburgh  pro- 
ceeded to  muster  a  volunteer  company  to  man  the  steamer,  antl  openly 
derided  the  efforts  of  the  civil  authorities  in  preventing  them.  Having 
oi)tained  a  crew,  partly  it  is  said  by  volunteers  and  those  whom  they  hired 
of  the  crew,  and  partly  by  those  iiom  on  shore,  the  fires  were  kindled, 
and  as  soon  as  steam  could  lie  got  up,  they  left  the  wharf,  with  loud 
cheers  from  the  crowd,  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  the  schooner  that  had 
run  aground.  The  schooner  Charlotte  of  Toronto,  alter  casting  off  from 
the  upi'er  "•  .arfj  <^ll  down  the  stream,  and  took  a  |)osition  early  in  the 
morning,  i  uiuly  opposite  the  wind  mill,  about  a  mile  below.  The  walls 
of  this  were  thir;k  anil  massive,  and  the  interior  was  divided  into  several 
stories.  It  had  been  formerly  used  as  a  grist  mill,  but  for  several  years 
previous  to  this  time,  it  had  been  deserted,  and  its  niurhinery  had  fallen 
to  ruins.  Around  it  were  several  massive  stone  houses,  at  a  short  dis- 
distance,*the  most  or  all  of  which  were  inhabited  by  families.  The  pub- 
lic road  from  Proscott  down  the  river,  passes  immediately  hy  it,  and 
separates  it  from  niost  of  the  stone  houses.  The  point  on  which  the 
wind  mill  stands,  juts  for  some  little  distance  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  and 
the  margin  of  tne  river  for  a  citnsiderabie  distance  above  and  below,  as 
well  as  op|)ositP  was  overgrown  by  a  thicket  of  cedar.  Here  from  the 
schooner,  and  uom  a  number  of  small  boats  that  crossed  the  river,  a 
lodgement  was  .nade,  and  a  jjortion  of  the  armament  of  the  schooner 
was  landed.  The  steamer  United  States  did  not  succeed  in  getting  off 
the  grounded  schooner,  and  presently  returned  to  the  American  shore. 
The  Experiment,  a  British  steam  boat,  was  lyingat  this  time  at  the  wharf 
at  Prescott,  and  being  armed  with  cannon,  fired  upon  her  without  effect. 
Additional  hands  were  now  procured  to  navigate  the  steamer,  which  had 
herself  grounded  for  a  short  time  on  her  first  trip,  and  she  was  again 
worked  into  the  river,  near  where  the  schooner  Charlotte  of  Oswego, 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


663 


low,  as 
otn  the 
liver,  a 
looiier 
ng  off 
shore. 
lu  wharf 
iteirect. 
licii  liad 
18  again 
Iswego, 


lay  ngroiind,  and  soon  after  again  returned.  A  demand  was  here  made, 
from  one  on  board  to  those  on  shore,  for  a  longer  hawser,  which  was 
promised  from  a  neighboring  store,  and  a  (|uantity  of  bread  and  otiier 
provisions  was  conveyed  aboard.  On  again  leaving  tlie  dock,  she  went 
out  into  the  channel,  going  between  the  grounded  schooner  and  the 
British  shore,  and  passed  down  the  river  nearly  or  quite  to  Wind  Mill 
point, and  was  twice  fired  ui)on  by  the  Exjieriment,  but  it  is  believed 
without  effect.  After  arriving  at  Wind  Mill  point,  she  remained  there 
some  time,  and  abou'  this  time  the  Charlotte  of  Toronto,  having  re- 
mained opposite  the  wind  mill  till  about  the  nlif'.dle  of  the  day,  sailed  up 
the  river,  and  came  to  anchor  near  the  Aniercan  shore,  not  far  from 
where  the  other  schooner  subsequently  anchored,  and  remained  till  dark. 
The  movements  of  the  United  States  had  consumed  nearly  half  of  the 
day,  and  she  came  up  at  about  the  same  time  with  the  Charlotte  of  To- 
ronto, and  apparently  with  a  view  to  cover  her  from  the  fne  of  the 
British  steam  boat.  She  again  went  down  to  Wind  Mill  point,  at  each 
tims  of  passing  receiving  a  fire  from  the  Experiment,  which  shot  were 
cheered  by  those  on  board,  who  were  assembled  on  the  promenade  deck ; 
but  as  she  was  coming  \ip  on  her  last  trip,  with  great  speed  and  ap- 
parently luider  a  great  press  of  steam,  a  cannon  shot  from  the  British 
steamer,  entered  the  wheel  house,  and  instantly  beheaded  a  young  man 
by  the  name  of  Solomon  Foster,  who  stood  as  a  pilot  at  the  wheel.  Ui)on 
arriving  in  port  this  time,  the  United  States  lay  during  the  remainder  of 
the  day,  near  the  wliarfl  During  this  time  the  boat  was  apparently  under 
the  orders  of  one  Oliver  B.  Pierce,  and  had  on  board  John  W.  Birge,  of 
Cazenovia,  Madison  county,  the  reputed  commander  of  the  invading 
forces,  Mr.  Hiram  Dcnio,  who  was  jx-rsonally  acquainted  with  the 
former,  was  requested  by  the  owners  of  the  boat  to  go  on  board,  and  so- 
licit the  peaceable  surrender  of  the  property,  which,  after  some  consult- 
ation, was  done,  and  the  parties  who  had  taken  possession,  withdrew 
from  it. 

During  the  last  trip  which  the  steamer  made,  it  was  particularly  ul)- 
served  that  but  a  small  pait  of  those  who  v\i  nt  over  retmiied.  The 
others  were,  it  is  said,  landed  at  or  near  the  w      I  mill. 

Mr.  Nathaniel  Oarrow,  of  Auburn,  the  U.  S.  n.  i  >Iiiil  for  the  northern 
district  of  New  York,  arrived  from  Sackett's  Hamor  between  si-ven  and 
eight  o'clock  on  Monday  evening,  and  between  eight  and  i  iie  made  a 
formal  seizme  of  the;  steamer  United  States.  In  the  alteiiioon  of  Mon- 
day, the  PditZ  7*n/,  a  small  steam  ferry  boat,  went  over  to  the  landed 
schooner,  in  charge  of  a  company  of  the  Patriots,  and  succeeded  in  haul- 
iiig  her  off.  Not  long  after  iteing  relieved,  she  i)assed  down  and  took  a 
jiositiou  near  the  other  schooner,  and  in  [)erforming  this  service  en- 
countered a  i)risk  fire  from  tiic  steamer  Experiment,  which  was  returned 
with  small  arms.  In  the  evening,  she  was  also  seized  for  a  violation  o< 
the  neutrality  of  the  frontier.  During  the  whole  of  Monday,  there  was 
fiiMpient  crossing  of  the  river  in  small  boats,  and  no  attempt  to  prevent 
it  was  made  or  deemed  practicable  by  the  civil  authorities.  During  the 
night,  every  thing  remained  quiet,  and  refiorts  of  cannon  were  heard  at 
long  intervals. 

The  unusual  and  very  exciting  state  of  things,  however,  which  were 
evidently  preparing  for  some  crisis,  kept  the  pid>lic  mind  awake,  and 
every  orwe  anxious  to  lerrn  what  there  might  be  known  of  the  nature  and 
progress  of  the  expedition,  its  force,  its  cliances  of  success,  and  the  pro- 
babilities that  they  would  be  sustained  by  the  Canadian  popidation,  or 
be  reinforced  by  recruits  from  the  states.  Rumors  of  every  kind  floated 
through  the  town,  and  a  meeting  was  held  to  conceit  measures  for  de- 


m  ;■!' , 


ii 


•!?.;»; 


v^ 


I  ,;■ 


f)64 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


K''    .'    :  >■ 


111  I 


fenae,  but  such  wns  tlio  novel  nnd  perilous  crisis  that  hnd  arrived,  that 
iiothiiipf  was  efFoctcd.  Some  of  tiic  citizens  warmly  8yiri|mtliized  with 
the  movement,  and  ardently  wished  it  success,  while  another  jmrt,  em- 
bracing most  of  those  of  influence  and  property,  looked  upon  the  pro- 
ceedings as  tending  to  nothing  but  ruin,  and  as  calling  upon  the  patriot- 
ism of  every  good  citizen,  to  lend  liis  aid  in  discouraging  the  prosecution 
of  the  enterprise,  and  in  protecting  the  national  honor  and  the  interests 
of  the  villng(!.  Such,  however,  was  the  influence  of  the  armed  strangers 
in  the  streets,  that  this  sentiment  could  scarcely  bo  found  to  operate  in 
enicicnt  exertions.  Monday  night  was  spent  by  the  patriots  at  the  wind 
mill,  and  adjocont  premises,  in  fortifying  it  as  they  might  be  able,  under 
the  direction  of  Von  Sriioidtz,  upon  whom,  in  tht!  absence  of  the  supe- 
rior ofliccrs,  devolved  the  defence  of  a  position,  which  it  has  been  strongly 
insinuated  and  firmly  believed,  those  who  had  incited  and  encoiu'aged 
them  to  it,  had  not  the  courage  to  share  with  them. 

It  is  dillirult  to  estimate  that  moral  baseness  and  utter  deprav'ty,  that 
would,  by  the  most  solemn  ])romises,  engage  to  sustain  the  acts  of  others, 
and  by  means  of  these  assurances,  lead  unsuspecting  and  inexperienced 
youths  into  a  ]iosition  in  which  utter  ruin  must  inevitably  await  them, 
and  having  involved  the  destruction  of  their  victims,  meanly  shrink  from 
them. 

This  remark  is  not  intended  as  a  justification  of  the  conduct  of  those 
who  occupied  the  wind  mill,  but  as  an  illustration  of  the  character  of 
those  who  originated  the  expedition,  and  were  most  loud  and  confident 
in  their  declarations  and  assurances  of  its  ultimate  success.  On  the  fol- 
lowing morning  (November  13),  the  two  schooners  were  seized  at  about 
ten  o'clock,  by  tlie  marshal.  They  at  this  time  lay  in  the  American 
waters,  about  thirty  or  fo;  ty  rods  from  the  pier  or  abutments  of  Creigh- 
ton's  brewery. 

The  Charlotte  of  Oswego,  at  the  time  of  her  seizure,  had  on  her  deck 
two  or  three  cannon,  one  properly  mounted  on  wheels,  and  the  other  two 
on  small  plank  trucks.  There  were  also  on  board,  boxes  and  small 
casks,  which  contained  guns  aiul  munitions  of  war.  There  were  about 
half  a  dozen  men,  who  were  the  captain  (Sprague),  and  crew.  The  other 
vessel  had  on  board  some  barrels  of  apples,  but  most  of  the  mimitions 
had  been  removed  from  her,  and  landed  at  the  wind  mill.  Her  captain 
(Quick),  and  three  or  lour  men,  supposed  to  be  her  crew,  were  on  board. 
These  were  put  in  charge  of  Colonel  VV.  J.  Worth,  of  the  8th  U.  S.  in- 
fantry, who  had  arrived  in  the  steamer  Telegraph  on  Monday  evenitig,  and 
subseti'.iently  sent  to  Sackett's  Harbor  for  safe  keeping. 

This  steamer  had  visited  the  place  on  Saturday,  to  bring  Colonels  Tot- 
ten  and  Thayer,  of  the  engineer  service,  and  was  under  the  command  of 
Capt.  Hill,  of  the  U.  S.  army.  After  the  Unite<l  States  had  been  seized, 
her  machinery  was  taken  apart,  -d  that  8i:e  could  not  be  used  without 
the  assent  of  the  owners.  The  rtl'orts  of  the  military  authorities  were 
directed  to  the  prevention  of  all  liuther  communication  with  the  Patriots 
nnd  the  American  shore,  and  the  arrival  of  the  troops  aflbrded  the  first 
means  that  the  authorities  had  possessed  of  enforcing  the  laws.  The 
testimony  that  was  taken  in  a  case  growing  out  of  this  afiair,  concurs  in 
proving,  that  on  Monday,  the  arm  of  the  civil  law  was  powerless,  and 
that  there  did  not  exist  the  means  of  preventing  the  proceeding  which 
ensued.  Colonel  Worth  had  under  his  command  two  companies  of 
government  troops.  On  Tuesday,  the  British  armed  steamers  Coburg 
and  Victoria,  having  arrived  at  Prescott  with  a  reinforcement  of  troops, 
at  about  seven  o'clock,  they,  together  with  the  l"\periment,  opened  a  dis- 
charge of  cannon,  nnd  commenced  throwin;;   bombs  at  the  Patriots 


f-i 


■Mi 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


666 


:"4 


ill   the   wind  mill,  who  firod  with   fioKl  pieces  from  thoh-  batteries 
on  shore,  in  return.    These  exciting  and  novel  proceedings,  very  na- 
turally drew  a  large  crowd  of  spectators  from  Ogdenshurgh  and  the  ad- 
jacent country,  to  Mile  point,  the  present  site  of  the  rail  rood  depot,  and 
the  most  eligible  point  from  which  to  observe  the  doings  of  tliu«British, 
in   their  attempt  to  dislodge  the   Patriots.     On  Tuesday  morning,  a 
detachment  of  forty  men  of  the  83d  regiment,  under  Lieut.  Johnson,  and 
thirty  marines  under  Lt.  Pa»-ker,  were  landed  and  joined  by  detachments 
of  militia.    At  a  quarter  before  seven  the  British  advanced  in  two  col- 
umns.   The  left  under  Col.  D.  Fraser,  consisting  of  the  marines,  Capt. 
G.  McDonnel's  company  of  L.  G.  Highlanders,   Capts,  Jones's  and 
Eraser's  companies  of  2d  regiment  Grenvillc  militia,  and  lOU  men  of 
Col.  Martle's  recimentof  Stormont  militia.    The  right  column  was  led  by 
Col.  Gowan.  of  the  Queen's  borderers,  and  100  of  Capt.  Martle's  regiment. 
Soon  aflcr,  a  line  of  fire  blazed  along  the  summit  of  the  hill,  in  tlic  rear 
of  the  mill,  for  about  eighty  or  a  hundred  rods,  and  the  report  of  small 
arms  made  an  incessant  roar.     The  morning  being  dark  and  lowering, 
the  gleam  of  the  discharges  became  the  more  observable,  and  tended  to 
heighten  the  horrors  of  the  dramatic  events  that  were  transpiring.     The 
Patriots  were  mostly  protected  by  stone  walls,  and  comparatively  secure, 
while  the  British  were  fully  exposed  in  the  open  field,  and  suffered  greatly 
from  the  sharp  shooters  that  wore  posted  in  the  upper  stories  of  the 
wind  mill.    The  officers  on  horseback  were  seen  distinctly  to  fall,  here 
and  there,  on  the  field,  and  the  ranksof  the  soldiers  to  waste  away  under 
the  unequal  contest.    The  British  did  not,  at  that  tit»'e,  have  at  Prescott 
guns  of  suflicient  weight  to  make  a  sensible  impression  upon  the  massive 
walls  of  the  tower,  and  their  shot  rebounded  from  the  surface  without 
producing  eflfect. 

Afler  twenty  or  thirty  minutes  one  party  gave  way,  and  retired  out  of 
sight  over  the  hill,  and  at  about  nine  o'clock  the  firing  had  ceased,  ap- 
parently leaving  the  Patriots  in  possession  of  their  strong  hold,  but  with- 
out the  ability  to  pursue,  or  to  return  to  the  American  shore,  or  to  main- 
tain their  present  position  for  any  great  length  of  time,  from  want  of 
provisions  and  munitions.  At  tlie  time  when  the  action  conunenced,  the 
jiatriot  forces  are  supposed  to  have  numbered  about  one  hundred  and 
eighty,  but  diu'ing  the  engagement,  a  party  consisting  of  fifty-two,  who 
had  pursued  the  retreating  militia  over  the  hill,  were  separated  from 
their  comrades,  scattered,  pursued  and  captured,  in  detail.  The  Patriot 
loss  on  this  occasion,  is  said  to  have  been  five  killed  and  thirteen 
wouncled,  while  that  of  the  British  was  said  at  the  time,  to  have  been 
about  a  hundred  killed,  and  as  many  wounded.  The  official  return  of 
Colonel  Young,  gave  two  officers,  and  eleven  rank  and  file  killed,  and 
sixty-seven  wounded.  It  has  been  generally  believed  that  their  loss  ex- 
ceedtsd  this  numl>L-r.  Finding  that  the  strong  hold  of  the  Patriots  re- 
sisted any  means  of  impression  which  tliey  ])0ssesse(l,  the  British  re- 
solved to  await  the  arrival  of  heavier  cannon,  and  took  pnjcautioiis, 
meanwhile  to  prevent  any  reinforcement  of  the  invaders.  From  nine 
till  three  there  was  but  little  excitement.  An  irregular  firing  was  kept 
up  on  the  windmill,  and  a  body  of  regulars  fired  an  occasional  volley  at 
a  stone  house,  in  which  a  portion  of  the  Patriots  were  established.  At 
thr(!e  o'clock  in  the  afiernoon,  a  barn  was  burnt  by  the  Patriots,  as 
sheltering  the  British.  During  this  time  the  Patriots  occupied  the  %vind 
mill,  and  several  of  the  lioiiscs  adjoining,  and  the  brow  of  the  hi'l.  On 
the  evening  of  the  18th.  a  rcquision  was  sent  to  Suckctt's  Harbor,  lor 
more  troops,  to  be  ready,  if  necessary,  to  assist  those  already  at  Ogdens- 
hurgh, in  restraining  any  attempt  at  reinforcement.    Lt.  W.  S.  Johnson, 


II 

-rfit 


,1,+.' 


i 

■m 


:  ; 'M 


,:,!l;.' 


I" 


666 


HISTORY    OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Bl!  ^ 


gl  i*" 


of  the  British  army,   belonging  to  the  83d  regiment,  was  among  the 
kiileil.     The  (lend  and  badly  wounded,  lay  on  tlie  field  till  the  morning 
of  the  14th  (Wednesday),  when  the  British  sent  a  flag  of  truce,  for  per- 
mission to  bury  the  dead,  and  both  parties  were  for  a  short  time,   en- 
gaged hi  collecting  and  currying  off  from  the  field  the  slain.     The  night 
between  the  13th  and  the  14th,  was  quiet,  and  the  wind  blew  so  rough 
that  all  attempt  at  crosing  the  river,  had  nothing  else  prevented,  would 
have  been  hazardous.    At  half  past  nine,  troops   were  again   marched 
to  Fort  Wellington,  but  no  engagement  ensued.    In  the  forenoon  of 
Thursday,  Colonel  Worth  sent  for  several  of  the  prominent  citizens  of 
Ogdensburgh,  to  come  on  board  the  steamer,  who  accejited  the  invitation. 
His  object  in  doing  this  was  to  ask  their  ojjinions  and  advice,  on  the  i)ro- 
priety  of  a  course  which  he  proposed,  of  applying  to  Colonel  Plomer 
Young,  the  British  commander,  to  ask  of  him  the  privilege  of  staying 
the  fiather  effusion  of  blood,  by  being  allowed  to  remove  the  Patriots, 
and  becoming  responsible  that  they  should  attempt  no  fuither  disturb- 
ance on  this  frontier.    Tiie  humane  intention  of  this  measure,  com- 
mended itself  to   tiie  approbation  of  those  to  whom  it  was  explained, 
and  a  citizen  of  higii  standing  in  the  community,  who  was  personally  ac- 
quuintedwith  Colonel  Young,  offered  his  services  to  procure  an  interview 
between  Cols.  Young  and  Worth,  and  accordingly  visited  Prescott,  wliere 
he  was  politely  received  by  the  British  officer,  who  accompanied  him 
back  to   the  steamer,  and  a  private  interview  was   held  between  the 
two  colonels.     The  delicacy  of  the  measure  proposed,  and  the  obvious 
charges  that  would  be  brought  against  the  official  character  of  an  offi- 
cer, wlio  would  consent  to  the  escape  of  an  enemy,  who  was  entirely 
within  his  power,  rendered  u  compliance  with  the  request,  a  thing  to  be 
not  for  a  moment  entertained.     He  pointedly  denied  the  favor  asked,  but 
from  an  intimation  that  was  dropped,  either  from  inadvertence,  or  de- 
sign, that  the  machinery  of  the  Experiment,  'the  Colburg  and  Victoria 
having  gone  up  the  river  the  night  previous),  needed  repairs,  that  would 
prevent  her  being  used  until  two  o'clock  the  next  morning,  it  was  very 
naturally  inferred,  that  no  means  of  annoyance  would  be  in  the  possess- 
ion of  the  British  during  the  early  jiart  of  the  night.    This  opportunity 
Colonel  Worth  wished  to  have  improved,  and  having  consulted  some  of 
the  citizens  on  the  subject,  it  was  understood  that  early  in  the  evening, 
the  steamer  Paul  Pry,  should  be  at  the  service  of  a  party  of  volunteers, 
who  might  safely  approach  the  wind  mill,  and  rescue  the  inmates,  if  tliey 
could  be  induced  to  improve  the  opportunity.     This  delicate  and  re- 
sponsible service,  was  entrusted  to  Mr.  Preston  King,  the  post  master  of 
the  village,  who  was  selected  as  possessing  the  requisite  qualifications 
for  the  duty. 

A  sufficient  number  of  volunteers  was  raised  for  the  occasion,  and  the 
steamer  repaired  to  the  vicinity  of  the  wind  mill.  Among  the  volun- 
teers was  a  man  connected  with  the  Patriots,  who  was  said  to  be  an  offi- 
cer of  their  organization,  and  to  know  their  pass  words;  he  was  for 
these  reasons,  recommended  as  a  suitable  person  to  open  the  communi- 
cation with  them,  and  was  sent  on  shore  in  a  small  row  boat,  to  com- 
municate the  errand  of  the  steamer,  which  as  the  shore  was  shoal,  and 
there  was  no  wharf,  was  compelled  to  lay  off  several  rods  from  the 
shore  to  avoid  grounding. 

By  subsequent  information,  it  was  ascertained,  that  some  person  who 
went  ashore  in  the  first  boat,  reported  that  a  reinforcement  of  men  and 
supplies  might  soon  be  expected  by  the  Patriots,  and  they  were  advised 
to  maintain  their  position. 

After  waiting  a  considerable  time  for  a  return  from  the  row  boat  sen 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


667 


rnong  the 
e  morning 
e,  for  per- 
tiine,  en- 
The  niglit 
so  rough 
:e(l,  would 
marched 
renoon  of 
citizens  of 
invitation. 
m  the  pro- 
el  Plotner 
of  staying 
le  Patriots, 
er  disturb- 
ure,  com- 
ex|)lained, 
ionally  ac- 
I  interview 
;ott,  where 
unied  him 
tween  tiie 
^le  obvious 
of  an  otli- 
is  entirely 
iiing  to  be 
asked, but 
ice,  or  de- 
d  Victoria 
that  would 
t  was  very 
le  possess - 
pportunity 
i  some  of 
e  evening, 
volunteers, 
tes,  if  they 
te  and  re- 
master of 
lifications 

and  the 
ne  volun- 
be  au  offi- 

was  for 
;ommuui- 

to  com- 
shoal,  and 
from  the 

rson  who 
men  and 
e  advised 

boat  sen 


ashore,  o  small  boat  rowed  by  two  men,  brought  to  the  steamer  a 
wounded  man  from  the  wind  mill,  from  whom  and  his  companions, 
those  remaining  on  board  the  steamer  first  heard  of  the  report  of  rein- 
forcements tiiat  had  been  made  on  shore.  Mr.  King  then  took  a  small 
boat,  with  one  man,  and  repaired  himself  to  the  wind  mill,  made  known 
the  nature  of  his  errand,  stated  the  lolly  of  looking  for  reinforcements 
which  there  was  no  reason  to  expect,  and  earnestly  requested  them  to 
avail  themselves  of  the  only  chance  of  escape  that  would  be  offered. 

The  delusive  ho|»e  and  divided  councils  arising  from  the  report  of  re- 
inforcements, produced  delay  and  uncertainity  in  the  movements  of  the 
Patriots  to  avail  themselves  of  the  opportunity  to  retire  from  their  posi- 
tion. The  men  on  board  the  steamer  became  impatient  at  the  delay, 
and  insisted  upon  the  return  of  the  steamer  to  Ogdensburgh.  Mr,  King 
was  thus  reluctantly  cotnpelled  to  return,  without  having  accomplished 
bis  purpose,  further  than  to  bring  off  six  or  seven  men  from  the  mill, 
one  of  whom  had  been  wounded  in  the  thigh  by  a  musket  ball.  He 
had  scarce  returned  to  port,  when  the  British  armed  steamer  was  seen 
going  down  the  river,  and  all  chance  of  passing  between  the  American 
shore,  and  the  mill  was  cut  off.  The  persons  first  sent  on  shore  to  com- 
municate with  the  Patriots  did  not  return  to  the  steamer,  but  were  left, 
and  returned  to  the  American  shore  in  their  row  boat. 

During  the  time  the  Paul  Pry  lay  near  the  wind  mill,  firing  along  the 
line  by  the  British  piquet  guards  was  ke|)t  up  by  imisketry,  which  ren- 
dered the  men  on  board  the  steamer  impatient  of  inaction  and  delay. 
Had  it  not  been  for  the  false  expectation  of  reinforcements,  it  is  believed 
the  patriots  might  at  once  have  availed  themselves  of  the  opportunity 
offered  ibr  escape,  and  the  sad  events  which  subsequently  followed, 
have  been  avoided. 

On  Thursday  evening,  the  steamer  United  States  (Captain  Van  Cleve), 
in  charge  of  Captain  Vaughan,  sailing  master  of  the  navy,  with  a  party  of 
troops  under  Captain  Wright,  started  for  Sackett's  Harbor,  having  along 
side  in  tow,  the  two  patriot  schooners,  and  manned  by  a  company  of 
United  States  troops.  The  schooners  had  on  their  decks,  the  cannon 
which  had  formed  a  part  of  their  armament.  Apprehending  that  they 
should  meet  a  British  force,  expected  from  Kingston,  to  comi)lete  the 
capture  of  the  wind  mill,  and  believing  it  to  be  prudent  to  be  provided 
against  any  emergency  that  might  arise,  Capt.  Wright  had  caused  the 
cannon  to  be  loaded,  and  the  military  to  be  held  in  readiness.  When 
they  had  arrived  at  a  point  just  above  Oak  point,  they  met  the  British 
steamer  Brockville,  having  two  gun  boats  in  tow.  The  United  States 
was  hailed,  and  ordered  to  "  lie  to  and  send  n  boat  aboard." 

The  peremptory  and  insulting  tone  in  which  this  was  expressed,  for- 
bade compliance  on  the  part  of  the  officer,  who  had  the  flotilla  in  charge, 
and  the  reply  was  made,  that  they  might  ^^  cotne  aboard."  The  demand 
was  again  repeated,  and  answered  with  a  coolness  and  pointedly  laconic 
brevity,  that  did  the  highest  credit  to  the  courage  and  ability  of  Cai)tain 
Wright.  The  parlies  liaviug  passed,  the  British  steamer  turned  and  fol- 
lowed for  some  distance,  but  no  further  notice  being  taken  of  her  by  the 
United  States,  the  ixusiier  shortly  resumefl  her  original  course. 

On  the  morning  of  the  16th  (Friday),  the  British  having  been  rein- 
forced with  a  regiment  of  four  hundred  regulars,  and  by  gun  boats 
armed  with  ordnance  sufficient  for  the  reduction  of  the  place,  set  them- 
selves at  work  systematically,  for  this  |)urpose.  An  ei;:hieen  pounder 
was  posted  hack  of  the  mill,  under  Major  McBane;  a  gun  boat  was 
[)0sted  below  the  mill,  and  a  heavily  armed  steamer  above  it,  so  that  the 
shot  from  these  three  points  might  not  interfere  with  each  other,  and 


II  il 


ii 


?W' 


lU. 


m 


m 

I' 


"If?:! 

w 


668 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


i'.' 


If 


Btill  linve  the  mill  in  their  focus.  Tlicy  were  beyond  the  range  of  rifle 
shot,  (ind  Huflicient  to  nccoinplish  ere  long  the  demolition  of  the  tower. 
During  the  whole  of  Thursday,  a  white  flag  liad  been  displayed  from 
the  mill,  but  no  attention  being  paid  to  it,  it  was  finally  fastened  on  the 
outside.  Three  or  four  flags  were  sent  out,  and  the  bearers  shot  down, 
as  soon  as  seen,  as  the  British  appeared  to  be  inclined  to  receive  no 
terms.  At  length  on  Friday,  in  the  forenoon,  the  flring  ceased,  and  an 
unconditional  surrender  being  made,  the  prisoners,  (for  as  such  they  were 
received,  and  regarded,)  were  marched  out  between  files  of  regulars, 
and  conducted  to  Fort  Wellington,  from  whence  they  were  sent  to 
Fort  William  Henry,  at  Kingston,  for  trial.  Mad  it  not  been  for  the 
interposition  of  the  regulars,  the  prisonera  would  have  been  torn  in 
piecey  by  the  enraged  milhia,  who  exhibited  a  vindictivcness  and  ani- 
mosity, that  has  scarcely  found  a  parallel  in  the  annals  of  French  and 
Indian  warfare.  Every  species  of  abuse  and  insult  was  heaped  upon 
the  unfortimate  band.  During  the  firing  that  ensued  in  celebrating  the 
surrender.  Captain  Drummond,  of  the  British  army,  was  accidentally 
shot.  The  British  burnt,  at  once,  four  dwellings  and  two  barns,  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  wind  mill.  Von  Schoultz  was  said  to  be  opposed  to  of- 
fering the  enemy  a  flag  of  truce,  and  besought  his  men  to  rush  upon  the 
enemy,  and  die  in  the  contest,  but  their  ammunition  and  provisions  were 
exhausted,  and  the  fatigue  of  five  days  and  nights  incessant  watching 
and  labor,  had  made  them  indifferent  to  their  fate. 

British  official  return  of  killed  and  wounded  in  action  toith  the  Brigands, 
near  Prescolt,  on  the  13th  JVovember,  1838. 

Killed. — 83d  regiment,  1  lieutenant.  L.  Glengary  Highlanders,  4  rank 
and  file.  2d  regiment,  Dundas  militia,  4  rank  and  file.  1st  regiment, 
Grenville  militia,  2  rank  and  file.  2d  regiment,  Grenville  militia,  1  lieu- 
tenant. Captain  Edmondson's  Brockville  Independent  company,  1  rank 
and  file.    Total,  2  lieutenants,  11  rank  and  file. 

Wounded — 83d  regiment,  4  rank  and  file.  Royal  marines,  1  lieutenant, 
14  rank  and  file.  L.  Glengary  Highlanders,  1  ensign,  7  rank  and  file. 
9th  provincial  battalion,  1  lieutenant  colonel,  H  rank  and  file.  2d  regi- 
ment, Dundas  militia,  1  lieutenant,  12  rank  and  file.  1st  regiment,  Gren- 
ville militia,  4  rank  and  file.  Capt.  Edmondson's  Brockville  Independent 
company,  3  rank  and  file.  Captain  Jessup's  Prescott  Independent  com- 
pany, 1  sergeant,  4  rank  and  file.  Gentlemen  Volunteers,  2  rank  and  file. 
Total,  1  lieutenant  colonel,  2  lieutenants,  1  ensign,  1  sergeant,  62  rank 
and  file. 

JVamea  of  Officers  killed. — W.  S.  Johnson,  lieutenant  83d  regiment; 
Dulmage,  lieutenant  1st  regiment  Grenville  militia. 

Wounded. — Ogle  K.  Gowan,  lieutenant  colonel  9th  provincial  battalion, 
slightly;  Parker,  Royal  marines,  slightly;  Pardow,  lieu- 
tenant 2d  regiment  Dundas  militia,  severely;  Angus  MacDonnell,  ensign 
L.  G.  Highlanders,  slightly. 

P.  Young. 

The  board  of  supervisors  were  in  sessions  at  Canton  at  the  time,  and 
the  cannonade  of  the  battle  was  distinctly  heard  at  that  place.  Some  of 
the  board  were  warm  sympathizers  in  the  movement,  and  the  following 
resolutions  which  were  brniigiit  forward  for  action  repeatedly,  but  failed 
to  pass,  shows  the  strong  feeling  tlia^  was  entertained  in  relation  to  the 
patriot  war,  and  may  be  regarded  as  a  curiosity  worthy  of  record. 

The  resolution  of  Isaac  EUwood  ia  called  up  in  the  words  following, 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


669 


iime,  and 
Some  of 
following 
but  failed 
ion  to  tlie 
rd. 
bllowing, 


to  wit:  Wlierens  the  inctvibers  ^f  the  bourd  of  supervisors  of  St.  Law- 
rence county,  having  received  infortinttion  and  l)elievin}r  the  same  to  lie 
authentic,  that  the  patriots  havt  made  a  noble  stand  at  Windmill  point, 
near  I'rescott,  in  Upj<er  Canada,  and  liave  iiad  a  severe  enga;rement  with 
the  advocates  and  minions  of  British  tyranny  and  op|)res8ion  on  the 
13th  inst.  and  having  every  reason  to  believe  from  said  inlbrmation, 
unless  the  said  patriots  are  reinforced  in  tlie  |ierilons  situation  in  which 
they  are  placed,  that  they  will  meet  with  defeat,  and  sacrifice  their  lives 
in  contending  against  a  tnerciless  and  cruel  foe:  and  whereas,  this  board 
feel  a  deep  interest  and  int(;nse  anxiety  in  the  success  of  that  patriotic 
struggle  which  would  spread  the  light  of  liberty  over  onr  oppressed 
brethren  in  Canada,  and  for  the  preservation  of  the  lives  of  those 
patriots  who  are  contending  for  the  rights  of  men  born  free,  and  for  the 
republican  principles  for  which  our  venerable  forefathers  shed  their 
blood. 

Resolved,  that  this  board  adjourn,  to  meet  again  at  the  court  house  in 
the  said  county,  on  the  lust  Monday  of  the  present  month,  at  1  o'clock, 
p.  M.,  in  order  to  enable  the  members  thereof  to  i-escue  that  Spartan 
band  of  patriotic  friends,  and  i)rcserve  their  lives  from  the  hands  of  their 
enemies,  the  tyrants  and  advocates  of  the  British  crown.  On  motion  by 
Mr.  Buck,  seconded  by  Mr.  Doty: — Resolved  that  the  above  resolution 
lie  on  the  table  until  the  same  shall  be  again  drawn  up."  The  resolution 
was  never  called  up  from  the  table. 

Bill  Johnston,  the  avowed  leader  of  the  gang  that  boarded  and  burned 
the  Robert  Peel,  had  been  seen  publicly  in  the  streets  of  Ogdensburgh 
for  several  days,  and  no  one  ventincd  to  arrest  him,  until  on  the  17th, 
shortly  after  the  smrender  of  the  band  in  the  windmill,  he  was  seen  to 
enter  a  boat  with  his  son,  and  leave  the  harbor;  the  collector  of  the  dis- 
trict, seeing  him  depart,  called  the  attention  of  a  deputy  marsball  to  his 
movements,  and  advised  that  an  attempt  should  be  made  to  arrest  him. 
Failing  in  this,  be  entered  a  boat  belonging  to  tlie  oflice,  hoisted  th« 
revenue  flag,  and  pursued  him,  in  company  with  several  others.  John- 
ston and  his  son  landed  about  three  miles  above  the  village,  was  pursued, 
headed,  ami  Anally  induced  to  surrender,  on  condition  that  lus  arms 
might  be  received  by  his  son.  He  was  armed  with  a  Cochran  rifle,  (with 
twelve  discharges)  and  two  large  rifle  pistols,  with  several  smaller  ones 
and  a  bowie  knife.  The  merit  of  arresting  Johnston  has  been  claimed 
by  different  parties,  and  the  bounty  offered  for  his  apprehension  is  said 
to  have  been  paid  to  C.  T.  Buswell  and  A.  B.  James,  who  piu-sued  on 
horseback  as  soon  as  he  had  landed,  and  were  present  when  be  surren- 
dered his  arms.  The  steamer  Oneida,  in  the  service  of  the  United 
States  government,  and  having  on  board  a  detachment  of  troops,  was  in 
the  river  when  the  boat  in  which  Johnston  and  liis  son  were  escaping, 
was  run  on  shore.  The  officers  in  charge  of  the  steamer  immediately 
steered  towards  the  point  where  the  boats  landed,  to  afford  any  assist- 
ance that  might  be  found  necessary,  and  the  captured  party  was  convey- 
ed on  board  the  steamer,  and  taken  to  Sacketts  Harbor. 

On-the  Monday  after  the  capture,  the  Hon.  John  Fine,  in  company 
with  Charles  G.  Myers,  consented  at  the  solicitation  of  some  of  the 
friends  of  the  prisoners  to  visit  Kingston  to  carry  a  contribution  of  se- 
veral hundred  dollars  to  supply  their  wants,  make  inquiries  into  theii 
condition,  and  offer  legal  council.  The  season  of  travel  being  passed 
and  there  being  no  direct  communication  with  Kingston,  they  wrote  to 
Colonel  Worth  at  Sacketts  Harbor,  asking  if  he  could  be  sent  over  from 
thence,  and  furnished  with  a  letter  to  the  commanding  officer  at  Kings- 

40 


i 


i. 


,.»'!ii 


(370 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Bk  ■,  ! 


El!  V  ■* 


I,  1- 


I- 


%■ 


'  r 


t 


ton,  botli  of  tliofle  rcqiicstH  wnro  durlincd.  Tlioy  tlicn  croHsnd  the  livnr 
to  l'i(!HC()lt,  to  confer  witli  Miijor  Yoinig,  and  on  Ix-ing  oscoitod  from 
tlio  wlinrf  to  Ilia  quarters  by  n  sontinci,  tli«y  wore  kindly  rccrivcd,  nnd 
t'urnisliod  with  ii  noto  of  introduction  to  Colonel  PundiiB,  nt  Kinj^ston. 
A  citi/on  of  I'roHcott  gave  the  une  of  a  Hniali  stoatncr,  without  chargo. 
At  thu  hotelH  in  Kingston,  thoy  foinid  mivcral  Americans  from  Oswego, 
Halinn,  &c.,  on  n  Hiniilar  errand,  vviio  Htated  that  they  had  hecn  there 
Honiu  time  endeavoring  to  get  ncccHS  to  the  rooms  of  the  prisoners  i)ut 
the  sheriff  had  denied  every  application  which  had  been  made  for  this 
purpose.  Tiio  next  morning,  they  called  upon  Colonel  Diindas,  who 
stated  that  hu  had  delivered  the  prisoners  to  the  one  of  the  sheriff,  and 
that  application  must  bo  made  to  him.  lie  was  told  that  the  sheriff  had 
positively  refused,  under  ony  circmnstancoH,  any  interview  under  orders 
from  the  governor,  to  several  similar  applicatioMs.  They  then  added  as  a 
last  resort,  t!  .  t  being  both  lawyers  they  had  some  right  to  serve  tiio 
prisoners  in  ino  capacity  of  legal  counsellors,  having  been  employed  by 
their  friends  for  that  purpose.  It  was  the  boast  of  the  I'-nglish  law  which 
the  Americans  had  inherited  from  the  mother  country,  that  every  one 
was  presumed  innocent  of  a  crinie  until  proved  to  bo  guilty,  and  that 
the  prisoners  had  a  rig-ht  to  legal  advice  in  this  case,  and  the  privilege  of 
obtaining  witnesses  lor  their  defense.  U|)on  this  the  colonel  arose  and 
accompanied  them  to  the  fort,  introduced  them  to  the  sheriff'  and  re- 
quested that  they  might  be  jjcrmitted  to  see  the  prisoners.  The  sheriff 
said  that  the  governor  iiod  sent  orders  that  no  one  be  ])ermitt(!d  to  visit 
them,  but  the  colonel  said  that  ho  would  risk  the  responsibility,  and 
requested  the  keys,  which  were  given  him.  Several  military  officers 
were  introduce*!  and  joined  in  the  visit  to  the  different  rooms.  These 
were  above  ground,  large,  cleanly,  and  contained  about  fifty  prisoners 
eocli.  Inquiry  was  made  of  those  from  St.  Lawrence  county,  of  their 
want  of  clothing,  &c.,  which  was  afterwards  procured  and  sent  to 
them.*  They  said  that  they  were  furnished  with  good  and  sufficient 
food  and  were  well  treated.  In  one  room  wi»s  a  company  of  about  titty 
boys  under  twenty-one  years  of  age,  and  some  as  young  as  sixteen. 
Several  of  them  alluded  to  the  late  events  and  the  causes  which  had  in- 
duced tlicm  to  engage  in  the  foolish  enter|)risc,  with  sobbing  and 
tears.  Several  of  the  officers  present  were  much  atfccted  and  proi)osed 
to  leave.  The  Ogdensburgh  citizens  remarked  to  the  boys,  that  tiiere 
was  hope  in  their  case.  The  power  of  l'<ngland  was  not  so  feeble 
as  to  fear  the  loss  of  Canada  by  the  hands  of  boys,  and  the  glory  of 
Englond  would  not  be  enhanced  by  their  sacrifice;. 

Tliey  were  advised  to  plead  their  intiincy,  and  throw  themselves  upon 
the  mercy  of  the  government.  The  court  martial  was  organized  and 
one  of  the  prisoners  was  on  trial.  Solicitor  General  Draper,  con- 
ducted the  examination  of  the  prisoners  with  tiiirness.  He  allowed  the 
accused  tlie  opportunity  to  state  all  the  extenuating  circumstances  which 
he  wrote  down,  and  said  he  would  send  to  the  governor.  In  the  even- 
ing an  interview  was  had  with  Mr.  Draper,  at  the  rooms  of  the  council, 
and  at  the  suggestion  of  some  of  the  citizens,  an  ajiplication  was  made 
to  the  governor  general  of  Canada,  through  the  medium  of  Judge  Jones 
of  the  Queen's  Bench,  for  the  pardon  of  the  boys.  An  answer  was  re- 
turned, tiiat  if  the  friemls  of  the  boys  would  exert  their  influence  to 
prevent  further  aggressions,  they  should  be  released,  and  as  an  earnest 
of  tlie  pertorinance  of  this  promise,  six  were  set  free.    From  time  to 

*  One  of  these  boys  on  bciug  questioned  at  to  his  want*,  holicited  ftome  candy. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


671 


These 


I 


tiiiio  others  were  liliomtcd  until  nioHt  of  those  undct    ~.  were  alluwod 
to  rutiirii  to  tlieir  friciuls. 

Tlic  iHHiio  of  thiH  oxpuditioii,  did  much  to  render  the  Patriot  ciiime 
ini|)o|)uliir,  and  a  healthy  reaction  was  nooii  felt  ulon^  the  frontier,  hut  a 
spirit  of  jealousy  and  iumtility  had  hectn  engendered  that  led  to  much 
dilHculty.  On  tiie  yist  of  Dec,  the  village  trnstecH  roHolvi^d  to  organize 
<i  (■oin|)any,  to  lie  held  ready  at  a  minute's  warning  to  act  in  preserving 
order,  and  re|»(!il  if  necessary  any  aggression.  Amis  were  to  \n;  procured 
i'or  them  from  Uusscill.  On  the  last  day  of  Uec,  a  crowded  meeting  was 
lield  to  unite  in  a  petition  to  Congress  for  protection  of  the  froniiiM-  and 
intervitntion  in  favor  of  the  jtrisoners.  In  HU|iport  of  the  latter,  tliey 
asserted  for  our  government  an  ecpial  merit  in  the  capture;,  inastnuiHi  as 
the  Patriots  hud  biicn  cut  otl"  from  their  supplies  hy  the  official  seizure 
of  the  schooners  and  armament.  A  becoming  tribute  was  |iaid  to  thu 
valor  and  courage  of  tiie  misguideil  youths  who  had  been  scMliiccid  into 
the  measure.  On  the;  2d  of  Jan.,  IH^i!),  another  public  meeting  was 
held  to  discom-agc  all  turther  invasion  of  Canada.  The  call  tor  this  was 
signed  hy  nearly  seventy  prominent  citizens  of  all  parties,  and  it  was 
addressed  by  several  of  the  inhabitants  and  hy  Major  General  VVinlield 
Scott,  in  a  very  able  marmer.  In  his  address,  (jien.  Scott,  after  coinreding 
that  u  feeling  tiivorable  to  Canadian  independence  |)ervaded  the  country, 
went  on  to  encpiire  what  act  of  that  |)eople  had  evinced  their  d(!sire  for 
u  change,  and  |iointed  out  in  a  masterly  manner  tlu!  i'olly  of  attempting 
to  force  upon  them  a  nieasure  which  their  acts  jiroved  that  they  did  not 
desire.  A  series  of  resolutions  was  juisHed  embodying  the  sentiment  of 
the  cousiilerate  of  all  parties,  and  up[iealing  to  all  good  citizens  to  aid  iti 
putting  an  end  to  these  jiroceedings  so  destructive  of  the  public  peace 
and  so  perilous  to  om*  national  welfiue. 

As  the  steatn  boat  United  Slates,  Capt.  Whitney,  was  leaving  Ogdens- 
biu'gh  on  the  evening  of  April  14.  183!),  with  a  larjro  mimher  of  passen- 
gers, from  (}  to  10  rounds  of  muskt.'t  shot  were  fired  from  a  wharf  in  I'res- 
cott,  at  which  a  crowd  was  assembled,  hut  a  subsecpient  inquiry  failed  to 
fix  ii|)on  any  one;  as  the  culprit,  and  the  same  evening  she  was  fired  upon 
from  the  wharf  at  HrockvilU;.     These  insulting  measures  werr;  greatly 

aggravated  by  a  high  handed  outrage  upon  the  schooner  O.  S.  Weeks, 

Turner,  master,  on  Friday,  May  17,  18;i!>,  at  Brockville,  where  she  had 
stopped  to  discharge  some  merchandise.  The  usual  papers  were  sent  to 
the  custom  house,  and  a  permit  to  unload  was  issued  by  the  deputy  col- 
lector. There  was  lying  on  deck  a  six  pound  iron  cannon  belonging  to 
the  state,  consigned  to  Capt.  A.  B.  James,  to  replace  the  one  that  Jiad 
been  seized  by  the  Patriots,  upon  discovering  which  an  attempt  was  made 
to  seize  it,  but  was  resistetl  by  the  crew  until  the  collector  of  the  district 
catne  u|)  ami  took  possession  of  the  vessel  under  some  alleged  irregu- 
larity of  her  papers.  The  gun  was  liien  taiien  by  the  mob,  who  paraded 
the  streets  with  it  and  fired  it  repeatedly.  Word  was  immediately  sent  to 
Col.  Worth,  at  Sucketts  Harbor,  who  rejjaired  without  delay  to  the  place 
in  the  steamer  Oneida,  and  sent  a  res|>ectful  inquiry  to  learn  on  what 
grounds  the  schooner  was  detained.  To  this  the  deputy  could  give  no 
direct  answer,  and,  but  from  what  he  could  learn,  Col.  Worth  inferred  that 
the  seizure  was  without  justification,  and  resolved  to  vindicate  our  na- 
tional honor  in  recovering  the  cannon  that  had  been  taken  from  it.  On 
Saturday  evening  he  repaired  to  Prescott,  and  peremptorily  demanded  of 
Col.  Frasier,  a  release  of  the  vessel  and  her  cargo,  to  which  at  10  o'clock 
the  next  day  answer  was  given  that  the  vessel  and  cargo  should  be  re- 
leased, but  doubts  were  expressed  whether  the  cannon  could  be  got 
from  the  mob.    To  be  prepared  with  an  intelligent  and  prudent  witness 


672 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


in  cnso  tlio  nncesflity  for  extreme  ineaBurcR  Hlioiild  nriw),  the  Colonel  in- 
vited Mr.  liiHJinp  I'orldns,  ii  le{;al  Keiitlemnn  of  lii^ii  Htniiding  in  liiH  pro- 
feHsion  to  acconi|mny  iiiiii  to  Hrockvillc.  Ilo  iind  on  bonrdn  comjinnyof 
nljout  100  rogulars,  wlio  were  vvoll  sii|)p]ied  with  a  doulile  nnnduM'  of 
iniiskets  itnd  uninuinition  BiitFicieMt  for  the  occnHion.  The  stcnnierH  tooi{ 
up  n  |)0Hiti(in  alongside  the  ticliooiier,  nnd  nderniind  for  die  reMtorntion  of 
the  gun  wn8  sent.  The  wlmrveH  and  block  Iioiiko  were  densely  crowded 
with  an  excited  und  fnrioiis  mob,  many  of  whom  were  armed,  and  all  of 
tiicm  partaking  of  the  excitement  which  the  occasion  called  forth.  The 
civil  authorities  endeavored  to  procure  the  restoration  of  tlie  piece,  but 
found  themselves  incaj)ai)le  of  |)erHuading  or  compelling  the  rabble  to 
surrender  it  ()uictly.  Ilud  any  of  the  crowd  on  shore  in  the  exitement  of 
the  moment  tired  upon  the  steamer,  there  is  little  reason  to  doul)t  but 
that  the  fire  woidd  have  been  promptly  returned  by  the  regulars  on  board 
the  Oneida,  and  the  ofFect  upon  the  crowded  masses  upon  the  wharves 
must  have  been  signally  fatal.  IMatt(!rs  thus  remained  several  hours, 
during  wliicli  a  collision  was  momentarily  expected.  At  4  p.  m.,  a  steamer 
from  Kingston,  with  British  regulars  arrived,  which  had  been  sent  for  by 
the  magistrates  of  the  town,  with  the  aid  of  which  several  of  the  ring 
leaders  of  the  mob  were  arrested  and  lodged  in  the  guardhouse.  Having 
waited  sufficiently  long.  Col.  Worth  notified  the  authorities  for  the  last  time 
that  the  cannon  must  be  instantly  returned,  which  was  done  with  the 
utmost  haste,  and  the  prize  was  released.  Col,  Worth  expressid  the 
opinion  that  the  civil  magistrates  evinced  commendable  zeal  in  their  ef- 
forts to  restore  order  and  recover  the  cannon,  but  the  utmost  insolence 
was  shown  by  the  rabble  towards  the  beaicrs  of  messages  from  Colonel 
Worth.  The  tidings  of  this  event  brought  his  excellency  Governor  Sir 
George  Arthur,  to  Brockville,  where  he  was  presented  an  address  signed 
by  2G6  persons,  as  un  attempted  justification  for  the  recent  outrage.  I'liey 
protested  against  the  manner  in  which  the  gun  had  been  given  up  at  the 
demand  enforced  by  the  presence  of  an  armed  steamer  in  their  harbor, 
and  declared  that  they  submitted  only  through  the  improper  interference 
of  some  of  his  excellency's  prominenl  and  courageous  officials  in  civil 
authority.  In  his  reply  the  governor  admitted  that  the  seizure  was  illegal, 
and  regretted  that  greater  caution  had  not  been  exercised  before  that  act. 
The  step  once  taken  he  regretted  that  the  seizure  was  abandoned  without 
due  authority,  and  more  especially  under  the  circumstances,  although  he 
admitted  that  some  magistrates  had  acted  with  honest  zeal  and  from  a 
sense  of  public  duty  to  advise  the  measure.  He  declared  the  seizure  and 
firing  of  the  cannon  nf\er  it  had  been  taken  by  the  revenue  officer,  was  a 
lawless  proceeding,  and  regretted  that  personal  abuse  had  been  offered 
to  the  foreign  officers  who  had  entered  the  country  on  public  duty.  It  is 
due  to  the  Canadian  press  and  the  more  considerate  i)ortion  of  the  in- 
habitants, that  they  mostly  denounced  the  seizure  as  wholly  unjustified. 
The  collector  of  Brockville  was  removed  from  office  by  Governor 
Arthur. 

On  Tuesday,  June  25,  1839,  a  party  from  Prescott  attempted  to  abduct 
a  deserter  from  Ogdensburgh,  but  their  plans  being  discovered,  the  gang 
was  surrounded  by  a  large  concourse  of  people,  covered  with  tar,  and 
marched  back  to  their  boat  under  an  armed  guard.  The  leader  of  the 
gang  was  said  to  have  committed  suicide  the  next  day.  The  British 
steamers  commenced  touching  at  Ogdensburgh  in  thelatterpart  of  June, 
and  were  well  received.  It  was  hoped  tliat  a  renewal  of  fiiendly  inter- 
course would  do  much  to  allay  the  animosity  existing  between  tlie  border 
inhabitants  of  the  two  nations. 

As  the  American  steam  packet  St.  Laierence,  was  passing  down  on  her 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


673 


n 


regular  trip  on  tlio  4fli  of  Aii^iiHt,  IHHl),  hIio  wns  fired  upon  hy  nri  nrincid 
BriliHli  Hclioonor  lyinjr  in  tlio  wtroiun  opposite  Hrockvillc.  Tiie  pnrtieiiliirs 
of  this  infiuMOUH  oulnigo  committed  not  hy  (i  hiwIesH  rnbhie,  hiit  Ity  ii 
government  vessel,  hecnine  tiie  Bul>j(!Ct  of  n  eornispotulence  lietwe«)n  the 
otTicers  of  tlie  two  gov(;rnmonts  in  (  unmiind  of  the  navid  and  military 
forces  alonf5  the  frontier,  a  copy  of  which  is  before  us.  It  appears  that 
the  steamer  having  numbers  of  passengers  of  both  sexes  was  passing  at 
about  5  p.  M.,  when  on  aiiproaching  Ilcr  Majesty's  armed  schooner  Mont- 
rgal,  she  was  hailed  and  ordered  to  show  'ler  colors,  which  l)einc  disre- 
garded, several  musket  balls  were  fired  uy  order  of  W.  N.  Fowell,  com- 
mander. Tliis  being  conmnniicated  to  Col.  Worth,  an  explanation  wns 
demanded,  and  the  act  wns  feebly  attempted  to  be  justified  on  the  ground 
that  they  were  afraid  the  steamer  contained  Patriots,  that  thoy  wanted  to 
know  to  what  nation  it  Ijelonged,  &c.  &c.  These  frivolous  tixcu^ies, 
some  of  which  would  have  been  applicable  on  the  high  seas,  when  ap- 
plied to  the  St.  Lawrence,  became  extremely  ridiculous. 

On  the  10th  of  August,  1840,  Gen.  Scott  arrived  at  Ogdensburgh,  in  the 
Telegraph  steamer,  then  in  the  service  of  government,  lie  was  on  his 
way  to  Plattsburgh. 

The  continuance  of  secret  lodges  for  the  agitation  of  the  Patriot  ques- 
tion, led  President  Tyler  to  issue  a  proclamation  September."},  1841,  call- 
ing upon  all  good  citizens  to  discountenance  them  as  tending  to  evil  con 
Becjuences. 

The  following  is  a  list,  as  nearly  as  could  be  procured,  of  the  prisoners  taken 
at  the  wind  mill,  and  tried  at  Kingston, 

The  following  notes  and  abbreviations  are  used:  g.,  plead  guilty;  n.  g., 
plead  not  guilty;  /.,  transported  to  Van  Dieman's  Land;  L,  hung  at  Fort 
Ilemy;  a.,  acquitted;  w.,  wounded  in  the  battle;  r.,  released  without 
trial ;  p.,  pardoned.  Numerals  denote  the  ages  of  prisoners.  All,  except 
those  m  italics,  were  sentenced  to  bo  hung. 

Dorephus  Abbey,  47  (Watertown),  7i.  jj-., /«.  Dec.  12;  Philip  Alger,  23 
(Bents,  N.  Y.),  tv,  r.;  Charles  Allen,  p.;  David  Allen,  24  (Volney), /. ; 
Duncan  Anderson,  48  (Livingston  co.),  h.  Jan.  4;  Oliver  Jluhre  (L.  C.),  lo. 
r.;  Samuel  Austin  (Alexandria,  N.  Y.),p.;  Thomas  Baker  (Winder,  N. 
Y.),  /. ;  Iliram  W.  Barlow,  19  (St.  L.  co.),  p.;  Rouse  Bennett,  17  (Herk. 
CO.), p.;  Ernest  Berentz  (Poland,  Europe),  p.;  John  Berry,  40  (Columbia 
CO.),  t. ;  Orlin  Blodgct,  23  (Jeff,  co.),  g.  t. ;  Geo.  Bloudcau,  19  (Canada), 
p.;  John  Bradley,  30  (Ireland),  f. ;  John  A.  Brewster  (Henderson,  N.Y.j, 
p.;  Chas.  S.  Brown  (Oswego  co.),  p.;  Geo.  T.  Brown,  23  (Le  Ray,  N. 
Y.),n.g.,t.;  /?/-om%  (died  of  wounds  in  hospital);  Christo[)her  Buckley 
(Onondaga  co.),  h.  Jan.  4;  Chauncey  Bugbee,  22  (JefF.  co.),  <.;  Hugh 
Calhoun  (Ireland),  t.;  Paschal  Cerventes  (Vt.),  p.;  Levi  Chipman,  r.  July 
29;  Truman  Chipman,  p.;  Cidver  S.  Clark,  19  (F.  co.),  p.;  Eli  Clark, 
(Oswego  CO.);?.  on  account  of  age  and  infirmities;  Robt.  G.  Collins,  34 
(Og'h),  t. ;  Pliilip  Condrat  (Germany),  p. ;  Hiram  Conltman,  19  (Jeff,  co.), 
w.r.;  Peter  Cranker,  IJ)  ( Jeff,  co.),  p.;  John  Cronkheit  (Otsego  co.),  t.; 
Chas.  Crossman  (Jeff,  co.),  p.;  Jas.  Cummings  (Canada),  r.  on  account  of 
insanity ;  Lysander  Curtis,  33  (Og'h),  w.,  t.  (cHed  in  V.  D.'s  Land) ;  Luther 
Darby,  <.;  Leonard  Delino,  25  (Jeff,  co.),  <.;  Wm.  Denio,  18  (Lc  Ray), 
g.p.;  Joseph  Dodge  (Mont.  CO.),  p.;  Aaron  Dresser,  Jr.,  22  (Alexandria, 
N.  Y.),  t.  (released  in  1843);  Joseph  Drummond  (Oswego  co.),  p. ;  David 
Dufeld,  22  (U.  C.)  p. ;  Moses  A.  Dutcher  (Dexter,  N.  Y.),  t ;  John  Elmore 
(Jeff.  CO.),  p. ;  Shelah  Evans,  35  (Jeff*,  co.),  r. ;  Ebon  Fellows, g.,  t. ;  David 
i\"e/t/ (Granby,  N.  Y.);  Lorenzo  F.  Finneij,2l  (Watertown)  iv.;  Michael 
Friar,  23,  f. ;  Francis  Gngnion,  18  (Canada),  p.;  Emanuel  Garrison  (Vt.)  , 


tl  i' 


Ih 


f  . 


674 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


t.;  Wm.  Gates  (Lyme,  N.  Y.)  t. ;  Dnniel  George  (Lyme),  h.  Dec.  12  (pny- 
master);  John  Gilman,  <.;  Cornelius  Goodrich,  (Salina,  N.  Y.),  p.  7  y'rs 
penitentiary;  Giflem  A.  Goodricii  (Mass.)  <.;  Price  Gould,  21  (Jeff,  co.), 
p.;  John  Grm^ea  (Plattshin-fih),  r?  Jerry  Griggs  (Ct.),  /. ;  Nelson  J.  Griggs 
(Onon.  CO.)  L;  Hiram  Hall,  1.5  (Jeff,  co.),  7  y'rs  pen'ry,  p.;  Jacques  Herod 
(France),  w.,  r. ;  Garret  Hicks,  27  (Jeff,  co.),  <.;  Edward  Holmes  (Syra- 
cuse), p.;  Chas.  Ilovey  (Lyme),  p. ;  David  Houth,  24, /.;  Daniel  D.  Hns- 
tace,  27  (Watertovvn),"  <.;  Jas.  Ingles  (Scotland),  L;  Henry  Jantzen,  29 
(Ger.),  p.;  John  M.  Jones  (Phil.,  N.  Y.),  p. ;  Geo.  H.  Kemble,  18  (Brovvn- 
ville),  to.,  p.;  John  O.  Koinski  (Cracow,  Poland),  p.;  Hiram  Kinney,  20 
(Onon.),  p. ;  Oliver  Lanton  (Alb.),  p. ;  Sylvester  A.  Lanton,  23  (Lyme),  h. 
Jan.  4.;  Andrew  Leeper,  42  (Jeff,  co.),  t.;  Joseph  Lee,  21  (Oswego),  p.; 
Joseph  Lefort,  19  (Cape  Vincent),  /. ;  Lyman  N.  Lewis,  n.g.;  Daniel 
Liscomb  (Li',rie), /. ;  Samuel  Livingston  {L\ahnn,N.Y.],  r.;  Hiram  Loop, 
26  (Oswego  CO.)  n.  g.,t.;  Foster  Martin  (Ox  How),/.;  J.  II.  Martin, /'.; 
Calvin  Mathers  (Salina),  <.;  Chauncey  Mathers,  24  (Onon.  co.),  <.;  FrecTk 
Meals,  21  (serv't  of  Von  Schaltz,  w.,  died  of  wounds);  Jllonzo  Mignoteth, 
r?  Phares  Miller  (Watertown),  p.;  Justus  Meriam,  17  (S.  H.),  r.;  John 
Marrisot,  26  (Canada),  w.,t.;  Andrew  Moore,  26  (Malta,  N.  Y.),w.,f.; 
Peter  Meyer  (Syraci:se),  r. ;  Sebastian  Meyer,  21  (Bavarian),  p.;  Joseph 
JVorris,  a.;  JFm.  0\Yeil,  .38  (Alex.),  n.  g.,  a.;  Alson  Owen,  24  (Osweiio), 
t.  (died  in  V.  D.'s  Land);  Jacoh  Puddo'/i.  17  (Jeff,  co.),  t. ;  Joel  Peeler,  oO, 
n.g.,  h.,  Dec. 22;  Lawton  S.  Peck, 20  (1  ff.co.);;.;  Ethel  Penny,  18(.Ieff. 
CO.),  p.;  Kiisscli  Phelps  (Watertown),  h  Jan. 4;  Jas. Pierce  (Oneida  co.), 
t. ;  Ira  Polly  (Jeff,  co.),  /.;  Lorenzo  Phinruy,  w.,  r. ;  D.  S.  Powers,  (Brown- 
vill(');  Gnius  Powers,  r,;  Asa  Priest,  43  (Aubin-n),  w.,  t  (died  iu  V.  D.'s 
Land);  Jacob  Putnam,  19  (M.  co.),  p. ;  Levi  Putnam,  21  (do),  p.;  Timo- 
thy P.  Uansom,  21  (Alex.), p.;  Solomon  Reynolds  (Salina),  I'. ;  William 
Reynolds  (Orleans),  t.;  J.  B.  Razeau  (L.  C.),  r.,  very  young;  Asa  IT. 
Richardson, 23 (Oswego),  t. ,  Andrew  Richardson  (Rossie), p. ;  Lawrence 
Riley,  43  (Vt.);  Edgar  .Rogers ;  Orsoji  Rogers,  23  (Jeff,  co.),  r. ;  Hiram 
Sharp  (Onon.  CO.),  <.,•  Henry  Shaw,  /. ;  Truman  Shipman  (Alorristown); 
Andrew  Smith,  21,  p.;  Chas.  Smith  (Lyme),  p.;  Owen  W.  Smith,  26 
(Watertown),  /.  ,•  Price  Senter,  18  (Ohio),  n.  g.,  p. ;  Jas.  L.  Snow,  21  (Os, 
CO.),  r. ;  Wm.  Stebbins,  18  (Jeff.  co.).  p.;  Joseph  Stewart, 25  (Mifflin  co.. 
Pa.),  /.;  Tho's  Stockton,  26  (Felt's  Mills),  /.,-  John  G.  Swanberg  (Alex., 
N.  Y.),  f. ;  Dennis  Suete  (do.),  n.  g-.,  <. ;  Sylvanus  Sweet,  21,  g".,  A.  Dec. 
22;  Giles  Thomas,  34  (Onon.  co.),  w.,  r.;  John  Thomas,  26  (Madrid,  N. 
Y.),  t.;  John  Thompson  (Eng.),  p. ;  Abner  Townsend,  17  (.leff.  co.),  g. 
p.;  Nelson  Truax,  20  (Antwerjt);  Oliver  Tucker,  17,  n.g.,  p.;  Geo.  Van 
Aribler,  17  (J?ff.  co.),p.;  Cha's  Van  Warner,  21  (Ellisbingh),  p.;  Mar- 
tin Van  Sliike  (Watertown),  a.;  Hunter  C.  Vaughan,  19  (.-i.  liar.),  p  (tiom 
intercession  of  father) ;  Nils  Szolten-ky  Von  Schoultz  (general),  g.,  h. 
Dec.  18;  Joseph  Wagner  (Salina),p.;  Saul  Washburn  (VVarrcn  co.),  t.; 
Simeon  II.  Webster,  p.;  James  M.  fVheelock,  22  (Jeff,  co.),  iv. ;  Patrick 
White,  22  (Irish),  t.-,  Riley  Whitney  (Vt.),/.;  Nathan  Whitney  (Ct.),  L; 
Hosea  C.  Wilkie  (Orleans,  N.  Y.),  p.;  Cha's  Wilson,  p.;  E^dward  A. 
Wilson,  23  (Pompey),/.;  Samjison  Wiley  (Watertown),/?.;  Cha's  Wood- 
ruff, 19  (Salina),^-.,  p.;  Marti,  Woodruff,  24  (Onon.  co.),  h.  Dec.  19; 
Beman  Woodbury,  24  (Cayuga  co.),  w., /. ;  Wm.  Woolcot,20  (M.  co.),w., 
p.;  Stephen  S.  Wright,  23  (Denmark),/.,  released  1843. 

All  of  those  wlio  were  transported  were  after  several  years  j)ardoned, 
and  niost  have  since  returned.  While  detained  in  the  penal  colonies, 
they  suffered  incredible  hardships,  and  numbers  of  th-im  dieil.  Those 
who  survived,  mostly  came  back  with  impaired  constitutions  from  pri- 
vations, and  the  hard  labor  to  which  they  had  been  subjected. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


675 


■yH 


CHAPTER  XI. 


GEOLOGY,  MINERALOGY,  METEOROLOGY,  &c. 

'E  have  extended  the  foregoing  chapters,  so  that  the  present 
must  be  necessarily  concise  From  the  map,  opposite  page 
467,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  southern  part  of  tliese  counties  is 
und«^rlaid  by  ;>nman/ rocit,  as  the  oldest,  formed  of  rocity 
masE^es,  arc  designated  by  geologists.  It  is  made  up  of  a  mixture  of 
simple  minerals,  which  often  show  in  the  structure  and  mode  of  ar- 
rangement, that  they  have  been  at  some  period  subjected  to  the  ac- 
tion of  htai.  Tlie  constituents  of  these  primitive  rocks,  are  generally 
quartz,  hornblende,  and  feldspar,  arranged  in  irregular  and  often  very 
tortuous  strata  or  layers,  which  are  generally  Iiighly  inclined.  This  pecu- 
liar mixture  and  .irrangement  of  simple  minerals  is  denominated  gndss 
rock.  When  stratification  is  waiting,  it  becomes  sienite,  and  when  mira 
takes  the  place  of  hornblend'?  it  is  called  granite.  A  great  variety  of 
minerals  occur  in  gneiss  rock  in  certain  localities,  and  it  is  a  valuable  re- 
pository of  lead  and  iron  ores.  In  some  places  simple  minerals  occur  in 
large  quantities,  to  the  exclusion  of  everything  else,  as  serpentine,  lime- 
stone, &c.,  which  of  themselves  often  become  rock  formations.  The 
boundaries  of  the  gneiss  rock  are  very  nearly  as  follows.  They  consti- 
tute the  Thousand  islands,  the  last  of  which  lie  before  Morristown, 
although  both  shores  of  the  St.  Lawrence  are  here  composed  of  newer 
rock.  A  narrow  strip  of  this  rock  extends  from  Chippewa  bay,  up  the 
valley  of  the  creek  of  that  name,  two  or  three  miles,  being  bounded  on 
each  side  by  a  founation,  which  geologists  have  named  Poisdam  sand- 
stone, of  which  a  further  account  will  be  given  hereafter.  The  gneiss 
rock  next  enters  the  county  from  Jefferson,  near  the  line  of  the  military 
road  in  Hammond,  and  its  northern  margin  runs  nearly  in  a  direct  line 
to  Black  lake,  and  forms  all  the  islands  in  that  water,  although  the  north 
shore  is  sandstone.  It  leaves  the  lake  in  Depeyster,  and  runs  across  that 
town,  Dc  Kalb  and  Canton,  leaving  the  most  of  these  towns  underlaid 
by  gneiss,  and  passes  across  a  small  part  of  Potsdam  into  Parishville 
av\  the  southern  part  of  the  settlements  in  Hopkinlon,  and  thence 
throtigli  township  No.  7,  8,  and  9,  of  Franklin  county,  and  the  northern 
edge  of  Bellmont.  With  small  exceptions  to  be  mentioned,  near  Somer- 
ville,  the  whole  of  the  country  south  of  this  line  is  primary,  and  to  this 
region  metalic  ores,  except  bog  ores,  must  be  neces&arily  limited.  At 
the  village  of  Potsdam,  the  same  lock  comes  up  to  the  surface,  like  an 
island  in  the  midst  of  sandstone,  and  at  other  places  the  same  thing  is 
observed.  However  irregular  the  strata  of  gneiss  may  be,  they  will  gen- 
erally be  found  to  dip,  or  slope  down  towards  the  north,  which  explains 
a  remark  made  by  Mr.  Wright  in  liis  aarly  surveys,  that  the  mountains 
[like  all  in  the  southern  forest]  afford  very  good  land  on  the  north  side, 
and  gradually  descending,  but  on  the  south  side  have  high  perpendicular 
ledges." 


11' 


(■'   '  • 


% 


676 


HISTORY    OP   ST    LAWRENCE 


?;  . 


The  extensive  forest  of  northern  New  York,  is  iniderlaid  entirely  by  pri- 
mary rorK,  which  seems  to  linve  iteen  thrust  iij)  throiifrli  newer  formations, 
that  sn>  round  it.  In  some  places,  tlie  hitter  are  tin-own  into  an  inchned 
position  hy  tiiis  intruded  mass.  Gneiss  rock  has  hut  f(!W  nsefid  applica- 
tions. In  early  times  (and  still  lor  coarse  firindin;;),  it  was  used  for 
millstmes,  nftd  in  some  places  it  occin-s  suitable  (iir  buildinj:,  but  is  pener- 
nlly  too  hard  to  be  wroii<,'ht  with  profit.  In  the  south  part  of  Canton,  a 
very  fine  <;raint'd  and  diu'able  variety  occurs,  which  has  a  imiform  j;rey 
ci)lor  and  close  texture,  that  reconuiiends  it  where  itermnnence  is  re- 
quired. Towards  the  western  |)art  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  white  lime- 
stone is  of  connnon  occurrence  with  this  formation,  and  it  has  given 
rise  to  nuich  discussion,  whether  the  limestone  be  jtrimitive  and  coiivnl 
with  the  gneiss,  or  whether  it  be  a  later  deposite,  altered  by  heat.  As 
this  inquiry  would  be  out  of  place  in  this  work  it  will  be  omitted.  One 
fact  is  well  established,  viz:  that  the  white  limestone  underlies  the  sand- 
stone, and  many  instances  of  this  occur  in  llossie,  Antwerjt,  &c.  In 
some  cases  there  is  a  relative  position  between  limestone  and  granite 
that  strongly  indicates  the  primitive  character  of  the  fi)rmer,  of  which 
Prof.  Emmons  has  figured,  one  near  llailesboro,  which  we  give  in 
figure  8,  opposite  page  ti84,  in  which  a  is  limestone,  anci  h  granite. 
Another  cxamitle  is  given  below,  in  which  a  is  a  limestone,  with  a  wavy 
structure,  and  b  granite.    This  locality  is  in  Lyndhurst,  Canada. 


SI* 

f 


This  limestone  iins  been  used  to  some  extent  as  a  marble,  and  mills 
for  sawing  it  lave  existed  m  Kossie  and  Fowler,  but  it6  coarse  crystaline 
texture  impairs  its  value,  except  fc  the  more  massive  kinds  of  archi- 
tecture. For  the  mannfiicture  of  lime,  however,  there  is  probably  no- 
where in  tlie  world  a  material  that  will  surpass  this.  It  is  generally  in 
tiiis  rock,  or  along  the  line  of  junction  with  the  gneiss,  that  the  more 
splenilid  varieties  of  minerals  occur,  that  are  so  eagerly  sought  Ity  col- 
lectors. Limestone  is  rare  in  the  primary  rock  of  Fraidifm  county;  it, 
however  occurs  in  township  No.  1).  In  agricultural  capabilities,  the  soil 
underlaid  by  primary  rock  varies  in  quality,  and  seems  to  be  in  a  mea- 
sure, dependent  upon  the  i)revalence  of  limestone,  and  the  nature  and 
amount  of  the  loose  drilled  materials  that  overlie  it.  It  has  been  gen- 
erally conceded  by  geologists,  that  these  transported  materials,  which  in 
many  instances  constitute  the  soil,  and  inodily  to  a  great  degree  its  agri- 


! 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


677 


pive  III 


ciilturnl  capabilities,  are  derived  from  localities  north  of  tlie  j)lace  tliey 
now  occupy.  Tiio  northern  hordcr  of  the  stute,  and  for  a  (?r(iat  distance 
into  Cana(la,  is  iinderinid  by  rocks  of  a  more  recent  period,  in  which 
Jime  is  an  important  ingredient,  and  these  f^'wa  ciiaracter  to  the  soil  for 
a  considerable  distance  south,  which  can  scarcely  be  said  to  «liffbr  fioni 
that  innnediately  above  tJKMn.  The  surface  of  the  primary,  is  {generally 
more  or  less  broken  by  ridges  of  rock,  often  rising  but  little  above  the 
surface.  These  ridges  have  a  ]»n!vaiiing  direction  of  n.  k.  and  s.  w.,  which 
gives  to  the  rivers,  tributary  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  their  general  course, 
and  occasions  the  remarkable  flexures,  so  strikingly  noticed  in  the  Os- 
wegateine  and  Indian  rivers,  which  How  in  i.atural  valleys  for  a  con- 
sideral)le  <listance  between  ridges  of  gneiss.  Towards  the  southern 
borders  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  the  upheavals  become  of  greater  alti- 
tude, and  as  we  go  into  tiie  eastern  part  of  this,  and  eoutiiern  part  of 
Franklin  county,  they  attain  the  altitude  of  mountains,  which  in  Kssex, 
becotne  the  highest  east  of  the  Mississippi  river.  These  bald  and  sterile 
peaks,  supjtort  hut  a  scanty  vegetation,  and  overlook  inmnnerahle  ponds 
and  lanes,  with  fertile  intervales;  but  thousands  of  acres  will  be  found 
wholly  unfit  for  tillage)  and  of  no  value  beyond  the  timber  on  the  sur- 
face, or  the  iron  ores  beneath  it.  These  lauds  form  an  elevated  plateau, 
liable  to  late  spring  a.id  early  aiituninal  frosts,  but  adapted  to  grazing, 
the  uplands  affording  pasturage,  and  the  intervales  meadows.  Of  min- 
erals interesting  to  the  collector  it  has  none,  but  it  abounds  in  iron  ores, 
which  will  hereafter  employ  the  inilustryof  great  numbers,  as  it  unites 
the  throe  essentials  of  ore,  \- ater  jiower,  and  fuel,  to  which,  in  a  great 
degree,  has  been  added  in  the  Northern  Kail  road,  an  access  to  market. 
From  an  elevation  of  1(!00  feet,  the  surface  uniformly  descends  to  the 
St.  Lawrence,  and  in  Franklin  county,  from  the  greater  elevation,  the 
descent  is  more  perceptible,  so  that  tiom  almost  any  prominent  point, 
the  lower  country  north  may  be  overlooked  to  a  great  extent,  and  the 
majestic  St.  Lawrence  reduced  to  a  silver  line  in  the  blue  distance,  with  the 
Canadian  villages  dotted  here  and  there,  and  the  obscure  outline  of 
northern  mountains,  fiiintly  appearing  on  the  horizon,  give  a  peculiar 
beauty  to  the  landscape.  Lying  directly  upon  the  gneiss,  or  in  some 
instances  upon  the  limestone,  is  a  rock  which  presents  a  great  variety  of 
structure,  called  by  geologists,  Potsdam  sandstone,  from  its  great  abun- 
dance above  that  village,  and  its  remarkable  adaptation  for  building 
purposes  which  it  there  exhibits. 

Perhiips  no  material  in  the  world  will  surpass  in  cheapness,  elegance, 
and  durability,  the  Potsdam  sandstone,  where  it  occurs  in  even-bedded 
^trtita,  as  in  the  towns  of  I'otsdtun,  Canton,  Stockholm,  Malone,  &c. 
The  sliar(iness  of  outline  which  it  preserves  in  localities  where  it  has 
been  exposed  to  the  weather  for  centuries,  indicate  its  durability,  and 
being  comjiosed  of  nearly  [iiire  silex,  occasionally  tinged  with  iron,  it 
affords  none  of  the  constituents  which  nourish  parasitical  mosses, 
Walls  niiide  ot'  this  stone  never  present  the  mouldy,  decaying  appear- 
ance, common  to  walls  of  litnestone  in  damp  situations.  At  the  (piar- 
ries  of  this  stone  in  Potsdam  and  Malone,  wliicli  at  the  latter  place,  has 
become  a  regular  liiisinoss  for  exportation,  it  cleaves  into  slabs,  three  or 
lour  inches  thick,  and  several  l<;et  in  length,  and  when  first  exposed  to 
the  air,  it  readily  breaks  when  hiid  over  a  straight  edge,  with  carefully 

*(1n  tlie  lliglit  !of  Sir  Joliu  Joliiisim,  niemioned  on  piifre  123,  it  ii  suid.  that  us  lie  passed 
down  llie  ]{a(|iiellf,  lie  iiulioed  llie  J'otsUain  iamlstoae  piled  up  si  lieniuil'ul  regularily  liy  im. 
lure  willi  all  llic  syrTiiiiuliy  ol' art,  aloiijr  us  biiiiks,  and  predicted  tliatn  city  ivould  be  built 
tome  day  in  the  vicinity  of  that  Hone.  fttor«  ttinu  lliiHy  year*  afterwards  lie  enquired  of  one 
irom  that  pluee  at  Montreal,  if  any  use  had  tieen  made  of  tliatslone  ledge. 


I  !■  A 


Iln 


iv 


-.^ 


678 


HISTORY   OF     ST.   LAWRENCE 


repeated  blows  of  a  stone  hammer  into  pieces  of  any  desirable  length, 
or  breadth  with  the  greatest  freedom.  Exposure  to  the  air  hardens  it  in 
a  little  time,  and  it  thenceforth  is  fitted  for  any  purpose  of  paving,  or  the 
walls  of  buildings,  for  which  uses  it  is  unsurpassed.  Walls  laid  with 
alternate  courses  of  broad  and  narrow  stone,  present  a  very  neat  and 
substantial  appearance. 

The  sandstone  enters  Rossie  from  Jefferson  county,  between  the  Os- 
wcgatchic  and  the  iron  mines,  and  runs  across  that  town  about  two  miles 
into  Gouverneur.    The  first  continuous  mass  of  sandstone  enters  from 
Jefferson  cotmty  in  a  bold  escarpment,  and  forms  a  terrace  overloid  by  a 
sou  of  much  fertility,  and  is  generally  quite  level,  except  where  accumu- 
lations of  drifted  materials  occur,  or  valleys  have  been  worn  along  the 
courses  of  existing  streams.    The  south  margin  of  this  rock  conforms  to 
the  course  we  have  traced  a?  the  boimdary  of  the  gneiss,  and  it  under- 
lies some  of  the  most  valuable  farming  lands  of  Northern  New  York. 
A  feature  will  be  observed  in  the  district  underlaid  by  the  sandstone, 
which  is  quite  general,  and  is  due  to  the  little  liability  to  disintegration 
which  it  exhibits,  namely:  the  absence  of  gentle  swells  and  sloping  de- 
clivities.    Wherever  valleys  occur,  their  margins  are  usually  bounded  by 
abrupt  precipices  of  naked  rock,  and  where  deep  ravines  have  been 
wrought  by  running  streams,  as  at  the  falls  on  the  Chateaugay  river,  the 
banks  |)rcsent  bold  projecting  and  overhanging  clilTs,  vvitli  intervening 
spaces,  where  from  frost  or  running  streams  portions  have  been  thrown 
down  or  swept  away,  leaving  detached  and  almost  isolated  masses  stand- 
ing.   In  Hammond,  instances  occur  in  which  outstanding  masses  of  this 
rock,  of  the  same  height  as  the  main  body,  but  separated  from  it,  often 
occurs.     In  texture,  the  sandstone  differs  greatly,  being  at  times  fine 
grained  and  uniforndy  stratified,  as  at  all  thequarries  whereit  is  wrought, 
and  at  times  made  up  of  angular  or  rounded  masses  of  various  sizes,  ce- 
mented together,  with  little  symmetry  or  appearance  of  stratification.    It 
is  among  the  last  of  these  that  several  curious  instances  of  structure 
exist,  which  indicate  in  themselves  some  of  the  causes  that  must  have 
operated  when  the  deposits  Were  going  on.     Ripple  marks  are  of  com- 
mon occurrence,  proving  that  they  formed  the  shores  of  ancient  seas,  by 
which  the  sands  were  thrown  into  slight  undulating  ridges,  exactly  as  is 
seen  on  the  borders  of  existing  waters.    In  some  places  the  rock  is  maut, 
up  of  balls,  having  a  concentric  structure  like  the  coats  of  an   onion, 
usually  with  a  pebble  as  a  nucleus,  as  if  they  had  been  formed  by  rolling 
over  tlie  surface,  receiving  an  addition  from  the  adhesion  of  sand,  as  we 
sometimes  see  snow  balls  rolled  up  by  the  wind  on  the  sinface  of  snow. 
In  the  vicinity  of  the  iron  mines  of  Rossie,  this  si)heroidal  structure  ii 
very  common,  and  makes  up  tiie  whole  rock.     They  are  of  al!  sizes,  from 
n  pea  to  an  orange.     But  perhaps  there  is  no  structure,  either  of  this  or 
of  any  rock,  more  worthy  of  study  than  the  remarkable  cylindrical  strati- 
fication frequently  observed  in  Rossie,   Antwerp,  Theresa,  &c.     These 
cylinders  are  vertical,  and  of  all  diameters,  from  two  inches  up  to  twenty 
feet  or  more,  and  their  section  where  exposed  to  the  surface,  shows  them 
to  be  made  of  concentric  strata  of  sand  of  different  colors  and  degrees 
of  fineness,  firmly  consolidated  and  capable  of  being  detached,  when 
they  present  to  the  casual  observer  the  appearance  of  huge  logs  of  wood, 
and  has  led  to  their  being  called  "  petrified  logs."    As  the  kind  of  rock 
in  which  they  occur  does  not  possess  cleavage,  it  is  seldom  quarried,  and 
opportunities  have  not  been  found  to  learn  the  depth  to  which  they  de- 
scend.   From  what  the  author  has  seen,  he  infers  that  they  are  some- 
what conical,  and  probably  run  out  at  no  great  depth.     This  sandstone 


M5     1 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


679 


contains  but  few  evidences  of  organic  existence,  tlieso  being  limited  to 
obscure  fucoids  and  one  or  two  bivalve  shells.  At  times  the  ri|)plp 
marks  have  been  seen  much  like  sea  weeds  in  their  arru.igement,  and  the 
fracture  and  cleavage  of  the  stone  near  Potsdam,  has  at  times  shown  a 
moss  like  ramification,  which  may  be  duo  to  manganese.  The  cylinders 
nt  times  encroach  upon  ':iich  other,  the  last  formed  being  perfect,  while 
the  older  one  has  its  st/atification  interrupted  by  the  other.  No  rational 
theory  has  occurred  to  us  by  which  this  wonderful  structure  could  be 
explained,  tlinnUuU  they  tvere  formed  by  vortices  or  whirlpools  playing  upon 
the  surface  of  water,  and  imparting  their  gyratory  motions  to  the  mobile  sands 
of  Uie  bottom,  ivhich  gave  the  circular  arrangement  noticed,  and  ivhieh  has 
since  become  consolidated  and  rfmains. 

The  book  of  nature  is  ever  open  to  give  instruction,  and  may  be  read  by 
all.  In  every  department  of  the  world  around  us, maybe  seen  sufficient 
to  call  forth  the  admiration  and  fix  the  attention  of  the  humble  observer, 
who  sees  in  the  least  and  most  casual  occurrences,  the  operations  of 
causes  which  may  have  operated  at  an  exceedingly  remote  period,  but 
which  have  written  their  history  in  characters  more  enduring  than  hu- 
man monuments.  The  fancy  would  become  weary  in  traveling  back 
through  the  long  period  that  has  elaj)sed,  since  the  surface  of  the  ancient 
ocean  that  once  evidently  overspread  this  country,  may  have  ebbed  and 
flowed,  obedient  then  as  now,  to  i)hysical  laws  which  change  not.  The 
winds  i)layed  upon  the  surface,  and  sent  their  waves  to  ripple  along  the 
shores,  and  the  tinny  vortex,  formed  by  conflicting  currents,  spun  then  as 
now,  and  recorded  its  history  in  the  sands  beneath! 

The  Potsdam  sandstone  is  bordered  along  tiie  St.  Lawrence,  and  ex- 
tending back  a  faw  miles  by  the  calciferous  sandstone,  which  presents  at 
many  places  near  Ogdenshurgli,  definite  fossil  remains,  which  are  how- 
ever limited  to  a  few  species.  Among  these  are  many  obscure  masses, 
with  a  texture  that  indicates  them  to  have  been  sponges,  or  the  lower 
orders  of  zoophytes,  which  have  never  been  studied  with  tiie  view  of 
scientific  interest.  In  an  economical  point  of  view  this  rock  is  of  im[)ort- 
ancc,  both  as  o  building  stone  and  as  material  for  lime,  for  which,  how- 
ever, it  is  far  inferior  to  the  white  limestone  of  the  primary  region.  At 
Massena  and  at  Wadfliiijj;ton,  water  lime  has  been  manufactured  from  this 
ro(!k,  but  this  is  not  now  done.  The  above  enumerated  form  the  jirinci- 
pal  of  our  rock  formations,  but  over  them  all,  is  more  or  less  extensively 
and  very  unequally  spread  a  mass  of  soil,  sand,  clay,  and  boulders  of 
rock,  much  of  which  bears  evidence  of  having  been  drifted  by  agencies 
that  have  long  since  ceased  from  more  northern  localities,  and  deposited 
In  its  jiresent  form.  This  has  received  tiie  name  of  Drift,  and  its  study 
(brtns  one  of  the  most  instructive  de[)artments  of  practical  geology. 
Evidences  of  its  northern  origin,  may  be  found  in  our  ability  to  often 
trace  loose  masses  of  rock  to  the  parent  source,  and  es|)ecially  to  the 
polislu'd  and  scratched  surface  of  rocks  when  exposed,  which  bear  tes- 
timony ;o  tlie/rtc/  that  they  have  been  ground  and  furrowed  by  moving 
masses,  which  the  direction  of  the  scratches  certify  was  from  a  nortiierly 
quarter.  The  evidence  of  tiie  grinding  of  solid  bodies  moving  in  water, 
is  often  observed  along  streams  at  the  present  day.  Near  Cooper's  falls, 
in  De  Kalb,  is  a  cavity  of  several  feet  in  depth  which  has  been  worn  in 
this  way,  but  it  is  at  a  level  far  above  the  present  river;  and  in  the  gneiss 
rock,  near  the  Ox  Bow,  in  the  edge  of  JetFerson  county,  is  another 
example,  wliich  occurs  on  the  face  of  a  cliff  some  seventy  teet  in  height, 
and  is  of  so  remarkable  n.  natiue  as  to  have  attracted  general  curiosity. 
The  following  cut  is  Iwrr owed  from  Prof.  Emmons's  report  on  the  geology 


680 


HISTO    Y    OF     ST.  LAWRENCE 


of  the  2d  district,  und  correctly  represents  the  slinpe  of  the  cavity,  but 
not  the  imposing  heij^ht  and  grandeur  of  the  clifF. 


^  Pulpit  rock,  near  Ox  Boiv,  Jeffirson  count!/. 

The  pot  shaped  cavity  is  about  18  feet  deep  und  10  wide,  at  tlie  largest 
part.  It  derives  its  name  from  its  having  been  used  as  a  pulpit  on  sev- 
eral occasions  when  the  setdements  were  new.  In  one  Instaiice  a  Method- 
ist quarterly  meeting  is  said  to  have  been  held  at  the  foot  of  this  rock. 

In  De  Kalb  an  instance  is  observed,  in  which  the  strata  of  sandstone 
have  been  pressed  into  waves,  as  is  shown  in  fig.  3,  facing  page  704. 
This  locality  is  mentioned  by  Prof.  Emmons,  from  whose  report  these 
drawings  are  tlerived,  as  80  rods  nortii  of  De  Kalb  village.  At  another 
locality  the  strata  are  broken  n[),  as  shown  in  fig.  1,  opposite  page  684, 
which  proves  that  these  masses  have  lieen  subjected  to  motion  since 
ibrmed  and  consolidated.  Tortuous  strata  in  the  gneiss  are  extremely 
common,  but  nowhere  can  this  be  studied  with  better  advantage  than  on 
the  summit  of  the  hill  towards  Hammond,  in  the  village  of  Rossie. 

Accumulations  of  drift  are  of  common  occurrence  in  Rossie,  near 
Sprague's  Corners,  in  Hermon,  Pierrepont,  Parishville  and  Hopkinton, 
&c.  ;and  across  Franklin  county,  near  the  village  of  Malone,  they  are 
very  cons|ticuous.  Tiiese  hills  may  be  readily  known  by  their  smooth, 
rounded  outline.  In  the  above  instances,  no  prevailirig  direction  can  be 
noticed,  but  nearer  the  St.  Lawrence,  especially  in  the  lower  part  of  St. 
Lawrence  county,  continuous  ridges  crossing  the  river  obliquely,  may  be 
raced  considerable  distances.  In  some  cases,  the  surface  is  thickly 
8tu<lded  with  boidders,  which  have  been  noticed  in  continuous  trains  for 
iiulf  a  mile  or  more,  and  groups  of  these,  usually  of  similar  tnaterials,  are 
of  constant  occurrence. 


m 


W% 


«       '  ' 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


681 


Tliere  is  nhove  the  drift  still  another  formation,  consisting  of  sands 
and  clays,  and  containing  shells  unchanged  in  texture,  and  of  thc8j)eciet! 
now  living  in  the  Arctic  seas,  which  skirts  the  northern  border  of  the 
two  countries,  from  Ogdenslmrgh  eastward,  to  which,  from  its  extensive 
occurrence  in  the  valley  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  term  Laurentian  de- 
posit has  been  proposed.  It  exists  in  Canada  over  n  great  extent,  and 
also  in  the  valley  of  lake  Champlain.  The  rail  road  cutting  east  of 
Ogdensburgh,  was  through  this,  and  multitudes  of  the  fossil  shells  of 
species  named  by  naturalists,  Saxicava  rvgosa,  Tellina  granlmidica,  and 
perhaps  a  few  others  occur,  and  may  be  gathered  in  quantities.  The 
cluy  beds  at  Raymondville,  which  have  a  peculiar  columnar  structure, 
very  much  like  starch,  and  no  signs  of  stratification  whatever,  contain 
shells  of  the  same  species,  proving  that  they  belong  to  a  marine  forma- 
tion of  a  comparatively  very  recent  period.  The  clays  at  the  latter  i)lace 
are  overspread  for  miles  by  a  light  sandy  loam,  as  is  the  case  with  the 
clay  deposits  near  Albany  and  elsewhere.  Tliese  recent  fossils  occur 
in  ravines  throughout  a  considerable  part  of  the  northern  border  of 
Franklin  county.  Of  a  stilfmore  recent  period,  are  the  bog  ores  still 
forming  in  swatnps,  the  deposits  of  lime  from  a  few  springs,  and  the 
detritus  brought  down  by  rivers,  and  left  at  their  mouths,  of  which  the 
rush  bed,  at  the  mouth  of  the  Oswegatchie,  before  the  village  of  Ogdens- 
burgh, is  an  instance.. 

Among  the  remarkable  features  of  the  primary,  are  trap  dykes,  of 
which  many  very  interesting  instances  occur  in  Rossie,  especially  near 
Wegatchie,  and  metallic  veins.  As  it  is  designed  to  render  this  notice  of 
practical  utility,  many  subjects  of  a  theoretical  nature  will  be  passed. 
Of  metallic  veins,  Ihose  of  lead,  copper  and  zinc  are  the  principal,  and 
of  the  first  that  at  Rossie  is  preeminent.  Indefinite  reports  ot  lead, 
silver,  &c.,  based  upon  Indian  traditions,  were  common  among  the 
early  proprietors,  and  much  effort  was  made  to  discover  the  localities, 
among  which  one,  said  to  exist  near  the  sources  of  Grass  river,  was 
sought  after  At  Rossie,  lead  ore  occurs  in  several  veins,  which  descend 
nearly  vertical,  and  the  ores  are  associated  with  iron  pyrites,  calcite, 
celcstine,  anglesite  and  many  other  minerals,  which  will  be  enumerated. 
At  the  mines  on  Black  lake,  at  Mineral  point,  zinc  blende  occurs  in  con- 
siderable quantities,  as  it  also  does,  to  some  extent,  with  the  galena  of  the 
St.  Lawrence  company's  mines  in  Macomb.  We  consider  the  fact 
settled  beyond  a  doubt,  that  lead  ore  exists  in  quantities  that  will  render 
its  mining  very  lucrative  in  St.  Lawrence  county,  and  from  the  discover- 
ies that  are  being  made,  it  is  probable  that  many  new  and  valuable  local- 
ities will  hereafter  be  opened.  In  all  cases,  so  far  as  observed,  this 
metal  exists  in  true  veins,  with  definite  walls,  and  the  geological  features 
of  the  country  are  such  as  experience  in  other  mining  districts  has 
shown  favorable  to  the  probabilities  of  ore  in  profitable  quantities. 

An  association  styling  itself  the  St.  Lawrence  Copper  Com[)any,  was 
formed  under  the  exertions  of  H.  H.  Bigelow,  of  Boston,  in  1846,  for 
the  purpose  of  working  mines  of  copper  in  northern  New  York,  and 
mining  oi)eratioi>8  on  a  small  scale  were  conmienced  in  several  places, 
but  more  extensively  on  the  farm  of  Hubbard  Clark,  iiear  the  south  line 
of  Canton,  where  several  thousand  dollars  were  expended  in  the  erection 
of  machinery,  and  in  sinking  a  shaft  about  sixty  feet  deep,  with  short 
levels.  The  ore  occurs  here  in  white  lime  stone,  containing  occasional 
crystals  of  lirown  tourmaline,  and  was  the  yellow  sulphuret  of  copi)er. 
It  formed  a  regular  vein  of  one  foot  in  width  in  some  places,  and  was 
associated  with  calcite,  iron  pyrites  and  occasional  stains  of  the  green 


i 


j^l 


■; 


if 


683 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


niul  blue  cnrbonateH  of  copper.  The  calcite  of  this  place  was  at  times 
found  in  crystals  of  huge  proportions,  coated  with  minute  crystals  of 
])earl  spar.  It  is  said  that  some  eighty  tons  of  ore  had  been  procured, 
when  the  workings  were  suspended,  an<i  a  small  mass  of  native  copper 
was  reported  to  have  been  found  near  the  locality.  A  reverbcrutory 
furnuce  was  erected  at  Russell  village,  for  working  these  ores,  and  others 
from  Wiina,  Jefferson  county,  but  never  got  in  operation.  Mr.  Bigolow 
suhsequeutly  went  to  California,  was  elected  mayorof  Sacramento,  soon 
oftcr  wounded  in  endeavoring  to  suppress  a  riot,  nnd  afterwards  died  of 
cholera  in  San  Francisco.  Since  the  above  period,  no  effort  has  been 
made  to  mine  for  copper,  although  in  several  |)lacc8  specimens  of  ore 
occur  in  such  circumstances  as  to  excite  the  belief  that  it  exists  in  valu- 
able quantities. 

Next  after  the  agricultural  and  manufacturing  facilities  of  northern 
New  York,  her  iron  mines  may  be  ranked  among  the  elements  of  her 
wealth.  These  ores  are  of  three  distinct  varieties,  differing  essentially 
in  geological  age,  chemical  ciiaracters,  mineral  associates,  and  the  quali- 
ties of  iron  which  they  produce.  These  are  the  primitive  or  magnetic, 
the  specular  and  the  bog  ores.  The  former,  although  of  great  abundance, 
mostly  occur  in  sections  yet  unsettled,  and  difiicult  of  access,  in  Pitcairn, 
Clifton,  Clmumont,  Sherwood,  &c.,  and  in  the  towns  of  Duane,  Dickin- 
son and  Franklin  in  Franklin  county.  It  is  this  variety  of  ore  thot  is  so 
largely  wrought  in  Clinton  and  Essex  counties,  and  that  forms  the  wealth 
of  Sweden.  It  is  known  to  mineralogists  as  Magnetite,  from  its  being 
magnetic,  nnd  is,  so  far  us  we  have  observed,  interstratified  with  gneiss. 
Its  mineral  associates  are  few,  being  quartz,  pyrites  and  pyroxene,  from 
its  being  magnetic,  it  is  readily  separated  flom  stone,  by  Iteiiig  crushed 
nnd  passed  under  revolving  magnets,  which  pick  up  the  particles  of  ore. 
It  is  sparingly  distributed  through  most  of  our  gneiss  rock,  and  the  par- 
ticles looijened  by  disintegration,  form  the  black  sand,  so  uniformly  seen 
on  the  borders  of  lakes  in  the  primary  region.  This  sand  often  troubles 
the  compass  of  the  surveyor,  and  has  led  to  the  belief  of  mines  of  iron 
ore,  in  localities  where  nothing  but  iron  sand  existed.  Specular  and  bog 
ores  have  no  effect  upon  the  magnetic  needle.  Primitive  ore  is  difiicult 
to  melt,  but  makes  good  iron,  and  yields  about  70  per  cent.  It  may  be 
worked  in  a  forge  or  blast  furnace,  the  former  being  most  in  use  in  Essex 
county.  Some  varieties  make  an  iron  that  is  exceedingly  hard,  as  was 
the  case  yvith  that  wrought  in  Dunne,  which  led  to  the  belief  that  edge 
tools  having  the  hardness  and  temper  of  steel,  could  be  cast  directly 
from  the  furnace.  This,  about  the  year  1840,  led  to  much  inquiry,  and  a 
resolution  was  passed  by  the  assembly  in  tiie  session  of  1841,  calling 
upon  Professor  Emmons,  the  geologist  of  the  second  district,  embracing 
the  northern  part  of  the  state,  for  information  respecting  this  ore.  In 
the  report  which  this  called  forth,  it  was  stated  that  the  ore  was  a  mix- 
ture of  the  protoxide  and  deutoxide  of  iron,  two  varieties,  chemically  dif- 
fering in  the  amount  of  ogygen  contained,  but  mechanically  mixed  in 
this  instance,  and  that  a  part  of  the  ore  being  first  reduced,  united  with 
the  carbon  of  the  fuel,  and  became  true  steel,  while  the  other  part  was 
melting.  Although  the  edge  tools  stood  the  test  of  experiment,  the 
opinion  was  expressed  that  they  would  not  bear  continued  use,  and  this 
has  been  fully  sustained  by  experience,  which  has  shown  that  they  will 
soon  crumble  and  break.  In  his  final  report,  the  geologist  expressed  his 
belief,  that  the  ores  of  Dnane  did  not  possess  j)roperties  differing  from 
those  of  Essex  county.  The  iron  iiom  those  dies  is  very  hard,  and  well 
suited  for  those  uses  that  require  this  property. 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


683 


The  specular  ona,  so  called  from  the  splendid  lust.-e  of  the  crystals  of 
Elba  and  other  localities,  occurs  under  two  varieties,  distinct  in  situation, 
and  accompanying  minerals.  The  least  important  of  these,  is  the  crys- 
taline  variety,  occurring  in  gneiss  and  white  limestone,  often  bnautil'ully 
crystalized  in  [tiates,  and  of  variable  and  uncertain  quantities,  liable  to  thin 
out  and  again  become  wide,  as  is  shown  in  figure  1,  opposite  page  G85, 
which  represents  a  locality  in  Gouverneur,  where  a  is  soil,  h  sandstone, 
c  limestone,  and  d  iron  ore.  It  has  not  hitherto  been  wrought  with  pro- 
fit. A  mine  in  Edwards  has  yielded  about  eighty  tons,  wliich  made  ex- 
cellent malleable  iron.  Quartz,  apparently  in  twelve  sided  crystals, 
formed  by  joining  the  bases  of  two  six  sided  pyramids,  but  really  having 
a  short  prism  between,  is  usually  found  with  this  ore,  and  cavities  lined 
with  crystaline  groups  of  these  minerals,  form  splendid  cabinet  speci- 
mens. 

Between  the  gneiss  and  sandsone,  and  not  elsewhere,  occurs  a  red 
compact  ore,  chemically  like  the  lust,  but  so  unlike  to  the  eye  as  not  to 
be  classed  with  it,  and  this  has  hitherto  been  the  ore  most  largely  used  in 
St.  Lawrence,  Jeflferson  and  Lewis  counties,  for  the  manufacture  of  iron. 
The  oldest  of  these  mines  is  the  Caledonia  mine  in  Rossie,  and  has  been 
more  or  less  wrought  since  1812.  A  few  rods  distant  on  the  line  of 
Gouverneur,  is  the  Kearney  iron  mine,  which  was  discovered  by  Lyman 
Adams,  in  1825,  and  has  produced  about  50,000  tons  of  ore  of  excellent 
quality.  It  has  been  munulactured  at  the  Carthage,  Louisbi.rgii,  Fulier- 
ville,  Freemunsburgh,  Alpina,  Redwood,  Wegatchie,  Sterlingville,  Ant- 
werp and  Rossie  furnaces.  It  has  been  worked  as  an  open  pit  to  tho 
depth  of  50  feet,  and  an  area  of  about  u  quarter  of  an  acre.  At  first  it 
a|)peared  as  a  hillock  not  covered  by  other  rock.  The  Caledonia  mine  is 
capped  by  sandstone,  and  has  been  wrought  into  caverns  with  huge  masses 
of  ore  lefl  to  support  the  roof.  In  Fig.  2  opposite  page  G84,  is  shown 
the  relative  situation  of  the  ore  and  rock,  in  which  a,  is  ore;  b,  ndit;  c,  a 
mineral  supposed  once  to  he  serpentine,  but  now  called  a  new  species, 
(lifsyntribite,  </,  gneiss;  e,  sandstone.  The  relation  of  these  two  mines  is 
shown  in  Fig.  1,  opposite  page  704,  in  which  a,  lis  sandstone;  c,  Cale- 
donia mine;  d,  ore.  An  apparent  underlaying  of  the  ore  with  respect  to 
gneiss,  is  noticed  by  Prof.  Emmons,  in  Fowler,  as  is  shown  in  Fig.  8,  op- 
posite i)age  G84,  in  which  a,  is  sandstone ;  b,  ore ;  c,  gneiss.  In  Fig.  2, 
opposite  f)age  704,  is  shown  still  another  relation  from  the  same  author- 
ity, in  which  o,  is  serpentine;  b,  ore.  Several  very  valuable  mines  of  tiiis 
ore  occur  along  the  junction  of  the  primary  and  sandstone  in  Jefferson 
county,  and  it  has  been  wrought  to  some  extent  near  the  village  of  Little 
York,  in  Fowler,  since  18;33.  A  j)art  of  this  mine  was  purchased  by  the 
owners  of  Louisburgh  furnace,  several  years  since,  and  the  remainder  has 
been  wrought  at  a  tribute  of  from  2  to  4  shillings  per  ton  to  the  owners. 
The  ore  here  occurs  in  a  hill  of  moderate  elevation,  and  lies  directly 
upon  the  gneiss,  which  has  been  uncovered  to  a  considerable  extent, 
although  large  quantities  still  exist.  These  red  ores  impart  their  color 
to  whatever  comes  in  conUict  with  them,  giving  a  characteristic  tinge  to 
every  person  and  object  about  the  premises.  They  are  never  crystaiized, 
but  occur  in  every  variety  of  lamellar,  slaty,  botryoidal  and  pulverulent 
forms,  and  in  some  cases,  cavities  are  found  lined  with  beautiful  and  pe- 
culiar erystalizations  of  carbonate  of  lime,  spathic  iron,  heavy  spar,  ar- 
ragonite,  quartz,  iron  pyrites,  and  more  rarely  cacoxene  or  chalcodite, 
niul  Millerite,  the  latter  being  the  rarest  and  most  beautiful  of  its  asso- 
ciates. It  occurs  in  but  one  of  our  localities  in  brilliant  needle  shaped 
crystals,  radiating  from  a  centre  like  the  fibres  of  a  thistle  down,  and 


1-|!| 


il 


m 


684 


HISTORY   OF  ST.    LAWRENCE 


having  the  color  and  hrillioncy  of  gold.  Groups  of  crystoline  specimens 
of  these  minerals,  often  form  ohjects  of  great  beauty.  This  variety  of 
ore  is  constantly  associated  with  a  mineral  much  like  serpentine, 
named  by  Prof.  C.  U.  Shepard,  dysyntribite,  of  which  further  notice  will 
be  given.  In  some  form  or  other,  this  always  makes  its  appearance  in 
the  mines,  often  in  such  large  masses  as  to  displace  the  ore,  and  render 
necessary  an  outlay  to  remove  it.  It  is  of  every  shade  of  green,  yellow 
and  red,  often  mixed  in  the  same  specin^en,  and  its  surfaces  are  many 
times  grounded  and  (..lished  as  if  it  had  slipped  under  jtreat  pressure, 
and  before  entirely  solid.  No  profitable  locality  of  red  ore  occurs  east 
of  the  town  of  Gouverneur,  although  at  the  junction  of  the  two  formations 
in  Pierrepont,  a  reddish  pulverulent  mass  occurs,  which  has  been  ground 
and  used  as  a  paint.  In  some  loci^ities  this  ore  bears  unmistakable  evi- 
dence of  former  igneous  action,  as  shown  by  the  contorted,  folded  and 
even  fused  appearance  of  the  latnince  of  which  it  is  composed.  Should 
this  theory  he  correct,  there  must  have  been  a  i>eculiar  susceptibility  of 
the  surface  along  the  lino  of  the  two  formations,  where  from  its  weak- 
ness, it  yielded  to  the  forces  from  below.  In  Gouverneur,  near  the  Little 
Bow,  is  a  locality  of  soft  unctuous  ore-like  substance,  occurring  in  white 
limestone,  as  shown  in  Fig.  2,  o|)posite  page  685,  in  which  a,  represents 
the  soil,  h,  sulphate  of  barytes,  and  c,  soft  scaly  ore.  The  red  ores  yield 
about  50  per  cent  in  the  large  way  as  shown  by  our  statistics  of  the  Kos 
sie  furnace.  It  has  been  noticed  that  castings  from  this  ore  shrink  a  littl( 
upon  cooling,  which  requires  the  patterns  to  be  a  little  larger  than  tin 
article  to  be  made,  while  those  from  pri  live  ores  lose  nothing  from 
this,  the  iron  being  probably  more  crysla,   .e. 

Bog  ores  are  rather  rare  in  the  ])rimary  district,  but  more  common  in 
swamps  in  Madrid,  Norfolk,  Louisville,  Bombay,  Westville,  &c.,  from 
which  supplies  for  the  furnaces  at  Waddington,  Norfolk  and  Brasher  Iron 
Works,  have  been  derived,  and  they  have  sup])lied  several  forges.  In 
favorable  localities  these  superficial  deposits  are  renewed  after  being  dug 
over,  and  thus  successive  crops  are  obtained  once  in  a  dozen  or  twenty 
years.  This  ore  makes  very  soft  tenacious  iron.  A  mixture  of  the  pri- 
mitive, red  and  bog  ores  in  equal  parts,  was  thought  to  make  the  best 
specimen  of  iron  ever  produced  in  Northern  New  York.  Bog  ores  are 
generally  lean,  not  yielding  more  than  20  or  25  per  cent. 

St.  Lawrence  has  long  enjoyed  a  deserved  celebrity  for  the  variety  and 
beauty  of  its  minerals,  which  indicates  the  propriety  of  giving  a  notice 
of  the  more  important  of  these,  as  well  for  a  guide  to  the  mineralogist, 
as  to  convey  to  the  inhabitants  themselves,  a  just  idea  of  the  minera' 
wealth  of  their  own  neigliborhoods,  and  perhaps  serve  to  awaken  aspiri 
of  inquiry  and  observatiyn,  especially  among  the  youth  that  will  be  pro- 
ductive of  the  best  results.  A  neatly  arranged  mineral  cabinet  bespeaks 
the  taste  and  intelligence  of  its  possessor,  and  one  need  not  travel  beyond 
the  j)recincts  of  St.  Lawrence  county,  to  collect  one  that  shall  possess  both 
elegance  and  value,  and  be  as  remarkable  for  variety  as  beauty.  It  is 
conceded  that  this  county  is  unrivaled  for  the  variety  of  its  mineral 
treosures,  and  this  preeminence  should  be  known  and  ajjpreciated  by  its 
citizens. 

^gate,  of  a  coarse  variety,  occurs  with  chalcedony  near  Silver  lake,  in 
Fowler. 

Albik,  or  white  feldspar,  is  a  common  constituent  of  gneiss,  in  the 
towns  underlaid  by  that  rock,  Gouverneur,  Rossie,  &c.  Fowler,  affords  ex- 
amples, but  there  is  nothing  which  possesses  interest,  either  in  crystal- 


ie,  in 


4;p 


/ 


/ 


/      1 


I       \ 


10 


11 


AND  FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


689 


ine  modification  or  quality,  which  renders  the  mineral  nn  object  of  in- 
terest to  the  collector. 

Amethxfal  (blueish  violet,  or  purple  quartz),  to  a  limited  extent,  in  Gou- 
verneur.  The  bunks  of  Yellov  lake  in  llossie,  have  also  afforded  in- 
ferior specimens. 

Amphihoh  (basaltic  hornblende),  occurs  frequently  in  bowlders,  but  not 
in  rock  formations.  The  crystals  appear  to  be  definitely  formed  and 
terminated,  but  so  firmly  imbedded  in  the  rock,  through  which  they  are 
scattered  that  it  would  be  impossible  to  detach  them.  Broken  surfaces 
oflen  present  numerous  sections  of  crystals.  In  the  town  of  Rossie  it 
has  hitiierto  been  noticed  most  abundantly. 

Ani^lesile  (sulphate  of  lead),  occurred  spaMr'^ly  in  the  lead  mines  of 
llossie,  with  f,'alcnu,  but  it  was  not  of  sufiicie;,'  importance  to  be  worthy 
of  notice  in  an  economic;:'  point  of  view,  or  of  much  interest  to  the  min- 
eralogist. 

Ankerile  (a  variety  of  dolomite,  containing  iron),  has  been  attributed  to 
the  iron  mines  of  llossie,  but  it  scarcely  difiers  from  tlie  spatliic  iron  of 
that  region,  and  can  not  "oe  distinguished  from  it,  if  it  exists,  except  by 
chemical  tests. 

Jipatile  (phosphate  of  lime),  crystalized  in  six  sided  prisms,  occurs  at 
several  localities  in  the  white  limestone  Ibrmation,  in  St.  Lawrence 
county.  It  was  formerly  found  of  a  delicate  green  shade,  a  mile  s.  w. 
of  Gouverneuf  villngc,  but  is  not  now  met  with  there.  At  the  Clark 
hill,  in  Rossie,  small,  but  very  pretty  crystals  have  been  found  associated 
with  sphene,  crystalized  feldspar,  and  liargasife.  Near  the  head  of 
Mile  bay,  on  Black  lake,  this  mineral  hiis  been  found  of  a  coarse  ([uiilify, 
with  its  usual  associates,  but  the  finest  locality  hitherto  abr^erved  in  the 
county,  is  on  tiie  farm  of  Michael  and  (Charles  Harder,  in  the  town  of 
Rossie,  in  the  vicinity  of  Grass  lake.  Crystals  weighing  18  pounds,  and 
12  inelies  in  leiijrth,  liave  l»een  ol)tained  here,  and  those  of  less  size,  but 
finely  terminated,  are  more  common.  The  tender  quality  of  the  miner- 
als renders  it  difficult  to  procure  large  specimens  without  fracturing. 
These,  when  i)erfect,  are  highly  jtrized  by  mineral  collectors,  tor  their 
rarity  and  beauty.  i\'  procurable  in  quantities,  it  w.,uld  be  a  valuable 
article  for  manures,  being  chemically  the  same  as  calcined  bones.  It  is 
also  used  in  the  process  of  assaying  gold  and  silver  ores,  and  would 
conmiand  a  high  price  ibr  this  purpose  in  the  markets.  The  locality  in 
Rossie  was  first  noticed  and  wrought  by  Professor  Emmons.  In  figure 
.'>,  opposite  page  684,  is  a  warped  crystal  of  this  mineral,  which  appears 
to  have  been  bent  after  it  had  been  formed,  by  some  motion  in  the  rock, 
in  whicli  it  is  bedded.  This  mineral  also  occurs  in  Gouverneur,  two 
miles  north  of  Somervillc. 

Jlahestus,  of  a  brown  color,  witli  fibres  int  >rlocking  each  other  in  a  very 
inficate  mr.nner,  occurs  iu  the  town  of  Fowler,  associated  with  Rens- 
snlaerite,  talc,  and  treinolite,  between  the  villages  of  Little  York  and 
Fullerville.  When  broken,  tite  fractured  surface  has  some  resemblance 
to  rotten  wood.  It  does  not  possess  the  (luality  of  tenacity,  or  the  prop- 
erty of  l.ieing  easily  beaten  up  into  a  fibrous  mass,  which  give  value  to 
this  mineral  in  the  arts,  as  a  constituent  of  incombustible  cloth,  or  a  non 
conductor  of  heat,  for  the  packing  of  iron  safes. 

41 


690 


HISTORY    OF    ST.  LAWRENCE 


m-:'    i 


Wp^ 


Jlrrafronite  (needle  spar),  occurs  in  the  iron  mines,  near  Somerville,  in 
bcniititul  white  globular  masses,  in  cavities  of  iron  ore.  When  broken, 
tliesc  present  a  silken  white  radiated  structm-e.  Groujjs  of  these 
8[)hcrical  masses,  usually  ol  about  half  an  inch  in  diameter,  often  |)os- 
sess  much  beauty.  The  best  that  have  been  obtained  came  from  a 
shall  sunk  in  the  land  of  31r.  Parish,  adjacent  to  the  Kearney  mine. 
From  its  occurrence  with  the  ores  of  iron,  this  mineral  is  sometimes 
called ^os^erri",  or  the  flowers  of  iron, 

Jlutomolite,  has  been  attributed  to  the  vicinity  of  Rossie  village.  Its 
existence  is  doubtful,  and  its  locality  is  unknown.  Recent  examinations 
prove  this  mineral  to  ho  a  variety  of  spinel,  and  identical  with  dys- 
luite,  one  of  the  varieties  of  that  mineral. 

Babim^tonite,  has  been  said  to  occur  in  Gouverneur,  coating  crystals  of 
feldspar.     Tiie  locality,  if  it  existed,  has  been  lost. 

Blende  (sulphuret  of  zinc),  was  found  associated  with  galena,  at  the 
lead  mines  at  Rossie,  sparingly,  and  at  Mineral  point,  in  the  town  of 
Macoml),  more  abundantly.  It  is  more  or  less  mixed  with  that  mineral 
at  the  lead  mines  in  Macomb,  and  in  the  towns  of  Fowler,  Morristown, 
and  De  Kalb. 

Calcareous  tufa,  forined  by  the  dejjosit  of  carbonate  of  lime,  from 
eprings,  is  of  common  occurrence  in  Rossie,  Gouverneur,  and  other 
towns.  At  some  localities,  it  is  found  imitating  in  Ibrm,  the  t'.nres  of 
moss,  which  it  is  popularly  believed  to  be  the  peiriticatioc.  This  struct- 
ure is  ibund  to  occur  where  no  vegetable  matter  could  have  existed,  to 
give  it  the  peculiar  appearance. 

Calcilc  (carbonate  of  lime),  occurs  in  many  localities,  and  is  afforded 
at  almost  every  mine  that  has  been  wrought,  but  at  none  with  more  bril- 
liancy anil  beauty,  than  at  the  lead  mines  at  Rossie  and  Mineral  point. 
Limpid  crystals,  of  great  size,  often  with  cavities  coiMaining  water  oc- 
curred here,  and  the  moililications  of  form  and  conihination  of  groups 
of  crystals  appeared  to  be  inrinite.  Not  unfrequently  an  instance  woulil 
occur  in  which  an  original  de(t;ct  liad  been  remedied,  by  a  subsecpicnt 
addition,  and  the  form  would  be  perfijct,  while  the  addition  was  eviilent 
from  difference  of  color.  On  the  right  side  of  the  Oswegatchie,  two 
miles  above  the  Kearney  bridge,  in  the  town  of  Gouverneur,  in  an  oven 
shaped  cavity  in  limestone  rock,  and  indjeddcd  in  clay,  are  crystals  of 
great  size,  rough  externally  but  when  broken  (juite  transparent.  A 
specimen  more  than  a  loot  in  length,  nearly  transparent,  and  weighing 
75  pounds,  was  procured  by  Charles  S.  Bolton,  of  VVegatchie,  from  this 
locality.     It  is  in  the  state  cabinet. 

Peculiar  modifications  represented  in  figures  I,  2,3,  4,  7,  8,  9,  10,  11, 
ojjjiositc  page  709,  and  a  twin  group  shown  in  figure  4,  opposite  jiage  704, 
occur  at  the  locality  of  Pearl  spar,  in  Rossie.  They  are  chiefly  remark- 
able for  form,  rather  than  quality.  The  surface  is  often  rough  from  cal- 
careous depositions,  and  they  are  opakc  within.  Just  within  the  edge  of 
Jefferson  county,  in  the  same  range  with  the  last  locality,  on  the  fitrni  of 
Mr.  Benton,  a  very  interesting  locality  of  calcite  occurs,  in  which  the 
same  terminal  planes  as  those  represented  in  the  figines  occur.  The 
spar  at  this  j)lace  is  sometimes  tinged  with  a  delicate  rose  tint,  which  is, 
however,  liable  to  fade  when  exposed  to  the  light. 

On  the  left  bank  of  the  Oswegatchie,  neor  the  Notural  dam,  in  Gou- 
verneur, iurge  crystals  of  calcite   occur.     The   non   minej  of  Rossie, 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


691 


afford  crystals  usually  of  the  dog  tooth  form,  in  cavities  of  iron  ore. 
Some  of  these  with  bright  globular  crystaline  groups  of  nickeliterous 
iron  pyrites,  and  spathic  iron,  form  attractive  cabinet  specimens.  The 
slender  six  sided  pyraufids  are  here,  as  in  most  other  localities  in  the 
county,  terminated  by  an  obtuse  pyramid,  the  planes  of  which  are  par- 
allel with  the  plane  of  cleavage,  'i'he  mines  of  the  St.  Lawrence 
Lead  Mining  Company,  in  Macomb,  have  iinnished  some  interesting 
s|)ecimens  of  a  sinoky  hue,  and  others  tinged  red.  Cavities  in  vvhito 
limestone,  are  often  found  to  contain  crystals  of  cainte,  and  it  is  noticed 
tiiat  all  the  crystals  of  a  given  locality  possess  some  general  resem- 
blance OY  famUij  likeness,  >vhicii  to  one  acquainted  with  the  localities, 
would  be  sufficient  to  identify  it  among  many  otiieis.  This  fact  is  inter- 
esting, as  indicating  that  similar  conditions  at  the  the  time  of  formation, 
produce  similar  results,,  and  may  j)erha()s  lead  to  a  knowledge  of  the 
causes  which  produce  the  varieties  in  crystaline  Ibrm.  In  the  town  of 
I'itcairn,  calcite,  of  a  sky  blue  color,  in  coarse  crystaline  masses,  occur 
on  the  soutli  road,  about  two  miles  irom  (ireen's  mill.  At  the  copper 
mine,  in  Canton,  crystals  of  calcite,  nearly  limpid,  often  a  great  size,  and 
frefjueutly  coated  with  pearl  spar,  were  tbuud. 

Celestine  (sulphate  of  strontia),  in  crystals  of  a  beautiful  blue  tint,  was 
found  in  working  Coal  Ildl  mine  in  Kossie. 

Chalcedony,  occurs  at  a  locality  in  Fowler,  in  interesting  concretionary 
forms,  but  destitute  of  that  polished  surfiice,  whicii  is  connnon  with  this 
mineral.    It  was  found  with  calcareous  spar,  galena,  blende,  &c. 

Cldorite,  occasionally  occurs  in  bowlders,  but  not  in  rock  formation,  in 
the  northern  part  of  the  state.     It  is  often  associated  with  epidote. 

Chondrodite,  with  its  usual  associates,  spinelle,  occurs  in  the  town  of 
llossie  abundantly  about  three  fbinths  of  a  mile,  vvest  of  tlje  villa;i;e  of 
Somerville,  in  white  limestone.  It  is  of  every  shade  of  yellow,  inclining 
to  orange  and  brown,  and  is  diffused  in  grains,  and  small  crystaline 
particles,  through  the  white  limestone,  appearing  in  relief,  on  the  weath- 
ered snrliice.  Detached  bowlders  on  the  shores  of  Yellow  lake,  contain 
the  same  mineral,  and  it  is  saiil  to  occur  in  situ,  near  the  Clark  bill,  in 
Kossie. 

Dolomite,  or  niagnesian  limestone,  is  of  fi'cquent  occurrence,  b'U  not 
in  sufficient  quantities  to  give  it  geological  importunce.  It  is  usually  as- 
sociated with  white  limestone,  and  is  distinguisbcd  from  it  by  its  supe- 
rior hardness,  causing  it  often  to  ui)pear  in  relief  upon  weathered  9ur- 
fiKjes.     Rossie,  Gouverncur,  De  Kalb,  &c. 

Dysynti ibite,  occurs  at  all  localities  of  red  iron  ore. 

Epidote,  granular,  and  disseminated,  in  chlorite,  is  common  in 
bowlders,  but  not  in  place. 

Feldspar. — This  important  constituent  of  gneiss  and  granite,  occurs 
abundantly  throughout  the  the  primitive  region,  but  at  only  a  few  lo- 
calities of  sufficient  interest  to  merit  notice.  At  the  locali.y  of  apatite, 
pargasite,  &c.,  on  the  Clark  hill  in  Rossie,  crystals  occur  of  consider- 
able interest. 

Fluor  Spar. — One  of  the  most  celebrated  American  localities  of  this 
mineral  was  discovered  many  years  since  on  Muscalunge  lake,  in  Ant- 
werp, near  the  borders  of  St.  Lawrence  county.    Massive  cubes  va- 


ili 


692 


HISTORY   OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


riously  grouped,  and  at  times  prescnring  sing'ie  crystaline  faces,  a  foot  in 
extent,  were  here  found.  Externaliy  thoy  wore  usually  rough,  but 
within  perfectly  transparent,  and  of  some  shade  of  green,  varying  from 
the  slightest  to  the  deepest  tinge.  At  the  Rossie  load  mines  small 
quantities  were  found.  Good  specimens  can  not  be  now  procured 
here.  At  a  locality  of  sulphate  of  barytes  in  Gouvernciu',  two  miles 
north  from  the  Griffith  bridge,  a  limited  quantity  was  also  found. 
Near  the  Rock  island  bridge,  in  the  same  town,  it  has  recently  been 
found  in  considerable  quantity  and  oi'  fine  quality.  This  miricrul  pos- 
sesses commercial  value  from  its  uses  in  the  chemical  arts.  It  is  em- 
ployed as  a  flux  for  separating  metals  from  their  ores,  and  in  making 
fluoric  acid,  the  most  corrosive  substance  known,  and  which  is  used  in 
etching  upon  glass.  This  acid  is  also  used,  with  iodine  and  bromine,  in 
the  daguerreotype  process. 

Galena  (sulphurctof  lead). — This  important  ore  the  only  ore  hitherto 
employed  in  the  country  for  the  i)roduction  of  lead,  occurs  in  Rossie 
and  Macomb  in  quantities  which  will  hereafter  render  these  towns  of 
great  importance.  This  ore  has  also  been  found  in  Fowler,  Pitcairn, 
&c.,  but  not  in  such  quantities  as  to  repay  the  cost  of  working.  It 
tisually  occurs  in  veins  with  calcareous  spar,  and  of  a  highly  crystaline 
structure,  yielding  the  primitive  form  of  the  mineral  (the  cube),  by  cleav- 
age with  the  greatest  freedom.  When  crystalized,  it  has  been  in  the 
form  of  the  cuhe  and  octahedron,  with  the  intermediate  modifications. 
The  Rossie  lead  mines  have  furnished  groups  of  these  crystals,  which, 
for  size  and  splendor,  would  compare  with  any  in  the  world. 

Garnet  is  found  only  in  bowlders,  and  of  coarse  quality. 

Graphite  (carburet  of  iron),  is  a  common  mineral  in  the  white  lime- 
Btone,  although  it  has  not  hitherto  been  observed  in  quantities  sufficient 
for  any  valuable  purpose.  Near  the  Big  hill,  in  Rossio,  it  forms  a  vein  in 
the  old  road,  and  a  quarter  of  a  mile  further  east,  it  also  occurs.  The 
apatite  localities  all  atTord  scales  of  graphite.  In  Canton  it  occurs  in 
gneiss.  It  has  been  found  in  considerable  quantities  in  Duane  in 
bowlders. 

Greenstone  is  common  in  bowlders,  and  occurs  in  dykes  in  limestone  in 
Rossie.  Tlie  junction  of  the  rock  with  the  intruded  mass,  often  exhibits 
evidences  of  the  action  of  heat. 

Hornblende,  either  in  its  proper  color  and  crystaline  form,  or  in  its 
varieties  as  tremolitc,  asbestus,  pargasite,  &,c.,  is  one  of  our  most  abund- 
ant minerals.  It  is  a  constituent  of  gneiss,  and  coextensive  with  that 
rock.  In  Edwards  is  an  interesting  locality  of  glassy  hornblende,  which 
is  vci-y  cieavable  in  one  direction.  It  is  two  miles  from  the  village,  on 
the  road  to  South  Edwards,  whicii  nms  on  the  right  bank  of  the  Oswe- 
gatchie.  The  color  at  this  locality  is  greenish  black,  and  it  is  very  com- 
mon to  find  the  peculiar  wedge  sliajjcd  crystaline  form  of  this  mineral  in 
the  cavities.  A  similar  but  less  interesting  locality  occurs  in  the  town  of 
Rossie,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Oswegatciiie,  a  short  distance  above  the 
village  of  Wegatchie.  It  occurs  in  De  Kalb,  Gouverneur,  Potsdam, 
Piarrepont,  &c. 

Houghite. — This  term  has  been  applied  by  Prof.  C,  U.  Shepard,  of 
Amherst  College,  to  a  new  mineral  that  occurs  on  the  farm  of  Stephen 
Ayres,  1|  miles  north  of  Somerville,  associated  with  spinellr,  serpentine, 
dolomite,  phlogopite,  &c.    The  quantity  is  abundant  at  the  locality,  and 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


693 


in  Its 

nbund- 

tiiat 

which 


it  has  been  found  crystalized  in  octahedrons.  The  reader  is  referred  to 
the  American  Journal  of  Science,  since  1849,  and  the  Transactions  of 
the  American  Association,  for  1851,  for  several  articles  by  Profs.  Shep- 
ard,  Dana  and  Johnson,  on  this  mineral.  It  hhii:  been  suggested  tuat  it 
may  be  analagous  to,  or  identical  v.  ith,  Volknerite,  a  Norwegian  mineral, 
and  it  is  at  this  time  undergoing  a  rigid  analysis  in  the  laboratory  of  Yale 
College,  that. will  probably  settle  the  question. 

Idocrase,  in  irregular  fluted  prisms,  occurs  in  bowWers,  and  perhaps  in 
rocks  in  situ,  in  several  localities  in  Rossie,  and  probably  other  towns. 
It  is  usually  clove  brown,  opako,  brittle,  and  resembles  some  varieties  of 
tourmaline  in  form.  At  Vroorian's  lake,  near  the  Ox  Bow,  it  has  been 
found  in  crystals,  which  possess  terminal  planes. 

Iron  pyrites  (sulphuret  of  irci),  is  common,  and  will  doubtless  at  a 
future  tune  possess  much  economical  importance  for  the  manufacture  of 
copperas,  sulphuric  acid,  and  soda  ash.  Of  the  former,  several  hundred 
tons  were  formerly  made  in  the  town  of  Canton,  but  the  works  have 
long  since  been  discontinuei .  Some  of  the  most  brilliant  specimens 
ever  procured,  were  in  the  lead  mines  of  Rossie,  where  itoocurred  in  cavi- 
ties of  the  veins,  crystalized  in  cubes,  with  various  modifications,  and  pos- 
sessmg  a  brilliant  lustre  which  was  not  liable  to  tarnish.  The  iron  mines 
of  Rossie  and  those  adjacent  have  furnished  many  interesting  s[)ecimens. 
It  here  occurs  maHsive  and  crystalized,  the  latter  often  associated  with 
arsenic,  constituting  the  mineral  known  as  arsenical  iron  pyrites.*  For 
variety  of  crystaline  form,  a  locality  on  the  farm  of  Mr.  John  Robertson, 
in  the  town  oi"  Gouverneur,  is  worthy  of  notice.  The  mineral  here  oc- 
curs in  company  with  graphite  and  iron  ore  of  a  tarnished  bronze  color, 
and  in  small  crystals,  which  possess  liie  form  of  the  cube,  octahedron, 
dodecahedron,  with  every  intermediate  modification.  Large  octahe- 
drons have  been  obtained  in  Gouverneur,  ut  a  working  for  iron  ore  on 
the  fium  of  James  Morse.  The  vicinity  of  the  village  of  Hermon  has 
furnished  interesting  sjiecimenSjand  the  mines  which  have  been  worked 
for  iron,  copper  and  lead,  throughout  the  county  contain  more  or  less  of 
this  mineral.    It  is  often  imbedded  in  gneiss. 

Lahradorite  (opalescent  feldspar),  occurs  in  bowlders,  the  best  speci- 
mens having  been  found  on  the  banks  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  in  the  town 
of  Oswegatchie,  three  or  four  miles  above  the  village  of  Ogdensburgh. 
Several  tons  exist  there,  near  the  water's  edge.  It  takes  a  beautiful  polish, 
and  would  form  an  elegant  gem.  The  play  of  colors  is  vivid,  and  the 
shades  are  mostly  green  and  blue. 

hxoclase  (feldsi)ar  with  diagonal  cleavage),  occurs  in  Rossie  at  the 
celebrated  locality  of  zircon  and  apatite,  and  this  is  the  only  hitherto 
re|)ortod  locality.  It  occurs  crystalized  in  the  forms  usual  with  feldspar, 
and  when  broken,  presents  a  delicate  bluish  opalescence. 

Magnetite,  desci'ibcd  above  in  our  accouui,  of  iroi:  ores. 

Mica, — Sec  Muscovite  and  PIdogopite. 

Muscovite. — This  variety  of  mica  does  not  occur  in  situ  in  northern 
New  York,  but  is  found  in  bowlders.      One  in  Gouverneur,  containing 


*  For  nil  aecouiil  of  i)iis  mineral,  s'le  un  article  by  Prof.  Cha'»  U.  Sliepard,  in  the  Traniac. 
Uoa»ot  the  American  AMOCiaiioo,  Albany  lewion,  1851. 


694 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


largo  pIntDS  of  n  lilnck  variety  was  examined  in  its  optical  properties,  by 
Professor  B.  Silliman,  Jr.,  of  Yale  College,  and  found  to  liuvo  an  optical 
angle  of  70°  to  70°  30'.    . 

Pargasite  (greon  liornblende),  occnra  wherever  af)atite  lias  been  found 
in  St.  Lawrence  county.  It  usually  is  crystalized  in  hexagonal  prisms, 
of  a  delicate  grass  green,  or  bluish  green  color,  sometimes  in  radiated 
crystali;io  fibres,  in  seams  of  rock,  and  at  others  in  crystaline  grains  of 
loady  cleavage.  The  finest  locality  of  this  mineral  known  in  St.  Law- 
rence county,  is  near  the  county  line,  in  Rossie,  and  in  a  ncighborliood 
called  New  Connecticut. 

Pearl  spar  (rrystalized  dolomite),  occurs  in  the  town  of  Rossie,  on  the 
right  banlv  of  the  Oswegatchie,  about  opposite  tlie  furnace  at  Wegatchie, 
where  tlie  river  crosses  the  town  the  second  time.  It  occurs  in  crevi(!es 
of  limestone,  on  a  precipitous  ledge  thickly  covered  by  small  cedars, 
and  is  usually  |)Ianted  in  clusters  of  crystals  u\)ou  large  dog  tooth  crys- 
tals of  calcareous  spar,  and  can  be  obtained  in  considerable  quantities. 

Phlogopile. — Tlie  mica  of  our  white  limestone  formations  occurs  in 
numerous  localities,  and  often  in  great  beauty.  At  the  serpentine  locality 
of  Gouverneur,  near  Somerville,  at  the  hornblende  locality  of  Edwards,' 
and  at  other  places  in  that  town,  in  Fine,  two  miles  "from  South  Edwards, 
in  Russell,  De  Kalb,  Fowler,  Ilermon,  Gouverneur  and  Rossie,  it  is  o< 
frequent  occurrence,  and  at  times  of  great  beauty.  The  o[)tical  [iroper- 
ties  ofthese  miens  arc  given  in  vol.  x,  p.  374-8  (new  series),  of  the  Ame- 
rican Journal  of  Science  and  Arts. 

Pyroxene  in  prisms  occurs  in  Rossie,  Gouverneur,  Ilermon,  l)e  Kalb, 
&c.  Near  Grass  lake,  in  the  former  town,  a  white  variety  occurs,  in 
which  the  crystaline  form  is  well  exhibited.  In  (louverneur  it  occurs  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  apatite  locality.  It  is  here  dark  green,  and  greenish 
black. 

Quar/z,  the  most  abundant  of  the  simple  minerals,  tmd  a  constituent 
of  gneiss  and  sandstone,  occurs  in  many  interesting  varieties.  The 
mines  of  crystalized  specular  iron  in  Gouverneur,  Fowler,  Edwards  and 
ilermon  all  afford  splendid  crystals.  The  iron  mine  near  Chub  lake,  in 
Fowler,  afforded  beautiful  crystals,  which  were  nearly  trat)S|)arent,  and 
quite  brilliant.  On  the  farm  of  Joel  Smitii,  in  Gouverneur,  at  a  locality 
opened  for  iron  on-,  similar  crystals  were  found.  At  the  apatite  locality 
at  Gouverneur,  largi  smoky  crystals  have  been  obtained,  and  at  that  in 
Rossie  similar  ones,  so  rounded  as  to  ajipear  to  have  been  partially  dis- 
solved, occur.  '!' he  latter  much  resembles  hyalite.  At  the  iron  mines 
in  Rossie,  delicate  groups  of  needle  shaped  crystals  occur  in  cavities  in 
the  ore. 

Rensselacn'te,  of  various  shades,  from  white  to  black,  through  every 
intermediate  color,  and  varying  from  a  finely  granular  to  a  coarsely  crys- 
taline St'  iicturc,  occurs  in  limestone  and  gneiss  in  many  ])laccs  in  the 
towns  of  Gouverneur,  Rossie,  I'owler,  Russell,  Fine,  Pitcairn  and  Ed- 
wards. In  Russell  and  Edwards,  it  has  been  wrought  to  some  extent 
into  inkstands  and  other  small  articles,  and  its  soitness,  toughness,  the 
beautiful  gloss  which  it  readily  receives  and  the  diversity  of  color  which 
it  often  jiresents,  indicate  it  as  a  suitable  tnatcrial  lor  any  of  the  orna- 
mental uses  to  which  alabaster  is  ajiplied.  It  can  be  turned  in  a  lallie 
without  difficulty.     The  manufacture  from  this  niutei  ial  wuh  never  car- 


i 


*5 
r'i 


AND  FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


695 


stitnent 
Tlio 
R  and 
<ke,  in 
t,  and 
orality 
H-ality 
lat  in 
y  (iis- 
niines 
tics  in 


every 

crys- 

in  the 

l':d- 

cxtent 

|S«,    tilt.' 

wliicli 

nrna- 

a  lutlic 

r  car- 


ried on  ns  a  regular  bnsiness,  and  has  been  discontinned  for  many  years. 
At  Wej;atcliie,  between  1836-9,  al)Ont  fifty  tons  were  ground  and  sold 
for  gy|)suin. 

Rutile  (titanic  acid),  has  been  attributed  to  Gouverneur,  but  its  locality, 
if  it  ev<ir  existed,  lias  been  lost.  This  mineral  is  valuable,  from  the  use 
made  of  it  by  the  manufacturers  of  artificial  teeth,  to  give  a  yellowish 
tinge  to  the  enamel.    It  is  worth  about  $G  per  lb  for  this  purpose. 

Sntin  spar  (fibrous  calcite),  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  scams  of  ser- 
jtentine  and  Uensselaerite,  in  Fowler,  Rossieand  Edwards.  At  a  locality 
near  Silver  lake,  in  Fowler,  beautiful  specimens  occur.  On  the  left  bank 
of  the  Oswegatchie,  between  that  river  and  Yellow  lake,  and  opposito 
Wcgatchie,  in  the  town  of  Rossie,  is  a  remarkable  locality  in  a  peculiar 
rock,  supposed  to  be  a  new  mineral.  The  satin  spar  is  in  vertical  seams, 
while  the  fibrew  of  the  spar  run  across  the  vein.  The  width  of  the  veins 
varies  from  a  mere  white  line  to  an  inch,  and  fine  specimens  are  procur- 
able in  quantities.  The  same  mineral  occurs  in  narrow  seams  in  ser- 
pentine, at  the  Dodge  iron  mine  in  Edwards.     The  quantity  is  small. 

Scapolite,  in  pearly  grey  crystals,  which  are  short  and  generally  termi- 
nated, occurs  at  the  locality  of  apatite,  about  a  mile  southwest  of  Gou- 
verneur village.  It  is  here  abundantly  diffused  through  limestone,  and 
is  readily  obtained  in  separate  crystals.  Scapolite  occurs  in  detached 
crystals  very  frequently  in  the  white  limestone  formation. 

Serpentine  abounds  throughout  the  primary  section  of  the  twocounties, 
occurring  generally  with  or  near  the  white  limestone  formation,  being 
usually  disseminated  in  nodular  masses  through  that  rock.  In  the  town 
of  Rossie,  on  the  island  at  Wegatchie  furnace,  in  Gouverneur  village, 
and  at  the  Natural  dam,  two  miles  below:  in  Fowler,  Edwards,  De  Kalb, 
Hermon,  Russell,  Pitcairn,  Fine,  Colton,  Canton,  &c.,  it  occurs  in  greater 
or  less  (piantity,  but  nowhere  in  sufKcient  abundance  to  form  a  rock  of 
geological  iin|)ortance.  At  the  locality  of  mica,  &c.,  on  the  farm  of 
Stephen  Ayres,  in  Gouverneur,  serpentine  of  a  yellowish  green  color, 
and  beautifully  mottled,  occurs.  In  Edwards,  near  the  village,  it  occurs 
of  various  delicate  shades  of  green  and  greenish  white,  which  possess 
interest. 

Spathic  iron  (carbonate  of  iron),  occurs  in  the  iron  mines  of  Rossie,  in 
beautiful  crystaline  groups,  lining  cavities  in  the  ore,  and  associated  with 
calcite,  heavy  spar  and  iron  pyrites.  The  color  is  usually  bronze,  and 
various  shades  of  brown,  and  the  faces  of  the  crystals  often  warped,  and 
usually  very  brilliant.  It  also  occurs  massive  diffused  through  the  ore, 
and  has  been  seen  more  rarely  in  botryoidal  concretions,  covering 
surfaces  of  red  specular  iron.  Some  of  the  specimens  of  this  mineral 
from  the  Caledonia  and  Kearney  mines,  possess  much  beauty,  and  are 
highly  esteemed  by  mineral  collectors.  The  best  8i)ecimenp  were  ob- 
tained from  the  north  end  of  the  hill  in  which  the  Caledonia  mine 
occurs. 

Sphene,  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  the  western  part  of  St.  Lawrence 
county.  At  the  apatite  localities  of  Gouverneur  and  Rossie,  it  is  Ibund 
of  a  |)ale  red  color,  and  in  imperfect  crystals  with  its  usual  associates, 
pargasite,  apatite;,  graphite,  &c.  Half  a  mile  north  of  Gouverneur  vil- 
lage, in  a  wall,  black  crystals  with  the  angles  rounded,  as  if  by  fusion, 
occur  in  quartz. 


696 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Spinelle  occurs  at  the  locality  of  chondrodite,  in  Rossie,  and  at  the  lo- 
culity  of  serpentine  and  mien,  on  the  farm  of  Stephen  Ayros,  in  Gouver- 
neur.  At  the  former  locality  it  has  u  pale  reddish  brown  opake  va- 
riety, generally  well  crystnlized,  and  eonietimes  grouped  into  clusters. 
The  small  specimens  are  the  best  characterized,  and  some  of  them  nearly 
trans|iarent.  Spinelle,  when  blue,  is  the  sapphire,  ixm\  when  of  a  burning 
red,  the  ruby. 

Sulphur,  in  a  native  state,  occurs  in  concretions  around  the  iron  mines 
in  Uo^sie,  where  it  is  formed  by  the  decomposition  of  iron  pyrites,  and 
its  deposition  Is  said  to  be  due  to  the  action  of  vegetable  matter.  It  may 
bo  expected  to  occur  wherever  iron  pyrites  is  exposed  to  spontaneous  de- 
com|>osition  in  the  weather.  It  is  usually  more  or  less  mixed  with  sul- 
phate of  iron  and  other  suline  substances. 

Sulphate  of  Barytes,  is  associated  with  limestone,  in  Gouverneur,  about 
two  miles  from  the  Grifiith  bridge,  where  it  occurs  in  an  irregular  vein 
with  fluor  spor.  It  presisnts  externally  a  rusty  brown  color,  and  an  ir- 
regular attempt  at  crystalization,  the  surface  being  covered  by  bundles  of 
coarse  crystaline  fibres.  Brokt!n  it  presents  a  pure  white  color,  luul  is 
fibrous  and  laminuted.  Several  hundred  pounds  have  been  procured 
near  tiie  surface,  and  it  is  doubtless  abundant  in  the  vicinity.  On  the 
farm  of  Jatnes  Morse,  in  the  same  town,  this  mineral  occurs  with  u 
micaceous  variety  of  iron  ore,  in  crystaline  plates,  which  by  their  inter- 
section form  irregular  angular  cavities.  The  forms  represented  in  figs. 
5  and  6,  opposite  page  70!),  were  tbund  here.  In  the  town  of  Morris- 
town,  several  tons  were  jirocurcd  for  manufacture  into  white  [taint,  u  few 
years  since.  Its  appearance  was  similar  to  that  of  Gouverneur.  On 
yellow  lake,  in  Rossie,  and  in  ilie  iron  mines  of  that  town,  it  iias  been 
found  sparingly.  At  the  latter,  it  is  in  small  crystals,  in  cavities  of  cal- 
cite,  and  the  forms  shown  in  figs,  (i  and  7,  opposite  page  G84,  have  been 
observed.  The  lead  mines  of  Rossie  afl!()rded  it  sparingly.  On  the  farm 
of  Robert  Dean,  in  Antwerp,  Jefferson  coimty,  near  the  county  line,  is 
an  interesting  locality  in  which  this  mineral,  which  naturally  of  great 
specific  gravity,  occurs  light  and  spongy,  from  numerous  vermicular 
cavities. 

Sulphuret  of  copper,  has  been  procured  in  quantities  which  justify  the 
belief  that  it  will  be  found  in  such  abundance  as  will  make  it  profitable 
as  an  ore  of  copper,  in  the  towns  of  Macomb,  Gouverneur,  Canton, 
Fowler,  Edwards,  Russell,  &c.  Several  explorations  have  been  made 
for  this  mineral,  but  not  to  such  extent  as  to  decide  the  quantity  that  may 
be  expected  to  occur. 

Tourmaline,  of  a  reddish  brown  color,  and  crystalized,  is  found  imbed 
tied  in  white  limestone,  in  the  towns  of  Rossie,  Gouverneur,  Ilermon, 
Russell,  &c.  The  quality  of  this  is  such  that  if  it  could  be  obtained  of 
sufficient  size,  it  would  form  the  most  excellent  plates  for  examining  the 
properties  of  polarized  light.  About  two  miles  southeast  of  the  village 
of  Gouverneur,  it  has  been  found  most  abundantly.  It  also  occurs  one 
mile  from  that  village,  on  the  north  side  of  the  road  leading  to  Somer- 
ville. 

Trcmolite,  (white  hornblcnthi),  occurs  in  the  town  of  Fowler,  betwc(!n 
Little  York  and  Fiillerville,  of  n  delicate  rose  color,  in  masses  wliieli 
have  a  broken  crystaline  structure.  In  De  Kalb  it  is  common  in  M'hite 
crystaline  bladed  and  tuits,  on  while  limestone,  usually  appearing  in 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


697 


relief  wherever  the  surface  lias  been  weathered.  In  Gonvcrneur,  on 
the  road  from  llichville  to  Little  Bow,  is  a  very  interesting  locality,  on 
the  farm  of  Stephen  Smith,  It  here  occurs  in  long  crystalino  masses, 
often  interlocking  each  other,  and  forming  specimens  at'  great  beunty. 
Near  the  Four  corners,  a  mile  from  this  locality,  noor  the  Itock  Island 
bridge,  and  in  an  open  field,  beautifully  radiated  tufts  nrc  observed  on 
the  limestone  rocks,  which  wlien  broken  present  a  silken  glosf.  No 
mineral  can  surpass  in  beauty  of  lustre  or  delicacy  of  fibre,  specimens 
from  these  localities. 

Zircon,  much  esteemed  by  mineralogists  for  its  rarity  and  its  con- 
taining zirconium,  one  of  the  rarest  of  the  mineral  elements,  occurs  ut 
the  apatite  locality  in  Rossie,  in  square  prisms,  sometimes  terminated  by 
pyramids.  It  is  of  a  brownish  red  color,  and  in  small  crystals  is  trans- 
parent. It  occurs  also  on  the  farm  of  Lorenzo  Heath,  nearer  the  village 
than  the  fornrer,  and  also  on  Grass  creek,  in  the  same  town,  associated 
with  apatite.  The  peculiar  modification  represented  in  fig.  4,  opposite 
page  G84,  occurs  at  the  latter  locality.     Wlien  trunsjiurent,  this  mineral 

is  cut  and  set  as    a 

gem,  and  its  hardness 

*'  ^:^--^-rj>-:i'^.'<\'rr,'!^'  \i!!mr::'M'.':i'iZW.'.,-ff:.\Vandl\\o  beautiful  lus- 

er  ■^.  ■»'•.%»  .'  >-4  '«rvT  :j/-s-«:'  Jmi-mm/K-VMl'^  ^'■*'  '^  '^  capable  of  re- 
^^>;^<^M2l2z4,'i^>'t /SiLa^afcaW^  Tmt^'r^mW  ceiving,  render  it  pe- 
culiarly valuable  for 
this  purjjose.  None 
of  this  quality  has  ever 
been  found  in  St.  Law- 
rence county.  The 
annexed  cut  is  u  crys- 
tal of  zircon  of  the  natural  size,  the  parts  of  which  have  been  displaced 
by  some  causer  after  it  was  formed.  It  is  figured  by  Prof.  Enmions  in 
his  final  report. 


etwcen 

wliicli 

'vhite 

ing  in 


Meteorological  Notes. 

Among  the  more  striking  of  meteorological  phenomena,  are  tornadoes 
of  which  several  have  occurred  since  our  counties  were  settled.  In 
traversing  ihc  forests,  the  tracks  of  these  are  often  seen  in  lines  of  fallen 
timber,  usually  denominated  windtiills.  They  generally  travel  eastward, 
and  the  whirl  is  in  the  opposite  direction  with  that  in  which  the  hands 
of  a  watch  move. 

On  tlio21st  of  August,  18Q3,  a  tornado  passed  across  the  town  of  Con- 
stable, sweeping  everything  belbro  it,  but  fortunately  destroying  no  lives. 
It  entered  from  Canada,  and  pursued  a  southeasterly  direction  until  it 
passed  the  village  of  East  Constable,  when  it  turned  eastward  tosiards 
Chatcaugay,  and  spent  its  force  in  the  woods.  Tiic  path  was  narrow,  and 
for  the  first  few  miles  it  appeared  to  pass  in  two  lines,  which  united.  Its 
progress  was  slow,  and  the  roar  which  accompanied  it  warned  the  in- 
habitants to  seek  safety  in  flight.  The  whirling  of  the  vortex  was  ex- 
cessive, carrying  up  and  throwing  out  from  its  borders  jjlanks,  rails, 
branches  of  trees,  and  wliatevtn-  lay  in  its  way,  and  it  was  said  on  re- 
spectable authority,  that  a  log  chain  lying  on  the  ground  was  carried  ten 
or  fifteen  rods  from  its  place.  This  report,  so  a|i(iarently  incredible,  is 
scarcely  more  so  than  others  well  antlientieateil  by  evidence,  in  which 
the  turf  has  been  torn   up  and  carried  off,  and  heavy  metulie  articles 


mi 


1 


■ii 


m 


list. 


698 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


Bwopt  nwny  by  tlio  fury  of  tlio  tornndo.  Tlio  dny  on  wliich  this  occui-- 
rc'd  had  been  oxcesHivoly  liot  and  Htdtry,  nnd  the  bhinkneso,  roniing  nnd 
viohiiico  of  tho  phenomenon,  wcro  snid  to  have  been  most  Hnblimo  nnd 
terrific.  Towards  tlio  end  of  its  course  it  censed  to  proj^ress,  bnt  moved 
in  spirnl  pnths  tlirougli  n  innple  forest,  niuny  ncres  of  whicii  were  pros- 
trnted. 

I'erl)nps  tlio  most  cxtrnordinnry  tornndo  over  recorded  without  tho 
tropics,  occurred  in  Si.  Lnwrenco  county,  Sept.  20,  184.').  It  was  trnccd 
from  Upper  Cniiada  to  Vermont.  At  H  o'clock  it  wns  at  Antwerp;  at  5, 
on  the  Snrnnnc;  at  (J,  at  Burlington,  Vt.,  and  at  Slioreham,  Vt.,  in  the 
cveniii<r.  Its  lon^ith  could  not  have  been  less  than  900  miles,  nnd  its 
course  nearly  enst,  till  it  reached  Lake  Champlnin,  which  it  nppenrs  to 
have  followed  to  its  head. 

On  Saturday,  nt  noon,  ^Sept.  SO,  1845),  some  ffcntlemen  standing  on 
tho  wharf  ntCojurg,  C.  W.,  hnppeninj?  to  cast  their  eyes  upon  the  water, 
were  struck  with  the  npp(!arance  of  n  stronjj  current  settinj?  directly  out 
from  shore.  It  seemed  ns  if  the  whole  lake  were  goinj?  nwny  bodily. 
It  presently  returned  to  n  height  two  feet  higher  than  usiinl,  nnd  con- 
tin  led  to  ebb  and  flow  nt  intervals  of  eight  or  ten  minutes,  till  night.  At 
Port  Hope,  the  stcnmer  Princess  Hoynl  could  not  get  into  jmrt  at  all.  It 
was  at  the  time  sii|)poscd  to  be  tiio  eflTect  of  an  enrthcpiake,  and  perhaps 
was.  The  work  of  (iestniction  began  a  mih;  enst  of  Antwerp,  nnd  in  its 
course  through  the  forest,  it  swept  nil  before  it,  lenving  n  track  of  deso- 
Intioii  from  half  a  mile  to  a  mile  nnd  n  lialf  wide,  in  which  nothing  wns 
left  standing.  Its  uppenrance  wns  described  by  tliose  who  observed  it  nt 
n  little  distance,  as  awfully  sublime,  it  being  n  cloud  of  pitchy  binckiiess 
from  whicli  vivid  lightnings  nnd  dcnfening  thunder  incessantly  proceeded, 
and  the  air  was  filled  to  a  great  lieight  with  materials  carried  up  from 
the  earth,  and  braiirhes  torn  from  the  tnies.  Torrents  of  rain  ajid  hail 
fell  along  the  borders  of  the  trade,  nnd  much  damage  was  done  by 
lightning.  It  entered  the  county  in  Fowler,  and  crossed  that  town  and 
Edwards,  when  it  entered  the  uninhabited  forest,  and  was  not  further 
witnessed.  In  its  track  on  the  I'itcnirn  road,  and  another  passing  through 
Emmerson's  nnd  Streeter's  settlements,  some  two  miles  apart,  were  six- 
teen buildings,  barns,  houses,  nnd  one  school  house,  whicli  were  swept 
awii y,  yet  wonderful  to  toll,  no  human  lives  were  lost  on  the  whole  route. 
In  the  Imiise  of  n  Mv.  Leonard,  were  two  women  nnd  five  children,  who 
took  refuge  in  the  cellar,  nnd  escajjcd  linrm,  «;xcept  that  one  was 
struck  senseless  by  a  piece  of  timber.  In  another  house  wns  a  sick 
woman,  with  a  young  child  and  a  nurse  attending  them.  Frightenei!  by 
i'  o  noise,  the  latter  threw  lier.scif  iifion  n  bed,  when  the  house  was  blovm 
tiovMi,  and  one  of  ttie  logs,  of  whicli  it  was  built,  fell  across  her,  and  held 
her  f'ist.  She  was  relieved  by  the  superhuman  exertions  of  the  invalii' 
N(  •"  this  house,  a  man  was  driving  nyoke  of  oxen  attached  to  a  wagon, 
Jndi  II  with  coal.  Two  trees  were  brought  by  the  wind  and  laid  across 
the  wagon,  which  crushed  it,  without  injur}'  to  the  team  or  man.  A 
fraPH-  school  house  in  Edwards,  in  whicli  were  several  scholars  and  their 
teacher,  was  unroofed  without  injury  to  its  inmates.  Immediately  fol  ■ 
lowing  the  tornado  wns  a  storm  of  linil,  some  of  the  stones  of  which 
were  of  great  size,  which  severely  lacerated  such  cattle  ns  were  exposed 
to  it.  At  Union  falls, on  the  Saraimc,  in  Clinton  count}',  where  it  emerged 
from  the  forest,  it  made  a  (,om|)leto  wreck  of  nmiiy  of  the  buildings. 
"  Duncan's  forge  wns  considerably  injured,  and  a  brick  s(;lio(d  house  near 
the  Travis  Ibrge,  in  Peru,  was  utterly  demolished.  A  brick  dwelling  near 
this,  Wius  {lartly  destroyed.    Two  houses  were  blown  down,  over  the 


'AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


699 


IkmkIs  of  tlie  intnntos,  ntid  it  was  inirnriilous  tlinl  no  lives  wore  lost. 
Sorno  If)  or  yo  hiiildiiifrs  were  dcwtioyod  (»r  iiijurfd  in  tliut  vicinity,  by 
till!  wind,  wliirii  committed  no  turtlior  dRpiadiitionH  nntil  it  renclicd  R(n-- 
lin^'ton,  in  Vt.,  wlinio  it  nmooi'cd  a  lionsc;,  and  hiuvv  down  Homn  I)uiiih. 
Tlic  atcamc'r  hurlinjiton,  near  Fort  Cassin,  oncomitert'd  the  storm,  hut 
braved  it  iiandisomolj,  snffcrinjr  no  Krcatcr  loss  tiian  Homo  loosn  «leci{ 
plaidt,  wliich  wore  i)icked  U|)  miles  from  shore."  At  Shoreham,  in  the 
eveninff,  was  a  most  majestic  display  of  lightning  (conceivable.  The 
upper  part  of  a  dense  cloud  cominj,'  slowly  from  tho  north  west,  was  al- 
most constantly  lifrhted  up  by  flashes  and  s|mnjrled  streaks,  shootiiifr  in 
every  direction.  Occasionally  it  would  strik*;  the  frronnd.  As  it  ap- 
proached, the  thunder  commenced  its  roar,  and  increased  without  inter- 
mission, until  it  passed. 

At  Ciintonville,  on  tho  Ausable,  the  lifrhtnin;,'  struck  a  church  edifice. 
Several  other  buildings  were  struck,  some  of  which  were  destroyed  by 
fire. 

(See  JV.  1"^  Municipal  Gazelle,  vol.  1,  p.  ,124  j. 

Tho  extent  and  violence  of  this  storm  has  seldom  been  paralleled,  and 
had  its  track  lain  through  a  settled  country,  tho  loss  of  life  must  have 
been  dreadful.  ' 

The  data  we  possess  in  regard  to  our  climate,  is  limited  to  the  results 
of  but  a  few  years  observations  made  under  the  direction  of  the  Regents 
of  tho  University  at  four  acarlemies  subject  to  their  visitation,  and  to  a 
short  period  during  which  they  have  been  reported  to  tho  Smithsonian 
Institution,  by  several  voluntary  observers.  Wo  possess  re|iort8  of  the 
Gouverneur  Seminary,  lor  12  entire  years,  viz:  1831-2-,')-4-5-8-9,  1841-2- 
3,  (except  rain  gage  in  1831  3,  1843);  of  the  Ogdonsburgh  Acadeniy,  for 
18  8;  of  the  academy  at  I'otsdam,  lor  21  entire  years,  viz:  1828  to  ]84(! 
inclusive;  and  of  the  Franklin  Academy  at  Malone,  for  183iM0-2.  A 
similar  series  of  observations  have  been  made  at  02  different  stations  in 
the  state  of  New  York,  during  an  aggregate  period  of  about  !J00  years,  and 
the  results  embody  a  niass  of  liicts  bearing  upon  the  climate  of  the 
state  of  great  ])ractical  value.  In  IS.W,  the  system  first  adopted,  was  dis- 
continued, and  another  at  lower  stations  but  with  better  instruments  was 
substituted.  To  the  farmer  especially  does  the  study  of  Rleteorology 
commend  itself,  for  to  no  pursuit  has  it  so  intimate  a  relation  as  this.  It 
is  a  well  established  fact  that  changes  of  weather  may  often  be  predicted 
several  horns  befon;  their  occurrence,  by  tho  barometer,  and  thus 
especially  in  the  baying  and  harvest  seasons,  a  saving  would  olten  be 
effected  suflicient  to  jjay  the  coat  of  the  instrument.  That  atmospheric 
changes  are  due  to  causes,  none  will  deny.  That  these  are  within  tiie 
scope  of  our  investigation  is  probable,  although  from  the  necessity  of  the 
case,  no  amount  of  probabilities  can  ever  establisli  an  infallible  pre- 
diction. If  every  season  but  one  in  a  thousand  had  been  remarkably 
cold,  or  wet,  no  certainty  could  be  relied  upon  for  the  one.  The  ac- 
cumulation of  probabilities  may,  however  approach  such  exactness,  as  to 
be  of  eminent  |)ractical  service.  The  system  observed  in  these  records, 
enables  us  to  form  a  comparative  table  of  result!-,  of  variable  value  from 
the  unequal  time  that  I'ey  were  maintained  at  each. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


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/. 


(./ 


W; 


,y .% 


i/.x 


fA 


% 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


B50 

I4£ 


IIIIIM 
IIIIU 

m 

140 


IM 

2.0 


1.4 


1.6 


V] 


<^ 


//, 


c^  \% 


A 


"y  C*'.^'^ 


#3 


^^ 


O 


7 


/A 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  H.,\>;A  S?1Ffe7 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


fo 


w^ 


700 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


The  first  of  the  following  tables  is  for  Potsdam,  the  second  for  Gouver- 
neur,  and  the  third  for  Malone,  and  they  show  the  results  of  the  above 
observations,  for  the  respective  periods  mentioned. 


Thermometer 

Re8Ullant  of 
winds. 

Weather. 
Mean  renults. 

Months. 

Mean 
Teniprature. 

1 

n 
"ST 

67 

78 
84 
94 
95 
90 
95 
88 
86 
71 
59 

96 

s 

to 
•5 

! 

—34 

-32 

—28 

— 1 

20 

32 

40 

34 

23 

12 

-10 

—26 

34 

i 
: 

B 

u 

H 
91 
99 

104 
85 
74 
65 
50 
61 
65 
74 
81 
85 

130 

1 

1 

32 
20 
28 
22 
31 
51 
54 
45 
43 
30 
31 
20 
34 

& 

9  78 

98 

85.5 

6.60 

9  45 

15.37 

10.27 

13.61 

12  89 

11.85 

9.40 

7.94 

10.29 

i 

U 

1155 

11.88 
13.80 
14.50 
15.78 
1602 
18.02 
18.90 
15.52 
14.09 
9.02 
10  43 

14.18 

6 
o 

1945 
1640 
17.11 
1550 
15.22 
13.38 
12.9S 
1210 
14.48 
10.91 
20  98 
20.52 

15.26 

S| 

1.40 
1.06 
1.48 
1.70 
3.03 
3.31 
4.03 
9.81 
3.11 
3.;34 
1.93 
1.44 

2.38 

Ut 

half. 

21.52 
10.00 
20.81 
41.29 
52.33 
02.74 
68  09 

2(1 

half. 

10.50 
2161 
32.99 
40.18 
57.77 
05.19 
08  OS 

19.01 

18.80 
29.90 
43.73 
55  05 
03.96 
08.;"J8 
66.73 
57.66 
45.00 
a3.64 
22.09 

43.06 

f 

Jui.uary, 

February 

MiTch, 

Apt;!., 

Mav. 

s.78O30'w. 
8.79  22  w. 
8.67  45  w. 
8  79  17  w. 
s.Ol  34  w. 
»  58  30  w. 
8.54  17  w. 
S.03  45 w. 
8.63  58  w. 
s.58  48  w. 
3.67  08  w. 
B.S5  31  w. 

28.15 
21.31 
29  07 
3413 

60  52 

June, 

July, 

00.25 
80.70 

Aiiirust 

67.71  05.70 

50.18 

September, 

Oct  >ber, 

November 

December, 

00.36 
47.83 
37.14 
25.25 

4392 

54.90 
42.18 
30.14 
18  94 

43  41 

02.17 

00.87 
.'J^.02 

28.85 

Mean, 

sOO  15  w. 

47  79 

Jiinr-ry,  ... 
Febiiiary,.. 

March 

April 

May, 

June, 

July, 

August, . . . . 
September,. 
Oiiober,  . . . 
November, . 
UeeemliiT, . 
Mean,  . 


January, . . . 
February, . . 

Marcli, 

April, 

May, 

June 

.!''       

A  ,.  H3t,  . . . . 
■•  cplember,. 
October,  . . . 
Niw'in'.pr, . 
Uc.  iinliiT. . 


20.33 
15.68 
28.49 
4223 
1.27 
G2.08 

as  20 

07  50 
00  71 
4i).ti9 
30.50 
21.84 


19.10 
21.(ji) 
33.54 
40.58 
53.51 
01.07 
09  46 
07.51 
55.59 
44.52 
3019 
18.14 


43.77  4403  43.92  100 


19.74 
18.08 
31.01 
4440 
54.89 
63.32 
03.80 
67.50 
.58.11 
4710 
33.37 
20.49 


04 
59 
72 
85 
94 
95 
100 
99 
93 
80 
73 
55 


35 1  09 
—321  91 
—  301102 


10 
22 
33 
S7 
32 
22 
10 
—17 
—40 


75 
72 

62 
63 
67 
71 
70 
90 
95 

—40  140 


S.83  45  w. 
8.71  32  w. 
S.87  54  w. 
N.71  27  w. 
8.73  3;lw. 
8.0-1  30  w. 
8.70  4S  w. 
8.79  46  w. 

8.81  29  w. 

5.82  48  w. 
N.87  53W, 
N.TeSOw. 


32,  9.50 
321  9.68 
.31110.30 
22 1  0.30 
36 1 10.83 
32i  9.71 
59117.07 


.S.81  29  vi'. 


8.95 
12.21 
12.42 

9.80 

8_80 

11720 


15.17 
17.07 
15.75 
15.02 
10.17 
17.83 
18.92 
18.87 
15  17 
13.08 
10.00 
11.08 


15.13  15  31 


15.83 
13..50 
1225 
14.38 
14.83 
12.12 
12.08 
12.12 
14.83 
17.92 
20  00 
19  92 


2.54,22.89 
1.87  10  83 
1.68|15.13 


194 
2.44 

2.sn 
2.34 
2.21 
2.59 
3  20 
2.10 
1.0' 


17.46 
22.00 
25.97 
21.06 
19.9.1 
23  33 
2s..'^l 
19.49 
15.0G 


2.29  18.99 


18  18 
•23.80 
29.42 
4182 
47.85 
57.51 
05.09 
01  10 
58  37 
48.91 
37  31 
20.02 


18.2.5 

2S.49 
33.44 
48.13 
,58.16 
49..57 
03.12 
(«.1G 
.'11.97 
14  rfl 
28.39 
16.42 


Meai '43  28'42.43 


18.21 

54 

-24 

78 

20.14 

08 

—15 

83 

31.43 

03 

—12 

Ml 

45.07 

8!) 

11 

77 

53.00 

88 

•Si 

03 

,5355 

89 

31 

57 

00.90 

94 

-■-^    50 1 

(W.?" 

94 

40    ,54 1 

.11.17 

84 

23'  01 

40.91 

74 

20    51 

:«.85 

04 

0    58 

21.22 

45 

—14]  59 

12.85 

94 

-24 

iiel 

8  61  ISw. 
8.70  02  w. 
3.83  12  w 
X.86  36W. 
3.51  07  w. 
8.77  ,32  w. 
s.s4  03  w. 
S.S6  00  w. 
8.73  low 

N.>-7,58W. 
8 76  56 w 
s.!- 8  24  w. 

s'pS  57"w. 


10.70 
15.5^ 

1213 
I5..W 
15  01 
19.02 
9.89 
17.54 
Itl.Sl 

12  58 

13  so 


52 

45 
40 
52 
50 
0.3 
31 
5-1 
30 
12 

45  13.89' 


11. ,'30 

7.83 

13.U(; 

15.5(1 

14.33 

12.83 

15.10 

10.10 

12;i3 

11  00 

0.,50 

6.80 


12.38,18  16    2  42    7.08 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


701 


«  . 

O  o 

-:  c 
&  "" 

28.15 
•21.31 

29  67 

■i\n 

(iO.52 
06.25 
80.70 
50.18 
11102.17 
:M  100.87 
!)3|.tH.02 
44-28,85 


17.46 

•22.(10 
A).97 
21.00 
li).!KI 
23  33 
111  2S.SI 
10.40 
15.00 


5.1!) 
0.(a 
6.12 
0  12 
8.03 
10.10 
10  03 
1.71 
h.'20 
S,70 

1  4.a! 
G.as 


The  first  three  columns  after  the  months  denote  the  moan  temperature 
as  derived  from  three  daily  observations,  of  which  one  was  taken  in  the 
morning  before  sunrise,  another  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  afternoon, 
and  the  third  an  hour  after  sunset.  The  column  headed  "  highest  degree" 
denotes  the  greatest  temperature  observed,  and  the  next  column  the  least. 
The  three  columns  headed  "Resultant  of  Winds"  is  the  product  of  much 
labor,  and  the  first  shows  the  angle  or  point  from  which  all  the  winds  have 
blown  during  the  entire  period.  The  column  marked  percentage,  shows 
the  prevalence  of  the  winds  in  parts  of  a  hiindrcd,  and  that  marked  </«(/*, 
in  that  of  the  whole  number  of  days  in  the  month.  To  illustrate  this, 
the  month  of  Ja^iuary  at  Potsdam,  may  bo  taken  as  an  example.  The 
direction  of  the  wind  in  the  forenoon  und  afternoon  was  entered  in  the 
journal,  and  at  the  end  of  the  month  these  entries  were  added  up.  The 
footings  of  21  years  showed  that  the  average  number  of  days  of  wind 
from  each  of  the  eight  points  were  as  follows  in  days  and  huWdf eths :  N. 
2.15:  N.  E.  5.46:  E.  0.12:  S.  E.  0.59:  S.  4.35:  S.  W.  9.69:  W.  3.48:  N. 
W.  5.16:  total,  31.00.  The  columns  showing  these  numbers  we  have 
been  obliged  to  omit  From  these  numbers  it  remained  to  learn  their 
value  and  mean  direction  (supposing  the  velocity  of  the  wind  to  hnvo 
been  uniform),  precisely  as  we  would  ascertain  the  direction  and  distance 
of  a  ship  which  should  have  sailed  uniformly  in  the  different  courses  for 
the  above  times,  from  the  starting  point.  The  eight  directions  were  re- 
duced to  four  by  substracting  opposite  points;  these  reduced  to  two  by 
a  traverse  table,  and  lastly  these  two  were  brought  down  to  one  by  a  tri- 
gonometrical calculation,  and  the  aidof  logarithms.  In  the  instance  cited, 
if  the  whole  amount  of  winds  or  the  whole  time  bo  called  100,  then  32  of 
these,  or  9.78  days  of  the  31.00,  the  wind  came  from  a  point  S.  78°  30' 
W.,  while  during  the  remainder  of  the  time  (68  per  cent  or  21.22  days), 
the  winds  from  opposite  points  balanced  each  other.  The  bearing  which 
this  inquiry  has  upon  the  questions  of  climate,  and  especially  upon  agri- 
cultural and  commercial  interests  of  the  nation,  renders  it  desiralile  tliat 
these  observations  shoM/d  be  extended,  and  measures  are  now  in  progress 
to  maintain  on  an  extended  scale  a  minute  and  judicious  system  of  re- 
cords. The  colums  headed  dear  and  cloudy  denote  the  relative  periods 
during  which  the  sky  has  been  clear  and  overcast,  the  monthly  mean  of 
the  rain  gage  indicates  the  average  depth  of  rain  in  the  several  months, 
and  the  last  colunm  the  total  depth  for  the  whole  period,  viz:  20  years  at 
Potsdam,  9  at  Gouverneiir,  and  3  at  Malone. 

The  following  table  shows  the  results  of  a  series  of  observations,  made 
by  Mr.  E.  A.  Dayton,  at  Columbia  village,  with  a  set  of  standard  instru- 
ments, placed  as  directed  in  the  instructions,  issued  by  the  Smithsonian 
Institution,  to  which  they  have  been  reported.  The  time  of  observation 
have  been  6  A.  M.,  2  P.  M.,  and  10  P,  M. 


702 


HISTORY   OP   ST.   LAWRENCE 


The  instruments  with  which  these  observations  hnve  been  made,  were 
manufactured  by  James  Green,  of  New  York.  The  heiidings  of  the  several 
cohmins  render  them  suiHeientiy  intelligible.  In  that  marked  Cloudi- 
ness, 10  rcprsents  a  sky  entirely  overcast.  In  the  column  next  to  the 
last,  the  corrections  for  expansion  of  the  mercury,  and  other  modifying 
influences,  arc  allowed  for  so  that  the  ninnber  represent  the  actual  mean 
height  of  the  barometer,  independent  of  modifying  causes. 


Moiitlis. 


Self  Keg. 
Ther. 


bo 


O 


"^  fe 

=  s 


o    .    . 

^   ^  N 


bo£ 


U 


pq 


July, 

Ibb 

Aug. 

(( 

Sept. 

(I 

Oct. 

Nov. 

K 

Dec. 

U 

Jan, 

185 

Feb. 

ti 

Mar. 

(( 

Apr. 

II 

Aug. 

Dec. 

(t 

63.27 
45.92 
28.95 
10.52 
11.02 
21.79 
20.39 
37.95 
00.41 


29.015175.90158.94 
28. 410176.97157. 00 


28.470  09.29 
29.044 


29.071 
29.779 
29.039 
29.498 
29.694 
29.404 
29.72S 


28.35,29.689 


36.12 
25. 3i 
19.00 

34.63 
45.67 
76.37 
33.52 


47.87 

23.05 
8.11 
2.04 
12.55 
17.04 
30.00 
54.26 
17.01 


w. 
s.  w. 
s.w. 
s.  w. 
s.w. 

w. 

w. 

w. 

w. 

N.  E. 
S.W. 


3.91 
5.0 
6.0 
7.0 
8.5 
7:9 
8.3 
6.9 
7.4 
6.9 
5.0 


s.  w.  8.8 


2.40 
2.13 
4.54 
2.45 
1.28 
2-90 
3.33 
0.77 
?.49 
4,94 


29.008 
29.738 
29.829 
29.642 
29.068 
29.712 
29.639 
29.495 
29.695 
29.484 
29.728 
29.689 


580 

612 

1.152 

7  SO 

1.4G2 

1.357 

1.160 

1.051 

1.561 

989 

530 

1.302 


Wc  are  under  the  necessity  of  omitting  many  observations  which  ac- 
company the  above. 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  observations  made  with  similar  instru- 
ments and  for  a  similar  object  as  the  foregoing,  at  Ogdensburgh,  by  Mr. 
VVm.  E.  Guest,  Esq.,  during  .1.851 — 1852.  I'arts  of  the  two  previous  years 
are  not  included.    Height  above  tide  279  feet. 


Months. 


Tcnipeiature. 

1 

11 

• 

^ 

c  " 

tL 

1 

S 
0 

5 

a,*-' 

Barometer, 


January, . . , 
February, . . 
March,  . . . , 

April, 

May 

June, 

July, 

August 

September, , 
October,  . . , 
November, . 
December,  , 


19.7447 
22,15  52 
28.59167 
39.54  09 


53.50 
01.51 
67.75  95 
04,22  83 
57.51  88 
47.07  73 
31.0452 
23.17,58 


—22 

—17 

—  12 

21 

34 

39 

50 

40 

32 

26 

13i 

—14, 


0.8 
0.3 
0.5 
5.3 
3.9 
4  (! 
3.8 
4.0 
4.8 
5.1 
4.9 


1.85 
2.81 
3.15 
1.89 
3.25 
2.80 
3.19 
2.27 
2.43 
2.65 
4.00 


7.0  4.08 


149.053 
59.702 
29.088 
29.503 
29  071 
29.581 
29.615 
29.740 
29.798 
29.080 
29.054 
29.084 


1.305 

1.032 

0.660 

1.045 

0.947 

1,068 

703 

5S5 

1.113 

864 

1.305 

1.355 


A  small  part  only  of  the  record  communicated,  is  embraced  in  the 
foregoing  table. 

A  series  of  notes  on  our  natural  history,  and  a  catalogue  of  i)lants 
growing  without  cultivation,  which  wo  iiad  prepared,  is  necessarily 
omitted.  It  may  not  be  amiss  to  remark,  that  the  beaver  still  exists  in 
scattered  families  between  the  sources  of  Oswegatchio  and  Grass  rivers, 
although  they  do  not  build  dams  and  villages  as  previously,  iiom  their 
fewness.  The  moose  is  said  to  be  on  the  increase,  and  there  is  scarcely 
a  year  |)asses  without  one  or  more  being  taken.      The  elk  is  probably 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


703 


extinct,  here  although  its  horns  nre  occasionully  found,  nnd  it  occurs  in 
Canada.  The  panther,  bear,  lynx,  fisher,  otter,  deer,  and  other  animals 
that  are  pursueii  us  game  or  for  their  furs,  still  contiiuie  to  give  employ- 
ment to  the  pleasure  seeking  sportsman,  and  the  professional  hunter,  nor 
nre  the  waters  that  adorn  the  green  woods  and  reHect  tlie  siiadows  of 
primeval  forests,  destitute  of  attraction  to  the  followers  of  Izaak  Walton. 
Tlie  lakes  and  rivers  of  the  south  part  of  Franklin  county,  are  cele- 
brated for  their  trout,  while  in  the  larger  tril)Utaries  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
the  sturgeon,  pike,  mullet,  muscalange,  pickerel,  bass,  ])erch,  sunfish,  and 
other  species  occur.  Formerly  the  salmon  abounded,  but  for  many 
years  none  have  been  caught.  To  the  naturalist,  i)erhaps  the  most  in- 
teresting fish  in  our  waters,  is  the  hill-fish  (Lepidosteus  oxyurus,)  which 
occurs  in  Black  lake,  and  the  great  rivers,  and  seldom  fails  to  attract  the 
curiosity  of  the  most  casual  observer.  F.  (Jabriel  Sagard,  Samuel 
Champlain,  Father  Charlevoix,  and  other  French  writers,  clescribed  this 
fish,  and  its  habits  in  the  most  absurd  maimer,  probably  guided  by 
Indian  traditions.  The  latter  called  it  Chou-su-ron,  and  the  teeth  were 
used  as  lancets  for  bleeding.  This  iish  occurs  sometimes  five  feet  in 
length;  its  body  is  covered  with  hard  bony  scales,  and  it  has  a  long  nar- 
row beak,  armed  with  a  double  row  of  teeth.  The  interest  to  the  scii  ii- 
tific  which  it  possesses,  is  derived  from  the  fact  that  the  structure  of  its 
teeth,  under  the  microscope,  prove  it  to  be  intermediate  between  fishes 
and  reptiles,  and  with  the  exception  uf  a  somewhat  similai  fish  of  tl.D 
Nile,  the  sole  survivor  of  an  early  and  deeply  interesting  geological 
period.  In  this  we  may  study  the  structure  and  analogies  of  a  race  of 
animals,  that  at  one  period,  were  lords  of  the  creation,  but  have  long 
since  given  place  to  other  Ibrms  of  anitnnl  life. 

Of  birds  there  is  probably  nothing  peculiar  to  this  section,  but  a 
single  fact  relating  to  the  chinniey  swallow  may  be  noticed.  It  is  well 
known  that  before  the  country  was  settled,  this  bird  was  accustomed  to 
inhabit  hollow  trees,  and  countless  myriads,  would  congregate  in  a. 
single  tree.  Wilson  in  his  ornithology,  has  given  an  animated  and 
beautiful  description  of  these  colonies.  A  swallow  tree  of  the  descrip- 
tion, formerly  existed  near  Somerville,  and  attracted  nu-uy  curious 
visitors. 

We  inadvertently  omitted  in  its  proper  place,  to  notice  that  an  earth- 
quake occurred  in  St.  Lawrencecounty,  on  the  evening  of  January  yiJ, 
1832,  at  about  half  past  eleven  o'clock,  p.  m.  Houses  were  shaken  at  Og- 
densbiu'gh,  sc  much  as  to  awaken  many  Irom  sleep,  and  the  tremulous 
motion  of  stoves,  crockery  and  windows,  with  n  soimd  like  distant  thun- 
der, beneath  the  surface  of  the  earth,  was  distinctly  jjcrceivcd  by  those 
who  had  not  yet  retired  to  sh  ep.  At  Lowville,  the  sudden  an<l  violent 
agitation  of  the  earth,  was  accompanied  by  a  sound  like  that  of  several 
heavy  carriages  passing  rapidly  over  frozen  ground.  It  was  also  per- 
ceived very  sensibly  at  Montreal,  where  the  motion  was  comjiared  to 
the  shaking  of  a  steamboat,  whose  machinery  agitates  her  very  much. 
It  continued  four  seconds,  and  was  accompanied  with  an  indistinct 
noise. 


n 


704 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


APPENDIX. 


NOTE  A. 

fPreferred  from  page  97.] 

The  surrender  of  Me  Royal  tpos  announced  by  (he  following  proclamation  of 

Governor  Colden. 

"  By  the  Hon.  Cadwallader  Colden,  Esquire,  President  of  His 
[L.  S.]    Majesty's  Council,  and  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Province  of 
New  York,  and  the  territories  depending  thereon  in  America. 

A  PROCLAMATION. 

WAereew,  His  Majesty's  forces,  under  the  immediate  command  of  His 
Excellency  General  Amherst,  have  lately  reduced  the  fortress  and  works 
erected  by  the  enemy  on  an  island  in  the  St.  Lawrence,  called  by  the 
French  Isle  Royal,  a  few  miles  below  Oswegatchie,  an  Indian  settle- 
ment with  u  block  house  fort,  which  the  enemy  had  before  abandoned, 
from  whence  the  inhabitants  of  this  province,  situated  on  the  Mohawk 
river,  have  been  so  much  annoyed  by  parties  sent  to  harrassand  disturb 
them,  that  they  were  kept  in  almost  conctant  alarm,  and  many  under 
strong  apprehensions  of  their  danger,  abandoned  their  settlements. 
And  whereas  by  this  important  acquisition,  the  people  along  the  Mohawk 
river,  will  for  the  future  remain  quiet  in  their  possessions,  and  as  the 
improvement  of  the  settlements  ih'ere,  and  the  cultivation  of  the  adja- 
cent uncleared  country,  can  not  but  prove  of  the  greatest  advantage  to 
the  province.  The  general  by  his  letter  to  me,  dated  below,  the  Isle 
Royale,  the  26th  ultimo,  hath  recommended  that  I  would  invite  the  in- 
habitants thereto  and  assure  them  of  a  peaceable  abode  in  their  habita- 
tion. I  have  heretofore  thought  fit  with  the  advice  of  his  majesty's  coiui- 
cil  to  issue  this  proclamation,  hereby  inviting  the  persons,  who  through 
fear  of  the  incursions  of  the  enemy  on  that  side,  have  left  their  settle- 
ments, to  return  to  their  farms  where  they  may  now  reap  the  fruit  of 
their  industry,-in  the  utmost  security,  and  as  a  further  encouragement  to 
otiicrs  to  become  settlers  in  that  part  of  the  country,  I  do  promise  his 
majesty's  grant  of  any  of  the  vacant  lands  there  to  such  persons  as  shall 
apply  for  the  same,  on  the  usual  terms,  and  on  condition  of  immediate 
settlements  of  the  tracts  that  shall  be  so  appropriated. 

Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  arms,  in  Fort  George,  in  the  city  of 
New  York,  the  fourth  day  of  September.  1760,  in  the  thirty  fourth  year  of 


c 


a 


■*'^ 


1  . 


.  I 


p 
m 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


705 


tho  reign  of  our  soveieijjri,  Lord  G(!or^'o  tlio  hccoimI,  liy  tho  frrnco  of  God 
of  (irunt  Britain,  Fruuuu  and  Ireland  king,  dolundur  uf  tliu  luitli,  and  ho 
fortli. 


'^r^. 


By  His  Honors  Command,  G.  VV.  Banvar,  D.  Scc'y, 
God  Save  the  Kino. 

Wc  nincli  rogrct,  our  innhiiity  to  rofcr  to  M.  Poiicliot,  tlie  commander 
of  tliis  post,  nt  tlie  titno  of  its  Hurrendor. — (Ponckot  J\].  JMeinoires  sur  Ic 
Derniere.  Guerre  des  Jiinerique,  Septenlrionale,  enlre  la  France  et  CJlngleterre, 
3  vols.  12mo,  Yrerdon,  1781. 

Two  English  historians  (Jolin  Kntick,  in  a  work  in  .'5  volumes  8vo,  en- 
titled General  Histon/  of  the  War  in  Europe,  Jhia,  Jifrka  and  Jlmerica, 
London,  1763;  atid  John  Knox,  in  a  work  of  3  volumes,  4to.,  entitled 
Jin  Historical  Journal  of  the  Campaign  in  .\or//t  Jimerica),  have  detailed 
with  minuteness  the  events  of  the  campaign,  and  added  other  particu- 
lars. The  latter  accompanied  the  English  army,  and  wroto  from  per- 
aoual  observation.     We  (piote  liom  Jiis  account: 

"  18th  August.  The  weather  is  extremely  unfavorable  to  our  opera- 
tions, yet  the  general,  intent  on  the  vigorous  prosecution  of  his  mea- 
sures, resolves  to  lose  no  time.  This  morning  was  taken  U|)  with  the 
repairs  of  the  row  galleys  and  jirize  vessel,  and  at  10  o'clock  the  en- 
gineers with  tho  covering  party  returticd,  and  made  their  report;  'nit 
his  excelleiicy  was  i)redctermincd,  and  the  army  are  in  readiness.  The 
first  division,  consisting  of  tho  grenadiers,  twobuttalionsof  light  infantry, 
the  right  biigade  of  regulars,  Schuyler's  regiment,  the  greatest  part  of 
the  Indians  with  Sir  William  Johnson,  three  row  galleys  and  some  field 
artillery,  ore  to  proceed  down  by  tlie  north  shore,  commanded  by  the 
general  in  person ;  pass  the  fort  and  lakfe  possession  of  the  islands  and 
coasts  below  it;  at  tho  same  time  the  second  division,  composed  of  the 
left  brigade  of  regulars,  Lyman's  regiment,  two  ranging  companies,  the 
remainder  of  the  Indians,  and  two  row  galleys,  under  the  command  of 
Col.  Haldimnn,  to  row  down  to  the  south  coast,  and  liike  post  opposite 
to  the  fort,  where  they  will  not  be  exfiosed  to  the  fire  of  the  place,  whilst 
the  prize  now  deservedly  called  the  Williamson  brig,  under  Lieut.  Sin- 
clair, will  sail  down  the  centre  of  the  river,  between  the  two  divisions, 
with  direction  to  moor  at  random  shot  from  the  fort;  Brig.  Gen.  Guge, 
with  the  rest  of  the  army  and  heavy  artillery,  to  remain  at  Oswegatchie. 
Such  is  the  disposition  his  excellency  made  betbre  the  return  of  the  en- 
gineers, and  it  was  spiritedly  executeil  accordingly,  under  a  brisk  and 
continued  cannonade, directed  ogainst  the  brigand  the  general's  column, 
whereby  one  galley  was  sunk,  ten  men  were  killed  and  wounded,  one  of 
whom  lost  a  thigh,  and  many  bateaux  and  oars  were  grazed  with  shot. 
As  the  north  division  rowed  down  in  single  files,  it  was  11  at  night  be- 
fore the  sternmost  boat  joined,  and  then  the  blockade  of  the  fort  was 
completely  formed.  Our  Indians  landed  on  the  islands  Gallop  and  Pic- 
quet,  which  the  enemy  abandoned  with  the  greatest  precipitation,  having 
lefl  a  number  of  scalps,  two  swivel  guns,  some  barrels  of  pitch,  a  qiian- 

42 


706 


HISTORY   OF   ST.   LAWRENCE 


PI 


tity  nt  tools  mid  utensils,  with  some  iron  behind  tliom.  Our  Indians 
were  so  exiispornted  nt  fuiding  the  HcnlpH,  thnt  they  fired  nil  their  houses, 
not  Himrinp  even  tlie  chnpel.  Lnte  in  tiio  night  nn  nttcriipt  wus  made  to 
wuigl*  up  tiie  galley  that  was  sunk,  hut  we  could  not  succeed. 

lUth.  The  general,  with  Col,  Williamson  and  Lieut,  Col,  Eyre,*  rc- 
connoitcred  the  fr  t  and  the  islands  nearest  to  it,  on  two  of  which  ground 
is  made  choice  j*'  for  batteries,  about  six  hiuidred  yards  from  the  fort, 
ns  also  for  a  iliini  on  nn  advantageous  point  of  land  on  the  south  shore; 
nnd  detachments  are  immediately  ordered  to  break  ground,  cut  and 
mako  fascines,  with  every  other  projinration  for  carrying  on  the  siege. 
Orders  were  sent  to  Oswegafchie,  for  the  heavy  artillery,  which  aro 
expected  down  this  night.  The  Onondaga  and  Mohawk  aj)peared  to- 
day; they  received  orders,  in  like  Tuonner  as  the  brig,  to  come  to  anchor 
at  rantlom  shot  from  the  fort,  and  if  cannonaded,  not  to  return  it.  The 
remainder  of  the  army,  except  one  Coimecticiit  regiment,  aro  ordered 
down  from  Oswegatehie,  whence  onr  heavy  artillery  arrived  late  at 
night,  nnd  the  row  galley  with  her  gun  was  weighed  up.  The  fort 
fired  on  the  brig  yesterday,  which  she  spiritedly  returned,  until  ordered 
to  desist. 

22(1.  The  troops  have  wcn-ked  with  such  diligence,  that  our  batteries 
will  bo  completed  this  night,  and  ready  to  i»lay  on  Fort  Levis  to-mor- 
row. 

23d.  The  batteries  were  opened  this  morning,  and  had  such  cfTect, 
that  the  enemy  drew  in  their  gtms,  and  endeavored  to  serve  them  a 
convert.  After  some  hours'  firing,  n  disposition  was  made  to  storm  the 
fort  with  the  grenadiers  of  the  aimy,  in  which  the  three  vessels  were  to 
have  assisted.  For  this  purpose,  a  number  of  '■  rksmen  were  jiuli- 
ciously  placed  on  board  each  shij),  with  the  vie »v  of  compelling  tho 
enemy  to  abandon  their  guns;  nnd  they  were  orderec!  to  fall  down  on 
tho  fort  within  the  range  of  small  arms;  but  whether  the  vessels  were 
confused  with  the  weight  of  the  enemy's  fire,  or  that  the  nnscarriage 
may  be  imputed  to  the  navigation  or  the  wind,  is  difiicult  to  determine; 
for  the  general,  not  np|)roving  of  their  mn7;ner  of  working  down,  sent 
orders  to  them  to  return  to_ their  former  station,  and  desisted  from  his 
project  for  the  presQiit.  The  garrison  expended  a  great  deal  of  ammu- 
nition to  little  purpose;  nnd  our  artillery  were  so  well  served,  that  the 
enemy  were  rather  shy  of  standing  to  their  guns, 

25tli.  We  have  had  warm  cannonading  on  both  sides,  but  their  guns 
being  nt  lengih  dismounted  by  our  superior  fire,  M,  Pouchot,  the  gov- 
ernor, after  displaying  as  much  gallantry  as  could  be  expected  in  his 
situation,  beat  a  chamade,  and  iti  the  afternoon  capitulated  for  his  garri- 
son, who  are  become  prisoners  of  war;  they  consist  of  two  captains, 
six  subalterns  and  two  hundred  and  ninety-one  men,  all  ranks  included; 
they  had  a  lieutenant  of  artillery  with  twelve  men  killed,  and  thirty-five 
wounded.  The  ordnance  mounted  at  Fort  Levis,  are  twelve  12  pound- 
ers, two  sixes,  thirteen  fours,  four  of  one  pound  each,  and  four  brass  G 
pounders,  Lieut.  Col.  Massey  has  taken  possejsion  of  the  fort,  with 
three  companies  of  his  battalion.  Fort  Levis,  on  Isle  Royale,  is  in  a 
most  advantageous  situation.  The  island  is  small,  and  entirely  compre- 
hended within  the  works,  which  are  carried  on  in  the  same  irregular 
manner  as  nature  has  formed  theinsulary  shore  about  it;  but  the  area  of 


' 


•  This  genteel  fellow  arrived  at  lliat  rank  solely  by  his  merit,  of  wliich  lie  had  a  large  share. 
He  was  unforlunaltly  drowned  on  his  passage  to  Ireland,  long  after  the  conclusion  of  llie 
War,  and  in  the  prime  of  his  life.  In  his  profession  as  an  engineer,  he  was  exceedingly  emi- 
nent, and  an  honor  \o  his  country :  llie  service,  und  the  army,  to  whom  he  wag  a  shining  orna- 
ment, have  sustained  a  very  considerable  logs  by  his  death. 


mam 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


707 


the  fort  is  a  rofttilar  Hqunro  within  four  hnntionH  only,  which  deems  to 
have  hoen  the  first  intention  in  fortifying  the  iHland,  ho  tliat  tiie  other 
defencoH,  to  nil  nppearnnco,  have  l:oen  occasionally  added,  to  render  the 
•nlaco  more  rcHpeetahle,  and  cut  nfTconnniniicatinn  to  Montreal,  to  which 
It  was  on  excellent  harrier;  at  the  head  of  a  numher  of  dreadful  rapidti, 
and  connnands,  in  a  great  nieasuro,  the  navif^ation  hctwecn  lake  Ontario 
and  Canada.  The  country  north  and  south  is  apparently  even,  rich  and 
capable  of  great  improvement  inhabited  princi|mlly  by  IndiauH,  which, 
with  the  uncommon  fertility  of  the  circumjacent  iHlando,  producing  In- 
dian ami  other  corn  in  great  abundance,  and  the  nrospect  of  an  immense 
fur  trade  induced  the  governor  general  to  eHtahiiHli  a  strong  settlement 
in  this  district.  The  batteries  erected  against  Fort  Levis  consislH  of  six 
guns  each,  besides  mortars,  though  designed  for  a  greater  number,  if 
necessary,  and  the  two  islands  whereon  they  are  constructed,  are  occu- 
pied chiefly  by  Col.  Massey's  gr  .nadiers,  witli  Brig.  Gage's  and  Col. 
Amherst's  corps  of  light  intiintry,  who  first,  took  possession  of  them;  and 
the  remainder  of  the  army,  except  Col.  Haldiman's  detachment,  on  the 
fourth  point  battery,  are  dispersed  on  other  contiguous  islands,  in  '"-'la 
manner  as  to-surround  the  fortress,  and  cut  off'  the  enemy's  retreat,  mi 
case  they  had  been  inclined  to  abandon  and  retire." 


NOTE  B. 

[Referred  from  page  109  ] 

It  had  oeen  our  design  to  enumerate  some  of  the  evidence  ofsupersti- 
tion,  as  evinced  in  various  enterprises  of  money  seeking,  by  digging, 
draining  the  beds  of  streams,  &c.,  &c.,  and  searching  for  vampires,  of 
which  tiie  annals  of  St.  Lawrence  county  afford  at  least  three  instances. 
Our  space  forbids  the  details,  revolting  to  humanity,  and  regard  for  the 
living,  leads  us  to  pass  unnoticed  these  heathenish  mutilations  of  the 
dead. 


NOTE  C. 

[Referred  Crom  pnge  111.] 

Insteod  of  continuing  our  account  of  St.  Louis,  a  short  space  will  be 
devoted  to  the  Mohawk  dialect  of  the  Iroquois.  As  if  exists  in  Canada, 
it  is  said  to  have  but  11  letters,  viz:  A,  E,  H,  I,  K,  N,  O,  R,  S,  T,  W,  for 
the  last  of  which  a  character  like  the  figure  8,  open  at  the  top,  is  used. 
It  is  remarkable  for  the  combinations  of  which  it  is  susceptible,  and 
which  arises  from  the  fewness  of  the  roots  or  primitive  words.  The 
natives  having  but  few  ideas,  and  these  of  the  most  common  and  familiar 
objects,  when  it  became  necessary  to  speak  of  abstract  ideas,  as  those  of 
a  religious  character,  the  missionaries  were  obliged  to  use  figurative 
terms,  and  comparisons  couched  in  language  suited  to  their  capacity. 
From  this  cause,  the  speeches  delivered  at  treaties  abound  in  rhetorical 
figures,  especially  in  metaphors.  Hence  arises  a  flexibility  and  range  of 
modification  in  mood,  tense  and  declension  said  to  be  much  analagous, 
especially  in  the  verb,  to  the  Greek.  The  following  is  an  instance  of 
combination : 


708 


HISTORY    OF     ST.    LAWRENCE 


i;ff 


r  * 
r4 


p, 


Kno-nwei-a,  sif^nifies  a  l)ont  of  any  kind,  (liencc  our  word  canoe). 
/f'a-len-l!-a-tn,  any  tiling  ''that  goes  l)y  fire." 
Ih-ti  io-keii,  "  on  the  ground." 
()l-fi!-rc,  "  tiro." 

ffnieidinta-hctilokcn-otsiere,  "  a  iiiacliiuc  tliat  runs  on  tlic  ground  by  fire," 
i.  c,  a  rail  road. 

ff'alentinta-kaomoeia-otsire, "  a  boat  that  goes  by  fire,"  i.  o.,  steam  boat. 

The  Algonquin  Iniigungc  lias  a  relation  with  all  tli0!»e  of  the  north  and 
nortiiwest.  Tlie  dialect  of  this  spoken  at  St.  Fran(^ois,  is  the  softest  and 
most  musical  of  all.  For  this  reason  the  Iroquois  call  the  latter  sken-so- 
wa-ne,  signifying  a  bird  that  soars  and  warbles.  This  arises  from  the 
j)revalencc  of  letter  L,  instead  of  R.  The  Irocjuois  called  the  Algonquins 
in  derision,  Mirondaca,  or  "wood  eateis,"  which  term  has  been  applied 
to  th<i  lofty  chain  of  mountains  in  Essex  county.  3It.  Marcy,  the  highest 
peak,  is^alled  Ta-ha-was,  "that  cleaves  the  sky." 

The  following  are  the  numerals  used  in  the  Mohawk  dialect,  as  given 
by  Dwiglit,  ill  the  Transactions  of  the  American  Antiquarian  Society, 
vol,  11,  p.  358. 

1,  Oohskott;  2,  tekkehnih;  3,  ohson;  4,  kuhyayrelih;  5,  wissk;  G,  yah- 
yook;  7,  chahtak;  8,  sohtayhhko;  9,  tihooton;  10,  weeayhrlih;  11, 
oohskohyahwarrhleh ;  12,  tekkehninhyahwurrhlih ;  20,  toowahsun;  30, 
ohsonnihwahsun;  100,  oohskoiitowenyaoweh;  1000,  towenyaowwehtse- 
realahsnhn.  ff,W 

We  are  indebted  to  Dr.  E.  B.  O'Callaghan,  editor  of  the  Documentary 
History  of  New  York,  for  the  following:  r 

,     ,,;  The  Lord's  Prayer  IN  Mohawk.    , 

(Ftom  Davis's  Translation  of  Book  of  Common  Prayer,  New  York.    1837,  p.  80.) 
Tagwaienha  ne  garon  hiake  tesiteron ;  Aiesaseennaien ;    A-onwe  ne 

Our     Father  who  heaven      in        dwellest;      Glorified  he  thy  name ;        May  come 

Sawenniiosera;  Tsinisarikonroten  ethonaiawenne  nonwentsiake,  tsiniio 

thy    kingdom ;  Thy  will  be  done  earth       on  llie,        as 

ne  garon  hiake;  Niatewenniserake  tagwanataranontensek;   nok  sasani- 
heaven       in;  To  day  our      bread     give     us;  and       for. 

konrhen   tsinikon  gwanikonraksaton ;  tsiniiot  ni-i  tsiongvvanikonrhens 

give  us  our     trespasses;  as  we         the  trespasses  forgive 

uothenon  ionk-hinikonraksatoii ;  Nok  tosa  asgwatgawe  nothenon  aiong 

those        against      us  wlio  trespeiss;  And  lead  us     not         into 

gvvanikourotago;   Noktenuon  heren   tagwariwagwiten    ne  gariwaksen; 

occasion  of  sin ;  But  us  lead        away         from    deeds    evil ; 

Iso  sawenniiosera,  iah  othenon  tesanoronse,  nok  agwa  saiataneragvvat. 

For        lis       thy        kingdom,  power,  and       the  g'^y, 

iah  tegagonte  etho  neiiiotonhake.    Amen, 
for         ever  and  ever. 


,&•<] 


'it,  "1  '  ". '  ii 


AND    FRANKLIN    COUNTIES.  711 

NOTE  D. 

[Iluferred  from  page  2i5.\ 

As  the  nnmo  of  Stephen  Van  Rensselaer  is  intimately  associated 
with  the  early  history  of  the  purchases  in  Lisbon  and  Canton,  anil  as  the 
citizens  of  St.  Lawrence  county  are  indebted  to  him  for  the  early  and 
efficient  interest  which  he  manifested  in  promoting  the  construction  of 
roads  and  internal  improvements,  we  have  deemed  him  fully  entitled 
to  a  brief  notice  in  the  history  of  the  coimty. 

The  first  ancestor  of  the  family  was  De  Heer  Kiliaen  Van  Rensse- 
laer, who  was  originally  a  pearl  and  diamond  merchant,  and  afterwards 
a  commissioner  appointed  to  take  charge  of  the  business  of  tho  Dutch 
West  India  Company,  and  one  i  f  its  directors.  He  is  said  to  have  re- 
moved to  New  Netherlands,  and  acquired  an  extensive-  manorial  tkle  to 
lands  on  the  Hudson,  in  the  vicinity  of  Albany,  baving  previously  ex- 
tinguished the  Indian  title  to  the  lands  by  purelinse.  Stephen  Van  Rens- 
selaer, the  late  patroon,  was  born  in  1764,  in  the  city  of  New  York.  At 
the  age  of  nineteen  he  graduated  at  Cambridge  University,  and  in  1786, 
was  appointed  a  major  of  infantry,  and  two  years  after  he  received  the 
comtnand  of  a  regiment.  In  1790,  he  was  elected  to  the  state  senate,  and 
held  this  office  five  years.  In  1795,  lie  was  elected  by  a  large  majority 
lieutenant  governor,  and  was  reelected  in  1798,  and  afterwards  held  sev- 
eral important  and  resi)onsible  offices  connected  with  the  state  govern- 
ment. In  1810,  and  subsequently,  he  Wiis  entrusted  with  responsible 
duties  in  relation  to  the  preliminary  measures  for  the  CDuatruction  of  the 

Erie  canal,  and  in  1812,  he  was  appointed  by  Governor  Tomjikins,  nia-  j 

jor  general  of  the  New  York  militia,  ami  was  entrusted  with  the  charge  i 

of  the  entire  northern  and  western  frontiers  of  the  state,  from  St.  Regis 
to  the  Pennsylvania  line.    His  military  career  ended  with  this  ranq)aign. 

In  1801  and  in  1813,  he  was  nominated  for  governor,  but  was  in  the  lat-  j 

ter  defeated  by  Mr.  Tompkins.     In  1816,  he  distinguished  himself  for  ^ 

bis  zeal  in  promoting  the  canals,  and  remained  one  of  the  canal  com- 
missioners till  his  death.  He  was  several  times  elected  member  of  as-  •  ^ 
sembly  and  congress,  and  in  1819  he  wasajtpointcduregentof  the  univer- 
sity, which  office  he  held  till  bis  death.  In  1821,  lie  was  a  delegate  to 
the  convention  for  revising  the  constitution,  and  took  a  distinguished  |)art 
in  the  deliberations  of  that  body.  Rut  it  is  chiefly  for  the  zeal  and  mu- 
nificence with  which  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  engaged  in  promoting  the 
causes  of  agricidture,  scieiice,  and  education,  that  bis  name  will  ever  be 
venerated  by  the  oilizer.ri  of  our  slate.  In  1819,  he  had  been  successful 
in  directing  the  atteniion  of  the  legislature  to  the  importance  of  fostering 
the  agricultural  interests  in  the  stale,  twenty-six  county  societies  were 
orgniiized  in  conse(]ueiu'e  of  this  movement,  the  presidents  of  which 
assembling  in  Albany  in  January,  1820,  elected  him  president  of  the 
board  of  agriculture. 

This  movement  had  unfortunately  but  n  brief  existence;  but  his  ef- 
forts did  not  cease  with  those  of  the  public,  and  ho  caused  to  be  made, 
at  his  own  expense,  an  agricultural  and  geological  survey  of  Albany  and 
Renssei.icr  counties.  Ho  afterwards  employed  Prof.  Eaton  to  execute 
a  similar  survey  on  a  general  scale,  of  the  different  rock  formations  along 
the  line  of  the  canal,  wiiich  was  executed  in  1822-3,  and  this  led  the  way 
to  the  stat«!  surveys  siiuv;  acooriiiilislied.  TIm^  results  of  this  exploration 
he  caused,  liki;  the  otiiers,  to  ix;  published  with  illustrations  at  his  own 
expense.     In  1826,  there  was  incorporated  an    institution  known  as  the 


712 


HISTORY   OF   ST.  LAWRENCE 


Rensselaer  Institute,  which  he  had  established  at  Troy,  and  which  was 
designed  tc  impnrt  a  practical  knowledge  of  chemistry,  philosophy,  uat- 
ural  history,  and  mathematics,  and  has  since  proved  eminently  useful 
in  uonfering  a  thorough  practical  knowledge  of  the  useful  sciences.  A 
peculiar  feature  in  the  mode  of  instruction  adopted  at  this  school,  deserves 
mention.  For  several  seasons  it  was  the  custom  of  Professor  Eaton  to 
take  his  classes  with  him  in  canal  boats,  fitted  up  for  the  purpose,  through 
the  canal  to  Lake  Erie,  that  liis  pupils  4.iight  have  the  opportunity  of 
studying  the  different  rocky  strata  in  their  localities,  and  of  collecting  the 
fossils  and  other  objects  of  interest  that  might  have  relation  to  «he  sub- 
jects of  their  study.  Excursions  for  exercise  in  civil  engineeiiug,  and 
the  formation  of  collections  in  natural  history,  form  a  prominent  feature 
of  this  school. 

The  Rensselae/"  Institute  was  founded  and  liberally  endowed  by  him, 
and  while  he  wns  bearing  from  his  own  purse  not  less  than  liolf  of  its 
current  expenses,  caused  an  invitation  to  be  given  to  each  county  in  the 
state,  to  furnish  a  student  selected  by  the  county  clerk  for  gratuitous  in- 
struction, imposing  as  a  condition  that  they  should  instruct  in  their  own 
counties  for.  one  year  on  the  experimental  and  demonstrative  method. 

Mr.  Van  Rensselaer  took  an  active  jinrt  in  the  formation  and  support 
of  the  Albany  Institute,  an  institution  devoted  to  the  promotion  of  science, 
and  till  the  close  of  his  life  continued  usefully  employed  in  fostering  and 
encouragaing  various  measures  for  the  public  good.  He  was  especially 
fond  of  giving  encouragement  to  young  men  of  genius  and  talent,  but 
who,  fiom  the  pressure  of  poverty,  were  unable  to  derive  those  advan- 
tages] which  they  so  eagerly  desired,  and  who  felt  in  all  its  force  the 
reality  of  the  sentiment  expressed  by  the  poet  Seattle,  in  the  following 
stanza: 


k 


•'  All  vho  can  tell  how  hard  ii  is  lo  climb, 
The  Sleep  where  fume's  proud  temple  slimes  afar, 
Ah  who  cull  tell  how  mHiiy  n  soul  suhlimR, 
Has  felt  the  influence  of  malignant  star, 
Anil  waged  with  tbrtuiie  on  eternal  war. 
Checked  by  the  scoffs  of  pride,  and  envy's  frown, 
And  poverty's  nnconqnerahle  bar, 
In  life's  low  vale  remote,  have  pined  alone, 
Then  dropped  into  the  grave  unnoticed  and  unknown." 


Some  of  our  mo&t  illustrious  men  of  science  owe  their  first  impulse  and 
encoin-agement,  to  the  kindness  and  the  munificence  of  Stephen  Van 
Rensselaer.  In  his  benefactions  he  was  unostentatious,  and  it  is  only 
from  indirect  sources  that  it  is  learned  that  in  the  cause  of  agricultural 
and  educational  science  ulone,  he  expended  not  less  tlian  $30,000.  He 
died  Jan.  26,  1839,  at  Albany. 

An  author*  who  has  written  a  sketch  of  his  life  and  character,  thus, 
with  great  justice,  closes  his  eulogy  upon  him: 

"  What  a  mild  splendor  do  the  virtues  of  such  a  life  shed  around  the 
horizon  of  the  tomb.  Fir  preferable  to  laurels  won  on  battle  fields  or 
monuments  of  marble.  We  can  not  eulosrize  his  military  qualifications, 
although  they  were  excellent,  for  such  characters  have  abounded  in  all 
nges  and  among  nil  nations.  We  much  prefer  his  other  qualities,  of 
which  the  world  does  not  afford  so  many  shining  examples;  I  mean  h  s 

*  See  Ho  gate's  American  Genealogy,  p.  55. 

A  dmcourse  on  the  life  niitl  cfiaracter  of  Mr.  Van  Rensselaer,  is  also  published  in  Munsell's 
Aimals  of  Albany,  vol.  ii,  pp.  3&1-327, 


AND   FRANKLIN   COUNTIES. 


713 


philanthropy  niid  disinterested  benevolence.  He  Bccnid  to  have  hud 
j^reat  purity  of  character,  a  sound  judgment,  and  well  balcnccd  mind. 
Entire  confidence  seems  to  have  been  reposed  in  his  talents  and  patriot- 
ism. He  died  u  Christian,  having  been  admitted  a  member  of  the  Re- 
formed Dutcii  church  at  Albany  in  1787,  when  23  years  of  age." 


NOTE  E. 

[Referred  from  page  426.] 

We  have  stated  that  the  town  of  Pierrepont  derives  its  name  from  Mr. 
Hezekiah  Beers  Pierrepont,  of  Brooklyn,  Long  Island.  This  gentleman 
was  so  large  a  proprietor  of  lands  in  these  counties,  and  so  many  of  its 
inhabitants  have  derived  their  titles  to  land  from  him,  that  his  name  must 
always  be  connected  with  the  annuls  of  this  district,  and  a  short  sketch 
of  his  life,  therefore,  will  not  be  uninteresting. 

He  was  born  at  New  Haven,  Connecticut,  November  3,  1768,  and  was 
descended  from  the  Rev.  James  Pierrepont,  who  was  the  first  minister 
settled  in  that  colony,  at  its  establishment.  It  is  worthy  of  note,  that  in 
1G84,  the  town  plat  apportioned  to  him  has  been  ever  since  occupied  by 
the  family,  and  is  still  in  their  possession.  It  never  has  been  sold  since 
it  was  ceded  by  the  Aborigines. 

The  innnediute  ancestor  of  the  Rev.  James  Pierrepont,  was  John 
Pierrepont,  of  England,  who  belonged  to  the  family  of  Holme  Pierrepont, 
of  Norman  descent.  John  came  to  America  with  his  younger  brother 
Robert,  about  the  year  1040,  as  tradition  says,  merely  to  visit  the  country, 
but  married,  and  settled  at  lloxbury,  near  Boston.  The  name  being 
French,  became  Anglicised,  and  has  been  spelt  Pierpont,  but  the  correct 
spelling  is  now  resumed  by  this  branch  of  the  family. 

The  subject  of  this  memoir  being  of  a  very  active  and  enterprising 
spirit,  was  early  dissatisfied  with  the  prospect  of  a  i)rofessional  life,  and 
left  college  without  graduating,  and  entered  into  the  office  of  his  uncle, 
Mr.  Isaac  Beers,  to  obtain  a  knowledge  of  business.  His  uncle  was  an 
importer  of  books.  He  remained  with  him  till  1790,  when  he  went  to 
New  York,  and  at  first  took  an  engagement  in  the  custom  house,  with  the 
intention  of  obtaining  a  better  knowledge  of  conmicrcial  business.  The 
next  year  he  associated  himself  with  Messrs.  Watson  and  Greenleaf,  and 
acted  as  their  agent  in  Philadelphia,  where  he  realized  a  small  fortune  by 
the  purchase  of  government  debt.  In  1793,  he  entered  into  partnership 
with  Mr.  William  Leffingwell,  and  established  in  New  York  the  firm  of 
Leffingwell  &  Pierrepont. 

France  being  then  in  revoiution,  neglected  agriculture,  and  derived  its 
su  ,  .s  from  abroad,  princi|)ully  from  America.  Mr.  Pierrepont  went 
to  France,  to  attend  to  the  shipment  of  provisions.  The  seizures  that 
were  made  by  England  so  embarrassed  the  trade,  that  he  abandoned  it, 
and  made  a  voyage  to  India  and  China,  acting  as  his  own  supercargo. 
On  his  return  with  a  valuable  cargo,  his  shij),  named  the  Confederacy, 
was  taken  by  a  French  privateer,  and  condemned  and  sold  in  France, 
contrary  to  our  treaty  stipulations  and  the  laws  of  nations.  He  remained 
in  France,  making  reclamations  against  the  government,  and  had  a  fair 
prospect  of  recovering  the  value  of  bis  8l)i[)  and  cargo,  when  the  United 
States  made  a  treaty  with  France,  by  the  terms  of  which  it  assumed  the 


714 


HISTORY    OF   ST.    LAWRENCE 


claims  of  its  citizens  ogninst  France.  To  the  disgrace  of  this  country, 
this  claim,  which  is  classed  among  many  similar  ones,  under  the  title  of 
"  claims  for  French  spoliations  prior  io  1800,"  has  never  yet  been  paid, 
though  twenty-one  reports  in  favor  have  been  made  in  Congress,  and 
many  olMlio  most  distinguished  and  best  men  of  the  country  have  ad- 
mitted their  justice  and  advocated  them.  It  has  been  admitted  by  one  of 
the  greatest  opponents  of  the  claims,  that  if  they  could  be  brought  before 
the  supreme  court,  tiiey  would  beyond  a  doubt  obtain  a  decision  in  their 
favor. 

Mr.  I'ierrepont  was  in  Paris  during  the  most  bloody  days  of  the  revo- 
lution, and  saw  Robespierre  beheaded;  he  was  also  «letained  in  England 
by  the  legal  steps  that  were  necessary  to  obtain  his  insurance,  i)art  of 
whicii  he  recovered,  llis  neutral  character  as  an  A  merican,  enabled  him 
to  travel  without  difficulty  on  the  continent,  though  war  prevailed.  Our 
country  being  represented  abroad  by  able  men,  as  well  in,  as  out  of,  the 
diplomatic  circles,  he  enjoyed  their  society  and  cemented  friendships, 
some  of  which  lasted  during  life.  That  with  Robert  Fulton  was  one  of 
these,  lis  a  testimony  of  whicli  Mr.  Pierrepont  named  a  son  after  him, 
who  died  an  infiuit.  After  an  absence  of  seven  years,  he  returned  to 
New  York,  and  in  the  year  1802,  married  Anna  Maria,  daughter  of  Wil- 
liam Constable.  Wishing  after  his  marriage  to  engage  in  some  business 
of  less  hazard  and  uncertainty  than  Ibreign  trade,  he  established  a  fac- 
tory lor  the  maiuifitcture  of  gin,  which  was  attended  with  great  success, 
and  the  article  which  he  manufactured  attained  a  high  reputation.  He 
purchased  a  country  seat  on  Brooklyn  Heights  in  1802,  whicli  he  after- 
wards made  his  permanent  residence.  He  was  at  that  time  one  of  only 
twenty-six  freeholders,  who  owned  a  territory  which  has  since  become 
covered  by  a  city,  now  the  second  in  this  state. 

From  his  connection  with  Mr.  Constable,  who  was  a  great  land  holder 
in  this  as  well  as  other  states,  he  had  his  attention  drawn  to  lands  in 
these  northern  counties,  and  purchased  in  180G  the  town  of  Pierrepont, 
and  subsequently  Louisville  and  Stockholm.  He  afterwards  made  large 
additions  to  his  purchases  from  the  estate  of  Mr.  Constable  and  others, 
and  became  the  owner  of  about  half  a  million  of  acres.  This  extensive 
property  engaged  his  whole  attention  ever  afterwards,  and  his  summers 
were  devoted  to  visiting  his  lands.  At  his  earlier  visits  he  traveled  on 
horseback,  making  thus  the  entire  tour  from  Schenectady  to  Jefferson, 
St.  Lawrence,  and  Franklin  counties.  His  first  visit  having  been  in 
1803,  he  saw  the  country,  when  as  yet  it  was  almost  an  unbroken  forest, 
and  had  the  gratification  for  a  long  series  of  years,  of  seeing  its  gradual 
settlement  and  improvement,  much  of  which,  in  various  sections,  was 
the  resnlt  of  his  own  exertions.  In  his  treatment  of  his  settlers,  for  more 
than  thirty  years,  he  was  uniformly  kind  and  lenient,  and  he  extended 
bis  indulgence  in  the  collection  of  their  dues  for  a  long  period,  very 
much  to  his  own  pecuniary  inconvenience.  During  the  four  years  jire- 
ceding  his  death,  he  surrendered  the  active  care  of  his  lands  in  these 
counties  to  his  son  Henry,  who  has  since  continued  in  chiirge  of  them. 
He  died  August  IJ,  1838,  leaving  a  widow,  who  still  survives  him,  two 
sons  and  eight  daughters. 


AND   FRANKLIN    COUNTIES. 


715 


repont, 

le  Itirge 

others, 

xtensive 

turners 

eel  on 

ifFerson, 

been  in 

forest, 

radnal 

IS,  was 

r  more 

xteiided 

0(1,  very 

ars  pre- 

n  tliesH 

f  them. 

iin,  two 


ADDITIONAL  NOTES  ON  MADRID. 

The  following  notes  on  Madrid  were  i-eceived  from  Mr.  E.  A.  Dayton, 
too  late  for  uee  in  their  proper  i)lace,  and  are  hero  inserted  ns  interesting 
addenda  to  the  history  of  that  town. 

The  Rutherford  brothers,  mentioned  on  page  341,  wpre  from  Roxburgh- 
shire, Scotland,  and  emigrated  in  1801.  They  wer^  met  in  New  York 
by  Mr.  Ogden,  and  induced  to  visit  the  town  whAre  they  afterwards 
settled,  in  a  neighborhood  that  has  since  been  called  Rutherford's  Ridge. 
The  land  originally  settled  by  them  is  still  mostly  occupied  by  their  de- 
scendants. These  families  were  two  months  in  removing  from  l^itts- 
town,  N.  Y.,  by  the  tedious  water  route  of  Oswego.  Jesse  Goss  settled 
at  Columbia  village  in  1801,  and  in  1823  built  tiie  first  house  east  of  the 
river  at  that  place.  It  stood  near  the  place  of  A.  Goss's  present  store. 
He  wos  the  first  to  erect  a  cloth  dressing  and  carding  mill  here.  The 
present  stone  wooleij  factory  was  erected  in  1835.  Most  of  the  east 
part  of  the  village  (known  locally,  as  Brooklyn),  has  been  built  since  that 
time. 

Joseph  Freeman  and  his  brothers  Asa,  Elisha  and  Rufus  were  natives 
of  Dalton,  Mass.,  and  removed  to  Madrid  in  1850.  The  former  was 
born  May  7, 1773,  and  in  1798  removed  to  Johnstown,  in  Canada,  and 
thence  to  Madrid,  crossing  on  the  ice,  and  losing  by  an  accident  his  stock 
of  provisions.  In  1801.  Cyrus  AberJiethy,  from  Vermont,  settled  on  the 
pla<;e  now  owned  hy  Rosweli  Abernethy.     The  first  marriage  in  the 

south  part  of  the  town,  was  Eezkiei  Abernethy  to Linsley.   The  first 

mill  at  Colund)ia  village,  built  by  Seth  Roberts,  was  afterwards  burned 
and  the  land  and  water  privilege  were  bought  by  Timothy  Reed,  who 
built  a  new  dam.  anti  a  saw  and  grist  mill.  The  first  store  at  this  place 
was  built  by  Buck  &  iMeacli,  on  the  present  site  of  the  burying  ground. 
In  the  simuner  of  1800  an  attempt  to  navigate  Grass  river  was  made 
with  n  flat  bottomed  boat,  but  without  much  success,  as  in  oscending, 
the  loading  had  often  to  be  taken  out,  and  tiie  empty  boat  dragged  up 
with  great  labor. 

In  1808  or  9,  Eli  and  Nathaniel  Ilamblin,  and  Win,  Castle  built  a 
small  distillery  on  the  river  below  the  mill,  and  it  was  used  till  about 
1830. 

Samuel  Alien,  originally  from  Vermont,  settled  in  town  among  the 
very  first.  In  1797,  liaving  ])reviously  made  a  siiort  sojourn  in  Chateau- 
gay,  and  been  engaged  with  his  father,  brotiier  and  a  man  by  the  name 
of  Whelpley,  in  cutting  the  first  rond  from  that  place  to  the  French 
Mills.  He  states  that  on  tiie  11th  of  March,  1797,  there  was  but  one 
family  in  town,  which  were  Dutch,  ''"hey  lived  in  a  hut  in  the- present 
village  of  VVaddingtoti,  and  every  member  of  it  were  clad  in  garments 
of  deerskin.  The  first  death  of  a  \\  hire  known  to  have  occurred  in 
town,  is  said  to  have  been  that  of  Datiiel  Tuttle,  who  lived  a  short  dis- 
tance above  Point  Iroquois  oti  the  river.  Tlie  first  birth  among  the 
white  settlers,  was  that  of  Win.  L.,  son  of  Samuel  Allen,  Oct.  19,  1797. 
He  was  one  of  the  unfortunate  i)aity  at  the  windmill,  at  Prescott,  in 
Nov.  1828,  and  is  supposed  to  have  been  killed  there,  as  he  was  never 
heard  of  alter  that  event. 

On  the  4th  of  July,  1798,  the  first  celebration  of  our  national  inde- 
pendence was  held  in  town,  on  the  extreme  end  of  Point  Irotpiois,  at 
which  about  12  or  15  were  present.  The  declaration  was  read  by  Jacob 
Redd  ngton,  Esq.,  who  delivered  a  short  oration,  which  was  followed  by 
the  firing  of  guns,  and  cheering.  This  uproar  attracted  the  notice  of  the 
Canudiuus,  who  diil  not  know  what  could  be  the  cause  of  the  disturb- 


1 1 


716       HISTORY  OF  ST.  LAW.  AND  FRANKLIN  COUNTIES. 

anco  among  the  Yankees,  and  they  sent  over  a  "  flag  of  truce  "  to  learn 
what  might  be  the  matter.  They  were  told  that  they  would  not  be  hurt, 
and  upon  this  assurance  returned.  The  exercises  of  the  day  were  con- 
cluded by  a  ball,  for  which  they  lacked  none  of  the  requisites  but  music 

of  some  kind,  and  this  wa^  supplied  by  the  voice  of  Mrs.  A ,  who 

sang  while  the  others  danced,  and  the  sport  went  on  with  as  much  spirit 
as  if  there  had  been  a  hundred  fiddlers. 

Tradition  relates  that  the  first  town  meeting  in  Madrid,  was  held  in 
the  fields,  the  presiding  ofliccr,  seated  on  a  pine  stump. 

The  first  Associate  Reformed  Society,  of  Madrid,  erected  a  church 
edifice  in  1819,  at  a  cost  of  $800.  Wm.  Taylor,  the  first  pastor,  re- 
mained from  September,  1819,  till  1837.  In  1840,  the  Rev.  John  Mor- 
rison, the  present  pastor,  succeeded.  A  parsonage  was  built  Eoon  afler 
the  church  was  burned  in  1841,  and  the  society  have  since  built  one  of 
stone.  A  second  church  was  built  in  1843,  since  which  meetings  have 
been  held  alternately  in  each.  In  December  1852,  thirty-six  members 
residing  in  north  Potsdam,  formed  a  separate  organization,  and  are  now 
erecting  a  church.    Present  number  in  Madrid  350. 


;s. 


to  learn 
i>e  hurt, 
re  con- 
t  music 
— ,  who 
h  spirit 

held  in 

church 
;or,  re- 
n  Mor- 
n  after 
;  one  of 
fs  have 
embers 
re  now 


INDEX. 


Aborigimil  traceii,\?,;  in  Macomb,  19;  Potsdam, 
21;  M^l«^eIlH,  21;  ( )swi'KaUlilo,  22;  Cniiutla, 
'{!;  imintinKN  on  St.  Lnwreiuu,  22:  on  Ulnck 
lake,  2tl;  nunies  of  plucus,  198. 

^carfimio,  fet.  l,awruni'C,  .'530;  (Jouvenicur  W. 
sum.,  541;  Canton.  545;  OHwoKat<'liie,  6 17; 
J.rankliu,  548j  tort  Covington,  551;  statis- 
tical tablcH,  5o2. 

Agricultural  .Socielir.s,  527;  Btatistlcs,  678. 

Algonquins,  lunKuaKo  of,  ((18. 

Amhrrst,  (lx)nl)  Jlanto's  account  of  expedi- 
tion, 81t;  French  account,  90;  takes  Fort 
Levi, _Uli;  account  given  in  Annual  Kegiit- 
ter,  9(;  his  disasters  in  the  rarids,  93,  97. 

Ammbly  DisMds,  St.  Lawrence  co.,  580; 
Franklin  CO.,  583, 

Assifhint  Justices,  St.  Lawrence  co,.  078;  Frank- 
lin CO.,  581. 

Athcmvuui,,  Ogdonsburgh,  415. 

Hangor,  478. 

Jiank.1,  530. 

Jiell  ut  at.  J{,gis  (see  St.  Kcgls). 

Jkllimmt,  i»\. 

Jiivhiicirille,  470. 

moomihicidnntica,  of  Tiren.«,  182;  Col.  Ix)uis, 
Vi':  ^,y  i""»'n  »/»>•.  l»8i  'riiomas  Williiuiis, 
200;  lUissell  Attwater,  584;  Thomas  It. 
]leue<lict,  684;  .John  Boyd,  585;  James 
Canipbell,  585;  Daniel  W.  Church,  585; 
'lho.s,l.  Davis.  585;  .lolin  Fine,  580;  Still- 
man  loote,  580;  David  Ford,  589;  Nathan 
J  on  I,  589;  Asa  llascall.  593;  Louis  lliis- 
brouck,  n94;  Itoswell  Ilojikins,  595;  lllram 
Ilorton,  590;  David  C.  Hudson,  69^,  lUibt. 
McChesncy,  599;  David  A.  Ogden,  599;  Da- 
vid I'arish,  00(1;  George  I'arish,  004;  Ilora- 
tio  I'owe  1,  005;  Benjamin  Itaymond,  005; 
Ale.\'rUicliaid<  009;  Jose)ih  Jlossecl,  009 
Joseph  W.  hmith,  010;  tiunlon  Smith,  fill 
James  B.  Spencer,  til;  llich'd  Townsend, 
Oil;  Mm.  ir.  \ining,0il;  Henry  S.  Water^ 
hoii.se  012;  Joseph  York,  012;  Silas  Wright; 
013:  Henry  \  an  Uensselaer,  711;  Hezekial^ 
B.  I'lerrepont,  713. 

limiliiiv,  482. 

Jiiumiary,  National,  504. 

lirumlun,  484. 

l}ra)it,  his  difficulties  with  the  St.  Kegis.  140- 
Gov.  Clinton's  letter  to,  147.  ' 

Urashtr,  207. 

Brockvilk,  Forsyth's  descent  upon,  C25 

Buck's  Uridge,  438. 

Jiurke,  485. 

Qmada,  discovery  and  settlement  of,  29. 

ilintim,  273, 

Charlendx,  journey  of  43;    liis  account  of  St. 

Ix)ui8,  47. 
Cliatmuiiau,  480. 
Vliimnty  island  (fee  Oniconcnton,  Fort  Levi, 

Amherst,  &v.). 
V/mlera,  account  of,  413. 
C/irijslir'sfuid,  battle  of,  0-13;  British  accounts 

ot,  040. 
Churches,  in  the  different  towos,  see  each  town.  ( 


Clcrkf,  St.  Lawrence  CO.,  577;   FrankUn  co., 

581. 
thWm,  284. 
timgressiimal  Districts,  St.  Lawrence  co.,  679; 

members,  579;  Franklin  CO.,  582. 
(hnstalile,  494. 
Cdpfkras  manufacture,  282. 
ihramrs,  St.  Lawrence  co.,  679;  Franklin  CO., 

Churl,  house,  St.  Lawrence  co.,  removal  of,  211; 
dcscribeil,  213;  enlarged,  "215;  Fraukliu  CO., 
219. 

Dai/ton,  E.  A.,  Btatistlcs  by,  346,  715. 

Veerjield,  capture  of,  118, 121. 

Di:  kulb,  28(5. 

De,  la  JIarres's  fruitless  expedition  to  Jefforfloa 

CO.,  40. 
Dc  Jiyster,  293. 
JJ.'MnsoH,  490. 
district  Vuxtam  House,  613. 
District  AtUirneys,  St.  Lawrence  CO.,  678. 
Dutine,  497. 
Duke  (if  Ohucester,  armed  vessel,  621. 

Uni  nf  Mnira.  armetl  vessel,  (i21. 

Jutsthurn,  Itob't,  narrative  of  captivity,  03. 

iJttvaiils,  297. 

English  jealous  of  the  French,  65;  plan  of 
union,  5(5;  invade  Canada  under  Lord  Am- 
herst, 89;  conquer  it,  93,  97;  retain  Fort 
Oswegatchie,  107. 

Fine,  town  of,  298;  memoir  of  John  F.,  586. 

t>irt  Covington,  498. 

iVrt  Levi,  built,  94;  ti\ken,  90,  97,  98;  name 
changtHi,  91;  its  importance,  97,  705. 

Fowler.  300. 

Franklin  county,  erected,  216;  act,  218;  name, 
219;  bounds  changed,  219:  record  of  super- 
visors, 210;  towns  of,  478. 

Franklin,  505. 

French,  the;  their  discoveries  and  early  voy- 
ages, 29;  send  priests  among  Iroquois,  32, 
4i;  found  Kingston,  ;13;  found  a  mission  at 
la  Presentation,  40;  title  of,  02;  excite  the 
jealousy  of  Knglish,  55;  governor  holds 
interview  with  Indians,  52,  .'>9;  found  I're- 
simtation,  09;  are  conauercd  by  English, 
93,  97. 

Prontenac,  journal  of,  33;  speech  to  the  Indi- 
ans, '^T. 

FulUrvilk,  303. 

Geology,  of  two  counties,  675;  primary-,  676; 
limestone,  676;  sandstone,  677;  cunous 
structure,  678;  calciferous  sandstone,  6(9; 
drift,  679;  iiot  rix-k,  680;  trap,  081;  nietalic 
veins,  081;  iron  mines,  082;  earthquake, 
704. 

Gerteau,  Ixiuis,  execution  of.  3.30. 

GosjH'l  and  literature  lots.  23( ,  247. 

Gounrneur,  300;  seminary,  541. 

Gray,  Wui.,  biogriiiihy  of,  198. 

Guest,  \\a\.  E.,  (rinquries  relative  to  ancient 
earth  works,  28;  meteorical  table,  700. 


r.^ 


718 


INDEX. 


Itilih/ihdrn,  .102. 
llilHlnlunfl,  .'11:). 
Ilnmiuliii.  (Icn.,  ntlcmpU  to  join  WIlkliiHon, 

1.,'p'J. 
Ilnrri'lstiiwii.  M(\. 
Ilmlii-tmvl.-  l.<)iiiK,  flVHt  clcik,  aill;  lilHiulilrcMHto 

I'rc,-.  Mi.iiriu',  (Oil. 
IMimi.  -im. 
Iht'ininl,  \\\~ . 
llrllnUiill,  41.li. 
//(iiiiiixliuiyh,  4Sn. 
Jliipkiiiliiii,  .'ll'.i. 

hiiUiiii  tittmcu.  T.tS  ('Ci'  St,  HokIh,  t'cvi'ii  iiulioiis, 

Ac.  i;  laiiKiiiiiir,  7"7. 
lnslli'(tin-r  roniiHwr'''    T'^K, 
//■(■.«/i  iv/i'.,/:  .MM. 
Ji-iKiHfiif. iiii-i-i('ii!< « i! Ii. .'!'J. 4i   40:  llicir f^pcccliis 

Willi  llii'  KiivcriKir  of  ('iiiiiula.  Ml;  at  lakr 

III'   'I'wii   MiiiiiitaiiiM,  Ii";  acriiiniianj    l,i  rj 

AiiiliiT>l,  m. 
Jslv  lliitiiiU  (si'c  Fort  l.<"\li. 

JfllUu's  antiiint  nf  tlin  I'rriicli  In  CaniKla,  4.'l!. 
Jiihiisiiii.  ,<lr  Win.,  ar(iiiii|iunii',H  Liiril  Anilii'iKt, 

111. 
Jiiilg-.^.  Si.  l.awi'ciiciMn.,  o7H;  Franklin  en..  .^S1. 
Jiiliii,  iiniutl  vi'.'^Kcl  allair  iil',  >'''2'1. 
Juslici .1  ii/' ni:i.ii<iiiii,>^t.  Uiwrenc'f  CO.,  n7S;  Frank- 

li  I  CO.,  oSl. 

Kiiii/stiiii,  fiiundiinr  of.  .T.;.  rw. 

Kuiij;  iKToiiiil  of,  lakiiiK  Is'"  lloynl,  "0."j. 

/,((  Himiiii',  imilmMe  lix'allty  of,  41. 

y,.(  (,<(/.//(■.  41.  4-J,4ci,SS. 

Jjiiu'ri nil.  II'-'.'). 

jMwuirn,  list.<of,  with  Hates  of  luIniNoion,  .')76. 

I^'iiit  minis  ( .ICO  .Macoinli,  Kosslc,  I'itcairii. 

LiMiim,  WiA. 

JMIIi-  yiiii:,  ;«)■). 

J^Kiii  Ciimmiiisiimi'r.i,   St.   Lawrcuce    CO.,    570; 

Franklin  co.,  .")S;2. 
/.iiril's  iirii,i/er.  in  Mohawk,  70.S. 
J,iiiii.i,  Col.,  lilonr«|ihy  of,  18i 

Ltitiitti'iiit\  yiiy. 

Li/aiim,  St.  Lttwronco  co.,  519, 

Miwfimh,  X\9. 
Muilriil,  Ml. 

Millnlli\  507. 

Miin'iii'  niilwd!/,  Ogdcn.shurRh,  507.       • 

Ma.iiHis,  5'.!1. 

Mitii.<i'iiii.  .'147;  springs,  y.')7. 

Mi'liiiriiliiii/.  note  on,  IM)7. 

Mililiiri/  iiriiiniUutiiiHS,  early,  617. 

MilkrriUe. ;««. 

Mimi-iih.  list  of,  with  localities,  C84. 

Mmrii,  513. 

jMimriif,  Prcsiilcut,  viaits  Ouwegntchio,  409. 

Mnrliii.  2.S0. 

Miirrintowti.  ;!59: 

..Viim'.*.  Indian,  of  places,  &c.,  198,  707. 

A'litiiriil  i-iiiiiil.  'ASl' 

Aidiiilnlli'.  :U1. 

Oak  I'hivt,  ."ilS. 

Oudcnsliiinih  (see  Oswepatehio),  taken  hy  T!ri- 

tish,  027;  ofllcial  account  of  enemy,  Ool. 
0,M  Friiiiirs,  52-.". 

(h-namiiitim.  i.xle  of,  fortified, 94;  taken.  90,  109. 
Vsiui'iiali'liii'i.  their  ori,t!in,49:  speeches  conci'rn- 

injf,  5U,  .')7;  take  part  with  the  French.  59; 

not  reifanled  as  a  trihe,  (>2:  take  KiLstliurn 

captive,  tiii:    their  nuuilier,  1U7,  108;   are 

dispersed,  108. 
Osmimh-hie.  fort.  lUO.  107,408;  attenijil  to  take 

by  provinoials.  llKl;  incidunt  at,  101;  town 

of.  ^•i7;  Ford  si'ltles  at,  ;!77. 
Oxiviyutcliie  yaiigittioH  Co.,  555. 

J'ahiHiiflx.  Tndiiin.  2'-',  20. 

Hin'.i/i.  llaviil.  iiurchases  OgdonsburKh,  402; 
notice  of,  OiX). 

.nim/inV/c.  422. 

aUriiil  win:  lanses,  050:  imriiintt  of  ('aniline. 
050;  McKcni'.ie  addresses  a  meeting  at  Og- 
rtensburgh,  057,  steamer  Sir  Kobcrt  Peel 


Imnif.  l'i.')7;  the  act  nvownl,  059;  steamer 
Teleuraph  ilriil  ii|hiii,  ii.'ill:  the  windmill 
airair,  OiiO;  attempt  to  rescue,  000;  surrend- 
er. Ill  S;  list  of  klllnl  and  wounded,  OliN; 
firopoKed  iiclion  of  supervisois;  01,8;  visited 
ni  pri.-on.  liiid:  sleanier  rnlleil  States  fired 
upon.  071;  alhiir  with  si  hooiier  Wei'ks.  (71; 
sleainir  St.  Lawrenie  I'll  til  upon,  1.72!  list 
of  patriots,  07:1. 

Ihtiiil.  copy  of  a,  2i'.0. 

/iii.ii'iiKri'.s', names  and  ages  of,  1K40.  .'wi. 

I'ltiliiin,  of  cill/.cns  of  Franklin  couiitv,  I'."i4 

/'iii/iiii.  fiiunds  la  rri'Seoliiliiin.  49;  liis  title, 
.■)2;  nu'inoirs.OO;  liuinils  lakeof 'I'wo.MouMt- 
idns,  07:  CreMiilation,  Oil;  emliarrassed  by 
the  mllilary.  7'2;  makes  the  tour  of  the 
lake.  74:  goes  to  France,  77;  lelunis,  78 
cMiipcs  from  the  Kiigll.-h,  SI);  testinionlalH 
of.  81:  sub.<i'inient  history.  8:1;  death,  s^•, 
<  liariiiler  as  held  by  llie  Kngllsh,  84;  liy  u 
French  wriliT,  80. 

I'iirnifiiil.  425;  memoir  of  llez.  II.  |'„ 

I'iliiiirii.  4011. 

I'liinI  nil  llni-il,  fortified.  Oi'.. 

I'lilinliiliiiii,  stalislic'S  of,  571. 

I'liiii'  liini.ir,  St.  Lawrence  CO..  established,  215 

/•ii/ii's  .y/ilh.  ■■i-i». 

I'lml  iillhxi!,  lists  of.  574. 

J'lil.iiliiin,  4:I2;  acadi'iiiy  at,  .'loO. 

I'liKi-lnit.  iiolice  of,  705. 

I'lrsinlntiiin,  misflou  at.  40.  ('9,  SO,  SO;  corner 
stone  of,  17:  title,  52;  taken,  89, 117. 

J'rrsK.  periiHllcal.  .5:il. 

J'riK'litmiitii'ii,  of  (lov.  ('olden,  705. 

J'lilniim.  Israel,  Humphrey's  fiibulous  account 
of,  98. 

Jtait  rnail.1.  first  propo.'-ed,  550;  various  projects, 
5.57;  orgnni/.ation  of  loiupiiny,  500;'  dis- 
tances on  .Northern  rail  road, ".500;  height 
of  stiitifpiis.  501;  business  of,  502;  I'otsdiim 
and  Watertown  rail  road,  052. 

Uiiihriii/,  marine.  507. 

Jfiiiiiiil/e  riirr.  improvement,  5£5. 

liminitli:  rllliiiir.  4118. 

Jfiii/iiinnilfillr.'M'ib. 

Ki'i'hohid'.t.  525. 

Uili'iiinii  iri.iiK'i'iitliin.i.  llaptNt,  521;  Catholic, 
.521:  Christian,  ,521;  Holy  Ajiostollc  (sen 
I'olsdani);  Congregational.  5'21;  .>b'llio(lisl, 
522;  I'resbyti^iian,  523;  I'niversalist,  523. 

I{rnf:.iel(irr  tiill.i.  281. 

/{I'srriv.i  iinnuillnnl.',  201. 

Vi-ic/inV/c.  291. 

Umiils.  stale.  508;  plank,  509. 

UikIiii mbiini .  Count,  receives  an  Indian  delega- 
tion. 19(1. 

liosffi'l,  .hiaiiili,  builds  first  vessels  at  Ogdens- 
burgh,  403. 

Honsii;  448;  furnace.  450:  Scotch  settlement, 
452;  lead  mines,  455;  iiicuision  of  llritlsh 
to,  055. 

liiissdl,  408. 

,'\initlm:i.  St.  Uiwrenco  county,  580. 

,'<inlinil  without  the  lountersign.  022. 

.ViTH  Snliiin.1 'f  t'lininla.  120.  127.  14(i. 

Slnrift'.^.  St.  Lawrence  county,  577;  Franklin 
county.  580. 

.V/»(^/('.<  Oirni'i-.i.  438. 

SK:ii'lii'i'.  medical.  St.  Ijawrencc  county,  .517; 
Franklin  countv.  518;  bi'iievolcnt.  .'»l.  Law- 
rence county.  .518;  Fruiiklin  county,  518; 
leMiperiincc,  .518. 

.'<t>uiiri'illi'.  455. 

.Kiiix  Iff  TimiKrimcr,  525. 

.StiiifliriUi'.  477. 

.SYiiim  Ijiiiilf.  50;);  present  company,  5CC;  present 
lines.  .507. 

.S7.  Liiinriirr  rnnnlii.  pi'tilion  for.  204:  act  erect- 
ing. 2110:  clerk's  ortice,  •-'119:  first  attempt 
toilivide.  210:  reiiiov;il  of  counl.v  teat,  210; 
act  for.  211  :  towns  of.  '207. 

.v.  J.inn'i'nri-  /iiirif/ntinn.  554. 

.S'/.  /.iiiiix.  origin  of,  47  ;  aico\iiit  of.  88;  the  part 
tiiken  ill  t'evuliilini).  is3, 

I'O.Miirlin.  Anil  inc.  noiice  ol'.  bill. 

.S'/. /iVr/M,  description  of,  110;  origin.  Ill;  Tar- 
bcl  boys,  112;  origin  of  niiino,  1 13;  (Jordon's 


INDEX 


719 


H''i1''''?Pi  l'-^!  ''•'"  '''^^'''«  I'oulimlnu,  III:  tlic 
Ml.  114;  Icifi'inl  of.  ll.');  ^\r^.  Mkouiiicvh 
IKK'iii.  I.'M;  law  niillHirlzliitf  iimThasc.  lit; 

" 'Ili'lil  ■■iililiinvl,   l:;l;  (iiuilim'H  iiii-i<iiiM 

ri'Hiiini'il,  I-j;i;  lil.i  «ii(rfsM)r«,  rj4:  tlilsc<iii> 
cit  jlic  Srvcii  Nnlloiis.  Ii'7:  ticatlcM.  VJ7  ;  Id, 
l.)l:  lliclr  (■(iiiilllicm  ill  Mil' war,  Iri4;  aniily 
till-  aid  t'riiiii  Ki'Vci-iiiiii'iit,  l."i,') ;  all'alr  (irOil. 
^iiiiiiK  al.  I.'i4;  Iri'alii'H  willi,  i;i!)  tn  \i;r,: 
InisltvH  (if,  l.'il,  111;;:  iIImIi-I'sh  cIiii'Iiik  nil.l 
M'awiii.  liid;  Toraluinin's  jDiii'Mi'v  hi  Kraiiii', 
liili;  ^'iiiall  iKix  al.  Ill7:  clinlcni  al,  liiT; 
Hiimiiliiw,  If.H:  (litliciiliii.M  Willi  Caiiulina- 
wiiuiiH,  li;il;  aiithoHzi'il  1(1  lease  laiiilH,  171; 
wJhidIx.  17-':  teiiiiieraiiceiii'liliiiiiiit'UneidHrt, 
JiM:  liaiiilKiit,  li.',:  KUiiie  olliali.  17U;  ula- 
(  Hlles  III.  177:  iiaiiu'ti  nf  iijaeeti.  Ac,  KIS; 
Jlieiis,  is:;:  C,,;,  |,„iiis,  Isj;  cliielrt  write 
niii<eiiiiiiKlilleMlii\Valsiiii,;t70;  .s.Uuilen'M 
niiriwiioiKleiiio  alM)ut,  371. 

SI(K%liiilni.  47'J. 

^Sitpfriiiliiiili'iih  iifsclmlf. ih']n\tv,  SI.  rjvwreu™ 
(•(luiily,  ri7ii;  Kranlilin  eciuiriy,  fiSi 

AuiMi-riHiirs,  we  Hie  wveral  liiwnn» 

Hupirn'.'idix,  Si.  Lawrence  cminty,  'Jl.^;  olerka 
of,  :!lii;  Fraiililiii  euuntv  uiemoramla  from 
rueorils,  'J21. 

Surri)g(iU:i,  St.  I,awroiico  county,  iJ78i  Franklin 
county,  fiHl. 

iSi/nri/,  account  of  lirNt,  201, 

TliT  sale.1,  '2m. 
Teli'di'iil'li"-  •'>'i''l- 


'(',  Kroncli,  of  Prcxontntion,  fi2t  by  troatlcH, 
(w'c  .St.  Hi-iiif);  history  of,  ^.'i.'i;  act.i  coii- 
cernin«.  i'iii;   advertisement  of  Kali>.  'JHH; 


islands,  258;  tax  sales,  U«0;  lanilloriLs' re^ 
serves,  'JUl ;  simrious  Indian,  a07. 


Timnmul  hlaiid.  alVair  at,  i;.'ll'i. 

fi'ii'ii  nifii'l.i,  see  tlie  several  luwiM. 

Jrnilii'.i.  Willi  .Moliawlis,  l.Ti:  with  H,,.  .«even 

I  ■l'l".""r-i  '""   '"   '""'■    *'"'  ""-'  •**'■  "''kI'* 
Trm.'oirrrs.  Kraiikliu Connlv,  SSI.       • 
Iriiu'hriiliii;  Dr.  .\.'s.  .journal  ofexiidlitlon  down 

St.   Lawrence    lUH;   account  of  liattlo  at 

tlirysler's,  li.17. 

Ijii;>iu  ncinuiit  of  lliu,  at  rotsdam,  433. 
I  itiiin  stiiirs,  filiti. 

Viimpiivs.  search  for.  707. 

\]lll  /{•■iiMdinr.  .Stc|ihen,  "11. 

I  r,M, /,«,  first  liuilt  ut  UsweKOtchlc,  403. 

}\ii<lilin(il<i)i,  .'i4'J. 

Wii.iliiiii/liiiK  dun.,  his  intc'rview  with  ('ol.  I,oul.i, 
ln4-lhj.  * 

Whr  '(/■  IHli  events  of,  (117;  companies  sent  to 
eiilorce  enilmrKo.  tilS;  drafts.  iil.S-ti'>()- 
alarms,  lilt);  two  vesfcls  Imriil,  Ciil  •  arri- 
val of  I'rlnco  licKcnl.  i;.'l:  alhiir  of  tlie  .(n- 
lia,  ti22;  incident  with  Hie  senlinel.  H-2'>- 
arrival  of  I'crsyth,  il'.'4:  attack  in  (Ictolur! 
liJf);  alhtiratToussant  iHland,  1124:  descent 
Jiimn  llriH'kviile,  IWO;  attack  ii|ioii  (iL'dens- 
.V.yf*',';  ''-^:  British  account  of.  CJil :  letters 
i..l;  direct tnx.lWft;  aHairsat  French  .Mills. 

71-     /V-  J'vl'.'  "'"  t''"  rtiluctlon  of  Canada,  rail 
iiinoltmie,  45a;  ' 

!!.  /•  .!^"'"''  ^'xtract  from  journal,  102. 
UrKlrllli;  filo. 

WVUiisiiii's  I'TiMililiiiii.  IB,");  delays  of,  (),'i7-  hat- 
llc,  1143;  enters  French  .Mills.  1^42;  niortul- 

.tiaO;  followal  liyftio  enemy,  ()51. 
imoM,   Uonjaniin,   surveys   (jreat   rurchnso, 


%■ 


fi< 


Fl   . 


K<, 


(•«>■< 


KKRATA. 

'I'lif  ivu.l.T  i.  r...|„,.sto,l  to  nuikv.  il...  (allowing  rorrections. 
r«|jc    1«,  ,1(1  lln.>  from  bottom,  for  Inn  rr^id  1749 
"^       (W,  lint  llii,.,  |„r  ,M,itiUil,;l  r,.u(l  uin,,„raltj. 
m,  IHtli  line  from  liottoni,  for  \M^  rcml  17,57 

.;     1!1";  V' ';,""  f'-',""  '"'"> '■"••  'W.VaJc.  r..«a  .olicitade. 

im,  top  line,  lor  fii^'lo  rciiil  /«/*, 
"     IM  liiHf  III,,.,  r„r  In  ,.p„,|  |^„_,_ 

.'!     I"!!'  ■',"'',',""  "■'""  """'""•  '■'"■  ''"'■""  •■'•"'I  f'^'ri'l'- 

ivrVoi!:,!!;;;". .'"'"  '"*■  '""•  '■^""' '""  ^^"'•'■^  •■'^""  '"•""i  "''""^'-fr  of 

II     2H,  M  Uiu-  from  to|,,  for  /.,/!„„  rr,u\  /„/,>„,/. 

2117,  C.mloiL  wilt  orminl/(.,l  ill  IwW  lii«l,.a,l  of  1108 
•_'        '    I'l'nv|„.„t,v,Htiikiiifrum/.'«,,,w/o»,;/'„^„/,„„. 
u     .:!,  '',",'  ,"""  '''■'""  '""  '•"•  -'/••'■'■'■'/I./;,  r,  :„1  J/,rrimun. 

^  '.    i.th  li', .  from  1„|,,  ,va,l  r'liiMl.u.l  of  (,  |„  Mr.  iMj.,.',  numo 
^     •"!.  l.'i,Ntwor.Ulioul,l.n,Uvltli/,  liistiailof  « 

311.  .Ill  liii..  fr„m  Imltom,  i..r  .!/<■.,  rend  J/. 
"     .'tl.'.  17tli  liii..  from  to;.,  .or  Am,.' J  riMid  J,7io<. 

Jill.  1-t  word  hc..|iH  with  A-  llislcmlof  A. 
'^     an.  rth  lliu.  from  tn,,,  for  ,',-.■/.;;. r.':„|/,oM«. 

.124.  Top  III,,.,  fur,u\rt;,i/  r,.iul  ,il,rlvil. 
•_•      3h«.  'Jmli  III,,,  from  top,  for  J,„;hm  read  .ludso,,. 
^^     4  .V  JlHtlliiu  (,•„,,,  bottom,  lor  n.  n.ad  f.  ,S7<(df. 
^^      417.  lllli  1,11..  inmi  top,  H,,-  ,/.,(/,„,  read  JaJc. 

4.14.  2mh  liii(.  from  n.p,  for  Mi-rral  J//. 

4.W.  ..-.M  i|,„.  ,■,„,„  ,„„„„„_  ,.„^  .„,./.„,,,,,,  read  J/cZam, 
jntli  lliu.  from  b,dlom,  for  .\ursh  road  ArtiA. 
271b  line  (rom  top,  for  (Jr.-n  ivad  V//)/. 

m    «I,"i;!,"'','""'"' !""■■"•  ""'  "•'^'■''■^"'■""■^'•linr.trm„pnsrd. 
.w.>.  ,Mbllm.  u-,,,,!  top,  lor.S'i.liOOnad.'J.w.ouO. 
5(17.  -.'d  Mm.  from  top,  hn- Jvhu  ivail ./(./,«  U. 
!itli  llii,.  ifom  ti;p,  for  ?'.  read  ,/; 
I21I1  llii,.  fromtop,  for  ,S'.  /,.  read  /.  L. 
5«»,  2,1,1  llm-  from  top,  f,„.  Compaui,-,  r..a,l  Ca,n,HO,!j. 

2btli  line  irom  to)!,  \\,r  l-Ujbirl  ri>ad  Ewrt 
■Vlrt.  Top  line,  lor  17H:!i\.;.d  17iiD. 

3d  line  from  top,  for  lM4()  road  1800. 
f '■  ':';,'  ',',""  '■'•'""  '"'''  '■'"•™'/''"//'«™'  road  tcminrm,„t. 

litli  lull'  irom  iioltom,  for  suilf  road  .ule 
m.  imb  lino  irom  bottom,  for  X.uj>.u,.e,-o  road  .Sm/Uub,r,. 
WO.  litliliiiolrom  bottom,  for /foWaiJ  road   Hubbard 
m.  lim,  line  from  bottom,  for  &xor/„se  road  la.roclas.. 
704.   iMt  lino,  tor  l>r.'far.-cl  road  lieten;;t. 


W. 


